Academics

Graduate Admissions

We offer master's degrees, graduate certificates, educator licensure programs, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Education. Each of our graduate programs will help you advance your career, become a leader in your profession and community, and provide unique research and scholarship opportunities.

One of the first steps in pursuing a graduate degree is applying for admission to your graduate program. The information below will guide you through the admissions process.         

How To Apply

Because admissions are conducted by each graduate program, select the graduate program to which you are applying. You will be brought to that program's admissions and application information.

SELECT GRADUATE PROGRAM

General Admissions Process Overview

• Check your program's application deadline(s)
• Review your program's prerequisites, if any, and when those prerequisites have to be completed
• Become familiar with your program's required application materials as most programs require an application, application fee, transcripts, standardized tests, recommendations, and a personal statement; because each program requires unique materials, you may need to submit additional information such as a resume, documentation of employment, or copy of educational license 
• Begin assembling materials and register for admissions tests, if applicable 
• Submit the admissions application and fee as soon as you decide to apply to a program, which allows us to create your admissions file
• Complete your application by submitting all required materials either with the application or separately
• Once ALL materials are received, your file will be reviewed
• A decision will be made and communicated to you 

Admissions Tests

You may have to take one or more admissions tests. As testing requirements vary by program, check your program's admissions information to confirm all testing requirements.

Explanation of Tests

• GMAT - Graduate Management Admissions Test
  The Master of Business Administration program requires you to submit GMAT scores; for registration and test preparation information visit at http://www.mba.com/
  
  
• GRE - Graduate Record Exam
  Most programs require you to take the GRE or MAT. The GRE is a computer-based test that measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills and isadministered at test centers throughout the United States. Registration and test preparation information is available at 800.473.2255 or http://www.gre.org/. 
  
  
• MAT - Miller Analogies Test
  Most programs require you to take the MAT or GRE. Contact us at 978.542.6323 to request a booklet of basic information or visit http://www.milleranalogies.com/.  Salem State offers the computer-based MAT.  If you live outside the Salem area call 800.622.3231 for alternate testing sites.
  
  
• Taking the MAT at Salem State 
  
  
• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
  If English is not your first language you must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. The college's Center for International Education offers the TOEFL test on campus. Contact them at 978.542.6351 for more information.  Visit the TOEFL website for alternate test locations, registration and test preparation information.
• IELTS - International English Language Testing System
  If English is not your first language you must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores. Learn more about IELTS.
• MTEL - Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure
  Some of our graduate programs require the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure. Please refer to the individual program page for which you are applying for testing requirements and teacher licensure information. For MTEL program information and updates, including test preparation resources and frequently asked questions, please refer to the Department of Education's website or call 413.256.8032.

Exemptions

• You are exempt from submitting test scores for the MAT or GRE if you already hold a master's degree or higher.
• You may be exempt from the MTEL if you already hold a teaching license (initial or professional) in the area in which you will be  earning your master's degree.
• If you are an MSW applicant with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale), you are exempt from submitting test scores.

International Students

• View additional information

Taking Classes Prior to Admission

If you want to take graduate courses before you apply for admission, you may use the First-Time Self-Service for Non-Degree Students. This allows you to create a student account and register online for the first time. After this initial registration, you will be able to use Navigator to register, access grades, and update personal information.

Please note that utilizing this system does not constitute admission to a degree program. If you plan to become a degree-seeking, matriculated student, you must apply before your third course, as only nine credits taken before matriculation may be counted toward your degree.

Transfer Credit

You may be able to transfer credits into some programs. As each program has different policies and procedures, please review your program's requirements and follow the outlined instructions. 

Policies

Read our admissions policies.