Graduate and Professional Studies
Shepherd University supports lifelong learning for adults of all ages, abilities, and professional achievements. Whether you are looking to advance your career or explore a topic for your own personal development, Shepherd has the program for you: we offer graduate degree programs, non-degree graduate certificates, continuing education, and lifelong learning programs.
Master’s Degrees
- Appalachian Studies (M.A.)
- Business Administration (M.B.A.) – Fully online and hybrid options! 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!
- 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.
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
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.
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.
- 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.
Continuing Education
Lifelong Learning
- Lifelong Learning courses range from medicine to music, history to woodworking, and much more.
Contact Us:
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Graduate Studies – Ikenberry Hall – Room 111 – 304-876-5010 – graduate-studies@shepherd.edu
Continuing Education (Education Professional Development) and Lifelong Learning – Byrd Center CHE Room 185 – 304-876-5313 – continuing-education@shepherd.eduShepherd University
P.O. Box 5000
203 North King Street
Shepherdstown, WV 25443