They are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the River States Conference (RSC).

The Bears joined the RSC in 2023[1] after 13 years in the Mid-South Conference (MSC).

The SSU women’s basketball team won the NAIA Division II National Championship on March 16, 1999 with an 80-65 win over the University of Saint Francis (Indiana).

[3] The SSU men's basketball team won the NAIA National Championship on March 23, 2021 with an 74-68 win over the Lewis-Clark State College.

[4] Shawnee State competes in 13 intercollegiate varsity sports: Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and track & field (outdoor); while women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field (outdoor) and volleyball.