Santa Clara University: A Comprehensive Guide to Majors, Minors, and Academic Programs
Santa Clara University (SCU) provides a diverse and comprehensive range of academic programs across its various schools and colleges. This article aims to provide a structured overview of the undergraduate and graduate programs, majors, and minors available at SCU, drawing from provided information to offer a detailed guide for prospective students and those interested in learning more about the university's academic offerings.
Introduction to Santa Clara University's Academic Structure
Santa Clara University offers undergraduate degrees leading to Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and Bachelor of Science in Commerce (B.S.C.) degrees. The university is divided into several schools and colleges, each with its own specific focus and programs:
- The College of Arts and Sciences: Offers B.A. and B.S. degrees in a wide array of subject areas.
- The Leavey School of Business: Focuses on business-related programs, offering the B.S.C. degree and various graduate programs.
- The School of Engineering: Provides programs in various engineering disciplines, leading to the B.S. degree and advanced graduate degrees.
- The School of Education and Counseling Psychology: Offers programs for teachers, educational leaders, and counseling professionals.
- The School of Law: Offers programs leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.).
- The Jesuit School of Theology (JST): Offers ecclesiastical and advanced theological degrees.
Undergraduate Programs
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences is the cornerstone of Santa Clara University's undergraduate education, offering a broad range of programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. As a central part of the Jesuit and Catholic University, the College of Arts and Sciences advances fundamental knowledge and addresses the fundamental challenges of society by promoting discovery, deepening knowledge, and fostering artistic expression. Students often choose to double major or supplement their major with a minor(s). The College of Arts and Sciences offers students dozens of majors and minors. As part of a Santa Clara education, students are required to complete the core curriculum in addition to the requirements set by their chosen area of study.
Majors:
- Anthropology (B.S.)
- Art History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Classics (B.A.)
- Communication (B.A.)
- Economics
- English
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Studies
- History
- Mathematics
- Music (B.A.)
- Neuroscience
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology (B.S.)
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies
- Theatre Arts
- Women's and Gender Studies
Minors:
- Ancient Studies
- Arabic, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies
- Asian Studies
- Catholic Studies
- Classical Studies
- Creative Writing
- Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
- Dance
- Data Science
- Digital Filmmaking
- French and Francophone Studies
- German Studies
- Global Engagement
- Greek
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Jazz Studies
- Latin
- Latin American Studies
- LGBTQ Studies
- Music
- Peace Studies
- Philosophy of Science
- Pre-Law
- Public Health
- Sustainability
- Urban Education
The Department of Anthropology offers a degree program leading to a bachelor of science in anthropology. The Department of Classics offers a program leading to a bachelor of arts in classics. Students majoring or minoring in classics may choose one of three tracks: classical languages and literatures, classical studies, or ancient studies. The Department of Communication offers a program of studies leading to a bachelor of arts in communication. Students who minor must choose either the journalism or digital filmmaking track. The Department of Ethnic Studies offers students the option to complete a major in ethnic studies (bachelor of science) or a minor in ethnic studies. The Individual Studies Program (ISP) major has been established to meet the needs of students who wish to design a course of studies with a multidisciplinary perspective. ISP majors can lead to a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree or a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in social science. The Department of Modern Languages and Literatures offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, as well as degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts in French and Francophone studies, Italian studies, and Spanish studies. The Department of Music offers a degree program leading to the bachelor of arts in music as well as a minor in music. The Department of Psychology offers a degree program leading to a bachelor of science in psychology. The Department of Religious Studies offers a degree program leading to the bachelor of arts in religious studies.
Leavey School of Business
The Leavey School of Business is dedicated to providing students with a strong foundation in business principles and practices.
Read also: Explore Santa Clara University
Majors (B.S.C.):
- Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering offers programs that combine theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing students for careers in various engineering fields.
Majors (B.S.):
- Bioengineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Web Design and Engineering
- Data Engineering
Graduate Programs
Santa Clara University offers a wide array of graduate programs across its various schools, catering to students seeking advanced knowledge and specialization in their chosen fields.
