Santa Clara University

What you'll study

The Psychology major at Santa Clara University is built on core courses in experimental methods, statistics, and biological bases of behaviour, supplemented by topical courses across developmental, social, cognitive, clinical/abnormal, and health psychology. Students typically begin with introductory and statistics courses, then progress to intermediate courses in research methods and biological psychology before choosing electives that align with their interests.

Common course types and topics you can expect include:

• Foundations: Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods in Psychology, Statistical Methods for the Behavioral Sciences.
• Core domains: Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Abnormal/Clinical Psychology, Biological/Neuroscience.
• Advanced and applied courses: Psychopathology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Health Psychology, Personality, Industrial/Organisational Psychology, Psychology of Learning.
• Research and experiential learning: Laboratory practica, independent research projects with faculty (senior thesis or honours project), field placements and community internships.

The programme emphasises empirical literacy and ethical practice: you will design and run experiments, apply appropriate statistical analyses, critically evaluate psychological literature, and learn to communicate findings clearly. Many students combine psychology with minors or electives in allied areas such as neuroscience, sociology, computer science (for data/AI applications), philosophy, or business.

Entry requirements

Admission to Santa Clara University is competitive and based on a holistic review of your academic performance and extracurricular engagement. Applicants should have a strong high‑school record with solid grades across a broad college‑preparatory curriculum. Preparation in mathematics (courses that build quantitative reasoning) and sciences is beneficial for success in statistics and research methods.

Typical application materials include a completed university application, school transcripts, a personal statement or essays, and letters of recommendation. Standardised test submission policies may vary; consult the university’s admissions guidance for current testing options. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test or qualifying credentials unless otherwise exempt.

Current students at Santa Clara who wish to declare a Psychology major normally must meet departmental prerequisites (introductory psychology and statistics) and maintain satisfactory academic standing; opportunities exist for students to begin doing research or internships early in their studies.

Career prospects

A BA in Psychology from Santa Clara University provides versatile preparation for a range of careers. Graduates commonly follow these pathways:

• Graduate and professional training: Many alumni pursue graduate study (MA, MS, PhD, PsyD) in psychology or related fields such as counselling, clinical psychology, educational psychology, social work, or organisational behaviour. The major also prepares students for professional programmes in law, medicine, public health, or business.
• Research and data roles: Skills in experimental design, statistics, and scientific writing suit roles as research assistants, data analysts, or user research associates—positions found in academia, healthcare, nonprofit research centres and Silicon Valley tech firms.
• Human services and education: Graduates work in community mental health, case management, behavioural health support, and educational settings. Licensure or further training is required for clinical practice.
• Industry applications: The programme’s emphasis on critical thinking and interpersonal skills is valued in human resources, marketing, UX/research design, organisational development, and programme coordination within private and public sectors.

The university’s location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to internship and networking opportunities with hospitals, research institutes, schools, tech companies and nonprofit organisations, helping students transition from undergraduate study to professional roles or further education.

Why study at Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University combines a rigorous liberal‑arts curriculum with a Jesuit commitment to ethical leadership and service. Psychology students benefit from small class sizes, accessible faculty mentors who are active researchers, and opportunities to pursue independent research projects. The department encourages community engagement and practical experience through clinics, internships and partnerships with local organisations.

Situated in Silicon Valley, the university offers unique proximity to technology firms, healthcare systems, and research centres—advantages for students interested in applied psychology, human‑computer interaction, user experience research, and data‑driven roles. Beyond technical training, the programme emphasises reflective practice, social responsibility and communication skills valued by employers and graduate schools alike.