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Learning in the City

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Learning in the City

An exciting distinctive of Seattle Pacific University's academic program is its urban setting. As an SPU student, you'll study at a beautiful, park-like campus only minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle. The city becomes an extended classroom, providing a wealth of learning opportunities:

Internships. A prime benefit of Seattle Pacific's location is the opportunity for internships in businesses, schools, hospitals or other organizations related to your field of study. Research has shown that students who participate in internships find jobs more quickly after graduation, and find jobs that are well-suited to their interests and skills.

So how does it work? Students can earn up to 26 university credits in internships, which integrate classroom knowledge with practical work experience. Advisors are available to help match you with employers throughout the city, and internships are supervised by faculty to maximize their educational value. Internships may be paid or unpaid -- but either way, the experience gained is priceless.

SPU students participate in hundreds of internships each year, and are able to choose from a broad range of opportunities. We've placed students in internships at Microsoft, Nike, Boeing, the University of Washington Medical Center, KING-TV, Young Life, the Seattle Opera, the Washington State Legislature, and schools and hospitals throughout the Puget Sound area.

Service Learning. In addition to internships, Seattle Pacific students gain real-life experience and provide valuable assistance to the community by participating in service learning projects. These projects allow you to help others while applying classroom skills - all as part of your coursework.

For example, students in the School of Business select a small business or non-profit organization and assist them with business plans, marketing strategies or other needed projects. Students interested in gaining fund-raising experience have held concerts on campus and collected donations towards organizations like The American Red Cross and Pathways for Women. School of Education students volunteer with children in the age group they plan to teach.

The Seattle community benefits from these projects, but so do SPU students. They report that through these projects they discover potential career opportunities, interact with business and community leaders, gain real management and leadership skills, and develop a stronger ethic of giving and service.

Cultural Opportunities. Cultural opportunities abound in the city of Seattle. Are you interested in the arts? You might enjoy listening to the Seattle Symphony at beautiful new Benaroya Hall, visiting the Seattle Art Museum, taking in "Phantom of the Opera" at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, or strolling through Pioneer Square art galleries on a spring evening. All of these activities may also be an enjoyable part of your homework when you take fine arts classes at SPU.