Applying to the Honors Program

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

Erica Pen ‘24

“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

Joanna Gonsalves

“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 may be required for consideration for some prestigious scholarships. Space in the program is limited so early application is recommended.

To apply to the Honors program, please make sure you submit your application to Salem State first.

Prospective first-year students: If you’d like to be considered for the Honors Program, please complete the New Student Application Form—Commonwealth Honors Program. 

Transfer students may apply through the Transfer Student Application Form—Commonwealth Honors Program.

Honors Program Application Deadlines

Prospective Freshmen First Year Students are encouraged to apply by February 1, but we will accept new applications as space is available on a rolling basis. Priority consideration is given to students who apply to Salem State by early action on, or before, November 15

Prospective Transfer Students are encouraged to apply no later than June 1.

Current Salem State Students may be considered for admission to Honors after completing a semester of coursework. Please contact us at honors@salemstate.edu if you have any questions.

Honors Program Eligibility

The Honors Program is open to students in any major who are curious, motivated, and eager to engage in our community.

High school students' eligibility

High school students are selected for the Honors program based on their weighted GPA, their Honors application, 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.

Currently enrolled students' eligibility

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 interview with the program area chair.

Transfer students' eligibility

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.

Back to top