WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY?
Salem State University, located in the historic seaside city of Salem, Massachusetts, is the perfect choice for international students seeking a transformative college education. Renowned for our academic excellence and vibrant campus life, Salem State has offered a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces diversity and fosters global perspectives since 1854.
Our prime location, just 30 kilometers from Boston, allows students to access a rich cultural and historical landscape, providing exciting opportunities for hands-on experience and practical training. Small class sizes allow our distinguished faculty members to provide personalized attention, ensuring a collaborative learning experience.
Salem State’s range of over 30 undergraduate and 20 master’slevel programs, experiential learning opportunities and robust support services equip international students with the tools and skills to thrive academically and personally, paving the way for a successful future.
With over 200 international students from 47 countries, students choose Salem State because of the quality of our programs, affordable cost, small class sizes, and our state-of-the-art facilities. Numerous student organizations and the Center for International Education will help you quickly make new friends. Did you know? Massachusetts was recently named the third-best state in the country for education by U.S. News and World Report.
Discover all that Salem State has to offer by taking our 360° virtual campus tour by scanning the QR code or visiting
MASSACHUSETTS
>200 international students attend Salem State
47
30 kilometers from Boston, one of the U.S.’s most historic and important cities.
>4,000
>1,300
1M
120+
hub of financial, biotech, information technology and business sectors tourists visit Salem each year restaurants and cafes in Salem world-class museums and historical sites undergraduate students graduate students countries represented on campus
Study at Salem State
WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOU
From help with classwork to physical and emotional well-being to planning for the future, Salem State’s student services are here to help students have the best experience possible.
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
The Center for International Education (CIE) has dedicated staff to assist international students with orientation, visa-related, and support programs. It is the hub of international programs such as study abroad, COIL, our visiting scholar programs, and the international peer mentor program. We enhance opportunities for global engagement for students and faculty that allow for a deeper understanding of the world.
The CIE assists international students who wish to study in the U.S. and require a student visa. We support both F-1 student visas and J-1 student visas for students and visiting scholars. The American Language and Culture Institute offers international students the chance to increase their English language proficiency to prepare for college, work, or life. salemstate.edu/CIE
7
FLEXIBLE START DATES
7 INTENSIVE LEVELS
AMERICAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE INSTITUTE
salemstate.edu/ALCI
Since 1993, Salem State has helped international and local English language learners reach their goals. Whether you are preparing for university admission, career advancement, or want to improve your English language skills, our American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) has a program that is just right for you.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
salemstate.edu/academics
Center for Academic Excellence provides academic support and tutoring to ensure student success. Services include academic advising, the math lab, peer tutoring, and the Mary G. Walsh Writing Center.
Commonwealth Honors Program provides exceptional students with the rewarding opportunity to pursue a more challenging curriculum.
SUPPORT SERVICES
salemstate.edu/services
Career Services helps guide students from their first day on campus with everything from career exploration, resume building, finding an internship, interviewing skills, connecting them with employers, and much more.
Counseling and Health Services is staffed by nurse practitioners, a part-time doctor, psychologists, licensed mental health counselors, post-doctoral fellows, and advanced graduate interns.
First Year Experience (FYE) ensures that students have access to the resources and support they need to successfully navigate the transition from high school to university life.
Student Navigation Center (SNC) houses financial aid, student accounts, the ClipperCard office (the official university ID card), the registrar’s office, and transfer services.
• Gain knowledge about life as a U.S. university student
• Access a pathway to over 30 undergraduate majors and more than 50 graduate programs
• Receive personalized instruction that fits your needs in small, diverse classes taught by highly qualified English as a Second Language ( ESL) specialists.
• Accelerate your progress with our curriculum aligned to the College and Career Readiness Standards ( CCRS), Global Scale of English ( GSE), Common European Framework of Reference ( CEFR), and American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages ( ACTFL)
• No TOEFL or IELTS requirement for Salem State University admission for students who pass our core-level curriculum and program assessments. Fall A and B and Spring A and B (8-week sessions): $2,030.00 Summer A, B, and C (4-week sessions): $1,050.00
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Earning a bachelor’s degree at Salem State has several benefits that contribute to a well-rounded and successful academic journey.
