The Commonwealth Honors Program is open to prospective high school students, current Salem State students and transfer 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
Honors Program
Erica Pen ‘24 - Honors Student
“I chose Salem State’s Honors program because I liked the chance to explore different classes as part of my foundational coursework and to be challenged academically. Now, I’m drawing on ideas and methodologies from those courses as I prepare to write my faculty-sponsored Honors thesis. During my first year, I lived in Honors housing and met three of my closest friends, and that time is one of my best memories of my Salem State experience. I wouldn’t have had these opportunities without joining the Honors program.” —Erika K. Pen, Class of 2024
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 usually have a weighted high school GPA of 3.7 or higher. We are an SAT-optional program, but test scores should students wish to be considered for the prestigious Tsongas scholarship. 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: March 1 - Please complete the Honors Program Current Student Application form and bring it by the Honors Center, or email it to honors@salemstate.edu.
Students interested in the Commonwealth Honors Program should indicate this on the Salem State University application and submit an essay for review by the Honors Admission Committee.
Please email your completed essay to admissions@salemstate.edu and honors@salemstate.edu
Possible essay topics include, but are not limited to:
- Why do you want to join the Honors program? What do you see yourself contributing to the Salem State University community?
- Describe a struggle or adverse situation which you have overcome and been stronger for. What has that experience taught you?
Honors Program Eligibility
Honors Program Eligibility
The Honors Program is open to students in any major who are curious, motivated, and eager to engage in our community.
Honors Program Eligibility
High school students are selected for the Honors program based on their weighted GPA, their Honors application essay, and their potential for quality work at the university level. We are an SAT-optional program, but test scores are required for some prestigious scholarships. High school students accepted into the Honors program at Salem State usually have a weighed high school GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Current Salem State Students who have completed fewer than 48 college credits may request admission into the program after completing at least one semester of coursework. Students are admitted based on their cumulative GPA (usually a 3.5 or above) and a statement of interest or interview with the program director.
We guarantee admission to students who graduate from Commonwealth Honors Programs within Massachusetts community colleges and are accepted for transfer.
Transfer students are admitted to Salem State University’s Honors program on the basis of their cumulative college GPA (usually a 3.5 or above) and Honors application essay. Transfer students who have not taken Honors courses at other institutions should have completed fewer than 48 college credits (inclusive of the semester of application).
Transfer students who have completed honors courses at other colleges and may apply with up to 60 college credits (inclusive of the semester of honors application).
Currently enrolled students and transfer applicants without prior Honors coursework and more than 48 college credits are considered on a case-by-case basis.