The University of California was founded in 1868, born out of a vision in the State Constitution of a university that would "contribute even more than California's gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations."As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we invite you to take a look back at Berkeley’s milestones and discoveries. Looking forward to the next 150 years. Fiat lux.
The Free Speech Movement, wetsuits, a treatment for malaria and earthquake science. You might be surprised to learn what Berkeley has contributed to the world.Chancellor Carol T. Christ heads the UC Berkeley campus. She oversees seven divisions, each of which is led by a vice chancellor.The University of California, Berkeley, is the No. 1 public university in the world. Over 35,000 students attend classes in 14 colleges and schools, offering 350 degree programs. Set the pace with your colleagues and community, and set the bar for giving back.
From 10 faculty members, 40 students and three fields of study at the time of its founding, UC Berkeley has grown to more than 1,600 faculty, 35,000 students and over 350 degree programs in 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units.Academic resources, from note-taking to peer tutoring, are available to students from a variety of campus organizations. Find the help you need to succeed at Berkeley.
Professional academic advisors are available in each college and most departments to help you navigate your academic options and opportunities.The Departments of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering in the College of Chemistry rank among the most prominent in the nation, and both are renowned for their excellence in a diverse range of disciplines and applications. Upon admission, every Berkeley Engineering student is assigned an academic adviser based on their major. Your Engineering Student Services (ESS) adviser works with you throughout your entire undergraduate career and is your key to a successful experience at Berkeley.ESS advisers are available to help with everything related to your undergraduate education.They answer questions about degree and graduation requirements as well as academic policies and procedures. They assist with course selection and help address challenges you may be facing in your studies. They can suggest enrichment opportunities or make referrals to campus resources. They’re here to offer guidance and support.Students admitted as undeclared work with a special adviser until they declare a major; at that point, their ESS adviser will be based on their new major.
The Disabled Students' Program promotes an inclusive environment for students with disabilities. We equip students with appropriate accommodations and services to achieve their individual academic goals. We are dedicated to supporting students and collaborating with the campus community to remove barriers to educational access and embrace the University’s values of equity and inclusion. We believe that an accessible environment universally benefits everyone. The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) supports students with disabilities in achieving academic success at the world’s top-ranked public higher education institution. Our staff includes disability specialists, professional development counselors, and accessibility experts that work with students with disabilities throughout their educational career. DSP serves currently enrolled UC Berkeley students with documented disabilities seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees. Additionally, DSP staff collaborates with UC Berkeley faculty, staff, departments, and other campus partners to ensure that all students with disabilities have inclusive and equally accessible educational opportunities at UC Berkeley.
The Athletic Study Center provides holistic student development, academic support, and academic advising services to the student athlete population at UC Berkeley. Each year the Athletic Study Center and Intercollegiate Athletics host an orientation for new incoming student athletes. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
At Berkeley, we address the biggest challenges of the day to create a better world. From robotic legs to the origins of the universe, research at Berkeley crosses disciplines and illuminates new ideas.
Ranked the No. 1 public research university library in North America, the Berkeley library system includes three main libraries, 18 subject-specialty libraries, and 11 affiliated libraries with special collections. The holdings include more than 10 million book volumes.
Your journey to becoming a UC Berkeley student starts here. As the front door of the university, the mission of the Office of Undergraduate dmissions is to recruit, select, admit, assist, and enroll an academically excellent, highly accomplished, and broadly diverse freshman and transfer class.Explore this site to learn more about the application process and join our Be Berkeley email list to receive application tips, event invitations, and information about the Berkeley campus.
The Graduate Division oversees graduate admissions, fellowships, grants, academic employment, preparation for teaching, mentoring activities, professional development, academic progress, and degree milestones.
Start here and learn the essentials you need to know to build financial literacy. Don’t worry—we’ll help you through the process. Get the facts, the forms, and the important deadlines here. Nearly two-thirds of undergraduate students qualify for financial aid. Eligible graduate students may be awarded federal student loans and work-study.
