She graduated from Cornell University "cum laude" in Penology and Russian literature in 1972. While there, she co-founded the Risley Residential College. She served on the Cornell Board of Trustees. She got a M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in Criminology in 1973. In 1973/74, she held a Columbia University, International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) Fellowship used to study in the Sociology Department, Law School and the Russian Institute. In 1977, Shelley earned a Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania.