Salem State University Graduate School Viewbook

Empowering Dreams: Your Tomorrow S tarts Here

SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY

Welcome to Graduate Education at Salem State University!

Here, your unique journey to an advanced degree is supported by a vibrant academic community.

Our faculty are distinguished leaders in their fields, offering expertise that blends rigorous research, scholarship and creative activities with dedicated teaching. They value and integrate the varied backgrounds and experiences of our diverse community of learners, fostering collaboration and continuous development that will further you in your goals.

You are challenged to excel academically and professionally. Apply classroom knowledge directly to your career, forge valuable networks with faculty and local industry partners and engage in transformative research and scholarship.

Located in a historic setting that predates our nation's founding, Salem State inspires reflection and action. Whether you are new to our community or returning as a Viking, embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge, refine your research skills and innovate.

As you pursue your advanced degree, I hope you have an intellectually exciting experience. The dedicated staff and administrators of the School of Graduate Studies are here to support your academic journey every step of the way, so please let us know how we can assist you.

Welcome to the Viking community!

Dean, School of Graduate Studies

Become a leader in your profession and in your community. Your graduate experience and the degree you earn will help you reach your goals.

• An academic experience that develops critical thinking and analytical skills through real-world application

• Close mentorship from faculty who are accomplished scholars and researchers invested in your success

• Collaboration with peers from diverse backgrounds, enriching classroom discussion and professional growth

• An innovative and dynamic environment that deepens expertise, strengthens professional networks and cultivates ethical and engaged global citizenship

• A university dedicated to public impact, advancing civic life, sustainability and the cultural and economic vitality of the North Shore

What you learn in the classroom today, you can apply at work tomorrow.

• Understand and implement time and project management practices

• Present data and convey the value, importance and application of research

• Integrate ethical considerations into decision-making and professional practice

• Communicate with diverse stakeholders in multiple media

• Connect with classmates and faculty to learn from each other’s real-world experiences

Attend an Upcoming Graduate Admissions Event

Discover why Salem State University’s School of Graduate Studies is the right place for you!

Why You Should Choose Salem State University

At Salem State, the focus is on your education, passion and goals. You won’t find large lecture halls here. Instead, you’ll receive an education with individual attention from faculty who are experts in the field.

Balance your personal, professional and academic goals with flexible part-time or full-time study plans, with many programs offering online and hybrid courses.

Receive support from faculty and staff committed to your success beyond graduation, including letters of recommendation and access to career services.

Vikings have a strong and active alumni network, with graduates excelling in various industries

As a student, you become part of this network, gaining access to valuable connections, mentorship opportunities and professional development experiences.

Salem State is classified by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) as a Hispanic Serving and Minority-Serving Institution (HSI-MSI) based on student demographics.

12:1 graduate students >1,300 50+ graduate programs

15 Campus Pride Index

miles north of Boston and less than a mile from downtown Salem

4.5 out of 5 campuspride.org states and countries represented

40 47 student to faculty ratio

Beyond the Classroom

Center for Research and Creative Activities (CRCA)

The CRCA empowers faculty, staff and students to conduct and share scholarly and creative work through:

• Internal grant opportunities in partnership with the University Research Advisory Committee

• Faculty research grants that include student researchers in 100% of funded projects

• Support for securing external grants in collaboration with the university’s grants office

Year-round academic development offerings, including:

• Workshops and retreats

• Editing services

• Statistical support for writing and publication

• Events that celebrate scholarship, such as lecture series and research symposia

Fulbright Scholars and Scholarships

Salem State is proud to be a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, with faculty, staff and students selected to represent the university across the globe:

• More than 20 Fulbright Scholars, 8 Fulbright Specialists, and 2 student recipients in the past two decades

• Research and teaching placements in countries such as Chile, Egypt, Finland, Greece, India, Italy, Jordan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Liberia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Russia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam

About the Fulbright Program

• The U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange initiative

• Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and supported by global governments, institutions and foundations

• Operates in over 160 countries

• Provides opportunities for students, scholars, artists and professionals to:

• Study, teach and conduct research

• Exchange ideas and foster cross-cultural understanding

• Collaborate on global solutions to shared challenges

Graduate and Research Assistantships

The School of Graduate Studies offers many graduate and research assistantship opportunities. An assistantship is a form of financial assistance provided to graduate students through part-time employment at the university. Both graduate and research assistants receive several benefits in return for their time and work, including tuition remission for fall and spring semesters and paid work hours.