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Very nice campus. Plenty of things to see and do around here. I came from a large college, but nothing the size of UC Berkeley. If you are ever in the area, check it out. I just wanted to collect another college t shirt and this is a cool place to have one from.
By Ryan H. (Apr, 2013) |
I graduated in '02 with a degree in Business Administration. While the major itself was fairly easy to complete, getting into the program was a grueling process involving several layers of managing Berkeley's very impersonal bureaucracy. I found Berkeley to be fairly academically rigorous (especially in the first couple of years), and the whole ordeal of getting through major requirements proved too daunting for some of my classmates - attrition was pretty high. That said, those that make it through this crucible and manage to graduate tend to be better for the experience. They're highly confident, smart, and capable, and I'm proud to be counted among its alumni.
By Derek Chan (May, 2012) |
Cal has something for everyone and is a "people stretcher." It teaches you how to succeed outside your comfort zone. Biggest surprise is how accessable all the professors are and enjoy their interaction with undergraduates. It's not for everyone, but probably as interesting a college experience as you could possibly find.
By san (May, 2012) |
I graduated in '76 with a degree in Applied Math. Great experience. Berkeley has very high academic standards. They don't coddle students but do teach you to think and solve problems. During my professional career, the academic pedigree of an applicant for a job was very important. Berkeley is at the top of the list. You know what you are getting; a prepared, driven individual. The campus is beautiful and only a Bart ride to the City (San Francisco). You can even see the Golden Gate from the entrance to the Math building
By Randall Patton (Apr, 2012) |
Best 4 years of my education. Would do it again in a blink. Love the school. Love the experience. Love the campus. After 4 years, I was still discovering corners of the campus I hadn't stumbled upon before. Great classes, great and inspired and inspiring teachers. Learn to be a critical thinker, go to Cal.
By Ryan P. (Jul, 2011) |
I'm a transfer into the English department and so far I love it here. All my classes are taught by brilliant and friendly professors (the only teacher I wouldn't rave about is teaching a crossover class from Slavic Studies so the Eng. Dept. can hardly be blamed). The city of Berkeley is pretty awesome as well, and obviously the Bay area in general has a lot to offer. To any transfers wavering between UCLA and Cal, I had a hell of a time choosing but don't regret my choice at all!
By Denise F. (Oct, 2010) |
I think Cal is an amazing school. I love the environment, and it is intellectually challenging, as well. I feel that in and around campus there are always places to explore and that it is rather easy to keep yourself from being bored. There are tons and tons of fun restaurants in Berkeley and lots of fun shops, too. Not to mention some really great parties. As for the classes themselves...yes, they can be tough. However, there are lots of facilities and people you can go to for help. For example, there are study groups at the Student Learning Center, or you can go to office hours, or (if you're living in the dorms), you can ask a floormate for help. I guess the takeaway is that Berkeley is the perfect school for me, and (if you're looking into which schools you should apply to), definitely give Cal a shot.
By Denver Bryan (Jun, 2010) |
You really need to take advantage of the resources offered at Berkeley. The faculty are amazing and just listening to their experiences is a learning experience. Don't hole yourself up, make sure to spend more time on campus than the few minutes it takes you to get to different classes. Join a club, volunteer, and have some fun.
By wilson (Nov, 2008) |
I like to think Berkeley is awesome because it is. Being over 350 miles from home bites sometimes, but it's easy to get over that little tidbit with skype and a good cellphone plan. It'll seem monumentally huge in the beginning, but when you start making friends and get a handle on your classes, the size impact starts chiseling down. I can't speak for all faculty, but I know for sure that the professors and gsi's in the English department are amazing and good to talk to, if not a little awkward at first, and the senseis and professors over in the Japanese dept. are hilarious and fun to be around.
By jonesun (Apr, 2008) |
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The thriving academic atmosphere in California, paired with the dedicated staff, has transformed my child's passion for learning into remarkable achievements.
By E.S. (Mar, 2024) |