• Students get hands-on opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world settings
• Graduates are highly sought after by employers
• Coursework equips students for the workforce or further education
Popular Programs for Current Undergraduate International Students
• Art + Design
• Biology
• Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, International Business, Management, Marketing
• Computer Science/Information Technology
• Early Childhood Education
• TESOL
• Geography and Sustainability
• Sport and Movement Science
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
At Salem State, earning a master’s degree offers a transformative academic journey, empowering students for leadership in their fields.
• Understand and implement time and project management practices
• Present data and convey the value, importance, and application of research
• Communicate with diverse stakeholders in multiple media
Popular Programs for Current Graduate International Students
• MBA: Master of Business Administration
• MSA: Master of Science in Accounting
• Psychology: Behavior Analysis or Industrial/Occupation (I/O Psychology)
• Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
COMBINED UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE DEGREE (4+1) PROGRAMS
• BA, English/MAT, English to Speakers of Other Languages
• BA/MA, English
• BS, Cartography/MS, Geo-Information Science
• BS, Education/MEd, Early Childhood Education
• BS, Psychology/MS, Behavior Analysis
• BS, Psychology/MS, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• BS, Sport and Movement Science/MEd, Physical Education (2023-2024AcademicYear)
Visit this link for a complete list of academic programs.
There’s SomethingAlways to Do
Salem State offers 50+ student organizations to help students gain new skills and make new connections.
International students find a home in Salem with our peer mentor program, weekly social gatherings and campus events.
FEW OF OUR VIKING-LED GROUPS AND CLUBS • The Alliance (LGBTQIA+) • Black Student Union
• International Student Association
• Intersectional Feminist Collective • Intramural and Varsity Sports
• Multicultural Student Association
• Repertory Dance Theatre
• Student Government Association salemstate.edu/clubs
CAMPUS LIFE AND RECREATION
• Equipment borrowing program
• Free fitness programs and group exercise classes
• Informal recreation
• Outdoor adventure trips
Intramural and Club Sports
• Basketball
• Extramurals (Off-campus opportunities)
• Flag Football
• Pickleball
• Soccer
• Softball
• Volleyballl
Gassett Fitness Center
All students have access to our Gassett Fitness and Recreation Center. Gassett is open to all students and offers cardio and strength equipment, locker rooms, studios, lounge spaces, and recreational courts.
Esports Lounge
Take gaming to the next level! We have state-of-theart gaming PCs and consoles waiting for you. Our space brings students from all majors and backgrounds together to build community and engagement on our campus. Leagues and tournaments allow you to test and hone your skills in an exciting and supportive environment.
POPULAR ANNUAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
Spring Concert welcomes popular artists and nightlife experiences to campus! Last year, Program Council featured Valhalla, a unique, state-of-the-art super club night with a premier DJ, an immersive light show, and VIP lounges.
Gassett After Dark brings Vikings together for a night of friendly competition in our blacklight tournament events.
Viking Warrior Field Day is a campus-wide celebration for Salem State Vikings featuring DJs, food trucks, inflatable obstacle courses and more!
Superfan Tailgate is our official social kick-off of the new school year and sports season! Meet new friends, enjoy great food, and celebrate the affinity we share as Vikings.
Group Fitness Classes include Pilates, yoga, strength training and more!
“I have learned so much about the United States and also the cultures of my fellow international students. The history of Salem is also quite fascinating and the scenery is beautiful. I also got to experience Halloween in Witch City!”
—Yuxuan Li dual degree English, 1+2+1 program, from Nanjing, China
Li e on Campus
Salem State’s five vibrant residence halls are home to over 1,400 students, each housing 300 or more residents.
• Residence hall layouts vary between traditional double and triple-style rooms, apartment and suite-style living, and single rooms.
• All residences include common areas, a laundry room, vending machines, and a mailroom.
salemstate.edu/reslife
Explore our residence halls by scanning the QR code or visiting salemstate.edu/virtual.
WHY LIVE ON CAMPUS?
• Live near your classes, the library, the dining hall, and all that campus has to offer!
• Access to on-site faculty (faculty in residence) and resident assistants (RAs) to support your success
• Weekly programs in your hall to help you meet friends and create connections around campus
SAFETY AND SECURITY
• Massachusetts is ranked among the top safest states in the United States by U.S. News and World Report
• All residence halls are staffed by a full-time, comprehensively trained residential staff member with a master’s degree, a master’sseeking graduate resident director and resident assistants.