There are two types of assistantships administered through the School of Graduate Studies:

Graduate Assistantships  provide students with professional development opportunities and work experience through involvement with projects that support university initiatives.

Research Assistantships  link a graduate student with a faculty member to work on a meaningful research project, which may lead to a presentation at a conference, a joint publication, or other significant professional activity.

salemstate.edu/ graduate-assistantships

“Being a graduate assistant helped me rediscover my voice and apply the knowledge I’ve gained in meaningful, real-world ways. It strengthened my leadership, expanded my network and gave me the confidence to grow as both a scholar and a rising professional.”

— Kiana Alexis ’ 24, ’ 26G

Free Support, Whenever You Need It

Graduate school is challenging, but you’re never in it alone. Salem State offers a wide range of free support services to help you succeed academically, personally and professionally.

• Career Services

Plan your next move with support tailored to graduate students. Access one-on-one career counseling, résumé and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, job search strategies and networking events— whether you’re advancing in your field or switching paths entirely.

• Center for Accessible Academic Resources (CAAR)

CAAR fosters an inclusive learning environment for all graduate students. Through academic accommodations, supplemental instruction and tailored support for students with disabilities, CAAR ensures every student has the tools to succeed.

• Counseling and Health Services

Take care of your mental and physical well-being with free, confidential services from licensed professionals. Counseling, urgent care, health screenings and referrals are all available on campus to support your overall wellness.

• Library Content Specialists

Every discipline has a dedicated librarian who can help you find, evaluate and cite the right sources for your research. Whether you're navigating online databases or refining a thesis, you'll get one-on-one guidance in the state-of-the-art Frederick E. Berry Library.

• Mary G. Walsh Writing Center

From seminar papers to scholarly articles, get expert help with writing at any stage. Tutors work with graduate students on structure, clarity, citation and grammar, strengthening your writing across disciplines and assignments.

Try a Class Before You Apply

Not quite ready to commit to a full graduate program? You don’t have to. At Salem State, you can take a graduate-level course as a non-matriculated student—no formal admission required.

• Explore a program you're considering without the pressure of applying

• Experience the expectations, pace and quality of graduate coursework

• Connect with faculty, meet future classmates and get a feel for the learning environment

• Earn up to 9 credits that may count toward your degree if you choose to apply and are admitted later

• Take the first step toward your next chapter—at your own pace

Whether you're testing the waters or planning ahead, this is a smart, flexible way to see if graduate school is right for you. salemstate.edu/gradnondegree

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts (MA)

English History

Master of Arts/Master of Arts in Teaching (MA/MAT) Dual Degree

English

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

English

English to Speakers of Other Languages (Licensure or Non-Licensure)

History

Mathematics (Initial License or Advanced Studies)

Middle School Mathematics (Initial License or Advanced Studies)

Physical Education (Initial License)

Spanish (Initial License or Advanced Studies)*

Business Programs

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Science, Accounting (MSA)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Advanced Standing Fall Start

Online*

Master of Science (MS)

Athletic Training

Behavior Analysis

Counseling

Criminal Justice*

Geo-Information Science*

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Mathematics

Direct Entry Occupational Therapy

Master of Education (MEd)

Early Childhood Education (Initial License or Advanced Studies)*

Elementary Education (Initial License or Advanced Studies)*

Higher Education in Student Affairs

Leadership in Physical Education and Movement Studies*

Library Media Studies*

Reading (Specialist Teacher of Reading License or Curriculum and Instruction)*

School Counseling

School Counseling and School Adjustment Counseling

Special Education (Initial License or Advanced Studies)*

Education Licensure-Only Programs

Early Childhood Education*

Elementary Education*

Library Media Studies*

School Adjustment Counseling

School Counseling

Secondary Science

Special Education*

Specialist Teacher of Reading*

Teacher of Mathematics

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Graduate Certificate Programs

Accounting*

Autism Spectrum Disorders*

Bilingual Education

Digital Studies*

Geo-Information Science*

Holocaust and Genocide Studies*

Public History

Nursing Education

Public History*

Sport Management and Development*

Teacher Leadership*

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Writing and Rhetoric

Certificates of Advanced Graduate Study

Educational Leadership*

*100% online coursework option. Initial licensure education programs include an in-person practicum in an MA school with remote supervision.

