Two Ways to Study Computer Science
Berkeley offers two degree programs in computer science. Both programs offer rigorous technical training in computer science. Technical requirements in computer science are almost identical in the two programs. However, breadth requirements, degrees offered, and admissions processes vary significantly.
Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
The Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) major is housed in the College of Engineering and culminates in a Bachelor's of Science degree. The EECS program requires a greater number of math and science courses than the CS program in the College of Letters and Science. Students interested in this major should apply directly to the EECS major on the UC Berkeley Application for Admission. Admitted freshman are admitted directly into the EECS major and spend all four years in the program.
Freshmen applicants may also consider applying to the College of Engineering undeclared. This path allows engineering undeclared students who maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA easy transfer at the junior year to any major in the College of Engineering major.
Junior transfer applicants interested in EECS must apply directly to the EECS major in the College of Engineering. Applicants from California community colleges should use www.assist.org to determine prerequisites for admission to the major.
Computer Science
The Computer Science (CS) major is housed in the College of Letters and Science and culminates in a Bachelor's of Arts degree. The CS program requires a greater number of non-technical, or breadth courses, than the EECS program.
Freshman applicants interested in the Computer Science major can apply to the College of Letters and Science indicating their intended major as CS. All admitted freshmen are encouraged to satisfy major prerequisites for any major, along with breadth requirements during their first two years at Berkeley. Undeclared students should "declare" their majors by the end of their sophomore year or during the first semester of their junior year.
Junior transfer students interested in CS should apply to the College of Letters and Science (L&S) undeclared. Admitted transfer students in L&S are encouraged to "declare" their major at the end of their first semester at UCB. Junior transfer applicants should use www.assist.org to determine the courses necessary for transferring to UC Berkeley.
Not sure which program is for you?
If you have an interest in humanities and social sciences, then the BA program might be a good choice. There is greater opportunity to take courses in economics, statistics, business applications, and computer science, during your undergraduate years. If you consider yourself to be more of a technical person, or have more of an interest in sciences and math, the BS program may be better suited for you.
| Information for Prospective Undergraduates |