Shaw University is the oldest historically Black university in the South. Located in Raleigh, NC, the University was founded in 1865. Two colleges, one school, and ten departments constitute a variety of academic offerings that are geared toward today’s employment market.

The University offers 30 undergraduate majors and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033- 4097: Telephone number 404-679-4501) to award the Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Three of its academic programs also have national accreditation. The Shaw Divinity School is one of only a handful of divinity schools in the state of North Carolina to earn full accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States. The kinesiotherapy program is accredited by the American Kinesiotherapy Association and the teacher education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The latter program is also approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The Center for Alternative Programs of Education (CAPE) allows adult students in nine cities across North Carolina the opportunity to pursue an academic degree through flexible course scheduling and credit for prior learning experiences. In 1993, under the leadership of President Talbert O. Shaw, the University made courses in ethics and values central to the general education of all its students in order to emphasize its commitment to high personal standards and citizenship in its graduates. This thrust challenges Shaw University students to ask questions about the social ills of the day and seek answers to those questions. Approximately 2,700 students from the United States, the Caribbean, African countries and the Middle East attend Shaw University.

Shaw University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097: Telephone Number 404-679-4501) to award the associate degree, the bachelor degree, and the master’s degree.