About Shepherd
Established in 1871, Shepherd University is a premier public university, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, offering a wide spectrum of academic programs to students in West Virginia, across the country, and around the globe. Thanks to our convenient location and affordable pricing, Shepherd is considered a second home to many residents of West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
Set on a 323-acre campus perched high above the Potomac River, Shepherd is known for our small class sizes and tight-knit community – a.k.a., the “Ram Fam.” Our liberal arts approach to education will prepare you to be a 21st-century leader in your chosen career.
Choose from our 80+ majors, then mix and match concentrations to fully customize your education. Not sure what you want to major in? Our Exploratory major will let you try on different programs for size.
Learn more about applying to our undergraduate programs here.
We also offer graduate programs, Continuing Education, and Lifelong Learning programs for students of all ages.
Located only 90 minutes from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, the University offers a wide variety of internship and job opportunities in local, national, and international industries. Shepherd’s safe and convenient location opens a world of vibrant cultural and educational possibilities to students.
The University fields 15 NCAA Division II athletic teams and offers more than 100 clubs and organizations, many with a strong emphasis on student community service. Shepherd University is a military-friendly campus and proud partner in the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program.
Along with many career, study abroad, and honors opportunities, Shepherd is also home to the Contemporary American Theater Festival, the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, the Center for Appalachian Studies and Communities, the Center for Regional Innovation, the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications, and the Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education.