School Details
Pittsburg State University was founded in 1903 as a branch of the State Normal School of Emporia. Originally, Pittsburg State University was named the Auxiliary Manual Training Normal School. In 1913, when the school became a four-year institution, the name was changed to Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, and then again in 1959, the name was changed to Kansas State College of Pittsburg. In 1977, the name was changed to Pittsburg State University. The school’s mission is to promote programs and services that create opportunities for students and other individuals to develop intellectually, ethically, aesthetically, emotionally, socially, and physically. Today, Pittsburg State University, a comprehensive regional university, provides undergraduate and graduate programs.
Students have a variety of options academically at Pittsburg State University. Earn certificates and degrees at all levels, from the following colleges:
- Kelce College of Business
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Technology
- College of Education
- Graduate and Continuing Studies
- Honors College
Pittsburg State University also offers programs that can be completed through its distance learning program. Complete one of more than 50 online degrees and certificates, earning everything from a bachelor’s degree up to a specialist in education degree. Pittsburg State University online degrees feature a top-notch faculty who design online programs to provide the same personalized attention as on-campus students experience.
Accreditation & Licensing
Pittsburg State University is accredited by:
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
All Programs
Art & Liberal Arts
Pittsburg State University's online Graduate Certificate in History is designed to:
- Prepare individuals well qualified to teach the subject of history
- Provide students with research and investigative skills applicable to academic and professional situations
- Encourage the thoughtful and continuing study of history throughout the lifetime of the individual
All courses taken in this program may be applied to the Master of Arts in History.
Do you have an interest in and an appreciation for the historical past? The online Master of Arts in History degree program from Pittsburg State University offers thesis, applied research, and course work options designed to let you choose how you earn your degree. The program's purpose is to:
- Enhance and deepen the content knowledge of history educators
- Provide students with research and investigative skills applicable to academic and professional situations
- Encourage the thoughtful and continuing study of history throughout the lifetime of the individual
Business
Designed for busy working professionals wishing to finish their degrees, the online Bachelor of Science in Workforce Development is a flexible and convenient choice. Prospective students have completed a two-year associate degree. This online bachelor’s degree program is for students who wish to pursue a career in human resources or management.
Career opportunities to graduates include, but are not limited to:
- Risk analysis
- Program coordination
- Project management
- HR management
Students must complete a 64-hour or more associate’s degree and meet the 25-hour general education requirements for this program. Students not completing an associate’s degree must complete all general education requirements. In this program, students will focus on effective uses of resources, employee development, and managerial studies. The online bachelor’s degree program in workforce development is a solid educational investment for business students. Graduates will be well equipped for leadership positions upon graduation.
The online Certificate in Hospitality Management provides students with the skills to be professionals in travel and tourism enterprises. Many venues are seeking industry professionals including resorts, casinos, and tourism agencies. This program is for both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.
Careers available to graduates include, but are not limited to:
- Cruise Director
- Special Event Coordinator
- Museum Director
Students will learn about food and beverage operations, event design, planning, and management. Experienced instructors provide an active approach to learning. For a career that can take graduates anywhere in the world, the online certificate in hospitality management provides a strong foundation for a professional career in the hospitality industry.
The online Graduate Certificate in Communication is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree and need continuing education for advancement or promotion in their field. This online certificate is also for instructors with master’s degrees who need the additional 18 credit hours in communications to teach a communications course. This certificate meets the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission.
Courses include, but are not limited to:
- Media analysis and criticism
- Philosophy and ethics of mass communication
- Strategic communication
All courses included in the online graduate certificate are transferable to the MA degree curriculum. Experienced faculty and engaging topics allow students to understand the way proper communication can achieve positive results in work and life. The online graduate certificate in communication provides an integrated and active approach to learning.
The online Master of Business Administration in Accounting is designed for professionals who wish to expand their accounting knowledge and take on financial leadership roles. Students will study corporate financial statement analysis and formation, financial statement auditing, and federal tax research. This online master’s degree program is accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Potential career fields for graduates include, but are not limited to:
- Forensic accounting
- Financial reporting
- Financial analysis
Students will learn marketing analysis, management skills, leadership, team-building, financial strategy, and budgeting. Upon completion, graduates will be ready to succeed in the field of accounting. The online MBA in accounting is a solid educational investment for leadership professionals.
