Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, United States • Founded 1891
Overview
Founded in 1891, the Seattle Pacific University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Seattle (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Washington.
Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Seattle Pacific University (SPU) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. Seattle Pacific University (SPU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 133-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
SPU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where Seattle Pacific University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Seattle Pacific University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Programs Offered
Seattle Pacific University's teaching offering by degree level. Programmes archived in past intakes may still appear on search engines; the live list here is the current source of truth.
Bachelor's Degree
56 programmes
Seattle Pacific University delivers 56 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Economics Economics
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
History History
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Music Music
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Journalism Journalism
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Apparel and Textiles Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering, General General Engineering
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
22 programmes
Seattle Pacific University provides 22 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Psychology, General Psychology
Theology and Religious Vocations, Other Religious Studies
Bible/Biblical Studies Religious Studies
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
6 programmes
Seattle Pacific University's 6 programmes at this tier lead to a doctorate, the credential expected for academic, senior research, and many specialist professional roles.
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Psychology, General Psychology
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Education, General Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
6 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Seattle Pacific University provides 6 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Seattle Pacific University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Seattle Pacific University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Seattle Pacific University offers 90 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at Seattle Pacific University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via Seattle Pacific University's online portal at spu.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (206) 281 2000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seattle Pacific University
Quick reference for Seattle Pacific University: founding, control type, student body, rankings, and recognition status in one place.
How old is Seattle Pacific University?
The institution opened in 1891 (approximately 135 years ago).
Where can I find Seattle Pacific University?
The institution is located in Seattle, United States.
Is Seattle Pacific University a public or private institution?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students does Seattle Pacific University have?
The institution has a student body of 3,000-3,999.
Is Seattle Pacific University affiliated with a religion?
Seattle Pacific University operates within the Christian-Methodist tradition.
Who recognises Seattle Pacific University?
Seattle Pacific University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How do I find Seattle Pacific University online?
The institution's website is spu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
Membership criteria for Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Methodist
Other Christian-Methodist institutions in the United States offer comparable campus values to Seattle Pacific University. Values continuity across affiliated institutions provides a sense of cultural fit that can ease transition into university life.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Students considering Seattle Pacific University often compare it against universities in the same region. Below are nearby institutions with comparable academic departments and student support structures, useful for cross-shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Industry partnership exclusives on Education & Teaching programmes vary — some the United States institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with Seattle Pacific University
Peer universities to Seattle Pacific University by academic scale and prestige are listed below. These often share comparable faculty depth, research output, and graduate outcomes, making the comparison more meaningful than ranking alone.
