History
Since opening our doors in 1851, SCU has evolved and grown in ways that would have been unimaginable to our founders. Through the years, however, we’ve remained faithful to the 475-year-old Jesuit tradition and to our core values.
Education
We offer more than 50 majors, minors, and special programs for law, medicine, and teaching. Our graduate programs span business, engineering, education, counseling psychology, law, theology, and pastoral ministries.
Research
You’ll have the opportunity to do graduate-level research right away. SCU undergrads work with faculty in a wide variety of research areas, gaining invaluable practical experience in the process.
Maybe you'll investigate the ethical implications of software development or join in impact research with social entrepreneurs in foreign countries. Maybe you’ll use virtual reality technology to alleviate anxiety disorder or analyze the food, economy, and society of Cuba firsthand. These are just four of the hundreds of research projects that SCU undergrads worked on last year.
Career
Internships, jobs, resumes—the Career Center has so much to offer, don’t wait until senior year to reach out. What should you major in? Which career path best fits your skills and passions? Looking for an internship or job? They can help. And before you head out into the workforce, let them spiff up your resume and hone your networking skills.
Student services
Get answers to all academic-related questions. From how to meet your Core requirements while still taking interesting classes to what to do when you need a little help passing your midterm, Drahmann is the place to go for tutoring, advising, and other learning support.
International Student Services
ISS provides a wide range of services to SCU’s international student population, from events and social networking opportunities to assistance with immigration forms and policies.
Housing services
All first-years and most sophomores live in RLCs (Residential Learning Communities) housed in eight of our ten campus residence halls. Each RLC is built around one or two themes, like community service or contemporary world issues. Because the themes are broad, it's easy to find one that matches your interests.
We are committed to leaving the world a better place. We pursue new technology, encourage creativity, engage with our communities, and share an entrepreneurial mindset. Our goal is to help shape the next generation of leaders and global thinkers.
Library services
The University Library at Santa Clara (aka the learning commons, which is easier to say than its full name: Harrington Learning Commons, Sobrato Technology Center, and Orradre Library) is an inspiring and groundbreaking place of research and learning.
ICT services
Information Technology supports the technology needs of the University Community.
- Enterprise Applications Group
- Infrastructure Technologies Group
Medical services
The Cowell Center provides healthcare services, urgent care, after-hours advice, and medical support.
Campus life
Our campus is in the heart of Silicon Valley and spans 106 lush acres with world-renowned gardens and state-of-the-art facilities all surrounding our iconic Mission. But our campus is just the beginning of the story.
Santa Clara is located at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay. We’re adjacent to San Jose, the 10th largest city in the U.S., and just two miles from San Jose International Airport. Did we mention we enjoy nearly 300 days of sunshine a year?
Sports facilities
Santa Clara competes in 20 Division I sports and 17 club sports. More than 4,500 students participate in intramurals every year. If you want to play, there’s a team for you at Santa Clara University.
Student clubs
Our student organizations give you the freedom to explore anything you’re interested in, and to create a college experience that’s uniquely yours:
- If student-run media is your thing—writing, reporting, reviewing, publishing—there are lots of groups you might check out, like our campus radio station, the student newspaper, and our annual literary magazine.
- If you like to exercise your body alongside your mind, you can find a recreational club or class that moves at your pace, whether you’re a varsity-level athlete or just a beginner.
- Our Campus Ministry programs offer many opportunities for you to deepen your faith and connect with SCU’s spiritual community.
Accreditation
Santa Clara University, Center for Professional Development is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists, and maintains responsibility for this program and its content.