Graduate Studies

Master’s Degrees

• Appalachian Studies (M.A.) – The Master of Arts in Appalachian Studies, an interdisciplinary master’s program with 30-33 required total hours, is one of three such degrees in the region and is specifically designed for community members who fit into the following categories:
  1. Students for whom a graduate degree in an interdisciplinary Appalachian Studies curriculum would improve their qualifications for the job market and in the region;
  2. Students who are already in the workforce in education, politics, local and regional planning, economic development, business, recreation and hospitality, service organizations, leisure, or the parks service, cultural and arts organizations, and health related administrative careers, whose careers will profit from a deeper knowledge and understanding of the region; and
  3. Students who are interested in understanding the region from a variety of historical, cultural, and global perspectives, and whose knowledge base will be enhanced through study and research of the region.
• Business Administration (M.B.A.) – Beginning Fall 2026. Fully online and hybrid options, held in shortened sessions!  The Shepherd M.B.A. will move from 36 credits to a 30-credit hour program that creates a stimulating learning environment that is diverse, challenging, and focused on connections, while at the same time providing real-world experiences for our graduate students. The College of Business at Shepherd University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs click here. (Public-Disclosure-of-Student-Achievement for IACBE MBA 2021; 2018-2019 Shepherd University IACBE Outcome Assessment Results – MBA; Certificate of Accreditation)
• Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) – Fully online and held in 7-week sessions!
• Mental Health Counseling (M.A.) – Beginning Fall 2026. Fully online! The M.A. in Mental Health Counseling provides a clear pathway for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for a career as a licensed mental health counselor. Graduates of the program are prepared to sit for the National Counselor Examination and pursue licensure in the state of their choice. The curriculum responds to the growing regional and national demand for mental health professionals and is aligned with CACREP standards. Students receive comprehensive preparation in professional counseling orientation and ethical practice, social and cultural diversity, human growth and development, career development, counseling and helping relationships, group counseling, assessment and testing, and research and program evaluation. The 60-credit program is designed to welcome students from a range of undergraduate backgrounds and service experiences who are motivated to support and help others through therapeutic and counseling careers.
• Teaching (M.Ed.) – Fully online! As a companion to Shepherd University’s CERT First program, which offers a two-class alternative certification pathway, the degree will provide an opportunity for these students to gain a deeper pedagogical knowledge and skills associated with a more traditional teacher licensure program. CERT First designated courses contribute towards the M.Ed.-Teaching degree.
• Teaching (M.A.) – The Master of Arts in Teaching degree involves state licensure and is subject to policies and procedures. Please see the M.A.T. Program Handbook, EPP Student Handbook, and Practicum Manual for details.
  • Elementary Education – Requirements to Enter
  • Secondary Education – Requirements to Enter:

Doctoral Program

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.) – Current students can utilize the DNP Handbook to stay current with policies and other program requirements. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Shepherd University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. AACN’s Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GSNA) is a free way for graduate nursing students to access professional development resources such as webinars, funding opportunities, peer to peer networking, policy engagement, and more.

Dual Master’s Degrees

• Appalachian Studies (M.A.) and Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Accelerated 4+1 Bachelor’s/Master’s Programs (Shepherd University Undergraduates only.)

• Master of Arts: Appalachian Studies
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Arts in Teaching
  • B.A. English to M.A.T.
  • B.A. History/Education Minor to M.A.T.
  • B.A. Spanish to M.A.T.
  • Regents B.A. to M.A.T.
  • B.F.A. to M.A.T.
  • B.S. Biology to M.A.T.
  • B.S. Chemistry to M.A.T.
  • B.S. Environmental Studies to M.A.T.

Graduate Non-Degree Certificates

• Appalachian Studies
• Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Postdoctoral)
• Health Administration
• Management Information Systems
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate (Postdoctoral)
• Public Management
• Sports Management

Graduate Special Non-Degree

• CERT First Alternative Certification Pathway – Fully online! CERT First is an approved two-course pathway which is part of the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Alternative Certification Program. The two courses contribute towards the Master of Education in Teaching degree. Following certification, a student may expect to complete the remaining master’s degree requirements within six years. E-Course Modality: CERT First E-Classes will be fully online and meet Quality Matters requirements to be competitive with other universities. To make completion of the M.Ed. in Teaching possible for distant students, an additional 24 credits of online education graduate courses will be offered at least one time per year. WVDE Alternative Certification Program Guidance Document
• Graduate Special Non-Degree/No Certificate – For transient students taking graduate credits to transfer to another institution and individuals who wish to take graduate courses for personal enrichment. Complete the online graduate admission application.
• Special Education Endorsement (Multi-Categorical) – Beginning Fall 2026. The program is designed to address persistent teacher shortages, enhance educator preparation, and meet both West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) licensure standards and CAEP accreditation expectations. This program is designed for teacher candidates seeking to expand their qualifications to include teaching students in inclusive and specialized settings across PreK–Adult with mild to moderate disabilities, including specific learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

Continuing Education

• Graduate Education Professional Development
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Lifelong Learning

• Lifelong Learning courses range from medicine to music, history to woodworking, and much more.

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