Taking graduate courses prior to admission
Ready to take graduate courses but haven't yet applied? Good news - many of our graduate programs allow you to take up to nine credits (typically three courses) while you are completing the application process.
If you take advantage of this option, please note
- You should get advice from the program coordinator on appropriate courses.
- You should complete the application process before the end of your third course, as only nine credits taken before enrollment/matriculation may be counted toward your program.
- Taking courses prior to applying does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.
- Federal financial aid is not available for courses taken prior to enrollment/matriculation in a program.
Programs with special rules about taking courses prior to admission
| Direct Entry/MSN | All courses require permission, so you must be enrolled/matriculated in the program first. |
| Financial Planning | Courses offered in specific sequence beginning in the fall. Contact the program coordinator for permission. |
| Higher Education Student Affairs | Courses offered in specific sequence beginning in summer (executive track) or fall (general track). Contact the program coordinator for permission. |
| Master of Social Work | Two to three courses offered per academic year. Contact Pam Hodgson in the School of Social Work for details and to register. |
Steps to register for courses prior to admission
1. Contact the program coordinator for advice on appropriate courses. Providing unofficial transcripts may be helpful.
2. Once you select your courses, use this timing chart:
| Summer 2013 | Fall 2013 | |
| Course offerings posted online at navigator.salemstate.edu (click class search on left) | Mid-March | Early July |
| Course registration opens (go to navigator.salemstate.edu, click new non-degree on left, and create your account and register) | Monday, April 1 | Monday, July 15 |
| Course registration closes | The day the class begins. Full summer and SSI begins week of May 20. SSII begins week of July 8. Institutes begin at various points. |
The day the class begins. Fall courses begin the week of September 4. |
3. Having registration issues? This may help.
| Issue | Who to contact and what to say | Contact information |
| Received your bachelor's degree from Salem State within the past two years | Registrar's Office. Ask them to create a "graduate non-matriculated career" for you. | 978.542.6300 registrar@salemstate.edu |
| Have a graduate application on file but have not yet received an admissions decision | Registrar's Office. Ask them to create a "graduate non-matriculated career" for you. | 978.542.6300 registrar@salemstate.edu |
| Have a graduate application on file, have been admitted, but have not yet enrolled/matriculated | Graduate Admissions. Email your intent to enroll, including your name, program, and ID. | gradadmissions@salemstate.edu |
| Course has prerequisite | Program coordinator to request electronic permission. Provide your seven-digit SSU ID. If you do not have one, create your ID at navigator.salemstate.edu (click new non-degree on left). Coordinators may request relevant documentation. | Program coordinator |
If you are admitted to or enrolled in a program, please refer to your plan of study. If you do not have a plan of study, call the School of Graduate Studies at 978.542.6323 to set one up.
Taking more than nine credits before enrollment
Registration holds are placed on your account if you attempt to enroll in more than nine graduate credits prior to enrollment/matriculation in a program. To lift this registration hold, you will need to fill out the Three Course/Nine Credit Limit Waiver form and submit it to the School of Graduate Studies.