Educat

¡ on ¡n Act ¡ on

Honduras and much of Central America are experiencing extensive deforestation due to expanding coffee production. Global demand for coffee is rapidly growing, putting pressure on tropical regions worldwide to increase coffee production.

Professor Stephen Young (geography and sustainability) and graduate student Danny Szottfried (geo-information science) traveled to Honduras to teach local conservation organizations how to use drones and process geospatial data.

Educat ¡ on ¡n Act ¡ on

Professor and Graduate Student

Teach Droning in Honduras for Reforestation Work

P

rofessor Stephen Young (geography and sustainability) and graduate student Danny Szottfried (geo-information science) traveled to Honduras to teach local conservation organizations how to use drones and process geospatial data. The Mesoamerican Development Institute sponsored their visit. As global demand for coffee grows rapidly, tropical regions like Honduras and much of Central America are experiencing increased pressure to increase production, resulting in growing deforestation.

Specifically, professor Young and Szottfried worked with the Café Solar Coffee Cooperative, members of the Mesoamerican Development Institute and the Honduran Youth Conservation Corps (supported by USAID and the U.S. Forest Service) to teach them how to fly drones and map coffee plantations as part of the creation of the Yoro Biological Corridor in Honduras. The goal of the Corridor is to reforest degraded lands to create a forest connection with Honduran National Parks where old-growth forest cover can be found. The drone mapping of coffee plantations will help find areas where coffee is not grown and where reforestation can take place. Coffee farmers will receive money through a European carbon offset program to plant trees and maintain forest cover. This initiative aims to eventually restore the forest cover to a denuded landscape. Additionally, it will provide a vital habitat for threatened

Due to Danny's (right) expertise, he ran the training in Honduras, which entailed one day of lectures and five days of hands-on fieldwork. The students that he trained will now run the mapping program and train other crews as they will ultimately map over 1,500 coffee plantations.

wildlife, such as the Quetzal, while safeguarding essential water supplies. Furthermore, this reforestation effort will contribute to sequestering carbon, helping combat climate change. Ultimately, it will also have a positive impact on the economic livelihood of the coffee farmers involved in the program. The trained youth will also have future conservation jobs mapping and monitoring the region with drones.

Szottfried is now an expert in droning, mapping and other geospatial techniques. Due to his expertise, he ran the training in Honduras, which entailed one day of lectures and five days of handson fieldwork. The students that Danny trained will now run the mapping program and train other crews as they will ultimately map over 1,500 coffee plantations.

When Szottfried was an undergraduate in the GIScartography program at Salem State, he received the Michael Ruane Award for Excellence in Digital Cartography as the top GIS student in the program. He currently works for New England Civil Engineering Corp. in Salem, where several other Salem State GIS graduates work.

The Mesoamerican Development Institute heard about Salem State when professor Young and graduate student Jeannette Maranda (geo-information science) ran a droning and mapping workshop in Guatemala in November 2022 for 15 conservation organizations across Central America, which the New England Biolabs Foundation funded. Salem State University has a wide impact on making our world more sustainable.

The drone mapping of coffee plantations will help find areas where coffee is not grown and where reforestation can take place.

Educat ¡ on ¡n Act ¡ on

A Classroom Beyond Borders: Course Travel to Czechia, Poland Spotlights the Power of Partnerships

J

eremy Bifano knew when he signed up for MCO 750 that he was enlisting in a transformative educational journey. What he didn’t expect is where it would take him and how those places would impact his view of the world as he completed his master’s degree in social work in the spring of 2025.

Then again, a private, exclusive tour of Auschwitz custom-tailored for the class will have that kind of an impact— an “honestly tremendous” one, Bifano explained not long after from his office in Salem State’s graduate admissions department, where he worked as a graduate admissions assistant part-time.

“It was incredible, one of the best experiences I had on this trip,” Bifano said. “All in all, to be able to have such an educational journey with these tour guides, to go to Auschwitz and have a customized tour, … it was honestly tremendous.”

Bifano was one of 15 students and faculty from several institutions who traveled abroad in spring 2025 as part of a hybrid undergrad and graduate course titled, “Communicating Across Borders: Cultural Understanding and Learning in Poland and Czechia.” The course was conducted by media and communication professor Rebecca Hains at Salem State in collaboration with Westfield State University professor Christopher Gullen in the school’s

communication’s department, as well as colleagues from other institutions who joined in the travel portion of the course to contribute their areas of expertise.

