Public liberal arts university in Shepherdstown, WV, founded 1871, with 3,274 students and strong civil war studies.
Shepherd University offers undergraduate and graduate programs across liberal arts disciplines. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and was authorized to implement liberal arts programs in 1943. It grants Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees at the undergraduate level and offers graduate studies. The university features specialized academic centers including the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, which offers concentrations in Civil War and 19th Century America with internship opportunities at regional historic sites.
The 323-acre campus in Shepherdstown includes the Ruth Scarborough Library (expanded in 2002 with 46,000 square feet), the Robert C. Byrd Science and Technology Center, a $21.6 million Wellness Center (opened 2009) with Olympic-sized pool and fitness facilities, and Potomac Place dormitory (298 beds, opened 2017). The university hosts the Contemporary American Theater Festival, an annual festival of new American plays since 1991. Student life includes 15 intercollegiate athletic teams, fraternities and sororities, and the Picket student newspaper.
Shepherd University accepts applications for undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and international students. The university offers dual enrollment for high school students, honors programs, and online options. Specific admissions deadlines and requirements are available through the official admissions portal.
Notable alumni include professional athletes (Tyson Bagent, Chicago Bears), politicians (John J. Cornwell, 15th Governor of West Virginia), federal judge Gina Marie Groh, and various state legislators. The university emphasizes civic engagement through the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications (opened 2019), which promotes civil discourse and hosts public forums on local and state issues.