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Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, United States • Founded 1871

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: shepherd.edu

Overview

English Name: Shepherd University
Founded: 1871
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Colours: Blue and gold
Inside Shepherd University
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Founded in 1871, the Shepherd University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small town of Shepherdstown (population range of under 2,500 inhabitants), West Virginia.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Shepherd University is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Shepherd University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 152-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.

International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Shepherd University also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Shepherd University's physical location and contact details are listed below.

Address: 301 North King Street
Postal Code: 25443-3210
Phone: +1 (304) 876 5000
Fax: +1 (304) 876 3101
Social Media:

Academic Details

Shepherd University's student body, faculty composition, and recognition framework are below.

Recognition: Higher Learning Commission
Total Students: 2,344
Academic Staff Range: 200-299
Campus Setting: Suburban
Memberships & Networks
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC) American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The academic units through which Shepherd University delivers teaching are listed below.

Unit 4 items
  • School of Arts and Humanities
  • School of Business and Social Sciences
  • School of Education and professional Studies
  • School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Programs Offered

All active programmes at Shepherd University are listed by degree level.

52 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in United States

Bachelor's Degree 33 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Related Services
Accounting
Bachelor's Degree in Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Bachelor's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Biology, General
Biological Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry
Chemistry
Bachelor's Degree in Communication and Media Studies
Communication Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Computer and Information Sciences, General
Computer Sciences
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections
Criminal Law & Justice

Showing 10 of 33.

Master's Degree 7 programmes

Master's Degree in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Master's Degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Master's Degree in Computer Software and Media Applications
Digital Media & Game Development
Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Education, General
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Education & Teaching
Master's Degree in Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Education & Teaching

Professional Doctorate 1 programme

Professional Doctorate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing

Certificate 4 programmes

Certificate in Agricultural and Food Products Processing
Agriculture
Certificate in Agricultural Business and Management
Agriculture
Certificate in International/Globalization Studies
Liberal Arts
Certificate in Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
English Language Studies

Postgraduate Certificate 7 programmes

Postgraduate Certificate in Area Studies
Social & Cultural Studies
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration, Management and Operations
Business Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Health and Medical Administrative Services
Healthcare Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration
Public Administration
Postgraduate Certificate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Nursing
Postgraduate Certificate in Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
Sport and Exercise Science
Postgraduate Certificate in Student Counseling and Personnel Services
Education & Teaching

How to apply to Shepherd University

Five steps that capture how applications to Shepherd University flow.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Shepherd University

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Shepherd University offers 52 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at Shepherd University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via Shepherd University's online portal at www.shepherd.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (304) 876 5000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shepherd University

Concise answers to common questions about Shepherd University.

When was Shepherd University founded?

Shepherd University was established in 1871 (approximately 155 years ago).

What city is Shepherd University in?

Shepherd University operates from Shepherdstown, United States.

What is Shepherd University's control type?

Shepherd University operates as a public institution.

How big is Shepherd University's student body?

Shepherd University serves approximately 2,344 students.

What is Shepherd University's academic structure?

Shepherd University has 4 academic units.

Is Shepherd University officially recognised?

Yes, Shepherd University is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.

How do I find Shepherd University online?

Shepherd University's official website is www.shepherd.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

International student mix at the United States's top universities tends to be higher than at lower-ranked institutions. This affects campus culture and the value of student networks for international students.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Shepherd University and the universities below are both members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Faculties at nearby universities

The institutions below are geographically close to Shepherd University.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Other institutions in the United States teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with Shepherd University.

Universities Compared with Shepherd University

Universities of a similar scale and standing to Shepherd University are listed below.

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