Undergraduate Admissions & Programs
Each year, top students from across the world are attracted to our undergraduate programs by the excellent faculty, the breadth of educational opportunities, the proximity to the vibrant California high-tech economy, and the Berkeley environment. Our close ties to industry, coupled with our commitment to research and education, ensure that students get a rigorous, relevant, and broad education.
One Department, Two Programs
The Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences Department offers two different undergraduate degrees from two different colleges: the Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) offered by the College of Engineering (CoE), and the Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science (CS) from the College of Letters & Science (L&S). Technical requirements in computer science are almost identical, however breadth requirements and admissions processes vary significantly.
CS Bachelor of Arts
Computer Science deals with computer theory and methods of information processing, hardware & software design, and applications. The major combines a rigorous technical program with background in the liberal arts and sciences.
EECS Bachelor of Science
The CoE Electrical Engineering & Computer Science major combines fundamentals of computer science and electrical engineering in one major.
How Are They Different?
The CS Major offers greater flexibility to explore other fields, such as economics, music, etc. with breadth coursework. If you are more interested in engineering, the EECS Major may be better suited to you.
Why Choose UC Berkeley?
There are many reasons to think seriously about UC Berkeley. It is one of the most distinguished institutions of higher learning, with a leading EECS department, a world-renowned faculty, a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education, and a beautiful campus situated opposite the Golden Gate Bridge near the San Francisco Bay. We are also a short distance from Silicon Valley, and a number of high-tech companies are also based in the Berkeley and Alameda areas. This close proximity to the latest technologies enlivens our curriculum, provides many research and summer job opportunities for our students, and makes this a very exciting place to study electrical engineering and computer sciences.
There is, and will continue to be, a high demand for EE and CS engineers. Due to the rapid pace of change, Berkeley’s academic program is flexible and emphasizes fundamentals. You will use up-to-date undergraduate computer and laboratory facilities. Distinguished teachers from the Berkeley campus will be your lecturers, advisors, and mentors. You can participate in undergraduate research projects. Engineers usually work in teams, so we also encourage our students to take courses to sharpen their communication skills.
Can You See Yourself Doing Research This Summer?
Participation in a summer research project can provide you with valuable new skills and experiences to use on your résumé.
A Message to Prospective Women Students
Messages from some of our women faculty and students, and some resources available to support women in EE and CS.
The Five Year Master's Program in EECS
The 5th Year M.S. is only available to UC Berkeley EECS and CS undergraduates who apply in their final year. It is a combined Bachelor and Master’s program geared toward highly motivated students who are interested in a professional career.
Robotics Projects for EE 106/206B
In EE106/206B, Robotic Manipulation and Interaction, students learn about the dynamics and control of groups of robotic manipulators coordinating with each other and interacting with the environment. The class emphasizes design and human-robot interactions, and applications in manufacturing, service robotics, tele-surgery, and locomotion.
Invitation to Prospective Students and Families
At the northeast corner of the campus you will find Cory and Soda Halls, homes of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, with campus dormitories right across the street.
Here are some ideas on visiting our department:
- Sign up for a department tour with the students in the HKN honor society.
- Sit in on a lower-division EECS class. To do so, please select one of the courses below to pull up the course web page. This will show you the days, times, and location of each course. You can then click on the class home page and contact the faculty directly for permission to attend the class. If on the day of your visit you notice that the lecture hall is full or an exam is happening, please respectfully leave.
- Meet with an Adviser. Please schedule an appointment before visiting to guarantee that we’re available and prepared for our meeting. If you don’t have an appointment, you are certainly welcome to stop by, but we may be unavailable.
- Schedule an appointment to discuss the L&S Computer Science Major
- Schedule an appointment to discuss the CoE EECS Major
- Join a campus tour sponsored by the University’s Visitor’s Center
- Visit during Cal Day (in the Spring)
- Visit during Community College Day (in the Fall)
- Review information about directions and parking