Honors program students are often on-campus leaders—in student government, sports, theater, and volunteer service. They learn from faculty who pride themselves on creating an intellectually-stimulating course of study. For both professor and student, it is a rigorous academic journey of mutual discovery and growth.
The Commonwealth Honors Program is open to both prospective high school students and current Salem State students. We invite you to apply and experience all that the Honors Program has to offer at Salem State.
Para conseguir más información sobre los beneficios del Honors Program en Salem State
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Jordan Hill '18
Honors Student
“Joining the Commonwealth Honors Program was one of the best choices I made in my academic progress. I received quality education, was placed amongst like-minded people and received numerous opportunities to present my research.”
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Joanna Gonsalves
Professor of Psychology
“It is a joy to work with talented and enthusiastic honors students in the classroom and to oversee their individual senior projects. Honors students and faculty alike share a passion for learning, debate and intellectual discovery—both inside and outside of the classroom. As a graduate of a Commonwealth Honors Program, I personally understand the value of receiving an enriched education, and being part of a supportive learning community.”
Applying to the Salem State Commonwealth Honors Program
High school student applicants should have a weighted high school GPA of 3.7 or higher. We are an SAT-optional program, but test scores are required for some prestigious scholarships. Space in the program is limited so early application is recommended.
All student applicants must also submit an essay for review by the honors program. Application to the Commonwealth Honors Program is an option when you complete your general online application to Salem State University. Simply select that you are interested in the honors program and email the required honors admission essay to admissions@salemstate.edu.
Applying to the Honors Program
- Prospective Freshmen: February 1, however priority consideration is given to students who apply by early action on, or before, November 15
- Prospective Transfer Students: June 1 (Transfer Application)
- Commonwealth Honors Associate's Degree Graduates: August 1
- Current Students Deadline: March 1 - Please complete the Honors Program Current Student Application form and attach your admissions essay.
Students interested in the Commonwealth Honors Program should indicate this on the Salem State University application and are asked to submit an essay for review by the Honors Admission Committee.
With the exception of competitive degree programs such as Nursing and Biology from which we can accept only a limited number of students, students with a recalculated GPA of a 4.0 and higher will be automatically considered for the Commonwealth Honors program. Students with a 3.7-3.999 GPA will be considered once an essay is submitted.
Please email your completed essay to admissions@salemstate.edu.
Possible essay topics include, but are not limited to:
- How will you contribute to the Salem State University community?
- Describe a struggle or adverse situation which you have overcome and been stronger for.
Honors Program Eligibility
Honors Program Eligibility
The Honors Program is open to qualified students in every major. Highly motivated students with superior grade point averages are invited to apply.
Honors Program Eligibility
The minimum suggested standards for eligibility for high school students are:
- A scaled high school GPA of 3.7 or higher
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We are an SAT-optional program, but test scores are required for some prestigious scholarships.
- Student applicants must also submit an essay for review by the Honors Admission Committee
Currently enrolled students should have an overall university GPA of 3.5 or higher and fewer than 48 college credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application).
Transfer students should have an overall university GPA of 3.5 or higher and fewer than 48 college credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application). Transfer students who have completed honors courses at other colleges are encouraged to apply and may do so with college credit totals up to 60 credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application). Currently enrolled students and transfer applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they can meet the Honors Program requirements within their selected course of study.
The program guarantees admission to all students who graduate from Commonwealth Honors Programs within Massachusetts community colleges and are accepted for transfer.
If you are not qualified but feel you belong, please explain your circumstances clearly in the statement accompanying your application.
Attach with your application two letters of recommendation from your high school teachers, principal, counselors, or college professors. These letters should be sent to the Commonwealth Honors Program at Salem State University, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem, MA 01970.