About Salem University


Established in 1888 as Salem College, Salem University has a tradition of academic excellence and innovation. The beautiful 100-acre campus is nestled in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. The campus offers student housing and traditional campus clubs and activities.

A Proud History Built On Academic Tradition

Salem offers master's, bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs as well as post-master's certificate programs in a wide array of subject areas and specializations.

Undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Salem generally require successful completion of a set of
liberal arts foundation courses that includes English, mathematics, natural sciences, social and
behavioral sciences, and the humanities. The fundamental roles of these general education
courses are to:

  • Support the Mission of the University.
  • Emphasize the liberal arts, which are directed to general intellectual growth and
    development.
  • Integrate the various disciplines.
  • Offer philosophical, ethical, social, historical, literary, or aesthetic components.
  • Provide the tools and concepts for analyzing culture and society in an international
    context.

In addition students are expected to gain the following competencies:

  • Writing, listening, and speaking skills
  • Critical thinking ability
  • Quantitative and technological proficiencies
  • Decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • International and multicultural awareness
  • Leadership and citizenship skills

Consistent with and in support of the Mission, most undergraduate students will complete several
general education courses that focus on global information and perspectives.

Most programs of study offer additional recommended courses that are meant to expand
students’ knowledge, skills, and abilities in support of their major

The goals of the University are to:

  • Serve the public good through academic scholarship and community engagement;
  • Create an environment conducive to multicultural understanding;
  • Continue professional development of faculty and staff;
  • Enhance student learning, teaching and institutional effectiveness; and
  • Maintain fiscal integrity through sound financial stewardship.

DOWNLOAD OUR CATALOG & BULLETIN FOR MORE INFO

Catalog Catalog Bulletin 2021-22 Catalog Bulletin 2022-23