California-Berkeley College: Popular Majors, Admissions, and Costs

Wondering what to study at California-Berkeley College? UC Berkeley offers a range of high-demand, innovative majors across disciplines, from STEM fields to arts and social sciences. For prospective students, understanding which majors are popular at the University of California-Berkeley College, alongside admissions criteria and costs, can be valuable when planning for a college experience at one of the world’s leading public universities.

About California-Berkeley College (UC Berkeley)

Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley is a prestigious institution within the 10-campus University of California system, located in Berkeley, California. Known for its diverse academic offerings, UC Berkeley serves over 45,000 students, fostering a vibrant environment that emphasizes academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and public service.

Is UC Berkeley prestigious?
Yes! UC Berkeley frequently ranks as one of the top public universities in the U.S., and it holds a global reputation. In the 2024 U.S. News rankings, it was named the nation’s top public university and 21st among all universities. This standing attracts high-achieving students who value rigorous academics and unique research opportunities.

See: How To Study For The TEAS Test: Strategies, and Schedules

Admissions: How to Get Into UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley seeks students who excel academically, engage in meaningful extracurriculars, and contribute to their communities. Admissions are competitive, especially for impacted majors. Successful applicants typically surpass the minimum GPA requirement and present strong personal statements that highlight their ambitions and character.

Impacted Majors at California-Berkeley College

An impacted major means that demand for spots in the major exceeds availability, resulting in stricter admissions criteria. Here are some of the most impacted majors at UC Berkeley:

Art Practice
Computer Science
Economics
Global Studies
Media Studies
Operations Research & Management Science
Political Economy
Psychology
Public Health
Social Welfare
Statistics

Applying to these majors may be more challenging, as they have limited slots and high competition. As you consider your options, explore alternative majors that could align with your goals and provide similar skills and knowledge. Here are a few recommendations:

Computer Science: Consider Data Science, Applied Mathematics, or Cognitive Science.
Economics: Look into Political Economy, Statistics, or Global Studies.
Psychology: Related majors include Cognitive Science, Integrative Biology, and Sociology.

See: CUNY Medgar Evers College: Degree Majors & Programs

Declaring a Major at UC Berkeley

Most UC Berkeley students declare their major by the end of their second year, although the requirements vary by department and school. For instance, students in the College of Letters & Science are expected to declare their major upon completing 90 units. Students interested in high-demand majors should carefully review departmental deadlines and requirements to ensure they stay on track.

Academic Resources
Berkeley’s Career Library and Career Center offer resources to help students explore their options. Advising services also provide support in academic planning, ensuring students fulfill general education and major-specific requirements.

Transfer Students and Changing Majors

Transferring to UC Berkeley and changing majors may require additional planning, especially if transferring credits doesn’t perfectly align with your new major. Meet with an advisor to ensure you’re clear on credit transfers, course sequencing, and graduation requirements.

Cost of Attending California-Berkeley College

The cost of attending UC Berkeley varies for in-state and out-of-state students. For the 2024-2025 academic year:

In-State Tuition: $14,226
Out-of-State Tuition: $43,980

Many students receive financial aid, scholarships, and grants, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. Planning to manage tuition and living expenses can be critical for making your experience financially sustainable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my major after being admitted to UC Berkeley?
Yes, students can change their major. Berkeley advisors are available to assist students in exploring new majors that align with their goals and to support a successful transition.

What is UC Berkeley known for?
UC Berkeley is renowned for its top-tier research facilities, including the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and the Space Sciences Laboratory.

What is the required GPA for admission?
Although there isn’t a strict minimum GPA, applicants with a GPA of 2.75 or above typically have stronger chances of success.

What are the most popular majors at UC Berkeley?
Top fields include Computer Science, Economics, Psychology, and Public Health, attracting students from across the U.S. and globally.

Conclusion

UC Berkeley’s reputation for excellence spans an array of disciplines, providing a robust academic foundation across its impacted and non-impacted majors. Selecting the right major requires research and alignment with your long-term goals. For those pursuing degrees at California-Berkeley College, the journey is rigorous, exciting, and rewarding.

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