Saint Martin's University

What is the history of Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's University is a private Catholic university in Lacey, Washington, founded in 1895 by Benedictine monks. It began as a school for boys and later developed into a college offering undergraduate and graduate education.

The institution was known as Saint Martin's College before adopting the name Saint Martin's University in 2005. Saint Martin's Abbey remains part of its identity. That history helps explain why Benedictine values appear in the university's mission and campus traditions, even as its academic offerings extend well beyond religious studies.

What are the faculties and departments at Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's offers undergraduate and graduate programs across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, engineering, and health-related fields. Its academic organization includes the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Counseling, and the Hal and Inge Marcus School of Engineering.

Prospective undergraduates can explore subjects such as biology, psychology, social work, business administration, computer science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and nursing. Graduate options include programs in areas such as business, education, counseling, and engineering. Applicants should check the current catalog for the credential and campus or delivery format attached to a particular program; a subject offered at both degree levels may have different admission and course requirements.

The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 11 to 1. That institution-wide measure describes enrollment relative to faculty, not the size of every class or the availability of a particular course.

What is the location of Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's main campus is in Lacey, Washington, near Olympia and the state capitol. The setting places students in the South Puget Sound region rather than in downtown Seattle.

For students pursuing internships or field placements, Olympia-area government agencies, schools, health providers, and employers may be relevant, depending on the major. Commuters should account for travel within Lacey and the Olympia area; students flying to the region typically use Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is substantially farther from campus than a local commute.

What is the mission and vision of Saint Martin's University?

Saint Martin's describes its educational mission in Catholic and Benedictine terms, emphasizing learning alongside community, service, and respect for others. Its stated purpose is to educate students for meaningful work and responsible participation in society.

This is an institutional commitment, not a claim that every student has the same religious experience. Applicants who are interested in the university's Benedictine affiliation can look at how it appears in campus worship, service opportunities, and general education, while checking the requirements of their own degree program.