Apply: Certificate in Writing and Rhetoric

Please note: The Certificate in Writing and Rhetoric program does not lead to an academic degree. The Graduate Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.

Required Materials

• $50 non-refundable application fee 

• Official transcript from all institutions attended with a minimum final grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale in your bachelor's degree 

  • If you attended an institution outside of the United States, a transcript evaluation from one of our approved agencies is required. 

  • If your undergraduate final grade point average falls below the minimum stated, please contact Graduate Admissions.

• Two references, professional and/or academic

• Statement of purpose; appropriate length is about 500- to 1,000 words, or two to three pages double-spaced.

  • Address what factors in your personal and professional history have influenced you in the past and now lead you to seek admission to this program at Salem State.
  • Write about long-term professional goals, and how this program will help you meet them.
  • Discuss any other information you think would help the admissions committee evaluate your application.

• English Proficiency, if applicable for international applicants 

Deadlines

Applications accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed once complete. View final deadlines on our “Graduate Application and Deadlines” page.

Concurrent Enrollment

Students currently enrolled in a Salem State graduate program should follow the concurrent enrollment process instead of using the graduate online application. Contact the School of Graduate Studies at graduate@salemstate.edu or 978.542.6323 for more information on the concurrent enrollment process.

The certificate in writing and rhetoric program does not support students in F or J status (accurate for the 2026-2027 academic year).

Contact the Center for International Education or Graduate Admissions with any questions.