What Academic Programs Does Shaw University Offer?
Updated
Shaw University offers academic programs spanning the arts, sciences, business, and health professions, designed to build creativity, intellectual growth, and hands-on learning. The university organizes its offerings around interest areas — including Business & Entrepreneurship, Health & Wellness, Media & Marketing, Music, Technology, and Social Justice — so you can filter programs by the direction you want to pursue. For the specific list of majors, minors, and degree levels, you'll need to check the university's academic programs page, since the homepage only summarizes the range rather than listing every program.
How the Programs Are Organized
Shaw University describes its academic offerings as "diverse academic programs … designed to inspire creativity, foster intellectual growth, and prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world." The homepage groups them into four broad fields:
- Arts
- Sciences
- Business
- Health professions
The university frames these as an "enriching, hands-on learning experience that supports your personal and professional goals," which signals an emphasis on applied, career-focused study rather than purely theoretical work.
Filtering by Interest Area
The site's "I am interested in..." tool lets you browse by interest rather than by department. The listed interest areas are:
| Interest Area | Suggests Programs In |
|---|---|
| Being a Leader | Leadership, organizational studies |
| Business & Entrepreneurship | Business, entrepreneurship |
| Health & Wellness | Health professions, wellness |
| Helping Others | Social services, community-focused fields |
| Media & Marketing | Communications, marketing |
| Military & Law Enforcement | Criminal justice, public service |
| Music | Music performance or studies |
| Personalized Degree | Individually designed majors |
| Politics and Society | Political science, sociology |
| Religious Studies | Theology, religious studies |
| Social Justice | Advocacy, justice studies |
| Sports, Camping & Hiking | Recreation, sports-related fields |
| Technology | Computing, technology |
| Working with Kids | Education, child-focused fields |
This filter is the fastest way to narrow the catalog if you already know your general direction. Selecting an interest area routes you toward the matching programs.
What to Confirm Before Applying
The homepage gives the shape of the academic offering but not the full catalog. Before deciding whether Shaw fits your goals, verify:
- Degree levels — which programs lead to associate, bachelor's, or graduate degrees
- Specific majors and minors — the exact titles and requirements
- Delivery format — on-campus, hybrid, or online options
- Hands-on components — internships, practicums, or fieldwork tied to your field
These details live on the academic programs pages, not the homepage, so plan to explore the site's program listings directly.
Who This Fits
Shaw University suits students who want a career-focused education in a small, close-knit environment. It is located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, and identifies as the first HBCU in North Carolina, operating since 1865. If you're looking for a supportive community setting alongside applied programs in business, health, technology, media, or social justice, the interest-based filter is a good starting point for judging fit. If you need a specific major confirmed, go straight to the program listings rather than relying on the homepage summary.