“The trip was a faculty-led travel course that ran during the spring semester as an asynchronous online course and culminated in a 10-day trip for myself, my students, and some additional travelers to Prague and Krakow,” Hains said. “We met with faculty at both the Jagiellonian and Charles Universities in Central Europe, did some sight-seeing, and had some interesting lectures, all from a media studies lens.”

The course spent six days in Prague, visiting the historic city’s Old Town region, Charles University, the Mucha Museum, and the Lubkowicz Palace. It then transitioned to Krakow for four days, visiting the Wawel Royal Castle, Jagiellonian University, Auschwitz, and Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory.

Jeremy’s Journey

For Bifano, the trip to Central Europe was more than an academic excursion—it was a culmination. Just two days after graduating from Salem State with his master’s in social work pending completion of the course, he boarded a flight to Prague to participate in the academic journey of a lifetime.

Jeremy Bifano knew when he signed up for MCO 750 that he was enlisting in a transformative educational journey. What he didn’t expect is where it would take him and how those places would impact his view of the world as he completed his master’s degree in social work in the spring of 2025.

It wasn’t his first opportunity to study abroad, however. Also during his time at Salem State, Bifano joined a course traveling to Rwanda, lessons from which he was able to apply to his role as a clinical social work intern at Rowley’s Solstice Day School prior to his final year at SSU.

As Bifano completed his master’s degree, he recognized an interesting level of overlap between the world of social work and that of media and communication.

“Social work and media and communication are similar in the information we share,” Bifano said.

“The media reports on the happenings of the world, good and bad, while social work steps in and actively works with the individuals impacted by the challenges written and talked about in the media.”

The opportunity to study abroad is exciting on its own, Bifano said. “The other side, though, is the cultural lens, stepping into different cultures, seeing their experiences, and being able to take that home with me.”

Looking at how societies have responded to trauma through a media lens has prepared Bifano for what comes next.

“I’m going to be working with refugees as I’m doing therapy,” Bifano said, just as he was about to begin his new post-graduation role. “There’s a small group of people I’ll be working with.”

The Power of Partnership

The experience abroad was amplified by two symposia made up of leaders from the trip’s participating institutions, organized by Hains. The first was held at Charles University in Prague, while a second, much larger one was held at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow.

The group was also aided by having an interesting make-up of majors from the students participating, including students in education, accounting, psychology, and social work. Five professors were also in the group, which Bifano said was “a little family by the time we went home.”

That feeling isn’t uncommon for a trip of this magnitude, according to Hains.

“When you’re spending 10 days and all your time together at every turn, the relationships you build with your peers, faculty members, and others on the trip are transformative,” she said. “The relationships just form in really meaningful ways because of the quality time together, the shared experiences, and having shared interests at a fairly foundational level, having chosen individually to go on a trip like this.”

After returning from the trip, Bifano reflected on the experience and what he gained from it in an essay marking the completion of the course. On top of the opportunities for deep, impactful conversations, the trip gave Bifano an opportunity to overcome personal challenges around travel anxiety, which he identified as “the most memorable part of the trip.”

Thinking further on the experience, Bifano wrote, “having professors from all different backgrounds was a great addition, and hearing all of you at the symposiums, especially at the Jagiellonian University, was amazing. Not only did each of you bring your own perspectives and knowledge, but at one point, you stopped feeling like our professors and more like our peers in the travel experience.”

“To close, this was such a blessing to be my final trip and course at Salem State,” Bifano wrote. “I am so grateful to have had the experience I did with each individual that took part on this trip.”

Funding Your Education

Step 1

Go to studentaid.gov to establish an FSA ID and complete the FAFSA.

If this is your first time completing a FAFSA, you must create an FSA ID (federal student aid identification), which is your electronic signature.

Step 2

Once you are admitted to a program, Salem State will receive your FAFSA results and be able to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Communication will occur via your Salem State email account. Most awards will be split evenly over the fall/spring period. Students must register for at least 6 required credits a semester to receive federal assistance.

Types of Financial Aid

Salem State Scholarships

Visit salemstate.edu/scholarships to discover and apply for scholarships. The application is open from December 15–March 1, and awards are made for the following September.