With the online Master of Business Administration in General Administration, students can have many career opportunities, higher earning potential, and enter virtually any field. This program is designed to prepare students for business success in the modern competitive workforce. This online MBA is accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
Potential careers for graduates include, but are not limited to:
- Management
- Business development
- Financial analysis
Students will choose an elective to fit their interests. This program features multiple start dates each year for convenience. The online MBA in general administration can propel graduates into a successful leadership career.
The online Master of Business Administration in Human Resources provides students with the decision-making skills and policy implementation practices to effectively improve an organization. This accredited MBA program offers courses in leadership management, business analysis, and marketing strategies. There are many career options available to graduates including senior management and HR generalist positions. Just a few of the fields that need HR executives include healthcare, aviation, and sales.
Through the online MBA in HR students will learn to:
- Perform marketing analysis and planning
- Implement management-control systems
- Build and lead teams to improve organizational efficiency
In addition, students will focus on effective uses of organizational resources, employee education and development, and performance analysis. Graduates will be well prepared for executive leadership positions upon graduation.
For a career that can take you anywhere in the world, the Master of Business Administration in International Business is designed to prepare students for the competitive global job market. Course topics include business analysis, financial strategy, marketing, and leadership. Students will have a thorough understanding of international trade, finance, and globalization’s impact on developed and developing countries.
Potential career opportunities for graduates include, but are not limited to:
- Global management consultation
- International policy administration
- Import and export of goods
- International trade
This online MBA in international business provides necessary skills from experienced professionals. Students will apply business concepts, enhance organizational objectives, and understand different perspectives in the business environment. Graduating from this course can open the door to a successful career in the global business industry.
Pittsburg State University offers the online MS in Human Resource Development. This program is designed to provide preparation for individuals involved in employee training, human resources, performance improvement, and organizational development in business and industry. The program targets a competency based application oriented learning experience. Graduates of the program are equipped with the tools, models and strategies for improving organizational performance through people and processes.
Options available for the degree include:
- Leadership and Organizational Development emphasis. Learn how to determine the potential of an organization or individual and strategies necessary to help reach that next level.
- Learning and Development emphasis. Gain skills necessary to design, develop and implement training programs.
Computer Science & IT
The online MS in Technology degree program from Pittsburg State University is extremely flexible and can be tailored to address a wide range of career goals, based on the student's chosen emphasis. The curriculum provides a core of course work in research, global issues, leadership, quality systems and management, and statistics-based analysis. Beyond the core, students may choose to have no emphasis area, or select one of the following:
- Automotive Technology
- Construction Management
- Personnel Development
- Technology Management
Education
Become a leader in education with this online adult education degree. You will prepare to direct or coordinate Career and Technical Education programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at the secondary or post-secondary level.
The curriculum includes primarily leadership courses, including:
- Educational Leadership Policy and Practice
- Legal Foundations of Public Education
- Organizational Theory and Planning
- Change Processes and Professional Development
- Grant Writing and External Resources
Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
If you are an aspiring superintendent this online education administration degree may be for you. It provides the knowledge and skills necessary to work at both the elementary and secondary levels.
This online education administration degree was designed to allow students to specialize in a specific comprehensive knowledge of administration at both levels. Customize your degree by choosing electives and individual study courses.
Take your degree to the next level by applying the credits earned in this program toward the online Doctor of Educational Leadership program.
Become a Director of Special Education with this online special education degree. Customize the degree to meet your goals and interests by combining electives with core courses. Gain specific comprehensive knowledge of special education administration at both the elementary and secondary levels and high and low incidence categories. Core areas of focus for all students include special education, leadership, and research.
Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
Advance your career relating to leadership in education with this online education administration degree. The curriculum also works toward fulfilling licensure requirements for Kansas. Graduates are prepared for roles as School District Superintendents or Assistant School District Superintendents, or this program prepares students to lead educational organizations.
Candidates may apply credits earned toward the Educational Specialist Degree in Advanced Studies in Leadership with an emphasis in General School Administration.
Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
Enroll in these online literacy programs and advance professional opportunities. Do you already have a graduate degree but want to further your knowledge in teaching reading and language arts? If so, this program may be for you.
Designed for classroom teachers at any grade level, this program will certify that you have specialized knowledge and skills in teaching reading/language arts. Not only does it enhance your knowledge of teaching reading and language arts in any content area, but this online literacy program also enhances your ability as a teacher in general. Prepare to work more efficiently and effectively with a variety of students and to better understand students who have difficulty reading textbooks, writing essays, and communicating.
Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. You can complete all assignments and field experiences in your own classroom.
Courses can be applied toward the Master of Science in Reading, Classroom Reading Teacher, or Reading Specialist emphasis.
This online library science degree is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree already who want to further advance their careers. Gain specialized knowledge and skills in administering the school library from PreK through Grade 12.
Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
Courses may be applied toward the Master’s Degree in Educational Technology with an emphasis on Library Media.
Enroll in these ESL degrees online and advance professional opportunities. This program is designed to teach skills for teaching English to non-native speakers. The curriculum prepares candidates to work in a variety of educational settings, both in the United States and internationally, with English Language Learners. Courses teach you to:
- Develop and differentiate the curriculum
- Teach English while teaching the academic content
- Assess learning
- Support families
Both licensed and non-licensed teachers can apply. While this certificate does not lead to licensure, it can be used toward earning an ESOL endorsement in grades PreK-12.
It is important to note that candidates do not have to know another language to apply and be successful in this online ESL degree program.
In today’s world, it is hard if not impossible to escape technology. The classroom is no different and with this online STEM teaching degree, you will learn to design and implement educational technologies and to incorporate the use of the internet and technology into the classroom.
This non-licensure program instructs individuals on effectively integrating technology into the curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Learn to lead and support the use of instructional technology and collect and analyze student data to make instructional decisions.
Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
All of the courses may be applied to the Master’s Degree in Educational Technology with an emphasis on Technology Integration.
Enroll in this secondary education degree online and advance professional opportunities. This program focuses on teachers who want to gain more education and a teaching license. Candidates will earn a Middle/Secondary Teaching License except for those pursuing a music, art, or physical education license. These will earn a PreK-12 teaching license. The curriculum was designed to give a well-rounded education on the issues within secondary education.
Study when and where it is convenient for this secondary education degree online. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus but you won’t have to step foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
With this online special education degree, you will advance your career working with a unique part of the student population, those with special needs. Designed for those with a baccalaureate degree in a non-teaching area but with experience working as a paraeducator, this online special education degree prepares students for the Kansas teaching license in High Incidence, Special Education, Grades 6-12. Graduates are ready to succeed with careers working with secondary students who have high-incidence learning needs or for further studies in this field. Study when and where it is convenient in courses taught by the same faculty who teach on campus without stepping foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
Advance your career and become a leader in education with this online master’s in education administration. If you are a licensed teacher, this program prepares you to assume a position as a school principal, and if you are a non-licensed leader, you will be able to assume other roles in educational settings. Licensed teachers will have met the endorsement standards for Building Principal PreK-12.
Prepare to serve students, families, and your community. The curriculum consists of curricula, assessments, intervention, clinical experiences, research, and practice, ensuring graduates are well-rounded, experienced candidates who are ready to succeed.
Graduates take on such roles as:
- Building Principal at the PreK-12 grade level
- Leader/Director/Coordinator at the college level
- EdS student in General School Administration
- Doctoral student in Educational Leadership
Enroll in this instructional design degree online and advance your professional opportunities. In today’s world, it is hard if not impossible to escape technology. The classroom is no different and with this degree, you will learn to use technology in educational settings as a means of educating students.
Candidates choose from two areas of emphasis:
- Technology Integration
- Library Media
The Technology Integration emphasis studies the design, development, and management of instructional materials through the use of educational technologies. The Library Media emphasis prepares candidates to direct learning resource centers in elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
Enroll in this master’s in literacy online degree and advance professional opportunities. This program was designed for classroom teachers and helps them enhance their ability to teach reading. It is designed for licensed teachers. Choose between two areas of emphasis:
- Classroom Reading Teacher
- Reading Specialist Licensure
The Classroom Reading Teacher emphasis provides the knowledge, skills, and strategies required to enhance your ability as a classroom reading teacher in grades K-12. This master’s in literacy online degree emphasis does not lead to licensure or an endorsement to the teaching license.
The Reading Specialist licensure emphasis provides the knowledge, skills, and strategies required to enhance your ability as a reading specialist in grades PreK-12. Graduates can earn a Kansas Literacy Specialist License.
