Shepherd University School of Education & Educator Preparation Program (EPP)
Accreditation From CAEP
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) “advances excellent educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.” West Virginia has a partnership agreement with CAEP that describes the goals of the partnership and the key responsibilities of signatory parties and educator preparation providers (EPPs) within the state. As of 2022, the CAEP 2022 Revised Standards Workbook are being used to delineate the standards to which Shepherd’s EPP will be upheld and the required evidence files for which the EPP’s accreditation must be maintained.
Shepherd University’s School of Education underwent a Virtual Accreditation Review by CAEP on September 30 – October 2, 2024. After careful deliberation, the CAEP Accreditation Council determined a finding of Accreditation with Stipulation in its final decision on May 22, 2025. For more information regarding this Action, review the following: Accreditation Council Decision Guidelines and Requirements The EPP will undergo a review of Standard Component R4.1 in Fall 2026 to determine its progress toward resolving the Stipulation and address its ability to evaluate its Completers’ Ability to Effectively Impact P-12 Student Learning.
Initial Programs for which CAEP Accreditation was obtained during the 2024-2025 endeavor within the School of Education included the following (see Action Report):
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree programs in Art Education (PK–Adult), Biology Education (9-Adult), Chemistry Education (9-Adult), Elementary Education (Multi-Subjects K–6), English Language-Arts Education (5–Adult), Mathematics Education (5-Adult), Music Education (PK–Adult), Physical Education (PK-Adult), General Science Education (5–Adult), Social Studies Education (5–Adult), and Spanish Education (5–Adult).
- An endorsement at the middle school level (Grades 5-9) may be added to any of the above degree programs in both Math and Social Studies.
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree programs in Art Education (5-Adult), Biology Education (9-Adult), Chemistry Education (9-Adult), Elementary Education (Multi-Subjects K-6), English Language-Arts Education (5-Adult), FACS Education (5-Adult), General Science Education (5-Adult), Mathematics Education (5-Adult), Music Education (PK-Adult), Physical Education (PK-Adult), Social Studies Education (5-Adult), and World Languages Education (5-Adult).
Advanced Programs: n/a [Shepherd University currently does not have any advanced programs per CAEP guidelines.]
About Accreditation, CAEP, and Why It Matters
Simply put, accreditation is quality assurance through external peer review. When an institution or specialized program is accredited, it has demonstrated that meets standards set by organizations representing the academic community, professionals, and other stakeholders. To maintain accreditation the institution or program must undergo a similar review on a regular basis. Typically reviews are conducted every 7 to 10 years.
There are two types of accreditation: institutional and professional (sometimes called programmatic).
Professional accreditors review departments, schools, and colleges usually within a higher education institution. An institution, especially a larger university, might simultaneously maintain accreditation from a regional accreditor as well as from several professional accreditors.
CAEP is a professional accreditor because it reviews departments, schools, and colleges which prepare teachers and other educators. After completing a program, teachers seek licensure or certification from the state in which they wish to teach. (Excerpted from the CAEP website.)
To become more familiar with the “language” of CAEP, please review the CAEP glossary as needed.
For more information about the School of Education at Shepherd University, visit: https://www.shepherd.edu/education
Updated 6/2025 (TDK)