What majors is UC Berkeley most famous for?
I'm currently putting together my college list and UC Berkeley keeps coming up because of its reputation. I know it's a top school, but I'm having a tough time figuring out which majors or programs it's actually best known for.
Are there certain fields where Berkeley really stands out or is particularly strong, both in terms of academics and opportunities? I’m most interested in STEM but would love to hear about any majors where the programs are considered top-notch compared to other schools. If anyone has personal experience or knows about specific strengths, that info would really help as I finalize where to apply.
Are there certain fields where Berkeley really stands out or is particularly strong, both in terms of academics and opportunities? I’m most interested in STEM but would love to hear about any majors where the programs are considered top-notch compared to other schools. If anyone has personal experience or knows about specific strengths, that info would really help as I finalize where to apply.
2 weeks ago
•
8 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is widely recognized as a powerhouse in several academic fields, especially when it comes to STEM. Its College of Engineering is often ranked among the top in the world, and majors like Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) are particularly prestigious and competitive. Computer Science at Berkeley has produced big names in tech, with graduates going on to work at or start companies like Google, Apple, and Tesla. The campus culture for CS is vibrant, complete with research opportunities, hackathons, and ties to Silicon Valley.
Berkeley is also renowned for its programs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If you’re interested in research, their undergrad labs offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, sometimes even as a freshman. The Molecular and Cell Biology major is a standout, and the Chemistry department is one of the oldest and most respected in the US—best known for Nobel Prize-winning research.
Mathematics and Statistics are also exceptionally strong at Berkeley. Whether you want to dive into theoretical math or applied stats/data science, you’ll have top-tier professors and challenging courses. Engineering as a whole is exceptional, with top programs in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Environmental Engineering. The robust partnership with national labs (like Lawrence Berkeley) gives students unique research and internship opportunities.
Even outside of STEM, Berkeley is famous for its Economics, Political Science, and Environmental Sciences programs. The Haas School of Business is tough to get into as an undergrad, but it’s highly respected if business is on your radar.
As an example, I talked to a recent Mechanical Engineering grad who said that the hands-on projects—like working in the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation—really set Berkeley apart. They felt that diving into real-world design as an undergrad helped them land strong internships and, eventually, a job in product development.
In summary, if you’re interested in STEM, especially engineering, computer science, chemistry, or biology, UC Berkeley is one of the best places in the country. Its strengths across other programs (like economics or environmental science) can also make it the right fit for a wide range of interests.
Berkeley is also renowned for its programs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. If you’re interested in research, their undergrad labs offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects, sometimes even as a freshman. The Molecular and Cell Biology major is a standout, and the Chemistry department is one of the oldest and most respected in the US—best known for Nobel Prize-winning research.
Mathematics and Statistics are also exceptionally strong at Berkeley. Whether you want to dive into theoretical math or applied stats/data science, you’ll have top-tier professors and challenging courses. Engineering as a whole is exceptional, with top programs in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Environmental Engineering. The robust partnership with national labs (like Lawrence Berkeley) gives students unique research and internship opportunities.
Even outside of STEM, Berkeley is famous for its Economics, Political Science, and Environmental Sciences programs. The Haas School of Business is tough to get into as an undergrad, but it’s highly respected if business is on your radar.
As an example, I talked to a recent Mechanical Engineering grad who said that the hands-on projects—like working in the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation—really set Berkeley apart. They felt that diving into real-world design as an undergrad helped them land strong internships and, eventually, a job in product development.
In summary, if you’re interested in STEM, especially engineering, computer science, chemistry, or biology, UC Berkeley is one of the best places in the country. Its strengths across other programs (like economics or environmental science) can also make it the right fit for a wide range of interests.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years