Saint Martin's University

Saint Martin’s University was established in 1895 by monks of the Roman Catholic Order of Saint Benedict. College-level courses were added in 1900 to provide the necessary education for candidates planning to enter the Benedictine priesthood. Saint Martin’s became a four-year, accredited, baccalaureate-granting institution in 1940. The University became coeducational in 1965. 

Saint Martin’s University is a Catholic Benedictine institution of higher education that empowers students to pursue a lifetime of learning and accomplishment in all areas of human endeavor. Saint Martin’s students learn to make a positive difference in their lives and in the lives of others through the interaction of faith, reason and service. Saint Martin’s University honours both the sacredness of the individual and the significance of community in the ongoing journey of becoming. Saint Martin’s University is one of 18 Benedictine colleges and universities in the United States and Canada and the only one west of the Rocky Mountains.

Saint Martin’s University's undergraduate majors span the liberal arts and sciences, business, education and engineering. Saint Martin’s University prides itself on its smaller class sizes, a wide array of opportunities to conduct research projects, participate in practicums, cultural activities, and internships. Saint Martin’s University’s graduate programs differ from undergraduate programs by requiring, among other things, greater: depth of study; demands on student intellectual or creative capacities; knowledge of the literature of the field; and ongoing student engagement in research, scholarship, creative expression, and/or relevant professional practice.

Saint Martin’s University is located in Lacey, Washington, adjacent to Olympia, the state capital. The population of the Lacey area is about 50,000, and that of Thurston County — which includes the greater Olympia area of Lacey, Olympia and Tumwater — is about 280,000. Located near the shores of South Puget Sound, Saint Martin’s is conveniently located 30 minutes from Tacoma, less than an hour from Seattle, and two hours from Portland, Oregon.

For lovers of the outdoors, the area Saint Martin's University is situated within is exceptional. Swimming and other water activities are as close as five minutes from campus on a wealth of nearby lakes, streams and ocean inlets. Pacific Ocean beaches, just 50 miles west, offer opportunities for clamming, kite flying, deep-sea fishing and sailing. Less than an hour away, hikers, skiers, backpackers and other outdoor enthusiasts can pursue their favorite pastimes in the mountains or enjoy such spectacular natural attractions as Mount Rainier National Park, Mount St. Helens, the Olympic Peninsula and the San Juan Islands.

Why Saint Martin’s University

• Campus activities: Saint Martin’s University believes that education extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities to learn and lead throughout campus. Get involved in over 40 student clubs, intramurals and organizations, play with or cheer on Saints Athletics (13 NCAA Division II teams), or become a member of ASSMU Student Government and/or National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).
• Values: Since 1895, Saint Martin's University has been informed by Catholic Benedictine values. These beliefs shape the way Saint Martin’s University develops their academic programs, creates leadership and service opportunities, and builds community. Saint Martin’s University welcomes students from all faiths, viewpoints and backgrounds because Saint Martin’s University believes that the best exchange of ideas occurs in a diverse, inclusive environment.
• Local Attractions: In nearby Tacoma, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon,  Saint Martin’s University’s students can take advantage of events ranging from art shows, concerts and theater, to professional sports. With its proximity to metropolitan areas, the greater Olympia area also attracts nationally recognized entertainers, artists and musicians, providing social and cultural opportunities to complement Saint Martin’s University’s educational experiences.
• Natural wonder: The beauty of the 300-acre Saint Martin’s University campus reflects the rich intellectual and spiritual nature of its presence in the Pacific Northwest. The wooded areas of campus are threaded with pleasant walking trails. Many species of wildlife roam the undeveloped acres on campus and in the meadows below the main University buildings.
• Networking: Saint Martin’s University’s proximity to the state capital gives students an opportunity to watch and take part in legislative and government-related activities. Valuable student internships and work experiences can be obtained through positions in government offices and agencies.