Fort Hays State University (FHSU) Degree FAQ

About the SMWW and FHSU Partnership

Are any FHSU courses taken with SMWW?

Yes. Students can take three specific courses from Sports Management Worldwide and receive six credit hours toward their master's program at Fort Hays State University. The three courses are Athlete Management, Name, Image, & Likeness, and Sports Sales & Marketing, giving SMWW students a direct path into graduate level credit while building practical, career focused skills in sports representation, NIL strategy, and sports business development.

How is SMWW involved with FHSU?

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, SMWW's founder and president, is a proud Fort Hays State University alumnus who spent four years on the FHSU football team and later served as an FHSU coach and faculty member. He was honored with FHSU's Alumni Achievement Award in 2009, the university's highest recognition for graduates who have made outstanding contributions to their field. Dr. Lashbrook and the SMWW team built the SMWW curriculum that feeds into this partnership, and FHSU students are invited to join his Sunday Worldwide live interactive audio chats on Zoom as well as SMWW Conferences such as the NFL Combine, Winter Baseball Meetings, NHL Draft, MLS Draft, and the Basketball Career Conference in Las Vegas.

Is the degree awarded by FHSU or SMWW?

The Master of Professional Studies in Sports Management degree is awarded by Fort Hays State University.

Is this an accredited program?

Yes. FHS Sports Management programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Read more about accreditations here.

What is FHSU's academic reputation?

FHSU is a well regarded online education provider, ranking among the top programs in the United States according to U.S. News and World Report's survey of more than 1,200 online programs nationwide.

Will this degree satisfy the master's requirement for the NFLPA agent exam?

Yes. Students pursuing certification as an NFL agent can use this master's degree to satisfy the NFLPA's postgraduate degree requirement for the certification exam.

How much does FHSU cost per credit hour?

FHSU is one of the most affordable universities in the country for its tuition rate, with graduate coursework priced at $298.55 per credit hour.

What does it cost to transfer SMWW courses into FHSU credit?

Students typically pay an Advanced Standing Credit Examination fee, currently $25 per credit hour requested, with all standard Credit for Prior Learning policies applying.

Can I apply for financial aid for FHSU courses?

Yes. All U.S. citizens can apply for financial aid through FHSU's Financial Assistance Office. Non U.S. citizens should check current federal guidelines, since eligibility rules differ for international students.. If you have additional questions, please call the FHSU Financial Assistance Office at (785) 628-4408. For exceptions for non-U.S. citizens, please visit: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/non-us-citizens

What are the FHSU application fees?

The graduate application fee is $40, and the international student application fee is $50.

Are textbooks and course materials included in FHSU tuition?

No. Textbook and course material costs are separate from tuition and are purchased through the FHSU Bookstore.

Are there additional fees beyond tuition at FHSU?

Yes. Students pay an application fee when applying for admission and a graduation fee when submitting their intent to graduate form. Additional course specific costs, such as textbooks, supplies, or proctoring fees, may also apply.

Is FHSU accredited?

Fort Hays State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

What do FHSU online courses actually look like?

FHSU online courses run through Blackboard, where students log in using their TigerNet ID starting on the first day of class. Courses may include discussion boards, videos, presentations, individual and team projects, labs, and exams, with specific requirements varying by instructor and detailed in each course's syllabus.

How long are the FHSU online classes?

Fall and spring semesters run sixteen weeks, with some courses offered in shorter eight week blocks within the term. The summer term runs eight weeks, and the winter intersession runs three weeks with limited course offerings.

Which student services are available for online FHSU students?

FHSU online students have access to free tutoring and writing support through Smarthinking, a Tiger ID card, career services and career exploration resources, and technical support. Students can also run for the Virtual Student Senate, join the Fort Hays Honor Society or National Society of Leadership and Success if eligible, participate in faculty led study abroad trips, and walk at commencement on campus after graduating.

Applying to the FHSU Master's Program

Where do I apply for the FHSU Master's in Sports Management?

Applications go through the FHSU Graduate School Admissions page, where applicants select the Master's option to begin the process.

What are the application requirements for the FHSU master's program?

Applicants need a $40 application fee paid during the online application, an official bachelor's transcript showing at least a 2.75 GPA on the last 60 undergraduate credit hours sent directly from the degree granting institution, a personal statement covering career goals and interest in the program, and two letters of recommendation on official letterhead, which can come from employers, past professors, or Dr. Lashbrook himself.

How do I submit my FHSU application materials?

Official transcripts must come directly from the issuing institution and can be sent electronically to the FHSU Graduate School or by mail to their Hays, Kansas office. Personal statements and letters of recommendation can be emailed or uploaded through the Workday application portal, or submitted directly by the reference.

What happens after my FHSU application is complete?

The completed application is reviewed by the relevant academic department. Once a decision is made, it is processed by the Graduate School, and the applicant receives an email notification of the outcome.

Who do I contact with questions about the FHSU application?

Questions about the application process go to the FHSU Graduate School office. Questions specific to the Master of Professional Studies in Sport Management program, including courses and outcomes, can be directed to the program contact in the Health and Human Performance Department.

What happens after I’m admitted to FHSU?

Admitted students receive an email within 24 to 48 hours outlining next steps, including activating their TigerNet ID and completing New Student Onboarding. From there, students can log into the Student Workday portal to access their advisor information, onboarding tasks, and course registration.

What if I need one-on-one assistance?

SMWW staff are available by phone for guidance on how SMWW coursework fits into your FHSU degree plan. Call 1-877-SMWW-NOW in the United States and Canada, +44 0 871 288 4799 in the United Kingdom, or +1 503-445-7105 from anywhere else. Our offices are in Portland, Oregon, and London, England. For questions specific to your FHSU application or enrollment, the FHSU Graduate School can be reached directly as outlined above.