Honors Program

The Honors Program at Salem State University provides students with an inclusive, stimulating, and supportive environment to explore their passions, engage in the world around them and realize their potential both in and out of the classroom. We offer small, student-centered classes, one-on-one mentoring from faculty, and opportunities for research, travel, civic engagement, leadership, and professional development. Social events and a dedicated space on campus allow our students to build community and life-long friendships. 

Our honors students represent a variety of majors and come from diverse backgrounds. Some are in student government and other campus organizations. Others are athletes, artists, and activists. First-generation college students, international students and non-traditional students are all welcome and supported in our program. 

Salem State’s Honors Program is a member of the Commonwealth Honors Program 
Consortium, an integrated network of honors programs throughout the public education system in Massachusetts. Students who complete all of the state requirements for Commonwealth Honors are recognized at graduation and on their transcripts. Criteria for achieving this academic distinction include the following:

• A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
• Completion of required and elective honors courses with a B- or higher
• Completion and public presentation of a senior honors thesis project

Learn how to apply today.

PARA CONSEGUIR MÁS INFORMACIÓN SOBRE LOS BENEFICIOS DEL HONORS PROGRAM EN SALEM STATE

Why the Commonwealth Honors Program at Salem State?

• Smaller class sizes in seminar formats that give students the opportunity for independent research, class presentations, and the chance to learn from one another
• Ability to complete independent research; Senior Honors theses are published via the library’s Digital Repository.
• Field trips, invited speakers, and service-learning opportunities for selected classes 
• Guaranteed four years of on-campus housing (outside of the program, students are guaranteed three years of housing)
• Scholarship opportunities: all Honors students receive scholarships of at least $1000 per year. Additional scholarships and funding to support student travel and research are available by application. 
• Work with specially-selected honors faculty who are among the most experienced and enthusiastic on campus
• Attend cultural events, regional and national trips and conferences; Participate in the incoming student retreat with honors faculty and fellow incoming honors students for a weekend of fun activities on Cape Cod
• Access to the Efrosine Yeannakopoulos Center for the Commonwealth Honors Program with free weekly bagels and coffee; A place to study, hang out and use computers, view honors theses, books, study aides 
• Cultural events and social activities for Honors students, beginning with our annual retreat for new Honors students on Cape Cod
• Mentored research experiences with dedicated faculty members 
• Networking with Honors program alumni 
• Support navigating internships, graduate school applications, and job searches as you approach graduation 
• Opportunities to attend regional and national conferences for Honors students

Learn more about the benefits of the Commonwealth Honors Program at Salem State