Students are generally notified of their application status by June. Salem State has a robust scholarship program with over 200 scholarships awarded each year.*

Although graduate students are awarded many of the available scholarships, the following is a list specific to graduate-level studies:

• The Boylan Family Scholarship Award

• The Bill Bulloch Scholarship

• Joseph D. Geller ‘87G Scholarship Award

• Nancy D. Harrington ‘60 Endowed Scholarship

• Elaine S. Marks Prize

• Edna M. McGlynn Scholarship

• Michael Stockbridge ‘99, ‘01G Scholarship Fund

• Richard W. Webbe Graduate School Scholarship Endowment Fund

• Dr. Leonard P. Zani Endowment Fund

*Cumulative undergraduate and graduate offerings

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 each academic year with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (the academic year is September-August). The interest rate is set every July 1. The federal government charges an origination fee of approximately one percent of the principal amount borrowed. studentaid.gov

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan

Students who need additional assistance above the $20,500 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan may apply for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, a credit-based loan. studentaid.gov

Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Generally reserved for master of social work students completing their internships (FAFSA must be completed). Other graduate students may contact the Student Navigation Center if interested in receiving FWS. Students who do not qualify for FWS may work on campus. salemstate.edu/work-study

HESA Assistantships (HA), Higher Education in Student Affairs

Awarded to fully admitted students enrolled in at least 6 credits a semester. The HA program covers tuition of up to 9 credits a semester and pays a stipend for working on campus. Students are responsible for paying the fee portion of their bill (and tuition exceeding 9 credits). The HA program is administered by the higher education in student affairs program. salemstate.edu/graduate-assistantships

Federal TEACH Grant

Students admitted into certain educational disciplines (bilingual education and English language acquisition, foreign language, mathematics, reading specialist, sciences, special education, and any other high-need field identified by the federal government) may apply for a federal TEACH Grant. Applicants must visit studentaid.gov to complete an Agreement to Serve or Repay and Entrance Counseling.

Recipients of the grant must promise to teach for four years (full-time) within eight years of completing their degree in a high-need subject matter and a particular geographic area. Failure to meet all the requirements will result in the grant being converted to an unsubsidized loan. studentaid.gov

Important Points to Remember

Acceptance: Students must be fully admitted to a degree program to receive federal financial aid. Certificate programs are not eligible for federal financial aid (except CAGS). Conditionally accepted students are also not eligible for federal aid until they meet the condition of their acceptance.

Payment Plans : Students may utilize a five-month payment plan to pay their semester charges (fall and spring) and a three-month payment plan to pay their summer charges. Payment plans can be established through your Navigator account. A service fee is assessed.

Private/Alternative Loans: Students not eligible for federal financial aid are encouraged to visit elmselect.com to explore and apply for a private/alternative loan.

Scholarship Searches : Students are encouraged to research private scholarships. Visit salemstate.edu/scholarships to explore our external scholarship opportunities.

Applyi n g to Salem State University

Visit salemstate.edu/apply to start your application!

Tips for a smooth application process

• Review the admissions requirements for your program of interest. Visit salemstate.edu/grad-reqs for program-specific admissions requirements.

• Check program application deadline(s) and work backward from the application deadline or start term. Start the online application, so you can receive application reminders and updates.

• Order official transcripts through your institution (or transcript evaluation if you attended an institution outside of the U.S.), take any required exams and organize any additional materials that a graduate program may require, such as a resume or prerequisite coursework. Electronic transcripts can be sent directly from your previous institution to gradadmissions@salemstate.edu .

References and personal statements

Most programs require two letters of recommendation and have varying requirements for personal statements. Please check your program of interest for additional information.

What happens next?

Once all materials are received, your application portfolio will be reviewed by graduate admissions, the School of Graduate Studies and the program coordinator. The decision timeline depends on each program. Once an admissions decision is made, it will be posted in your Navigator (navigator.salemstate.edu) account and communicated via email. Navigator is Salem State’s official student platform, which allows you to review your admissions decision and complete tasks related to the business of being a student.

Application Deadlines

General Final Deadline

Spring 2026 (January start)

Summer 2026 (May start)

December 12, 2025

April 17, 2026

Fall 2026 (September start) July 24, 2026

Program-Specific Final Deadlines

Social Work: Online Advanced Standing Fall, Full-Time/Transfer Fall, Part-Time

Occupational Therapy (Fall 2026)

October 27, 2025

January 5, 2026

February 23, 2026

June 29, 2026

December 15, 2025

For applicants residing abroad, visit salemstate.edu/grad-deadlines for admissions deadlines.