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Specialty & Online Programs at Shippensburg University

We know your ambitions and career goals go way beyond the requirements in your program. That’s why Shippensburg University has a number of specialty programs that allow you to grow, network and learn on a path that’s truly unique to you.

Ship can open doors to service opportunities and enhanced study through its honors, Peace Corps, ROTC, study abroad and pre-professional programs. Depending on your field of study, you may have an opportunity to pursue a dual or advanced degree as part of an accelerated program.

If you're interested in these experiences, we encourage you to reach out as the first step in an amazing journey.

Honors

The Wood Honors College offers talented students enriching undergraduate experiences. It offers many curricular and extracurricular opportunities while promoting scholarship, leadership, service and exploration. Benefits include small classes, priority scheduling, an honors residence hall option, and special undergraduate research, service-learning and study abroad opportunities.

Peace Corps

Peace Corps Prep - The Shippensburg University Peace Corps Prep program prepares you for international development careers and Peace Corps service. The program is open to all undergraduate students on campus. It does not guarantee selection into the Peace Corps, but those with certification are twice as likely to be hired.

Coverdell Fellows Program - The Coverdell Fellow Program is a fellowship for returned Peace Corps volunteers wishing to pursue a Master of Social Work degree.

ROTC

The Reserve Officer Training Corps program readies you to serve as a United States Army officer while you pursue your education. You may serve on active duty or in the Army Reserve or Army National Guard.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Many of Shippensburg University’s academic programs encourage studying in another country to complement your learning experience. It is a rewarding opportunity for you to form new relationships around the world and grow your understanding of different cultures, languages and career options.

Organizational Development and Leadership

The Organizational Development and Leadership (ODL) program uses a unique interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for leadership positions in various career fields. Our approach provides a broad understanding of leadership strategies and the operational characteristics and concerns of organizations, while also providing the opportunity to select a concentration area for one’s career goals.

Pre-Professional Programs

Pre-Law

Ship can support you on your journey to law school. The pre-law advisor can guide you on anything from course selection to experiences that help you prepare for a legal education.

Health Professions

The Biology, Health Professions Concentration, B.S. program opens many doors to pre-professional programs. Ship has several agreements with health professional schools that allow you to enter a professional program before completing your bachelor’s degree. You can receive your degree after Ship accepts credits from your first year in an affiliated health program. Advisors help you with course selection and preparation for programs that include:

Other pre-professional options include:

Accelerated Programs

Some of Ship’s programs allow for accelerated options that lead to multiple degrees in a shorter time span than that of a traditional experience. These include:

Applied History and Library Science, M.A./M.S.L.S.
Shippensburg University’s applied history program and Clarion University’s library science program have a cooperative program that allows you to earn two degrees: a Master of Arts in Applied History and a Master of Science in Library and Information Science.
B.S.B.A./M.B.A. 4+1
Students in the College of Business may pursue an accelerated B.S.B.A./M.B.A. route to receive both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in just five years.
Computer Science, B.S./M.S. 4+1
With careful planning, you may be able to complete a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Computer Science with only one additional year of study through a 4+1 program.
History, B.A./Applied History, M.A. 4+1
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History may pursue an accelerated Master of Arts in Applied History through a 4+1 option.
Organizational Development and Leadership, M.S. 4+1
The ODL 4+1 Program is an accelerated option for Shippensburg Undergraduate students to complete their bachelors and master’s degrees in five years. Eligible students should apply by April 1 of their junior year. During their senior year, 4+1 students should take two graduate-level courses. These courses will count towards both their bachelors and masters. This saves the student money, as they will be taking two graduate courses at the undergraduate tuition rate. This program is available to students from all majors, as long as they have two free electives available in their senior year or require electives in ODL approved disciplines such as Sociology, Political Science, and Communications.
Public Service, B.S./M.P.A. 4+1
The 4+1 option allows students in the Bachelor of Science in Public Service program to take selected graduate courses during their senior year and apply credits to both that and a Master of Public Administration degree, resulting in two degrees in just five years.