Forge your path at the intersection of hardware and software.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences in the College of Engineering combines fundamentals of computer science and electrical engineering in one major, and is ranked among the top three undergraduate computer engineering programs in the world. We offer a dynamic, interdisciplinary, hands-on education; we challenge conventional thinking and value creativity and imagination; and our students and faculty are driven by social commitment to change the world.
In EECS, you might explore how circuits enable machine learning, how embedded systems power intelligent devices, or how quantum hardware could transform computing as we know it. If you’re drawn to both the physical world of engineering and the abstract power of computation, EECS offers the flexibility to dive into both.
Highlights
- Get involved with one of the many EECS student organizations.
- Spend the summer conducting research with EECS faculty through SUPERB.
- Learn about research and emerging trends in the EECS Colloquium.
Curriculum
The Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences major is geared towards students who prefer a traditional STEM curriculum; who may wish to emphasize in EE; and who are certain about their major choice at the time of admission. Students are required to complete core technical classes during their first few semesters. They then have the opportunity to explore various topics from computer science theory to networking and physical systems.
Due to the rapid pace of change, UC Berkeley’s academic program is flexible and emphasizes fundamentals. You will use up-to-date undergraduate computer and laboratory facilities. Distinguished teachers from the Berkeley campus will be your lecturers, advisors, and mentors. You can participate in undergraduate research projects.
Learn more at eecs.berkeley.edu/resources/undergrads/eecs-2/
One Department, Three Programs
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences offers three different undergraduate degrees from two different colleges: the BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences and the BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, both offered by the College of Engineering, and the BA in Computer Science from the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society. The CS major offers greater flexibility to explore other fields with breadth coursework. If you are more interested in engineering, the EECS or ECE majors may better suit you.
Admission to the Major
First-year and transfer students accepted to UC Berkeley and who selected Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences on their undergraduate admissions application will be admitted directly to the College of Engineering and the EECS major.
It is rare but possible for students within the College of Engineering to transfer into the EECS program from another Engineering major, or add EECS as a second major. For students not within the College of Engineering, we also offer minor programs in EECS and CS. For more information on admission to the major, visit eecs.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate/eecs-bs/.
A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences 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; and to become leaders in fields related to electrical and computer engineering or computer science and engineering.
UC Berkeley offers a number of career resources for students studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. The EECS Department hosts internship and career fairs, while Engineering Student Services in the College of Engineering assists students with career and job-search planning and advises students interested in applying to graduate school. ESS also connects students with employers as well as graduate and professional schools. Additionally, Berkeley Career Engagement provides career counseling, professional and graduate school advising, job and internship listings, and events such as career and graduate school fairs.
Employment
Alumni find employment in a variety of fields and industries after graduation. Examples include:
- Audio Test Engineer
- Computing Technician
- Data Scientist
- Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Firmware Engineer
- Graphics Software Engineer
- Hardware Engineer
- Product Designer
- Programmer
- Researcher
- Software Developer
- Software Engineer
- Solutions Engineer
- Technology Associate
Graduate Study
Alumni pursue graduate education to gain more depth of knowledge in their field as well as prepare for jobs that require advanced degrees. Examples include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Business Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Graphics
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Information Technology
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Leyla, class of 2021
Leyla Kabuli graduated UC Berkeley with bachelor degrees in Music and EECS, and is currently a PhD student in the EECS Department. During her time as an undergraduate, Kabuli received the University Medal and Top Graduating Senior award, played solo and ensemble shows at venues across the country, and was head lab teaching assistant in EECS courses.
“I might be biased, but Berkeley has the best electrical engineering program in the country….It was one of the best places where I could do both music and be at a top engineering program.”
First Year
Plan Your Studies
- Familiarize yourself with the Undergraduate Guide and EECS requirements; check out sample program plans.
- Meet with your ESS Advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Begin lower division requirements, including math and CS.
- Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar, Berkeley Changemaker, or DeCal course.
- Sign up for the ESS podcast and newsletter, and ENGIN 98 The Insider’s Guide to Berkeley Engineering.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Explore the Grimes Engineering Center.
- Get involved with an EECS student group or other Engineering student organization.
- Check out EECS tutoring resources.
- Find peer support in the Engineering Mentorship Program.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
- Share your voice in an Engineering college committee.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Engineering website.
- Begin making a plan to get career ready.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
Second Year
Plan Your Studies
- Continue lower division requirements, including math, CS, and physics; begin EECS foundation courses.
- Continue exploring with a Sophomore Seminar or Big Ideas course.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; see guidelines from the department and options for EE and CS abroad.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend Engineering and EECS events such as the EECS Colloquium.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and EECS websites; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Interested in entrepreneurship? Check out the Sutardja Center, Accel Scholars, and Berkeley SkyDeck.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields; check out the EECS Internship Fair.
- Browse graduate school resources from the Graduate Division, CS, and BCE; look into the Goldwater Scholarship and UC LEADS.
Third Year
Plan Your Studies
- Complete EECS foundation courses and any remaining lower division requirements; enroll in an Engineering ethics course and upper division requirements in the major, including technical electives.
- Review your degree progress with your ESS advisor.
- Consider applying to the EECS Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as an ESS or EECS Peer Advisor, or EMP Mentor.
- Check out the Public Service Internship, College Corps, and Haas Public Service Leaders Program.
- Address real-world problems in the Fung Fellowship or Big Ideas Contest.
- Explore the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation.
- Mentor local youth through Pioneers in Engineering or Berkeley Engineers and Mentors.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Sign up for an ESS workshop on grad school preparation, resume review, or other career topics.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the US Digital Corps, John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Connect with alumni groups such as Berkeley Engineering, EECS, and EECS Alumni.
