Is UC Berkeley a good school for engineering?
I'm in the process of finalizing my college list and considering majoring in engineering. UC Berkeley keeps coming up as one of the top choices, but I'm still not totally sure how it compares to other schools in the field.
For people who are there now or who have done more research: what makes Berkeley's engineering program stand out? Is it just the ranking, or are students actually happy there? I’m curious about things like research opportunities, the workload, the kinds of projects you get to do, and general campus life for engineering majors.
Would appreciate any first-hand perspectives! Also, if anyone has thoughts on how it compares to other UCs like UCLA for engineering, that would be great to hear about.
For people who are there now or who have done more research: what makes Berkeley's engineering program stand out? Is it just the ranking, or are students actually happy there? I’m curious about things like research opportunities, the workload, the kinds of projects you get to do, and general campus life for engineering majors.
Would appreciate any first-hand perspectives! Also, if anyone has thoughts on how it compares to other UCs like UCLA for engineering, that would be great to hear about.
5 days ago
•
7 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 5 days ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is consistently recognized as one of the top engineering schools in the world, and there are several reasons behind its reputation. The College of Engineering at Berkeley offers a wide range of highly ranked programs—electrical engineering & computer sciences (EECS), mechanical engineering, bioengineering, and more. The faculty includes world-renowned researchers and industry leaders, which gives students access to cutting-edge developments in the field.
One major advantage is the abundance of research opportunities available, even for undergraduates. Many labs and projects actively seek undergrad involvement, and it’s common for students to contribute to research early in their academic careers. For example, a friend of mine studying electrical engineering at Berkeley joined a robotics lab in her sophomore year, where she helped design and test new sensor systems. This kind of hands-on experience is routine at Berkeley, and lots of students gain valuable practical skills well before graduation.
However, the workload is intense. Engineering majors at Berkeley are known to face rigorous classes and sometimes heavy problem sets, but there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among students. Study groups are common, and students often support each other through challenging projects and exams. Berkeley has an active engineering community, with student organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the student-run engineering project teams (like CalSol, Berkeley’s solar vehicle team) providing both technical experience and social engagement.
Campus life for engineering majors is vibrant, but you should be prepared for a fast-paced academic environment. Some students say the competition can be tough, which is true at many top programs. But if you’re looking for a dynamic, resource-rich environment where you can push yourself and collaborate with motivated peers, Berkeley stands out.
In comparison to UCLA, both schools have excellent programs, but Berkeley typically edges out due to its long-standing history, stronger ties to Silicon Valley, and broader departmental offerings. UCLA also offers an excellent experience, slightly less competitive in some engineering departments, and with a strong campus culture and student life. If possible, try to visit both campuses or talk to current students at each.
In summary, Berkeley is not just living off its ranking. The resources, research, and community make it an outstanding choice for engineering, provided you’re ready for the academic rigor that comes with it.
One major advantage is the abundance of research opportunities available, even for undergraduates. Many labs and projects actively seek undergrad involvement, and it’s common for students to contribute to research early in their academic careers. For example, a friend of mine studying electrical engineering at Berkeley joined a robotics lab in her sophomore year, where she helped design and test new sensor systems. This kind of hands-on experience is routine at Berkeley, and lots of students gain valuable practical skills well before graduation.
However, the workload is intense. Engineering majors at Berkeley are known to face rigorous classes and sometimes heavy problem sets, but there’s a strong sense of camaraderie among students. Study groups are common, and students often support each other through challenging projects and exams. Berkeley has an active engineering community, with student organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the student-run engineering project teams (like CalSol, Berkeley’s solar vehicle team) providing both technical experience and social engagement.
Campus life for engineering majors is vibrant, but you should be prepared for a fast-paced academic environment. Some students say the competition can be tough, which is true at many top programs. But if you’re looking for a dynamic, resource-rich environment where you can push yourself and collaborate with motivated peers, Berkeley stands out.
In comparison to UCLA, both schools have excellent programs, but Berkeley typically edges out due to its long-standing history, stronger ties to Silicon Valley, and broader departmental offerings. UCLA also offers an excellent experience, slightly less competitive in some engineering departments, and with a strong campus culture and student life. If possible, try to visit both campuses or talk to current students at each.
In summary, Berkeley is not just living off its ranking. The resources, research, and community make it an outstanding choice for engineering, provided you’re ready for the academic rigor that comes with it.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years