Introduction to the Major
The Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences major (EECS) combines the fundamentals of computer science and electrical engineering in one major. The EECS major prepares students:
To pursue postgraduate education in electrical engineering, computer science, or related fields.
For success in technical careers related to electrical and computer engineering, or computer science and engineering.
To become leaders in fields related to electrical and computer engineering or computer science and engineering.
“EECS taught me to think outside the box, to approach problems and solve them.”
- Erica Maida, EECS student
EECS or Computer Science (CS)?
There are a few differences in the computer science course content between the EECS and CS majors--the difference is what other subjects you'd like to study.
If you prefer greater flexibility in your coursework, or have an interest in double-majoring within L&S, then the CS major might be a good choice. There is greater opportunity to explore other departments, such as economics, statistics, business, and music.
If you have an interest in electrical engineering, or have an interest in double-majoring in another engineering major, the EECS major may be better suited for you.
Amplify Your Major
- Pursue your interests and challenge yourself by conducting research with EECS faculty.
- Engage with industry and explore careers through our many opportunities available in the department.
- Get a competitive edge with PREP and T-PREP programs for new Engineering students.
- If eligible and interested in research, consider applying for the EECS Honors Program.
- CS Mentors is a student-run organization that provides a smaller classroom environment through group tutoring sessions
- Explore study abroad options available to EECS majors on the EECS Study Abroad page.
First Year
Explore Your Major
- Review requirements for the EECS major, COE and UC/Campus.
- Take intro courses CS 10 and/or DATA 8 if you have no prior coding experience.
- Meet an advisor and map out a plan of study.
- Refer to sample study plans for guidance.
- Participate in faculty advising each semester.
Connect and Build Community
- New to CS? Apply for the CS Scholars Program
- Get support in classes from resources and counselors
- Become familiar with Disabled Students’ Program, Gender Equity Resource Center, Undocumented Student Program, Educational Opportunity Program.
Discover Your Passions
- Enroll in a Freshman & Sophomore Seminar. Look for CS/EE 24 & 36.
- Visit the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarships to learn about research opportunities.
- Take a DeCal, a student-facilitated course.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Explore study abroad options now so you can incorporate them into your sophomore or junior year plans.
- Explore volunteer opportunities on campus.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Develop a plan for getting career ready.
- Join Handshake for Berkeley-specific career opportunities.
- Learn about careers in EECS at Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Look for internship programs at various companies specific to first-year students.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
- Finish completing math and lower division EE & CS requirements.
- Use the HKN course guide to review possible future classes.
- Consider a minor.
- Check out a course at the Jacob’s Institute for Design or sign up for a Maker Pass.
Connect and Build Community
- Learn about EECS student organizations
- Go to office hours of professors and GSIs.
- Consider becoming an Academic Intern, Reader, or Tutor
- Seek CS and ESS peer advising and ask questions on the EECS 101 Ed Q&A forum.
Discover Your Passions
- Assist a professor in their research through the Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program
- Attend the EECS Department Colloquium Series to learn more about the field.
- Learn more about research opportunities available at UC Berkeley.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Explore study abroad options for EECS and meet with both an EECS major advisor and your ESS advisor to confirm requirement fulfillment.
- Join Bridging Berkeley to become a math mentor to middle schoolers.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Subscribe to the eecs-ugrad-jobs list serve to learn about EECS Info-sessions and Tech Talks
- Attend the EECS Internship Fair, EECS & STEM Career Fairs
- Meet with Berkeley Career Engagement or UPE for resume help and interview practice.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
- Check-in with an EECS advisor to make sure you are on track to graduate.
- If eligible and interested in research, consider the EECS Honors Program
- Consider applying to the Accel Scholars Program for mentoring & exposure to various career paths.
Connect and Build Community
- Enjoy teaching and/or mentoring? Become an EE/CS DeCal facilitator or CS Mentor. Learn about how to become anUndergraduate Student Instructor in future semesters.
- Attend EECS Department Colloquium Series to learn more about the field.
Discover Your Passions
- Explore Beehive and other EECS research opportunities for undergraduates.
- Join CalTeach to gain teaching skills and explore a career in education.
- Apply for leadership roles through student government, student organizations, or Golden Bear Orientation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Interested in community outreach? Check out the opportunities available in community outreach programs for engineering students.
- Get matched with a graduate student mentor through Berkeley Connect.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Attend Engineering and Tech Career Conference to prepare for recruiting season.
- Explore graduate school options by speaking with faculty members and advisors.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
- Finish completing any remaining requirements.
- Meet with an ESS or EECS advisor to do a degree check and ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Participate in general and/or the College of Engineering commencement.
Connect and Build Community
- Give back by becoming an Engineering peer advisor or tutor at the Student Learning Center
- Volunteer for EECS Departmental events such as Cal Day
- See ways to stay in touch with the EECS Department after you graduate.
Discover Your Passions
- Carry out your own research project funded by scholarships
- Attend events at the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology or the Jacobs Institute for Design and Innovation.
Engage Locally and Globally
- Consider researching and applying for scholarships available to recent Berkeley graduates.
- If interested in graduate school, explore gap year opportunities prior to embarking on your next academic or career adventure.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
- Continue to attend industry related events.
- Take the GRE & seek letter of recommendations if interested in graduate school.
- Utilize job board tools in your job search.
- View the First Destination Survey to find out what recent grads are doing.
Jobs and Employers
- Audio Test Engineer, THX
- Computing Technician, Pandora
- Consultant, Google
- CTO, Evolution Devices
- Data Scientist, Proofpoint
- Design Engineer, GM
- Developer, Salesforce
- Elect. Engineer, Northrop Grumman
- Firmware Engineer, Fitbit
- Graphics Software Engineer, Intel
- Hardware Engineer, Amazon
- Product Designer, Facebook
- Programmer, Celect
- Researcher, Signetron
- Software Developer, Capital One
- Software Engineer, Apple
- Solutions Engineer, Cisco
- Technical Asst., Ind. Light & Magic
- Technology Associate, Bridgewater
Graduate Programs
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Examples from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more. See what events the EECS Department offers at eecs.berkeley.edu
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit eecs.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Prospective and current EECS students can connect with an EECS advisor at eecs.berkeley.edu/resources/undergrads/eecs/advising. EECS advisors are located in 205 Cory Hall.
Engineering Student Services (ESS) advising is open to current EECS students and can be found at engineering.berkeley.edu/student-services. ESS Advisors are located in 230 Bechtel Engineering Center.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
