Graduate Application Process
Getting Started
First, review our program-specific application requirements. Because the application requirements differ from graduate program to graduate program, you will want to become familiar with the requirements for your graduate program.
Next, review our list of graduate programs to verify that the program you intend to pursue is suitable for an international student in F or J status.
Finally, note that Salem State does not offer conditional admission for international graduate applicants, so all required application documents (such as evaluated transcripts or standardized tests) must be submitted in order for your application to be considered.
Additional Requirements for International Graduate Students
If your degree was completed outside of the U.S., you must submit a transcript evaluation, even if your transcript is in English. Please request a detailed, course-by-course evaluation, that will show courses, grades, academic degrees, and grade point average.
Graduate admissions accepts transcript evaluations from these approved agencies:
There are three ways that applicants can demonstrate English proficiency:
- Obtaining a minimum required score on an approved English Proficiency examination
- Successfully completing an approved intensive English language program
- Received a high school, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree from an institution in the U.S. or one of the countries listed.
Learn more about the English Proficiency requirements for admission.
After international graduate students are admitted, our Center for International Education will need other documents, such as financial documents or a copy of their passport, to process their I-20. Please visit our Center for International Education for more information.
International Application Deadline Guide
Applications are accepted for three enrollment terms: spring, summer and fall. Often referred to as "rolling admissions," you can apply anytime, and once the application is completed, it is reviewed.
The earlier you apply, the sooner you receive an admission decision, which is often as soon as 3-4 weeks after submitting a complete application.
| Semester (program start month) | Application Completion Date |
|---|---|
| Spring 2025 (January start) | Monday, December 2, 2024 |
| Summer 2025 (May start) | Monday, April 7, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 (September start) | Monday, July 21, 2025 |
*Deadlines are firm for students residing abroad