Students learn that human behavior is influenced by cognitive processes, developmental histories, physiological traits, and social forces. The requirements for psychology major also are flexible enough that students can concentrate on the areas of psychology they find most interesting. For example, students interested in clinical or counseling psychology can take courses in abnormal psychology, psychological testing, and advanced topics in clinical psychology. Because psychology is a science, research plays an important role in all areas of the field. The Psychology Department provides opportunities for many undergraduates to participate in professional psychological research.
Many students help design and conduct research with faculty members in their areas of expertise.
As a result of these projects, many Santa Clara students have co-authored presentations at professional conferences or papers published in professional journals. The Psychology Department has extensive laboratory facilities and equipment available for research. These include permanent laboratory rooms for research with human subjects as well as modern animal facilities for research with rats, mice, and rabbits. The department's commitment to undergraduate research is reflected in the annual Western Psychology Conference for Undergraduate Research hosted by the Santa Clara Psychology Department. Since 1972 the conference has given undergraduates throughout the western United States and opportunity to present original research in all areas of psychology.