Enroll in this masters in special education online degree and advance professional opportunities. Prepare for a career working with a special part of the student population, those with special needs. This program is designed for those who hold a teaching license. Gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to teach High Incidence (Adaptive) or Low Incidence (Functional) students. Graduates can earn both High Incidence and Low Incidence teaching licenses.
Study when and where it is convenient in this secondary education degree online. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus but you won’t have to step foot on campus.
Advance your career in elementary education, moving from novice to master teacher, with this online elementary education degree. Gain hands-on experience in the classroom working with talented elementary teachers. The goal is to ensure you are capable of bringing your passion for teaching to the classroom, teaching your students a passion for learning and growth.
This online elementary education degree is primarily for licensed elementary teachers but is also open to those who do not have a teaching license but want to learn about pedagogy and teaching young children. However, this program does not lead to a teaching license.
Enroll in these ESL degrees online and advance professional opportunities. This program is designed to teach skills for teaching English to non-native speakers. The curriculum prepares candidates to work in a variety of educational settings, both in the United States and internationally, with English Language Learners. Courses teach you to:
- Develop and differentiate the curriculum
- Teach English while teaching the academic content
- Assess learning
- Support families
Both licensed and non-licensed teachers can apply. While this certificate does not lead to licensure, it can be used toward earning an ESOL endorsement in grades PreK-12.
It is important to note that candidates do not have to know another language to apply and be successful in this online ESL degree program.
Enroll in this master’s in secondary education online degree and advance professional opportunities. Advance your career teaching middle and secondary school students, moving from a novice to a master teacher. The program focuses on skillsets that middle and secondary school teachers need to impact their students.
This program is designed primarily for licensed secondary school students. However, it is open to non-licensed candidates who wish to learn about pedagogy and teaching middle and high school students. This program does not lead to a teaching license.
Study when and where it is convenient for this secondary education degree online. Courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus but you won’t have to step foot on campus. As long as there is internet access, your classroom can be anywhere.
Engineering
Are you looking to expand your knowledge in a specific technical specialty? If so, this multidisciplinary, project-oriented, online computer engineering degree program may be for you.
There is a plethora of options available for you. Choose to have no emphasis or select one of these areas of emphasis:
- Construction Technical
- Electronics Technical
- Manufacturing Technical
- Mechanical Technical
- Plastics Technical
You can also choose to complete a thesis or a coursework-only curriculum. The thesis option prepares students for a doctoral program and offers an in-depth research experience. The coursework option includes research papers, portfolios, internships, comprehensive exams, or other individual work.
Healthcare
The online Master of Science in Health, Human Performance and Recreation program prepares students for careers in the fields of sports, physical education, wellness, and recreation. Students can choose from three emphasis areas that are designed to fit the needs of educators, exercise specialists, and recreation and leisure professionals.
The areas of emphasis are:
- General
- Human Performance and Wellness
- Sport and Leisure Service Management
Nursing
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree opens the door to positions such as shift leader, nurse director, or clinical manager and prepares students for graduate programs to become an advanced practice nurse. The online RN to BSN program from Pittsburg State University allows working nurses to complete their degree as seamlessly as possible with completely online coursework and the opportunity to graduate in as little as 12 months full-time.
BSN graduates can pursue many advanced nursing roles, such as:
- Charge nurse
- Chief nursing officer
- Nurse educator
- Case manager
- Discharge planner
Pittsburg State University offers an online nurse practitioner degree, the Doctor of Nursing Practice, for students interested in taking their careers to the highest level of preparation for nursing practice. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to be a leader both at a patient’s bedside and in the boardroom.
You will train as a Family Nurse Practitioner although other elective options, such as nursing education, are available. However, courses prepare you less for one-on-one patient care and more for helping patients on a broader scale, improving the health care system and patient outcomes for entire organizations. Graduates are prepared for careers as:
- Expert clinicians
- Nurse leaders
- Clinical faculty
The MSN with a concentration in Education is an online nurse educator degree from Pittsburg State University. This program allows students to combine their love for teaching with their history in healthcare as they advance their careers and become leaders in the field. The curriculum covers theory, clinical practice, and supervised experiences to promote innovative critical thinking and help you be the best educator in healthcare and nursing that you can be. You will be able to cover various innovative roles in everything from healthcare reform to the evolving healthcare systems. Above all, graduates are competent educators of student nurses, patients, families, staff nurses, and other direct care providers, showing how those who have personal experience in healthcare can be some of the best teachers for the next generation.