Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a private Christian university located in Seattle, Washington. Founded in 1891 by the Free Methodist Church, the university's mission is to engage the culture and change the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community. SPU offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs grounded in Christian values and rigorous academics.
Academics:
Seattle Pacific University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and minors, as well as master's and doctoral degree programs in various fields, including:
1. Arts and Humanities
2. Business and Economics
3. Education
4. Health Sciences
5. Social and Behavioral Sciences
6. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Popular majors at SPU include nursing, business administration, psychology, engineering, and education. The university is committed to providing a holistic education that integrates faith and learning, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication.
Campus:
SPU's 43-acre campus is located in a residential neighborhood on the north slope of Queen Anne Hill, just minutes from downtown Seattle. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with facilities that include academic buildings, residence halls, a library, and athletic complexes. The picturesque campus is home to a vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff.
Athletics:
Seattle Pacific University's athletic teams, known as the Falcons, compete in NCAA Division II and are members of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). The university offers a variety of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, track and field, and more. The school's colors are maroon and white.
Traditions:
Seattle Pacific University has several traditions that foster a sense of community and pride among students, faculty, and alumni. Some notable traditions include:
1. Orientation: A series of events and activities designed to welcome new students to the SPU community and help them acclimate to campus life.
2. Ivy Cutting: A symbolic ceremony held for graduating seniors, during which they cut a strand of ivy to represent their connection to the university and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
3. Homecoming and Family Weekend: A weekend event that brings together alumni, students, and families to celebrate their connection to the university through various activities and events.
4. Community events: SPU hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as concerts, lectures, and worship services, that foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.
Admissions:
Seattle Pacific University has a holistic admissions process, considering factors such as academic performance, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), extracurricular activities, recommendations, and personal essays. The university offers an Early Action program for students who wish to receive an earlier decision on their application, as well as a Regular Decision option. In recent years, SPU has adopted a test-optional policy, meaning that standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are not required for admission.