Fourth Year
Plan Your Studies
- Lighten your course load as much as possible to allow time for job and graduate school applications.
- Finish all upper division requirements and electives.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by facilitating ENGIN 98 or your own DeCal course.
- Get involved with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs such as the 5th Year MS program.
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs such as the EECS Career Fair.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Learn about alumni career services; check out info for Engineering and EECS alumni.
Summer
- Get ready for Berkeley with the Pre-Engineering Program.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like CS 61B.
- Engage in mentored research through EECS, the National Science Foundation or Department of Energy.
- Consider a summer internship or study abroad; explore scholarships and study trips through the GLOBE Center.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Global Digital Infrastructure, Cognitive Science and the Future of Tech, and Sustainability.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
First Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Familiarize yourself with the Undergraduate Guide and EECS requirements; check out sample program plans.
- Meet with your ESS Advisor to discuss your academic plans.
- Work on lower division requirements, including CS and EECS foundation courses; enroll in an upper division humanities/social sciences course.
- Interested in STEM teaching and learning? Enroll in CalTeach.
- Sign up for the ESS podcast and newsletter.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Explore the Grimes Engineering Center.
- Connect with the Transfer Student Center and Engineering Transfer Center.
- Get involved with an EECS student group or other Engineering student organization.
- Take advantage of EECS tutoring resources.
- Find peer support in the Engineering Mentorship Program.
- Learn how to prepare for office hours and build relationships with faculty.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Visit UHS Career Counseling and Berkeley Career Engagement.
- Start exploring career paths for the major; check out career resources on the Engineering website.
- Create or update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- Use Handshake to start connecting with career events and opportunities.
- Meet with a BCE career educator to discuss career options and goals.
Second Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Continue satisfying lower division requirements in CS and EE.
- Look into study abroad and learning a foreign language; see guidelines from the department and options for EE and CS abroad.
- Enrich your studies with a certificate or minor such as Science, Technology, and Society.
- Consider applying to the EECS Honors Program; look into the Haas Scholars and SURF programs.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Attend Engineering and EECS events such as the EECS Colloquium.
- Visit Berkeley Discovery to get started with research, entrepreneurship, public service, and creative projects.
- Explore the Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation.
- Explore research opportunities on the OURS and EECS websites; apply to URAP or Bakar Ignite Scholars to work on a faculty research project.
- Interested in entrepreneurship? Check out the Sutardja Center, Accel Scholars, and Berkeley SkyDeck.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Build your network and explore career fields via job shadowing and informational interviews.
- Pursue an internship to build skills and explore fields; check out the EECS Internship Fair.
- Browse graduate school resources from the Graduate Division, CS, and BCE; look into the Goldwater Scholarship and UC LEADS.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, and career educators about post-graduate options.
Third Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Finish any remaining lower division requirements; focus on upper division requirements, including EECS technical electives and humanities/social science course.
- Review your degree progress with your ESS advisor.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Help other students as an ESS Peer Advisor, EMP Mentor, or Transfer Peer Advocate.
- Develop your skills in the Berkeley Student Leadership Academy.
- Address real-world problems in the Fung Fellowship or Big Ideas Contest.
- Welcome new students to Berkeley as a Golden Bear Orientation Leader.
- Share your voice in an Engineering college committee.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Check in with a BCE career educator.
- Interested in public service careers? Consider applying to the US Digital Corps, John Gardner Fellowship, Huntington Award, or Truman Scholarship.
- Apply to graduate school or post-graduate programs such as the 5th Year MS program.
Fourth Semester
Plan Your Studies
- Lighten your course load as much as possible to allow time for job and graduate school applications.
- Finish EECS technical electives and Engineering ethics course.
- Complete any remaining degree requirements and prepare for graduation.
Engage Outside the Classroom
- Get involved with Science at Cal or the Lawrence Hall of Science.
- Interested in teaching? Give it a try by facilitating your own DeCal course.
- Pursue a special project after graduation with the Stronach Prize.
- Mentor local youth through Pioneers in Engineering or Berkeley Engineers and Mentors.
Pursue Your Career Goals
- Meet employers at info sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs such as the EECS Career Fair.
- Utilize job search tools from BCE and apply for job opportunities.
- Connect with alumni groups such as Berkeley Engineering, EECS, and EECS Alumni.
- Learn about alumni career services; check out info for Engineering and EECS alumni.
Summer
- Get ready for Berkeley with the Transfer Pre-Engineering Program.
- Make progress on degree requirements with a Summer Sessions course like CS61A.
- Engage in mentored research through EECS, the National Science Foundation or Department of Energy.
- Consider a summer internship or study abroad; explore scholarships and study trips through the GLOBE Center.
- Pursue a summer minor or certificate—check out programs in Global Digital Infrastructure, Cognitive Science and the Future of Tech, and Sustainability.
- Apply to the GiGS program to learn about graduate school.
Undergraduate Advising
Have questions about Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences or the College of Engineering?
The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences offers undergraduate advising for CS and EECS majors. EECS Student Advisors are available on a drop-in and appointment basis for help with program planning, undergraduate research, internship guidance, EECS enrollment and waitlists, and the EECS Honors Program. Students can also meet with a Faculty Advisor about course recommendations, undergraduate research, and how to prepare for graduate school or a job in industry. For advising hours and contacts, visit eecs.berkeley.edu or email eecs-advising@berkeley.edu.
Engineering Student Services in the College of Engineering offers extensive programs and support services to help you navigate your academic path. Your ESS Advisor assists with degree requirements, academic policies and procedures, course selection, enrichment opportunities, and campus resources. ESS Peer Advisors are available to discuss life in the college, navigating the University, and other topics. For additional information, visit engineering.berkeley.edu.
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