• A 24-hour security/information desk is at each hall’s entrance.
DINING
• Customizable entrees, fresh organic foods, international options
• Vegetarian and specialty options
• Dining locations: Marsh Dining Common, North Campus Café, express locations across campus, Dunkin’, Starbucks
salemstate.edu/reslife
1,400+ STUDENTS LIVE ON CAMPUS
5 VIBRANT RESIDENCE HALLS
Learn more about room, board and meal plan costs at salemstate.edu/ room-board
YouHereBelong
APPLY TO SALEM STATE
WHO IS CONSIDERED AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?
Salem State defines an international student to be a non-U.S. citizen or non-U.S. permanent resident green card holder. International students usually need an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa to study in the U.S.
A first-year applicant is someone who has never been enrolled in any college or university, international or domestic.
A transfer applicant is somone who has been previously enrolled in any college or university, international or domestic.
UNDERGRADUATE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(attended high school or secondary school outside the U.S.)
• Submit a completed online application at salemstate.edu/apply
• Pay the $50 application fee (U.S. dollars; non-refundable)
• Official high school/secondary school record, leaving certificate and/ or graduation examination results or their official copies must be in English or professionally translated. The translation must include a list of courses completed, grading scale and the grades received.
• English proficiency required—learn more at salemstate.edu/FYIA
salemstate.edu/apply
VISA PROCESS
For information on obtaining required visa documents, maintaining immigration status, benefits, and authorizations, contact the Center for International Education at
cie@salemstate.edu
UNDERGRADUATE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
(attended high school or secondary school in the U.S.)
FIRST-YEAR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
• Submit a completed online application at salemstate.edu/apply
• Pay the $50 application fee (U.S. dollars; non-refundable)
• Official high school transcripts*
TRANSFER INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
• Submit a completed online application at salemstate.edu/apply
• Pay the $50 application fee (U.S. dollars; non-refundable)
• Official college transcripts from all colleges attended*
• If you have less than 12 college credits, a GPA of less than 2.5, and have been out of high school for three years or less, you may need to submit additional application materials, at the request of the admissions office, to make an admissions decision.
ADMISSIONS DEADLINES
GRADUATE INTERNATIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
• Submit a completed online application at salemstate.edu/apply
• Pay the $50 application fee (U.S. dollars; non-refundable)
• 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 showing courses, grades, academic degrees, and grade point average.*
• English proficiency required —learn more at salemstate.edu/IGA
*All documents must be official. Official transcripts are certified copies of official documents from each secondary school, college, university, or technical school attended. Records must include courses completed, grades or marks earned, and certificates or degrees awarded. Include a certified English translation of all documents not written in English.
Applications submitted by the deadlines will be given full consideration for admission into your desired program. We will review applications until the programs are full. We recommend that you follow the deadlines below to complete the admission process and allow sufficient time for student visa-related processing.
UNDERGRADUATE DEADLINES
*Deadline for applicants residing abroad
GRADUATE DEADLINES
SPRING DECEMBER 19
SUMMER APRIL 24
FALL JULY 28
PROGRAM-SPECIFIC DEADLINES
The following graduate programs have specific deadlines that may require you to submit your completed application and supplemental materials earlier than the deadlines stated above.
Visit salemstate.edu/grad-deadlines to learn more.
• Master of Education, Higher Education in Student Affairs (HESA)
• Master of Science, Occupational Therapy—Direct Entry Program
• Master of Social Work (MSW)—Advanced Standing, Fall Start and Online
1.
2. These charges are for 9 credits (per semester) of
QUALITY EDUCATION AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE
“I chose Salem State because I was really impressed with the quality of the MBA faculty and professors. They have a lot of practical work experience in various sectors of the business world, and the program doesn’t just focus on theory but also encourages practical knowledge.”
$78,124 to earn a bachelor’s degree
$36,509 to earn a master of business administration (MBA) from our AACSB-accredited Bertolon School of Business
$25,591 to earn a master of science in industrial/organizational psychology
$18,460 to earn a master of arts in teaching English to speakers of other languages
All figures in the Cost to Attend section are based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Learn more at salemstate.edu/tuition
—Saba Mahboubkhalajani master
of business administration, from Tehran, Iran
