state-supported institution covering more than 320 acres (130 hectares) in Shepherdstown, W. Va., 65 miles (105 kilometers) northwest of Washington, D.C. The college, founded in 1871, enrolls roughly 3,600 students. About 40 percent of the students come from outside of the state. Women outnumber men. Approximately a quarter of the students are over the age of 25, and many attend part-time. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. About two thirds of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. Shepherd awards associate or bachelor's degrees in such disciplines as liberal arts and sciences, education, art, communications, business, athletic training, computer information systems, home economics, hotel and restaurant management, library science, music, nursing, banking, electronics technology, fashion merchandising, fire service and safety technology, recreation and leisure services, social work, engineering, and theater. Many areas require or recommend internships. About 30 percent of the students go directly to graduate or professional school after graduating from the college. The campus contains some 1,200 housing spaces. College life includes fraternities and sororities, publications, musical and theatrical groups, an outdoor club, community service organizations, and career-related clubs. Depending on the sport, varsity teams compete either in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics or in Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. |