Leavey School of Business
The Leavey School of Business offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with coursework in accounting, economics, finance, management, marketing, and operations management and information systems (OMIS). The MBA can be done part-time on campus and online. The business school also offers graduate programs leading to the master of science in information systems, business analytics, marketing, or finance & analytics. A 4+1 degree program aimed at seniors is available for the MS programs in information systems, business analytics, and finance & analytics. In conjunction with the law school, the business school also offers joint degree programs leading to a J.D./MBA and J.D./MSIS.
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Master of Science in Marketing
- Master of Science in Finance & Analytics
School of Engineering
The School of Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the master of science (M.S.) degree in applied mathematics; bioengineering; civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering; computer science and engineering; electrical engineering; engineering management; mechanical engineering; software engineering; and sustainable energy; and the engineer’s degree in computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The engineering school also offers the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in computer science and engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Mathematics
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Bioengineering
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Computer Science and Engineering
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Engineering Management
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Software Engineering
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Sustainable Energy
- Engineer's Degree in Computer Science and Engineering
- Engineer's Degree in Electrical Engineering
- Engineer's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science and Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering
School of Education and Counseling Psychology
The School of Education and Counseling Psychology offers credential, licensure, and graduate programs. The Department of Education prepares teachers and leaders for public, private and Catholic schools. It offers programs in teacher preparation leading to credentials (e.g., California preliminary multiple-subject and single-subject teaching credentials), bilingual authorization, and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT). Its programs in educational leadership prepare public K-12 leaders for credentials (e.g., Preliminary California Administrative Services credential, California Clear Administrative Services credential) with an opportunity to also receive an MA degree in Educational leadership. The Educational leadership program also offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Social Justice Leadership degree with specializations in Higher Education Leadership, PreK-12 Leadership, and Social Impact Leadership.
Read also: A Deep Dive into SCU's Undergraduate Enrollment
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Social Justice Leadership
The Department of Counseling Psychology offers three degree programs: MA in Counseling Psychology, MA in Counseling, and an MA in Applied Psychology. The MA in Counseling Psychology can lead to state licensure for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC). The MA in Counseling is for students that wish to pursue work in which they will use counseling skills in non-mental health settings. The MA in Applied Psychology is designed for students who wish to pursue a variety of human service fields or as preparation in applying for graduate level PhD work in any branch of psychology. Emphasis for all three degree programs include Latino Counseling, LGBTQ Counseling, Health Psychology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Correctional Psychology.
- MA in Counseling Psychology
- MA in Counseling
- MA in Applied Psychology
School of Law
The School of Law offers programs leading to the degrees of Juris Doctor (J.D.) and master of laws (LL.M.). A broad curriculum also includes business and commercial law, taxation, criminal law and trial advocacy, environmental law, estate planning, labor law, health law, legal writing and research, as well as opportunities for externships, clinical work, and professional skill development. J.D. students may earn certificates of specialization in high technology law, international law, and public interest and social justice law. LL.M. law or international and comparative law.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.)
- Master of Laws (LL.M.)
Jesuit School of Theology (JST)
The Jesuit School of Theology (JST) is one of only two Jesuit theological centers in the United States operated by the Society of Jesus, as the order of Catholic priests is known. It is one of only two Jesuit theological centers in the country that offer three ecclesiastical degrees certified by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education, and it also offers four advanced theological degrees certified by the Association of Theological Schools.
- Ecclesiastical Degrees
- Advanced Theological Degrees
Pastoral Ministries
The Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries offers three emphases-Youth and Young Adult Ministries, Latina/o Ministries, and Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy-along with the general Masters in Arts degree with no emphasis and the Diaconate Education program.
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministries
Additional Information
- Student-Faculty Ratio: The student-faculty ratio at Santa Clara University is 10:1, indicating personalized attention and access to faculty.
- Class Size: A significant portion of classes (41.5%) have fewer than 20 students, fostering a more intimate learning environment.
- Popular Majors: The most popular majors at Santa Clara University include Finance, General; Speech Communication and Rhetoric; Psychology, General; Mathematics and Computer Science; Marketing/Marketing Management, General; Political Science and Government, General; Economics, General; Computer Engineering, General; Accounting; and Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
- Freshman Retention Rate: The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 93%.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to SMC
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