Computer Science

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Computer Science major (CS) deals with computer theory, methods of information processing, hardware and software design, and applications. The major combines a rigorous technical program with background in the liberal arts and sciences. The CS major prepares students for technical careers or graduate school programs related to EECS or CS. 

All students admitted to the College of Letters & Science are admitted as undeclared students. To declare CS, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 in CS61A, CS61B, & CS70. All students who meet this criteria are admitted into the major.

One Department, Two Programs 

There is no difference in the CS course content between the CS and EECS majors--the differences are what other subjects you'd like to study and the admissions processes to the university and majors.

If you prefer greater flexibility in your coursework, or have an interest double-majoring in an area outside engineering, the CS major might be a good choice. There is greater opportunity to explore other departments, like economics, business, and music.

If you have a great interest in electrical engineering or in double-majoring in another engineering major, the EECS major may be better suited for you.

Related Majors

There are many ways to get exposure to CS other than via the CS major. The following majors are avenues to study CS and to help prepare students for industry and graduate school: applied math, cognitive science, data science, & statistics.

The CS minor is also a great option that equips students for industry and graduate school.

CS isn’t something I could’ve done alone, so I’m grateful for the community here.
Steven Tan, CS student and CS Peer Advisor

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

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 career opportunities in CS at Berkeley Career Engagement.
  • Look for internship programs at various companies specific to first-year students.

Second Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

  • Attend the Engineering and Tech Career Conference to prepare for recruiting season.
  • Utilize job board tools in your job search.
  • Explore graduate school options by speaking with faculty members and advisors.

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

  • Complete remaining CS upper-division requirements
  • Consider getting faculty permission to take CS graduate courses.
  • Meet with a CS advisor to ensure CS requirements will be completed.
  • Check-in with an L&S advisor to stay on track to graduate.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

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 letters of recommendation if interested in graduate school.
  • View the First Destination Survey to find out what recent grads are doing.

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Analyst, Axioma
  • Application Developer, Workday
  • ASIC Engineer, Nvidia
  • Assoc. Publishing Producer, Google
  • Care Coordinator, YoDerm
  • Consultant, Bain and Company
  • Cyber Security Consultant, Deloitte
  • Data Analyst, Apple
  • Data Scientist, Nerdwallet
  • Front End Developer, HealthTap
  • Hardware Engineer, Apple
  • Infrastructure Engineer, Capital One
  • Investment Engineer, Bridgewater
  • iOS Engineer, Mozilla
  • Machine Learning Engineer, eBay
  • Mobile Developer, Sony
  • Performance Engineer, Splunk
  • Program Manager, Microsoft
  • Programmer, Intl CS Institute
  • R&D Engineer, Glint Photonics
  • Site Reliability Engineer, Google
  • Software Developer, Expedia
  • Software Engineer, AirBnB
  • Surface Warfare Officer, U.S. Navy
  • Systems Specialist, Salesforce
  • Teacher, Teach for India
  • Technology Analyst, Goldman Sachs
  • UX Designer, GoDaddy

Graduate Programs

  • Algebra & Numbers Theory
  • Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
  • Audiology & Hearing Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biostatistics
  • Chemistry
  • Computational Mathematics
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Industrial & Org. Psychology
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Medicine
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Physics

Examples from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

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/academics/undergraduate/calday.

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 students can make an appointment to meet with a CS advisor at berkeleycs.youcanbook.me. Current students should make a CS advising appointment through CalCentral.

Drop-in CS advising is available. Please check eecs.berkeley.edu/resources/undergrads/cs/advising for the latest schedule.

Letters & Science College advising services can be found at lsadvising.berkeley.edu

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.