Santa Clara University

What you'll study

This programme combines a broad liberal-arts foundation with focused study in humanities fields such as literature, history, philosophy, religious studies, languages and the arts. The curriculum is built on Santa Clara's core curriculum traditions: courses that introduce multiple ways of knowing (humanities, social sciences, natural sciences), ethical and theological reflection, writing and oral communication, and quantitative and information literacy.

Students typically complete:

• Core liberal-arts requirements emphasising critical thinking, writing and ethical inquiry.
• Major or concentration coursework in humanities and general studies areas — for example, literary analysis, cultural history, comparative religion, philosophy of ethics, visual and performing arts, and language study.
• Electives that allow interdisciplinary combinations with social sciences, education, digital media or business-related topics.
• A senior capstone, research project or practicum that integrates knowledge across disciplines and demonstrates applied skills in analysis, communication and problem solving.
• Opportunities for experiential learning such as community-based research, internships (including placements in Silicon Valley organisations), and study abroad.

Entry requirements

Admissions to Santa Clara University consider academic preparation, personal qualities and the fit between a candidate's interests and the University’s mission. Typical requirements include:

• A completed secondary-school qualification (or recognised international equivalent) with a record of rigorous coursework in humanities and general studies where available.
• A competitive high-school GPA and academic transcript showing strength in writing, critical reading and humanities or social-science subjects.
• A personal statement or essay that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, community engagement and reasons for pursuing an interdisciplinary liberal-arts education.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors may be requested or recommended for further context on academic performance and character.
• Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English (accepted tests or alternatives as specified by the university).

Transfer applicants should present college transcripts showing successful completion of general-education or humanities courses. Specific course prerequisites and additional documentation are detailed in university admissions materials.

Career prospects

A humanities-based liberal-arts degree from Santa Clara prepares graduates for a wide range of careers that value critical thinking, communication and ethical judgement. Alumni commonly work in:

• Education and academic support (teaching, curriculum development, educational administration).
• Non-profit and public sector roles (programme coordination, advocacy, community engagement).
• Communications, publishing and media (writing, editing, content strategy, public relations).
• Business and technology-adjacent roles that require strong interpersonal and analytic skills (human resources, project management, user experience research, marketing).
• Graduate and professional study in fields such as law, education, public policy, library science and the arts.

Internships and on-campus career services at Santa Clara help students build practical experience and employer connections, particularly with organisations across Silicon Valley and the Bay Area.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University is a Jesuit institution that emphasises whole-person education: intellectual rigor combined with ethical responsibility, civic engagement and service. Small class sizes and close faculty mentoring create an environment suited to discussion-based learning and independent research.

Located in Silicon Valley, the university provides access to a wide range of internship and partnership opportunities while maintaining a liberal-arts environment that encourages reflection on the social and ethical dimensions of contemporary issues. The programme’s interdisciplinary flexibility allows students to combine humanistic study with applied experiences, preparing graduates to adapt to diverse careers or pursue further study.

Students benefit from campus resources such as career advising, study-abroad programmes, community-engaged learning initiatives and faculty-led research, all of which support the development of the communication, analysis and leadership skills central to a liberal-arts education.