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s a l e m s t a t e . e d u / h o n o r s

COMMONWEALTH HONORS PROGRAMThe Commonwealth Honors Program at Salem State University provides students of exceptional ability and promise the opportunity to pursue a more challenging curriculum. Through additional opportunities in the areas of academic scholarship, community service and enrichment, the honors program promotes community building among its student and faculty members.

For students with a passion for learning, Salem State’s honors program offers the chance to pursue a curriculum of challenge and inquiry at a higher level.

WHY THE HONORS PROGRAM AT SALEM STATE? Besides the academic gains, there are many other benefits:

• Ability to take up to 22 credits each semester without additional fees (outside of the program, students are capped at 18 credits)

• Access to the honors lounge o Study and hangout area with computers, a collection of honors theses, and books and study aides

o Weekly bagel and coffee breaks• Guaranteed four years of on-campus housing (outside of the

program, students are guaranteed three years of housing)• Incoming student retreat

o Join honors faculty and fellow incoming honors students for a weekend of fun activities on Cape Cod

• Priority registration for classes (except first semester)• Scholars-in-residence program

o Live with your fellow honors students• Smaller class sizes in seminar formats• Ability to complete independent research• Work with specially selected faculty• Guaranteed scholarship for newly enrolled honors program

students of at least $1,000

Honors program students are often on-campus leaders as well, in student government, sports, theater, and volunteer service.

HONORS FACULTYSalem State’s honors program faculty pride themselves on creating an intellectually stimulating course of study and take special satisfaction—within a climate of curiosity and exploration—in partnering with the university’s most gifted students. For both professor and student, it is a rigorous academic journey of mutual discovery and growth.

“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.”

DR. JOANNA GONSALVESAssociate Professor of PsychologyHonors Program Coordinator

HONORS PROGRAM COURSESCourses in the honors program are different in both design and content from the university’s standard requirements. Classes are smaller and allow greater individual interaction with faculty members. A seminar format is used in many of the courses, giving students the opportunity for independent research and the experience of learning from one another. Field trips and sessions with outside speakers contribute to a particularly enriched academic experience.

“I chose the Salem State Honors Program because it is a close-knit

community of professors and peers who are all willing to help me succeed academically. My favorite things about the honors program are the fun events; such as the Murder Mystery party and

the Honors Convocation. These are good community bonding experiences,

as well as fun nights to relax.”JENCHI YAOClass of 2018Year: Sophomore Major: EnglishMinor: Secondary EducationHometown: Woburn, Massachusetts

SENIOR HONORS PROJECTSThe goal of the senior honors project is to allow a student to study in depth, with a faculty mentor, a topic about which he or she is passionate. These projects can be research papers, novels, artwork, and so on; they are meant to showcase the student’s field of study and interests. Each senior honors project is documented in a bound thesis that becomes part of the university library’s permanent collection.

PROGRAM ACTIVITIESWeekend in New York City, D.C. or MontrealIncoming Student Retreat on Cape CodHonors HousingStudent-led Social ActivitiesConference ParticipationHonors ConvocationClass Field TripsCommunity ServiceEtiquette DinnerCareer and Grad School Workshops

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMSStudents in the honors program received support from the three categories of scholarships administered by the honors program, including the Senator Paul E. Tsongas Scholarship, the Salem State Honors Scholarship and the Salem State Foundation Honors Scholarship. All newly enrolled honors program students are guaranteed a scholarship of at least $1,000.

ENROLLMENT IN THE HONORS PROGRAMThere are currently over 240 students enrolled in Salem State’s honors program, representing a variety of majors and, in many cases, dual majors.

Honors program alumni are enrolled in a variety of graduate programs, including:

PhD program in geological sciences, University of New MexicoPhD program in gerontology, University of MassachusettsPhD in zoology, University of New HampshirePhD in sociology, University of MassachusettsMedical school, University of Kentucky Veterinary school, University of EdinburghPsyD in clinical psychology, William James CollegeEdD in higher education, University of MassachusettsJD program, Suffolk UniversityJD program, New England School of LawMaster of science in management in entrepreneurship, Babson CollegeMaster of science in counseling psychology, Boston CollegeMaster of science in accountancy, Wake ForestFulbright Scholars in India and Bulgaria

Other graduates have pursued careers in nursing, journalism, counseling, non-profit work, and education. Nearly all of our graduates are active in their communities, as coaches, volunteers, in the arts, and in other capacities.

TAICHA CORNELIOClass of 2015Major: PsychologyMinor: Social WorkHometown: Lawerence, Massachusetts

“I chose the honors program at Salem State University because I

wanted to be challenged by a more academically intense curriculum.

I take pride in being a Salem State alum and a member of the

Commonwealth Honors Program because I was able to mature intellectually and individually

which has better prepared me for my future goals.”

ADMISSIONStudents who show strong motivation and academic ability are encouraged to apply to the honors program on their admission application.

Incoming freshman should have:• Score of 500+ on their SAT subtests• High school GPA of 3.7+

Transfer applicants are:• Considered on a case-by case basis to determine whether

they can meet the honors program requirements within their selected course of study.

• Admitted as a continuing honors student if they are enrolled in an honors program at a community college and have their associate’s degree.

To apply to Salem State as well as the honors program online, request more information or schedule a visit, go to salemstate.edu/admissions.

FY16

CONTACTCOMMONWEALTH HONORS PROGRAM

Suite 112, Frederick E. Berry Library

and Learning Commons

Salem State University

352 Lafayette Street

Salem, MA 01970

PHONE: 978.542.6247

EMAIL: honors@salemstate.edu

FACEBOOK.com/salemstateuniversity

TWITTER: @SalemState

INSTAGRAM: @SalemState