Commencement

Salem State University is proud to celebrate commencement exercises this May.

When is my commencement ceremony?

This year, both undergraduate and graduate students will attend the same ceremony according the college under which their major or degree program falls. 

Not sure which school your major or degree falls under? Click the school names for a list of programs in each school.

Commencement Ceremonies

Bertolon School of Business
Thursday, May 19, 9:30 am

School of Education
Thursday, May 19, 5 pm

Maguire Meservey College of Health and Human Services
Friday, May 20, 2:30 pm 

College of Arts and Sciences

(See below for majors and programs listing by ceremony)

Saturday, May 21, 9:30 am 
Saturday, May 21, 2:30 pm 

Saturday, May 21 Majors and Programs

9:30 am: College of Arts and Sciences

• Bachelor of Arts in Art, Biology, Dance, English, History, Music, Philosophy, Theatre Arts, World Languages and Cultures
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts
• Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geological Sciences, Information Technology, Mathematics
• Master of Arts in English, History
• Master of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching English
• Master of Arts in Teaching English, English to Speakers of Other Languages, History, Mathematics, Middle School Mathematics, Spanish
• Master of Science in Mathematics

2:30 pm: College of Arts and Sciences

• Bachelor of Arts Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology.
• Bachelor of Science in Cartography and Geographic Information Systems, Economics, Fire Science Administration, Geography, Media and Communication, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Sport and Movement Science
• Master of Arts in Teaching Physical Education
• Master of Science in Behavior Analysis, Counseling, Geo-Information Science, Industrial/Organizational Psychology

All commencement exercises take place in the Richard B. O'Keefe Complex, 225 Canal Street, Salem. Families and friends may also watch the live broadcast online.

In the week before commencement ceremonies, graduates can make an appointment to pose for portraits in their regalia and celebrate safely with guests. Students will be able to cross the theatre stage in their cap and gown and have photos taken by professional photographers.

Details on graduation portraits

Congratulations to the class of 2022! Senior Week will be held the week of May 16.  A list of FREE opportunities has been shared with all eligible students.

Events include a Boston harbor lunch cruise, virtual big prize BINGO, senior cookout with invited guests, Encore casino trip and local specials. Find the full schedule of Senior Week events here.

In addition to celebrating its class of 2022, Salem State University will recognize three honorary degree recipients who have been agents of change in their professions and communities. Those receiving honorary doctorates include rapper, cartoonist, social activist, and Salem State alumnus Keith Knight ‘90; Eastern Bank Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Board Bob Rivers; and LVCC, Inc. President and CEO Pamela Scott, who also served on Salem State’s Board of Trustees as member and chair. Find out more about this year's honorary degree recipients.

*Additional Commencement Tickets Available on May 13

On Friday, May 13 at 9 am, a limited number of additional tickets will be released for each commencement ceremony. Students can claim tickets from the online ticketing site, where they claimed their original four tickets.

Log in before Friday morning to confirm your access. If students have difficulty accessing the site, email commencement@salemstate.edu or call 978.542.4723 for assistance. Tickets are available while they last on a first-come, first-served basis.