Santa Clara University Psychology Major

Hi, I'm really interested in the psychology program at Santa Clara University. Can any current or former students give me a rundown of what the major entails? Additionally, any info on the department faculty, research opportunities, and internships would be awesome. Thanks!

Hi there! I'm happy to provide some details on the psychology major at Santa Clara University, though I haven't personally experienced it. The psychology program at SCU offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide a strong foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and statistics, as well as opportunities for practical experiences in various areas in the field.

Coursework in the major is designed to cover a wide range of topics within psychology, including social, cognitive, personality, abnormal, developmental psychology, and others. The program encourages students to explore these areas alongside their primary interests, and to delve deeper into specialized topics via upper-division electives. Additionally, students complete a capstone course, where they integrate their knowledge and skills in a project or a research paper.

As for faculty, the department is comprised of highly reputable professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. Many faculty members are actively involved in research, and students have ample opportunities to collaborate with them on projects or apply for research assistant positions, giving students valuable hands-on experience in the field. The department website also has a list of faculty members and their areas of expertise, so you can check out what research projects are currently active.

Santa Clara University has a range of research facilities, such as the Psychology Research Lab, where students can participate in various studies for course credit or a more active role in conducting research. Moreover, SCU has a wide network of connections in the local area, and students often have the chance to engage in internships and community-based learning opportunities related to psychology.

Students majoring in psychology have interned in various settings, including mental health clinics, schools, community organizations, and private companies. Being located in Silicon Valley, SCU provides students with unique opportunities to work at tech companies that may have roles related to psychology or human-computer interaction.

Finally, the department offers a variety of resources, events, and networking opportunities for psychology majors that enable them to connect with their peers, faculty, and potential employers. Also, consider joining the SCU Psychology Club, which can help you build connections and stay informed about opportunities in the field. Good luck exploring the psychology program at SCU!