Top 10 UC Berkeley Majors

As one of the top public universities in the world, UC Berkeley has a reputation for academic excellence across a wide range of fields. But with so many options, how do you know which UC Berkeley major stands out the most? In this blog, we’ll dive into the programs that make UC Berkeley a renowned institution.

• What Are the Best UC Berkeley Majors?
• Social Sciences at UC Berkeley
• Computer and Data Science at UC Berkeley
• Engineering at UC Berkeley
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences at UC Berkeley
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at UC Berkeley
• Mathematics and Statistics at UC Berkeley
• Conservation and Resource Studies at UC Berkeley
• Business and Management at UC Berkeley
• Psychology at UC Berkeley
• Physical Sciences at UC Berkeley
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Majors at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is home to a wide range of top-tier programs, but some stand out more than others. As reported by the U.S. News & World Report, UC Berkeley’s strongest fields include engineering, computer science, and business. Below is a quick overview of UC Berkeley’s best majors:

• Social Sciences
• Computer and Data Science
• Engineering
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Conservation and Resource Studies
• Business and Management
• Psychology
• Physical Sciences

In the following sections below, we’ll discuss more about what makes these particular programs stand out.

Social Sciences at UC Berkeley

Social Sciences is one major UC Berkeley is known for, consistently ranking among the best in the country. It is ranked #1 for Economics and Sociology, according to US News and World Report.

At UC Berkeley, the Social Sciences division offers an unparalleled academic experience, with 15 top-ranked departments led by world-class faculty. As the largest academic division at UC Berkeley, it provides students the opportunity to explore everything from individual identity to global economics and democracy.

The division is also one of the most diverse at UC Berkeley, with a large number of students from underrepresented communities and first-generation backgrounds. With six Nobel laureates and numerous prestigious awards, the faculty are making a global impact, supported by nearly $200 million in annual research funding.

Computer and Data Science at UC Berkeley

If you’re into coding, cybersecurity, or artificial intelligence, UC Berkeley is a dream school for you. UC Berkeley’s undergraduate data science program retained its No. 1 spot in the 2025 U.S. News and World Report rankings. The university also held its No. 2 ranking in computer science at the undergraduate level.

The Data Science program is one of the best UC Berkeley majors—a leader in the field, shaping the future of data science education. The curriculum merges computing, statistics, and real-world applications, while emphasizing the social and ethical implications of data use.

The Data Science major and minor offer students the opportunity to dive deep into this transformative field, with courses like Data C8 gaining popularity among undergraduates. The program prepares students to address urgent global challenges in areas like health, climate, sustainability, and social justice, all while pushing forward innovations in artificial intelligence and data-intensive strategies.

Engineering at UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley majors in engineering consistently rank among the best in the nation and globally according to US News and World Report. Berkeley Engineering holds:

• #3 for U.S. undergraduate engineering programs
• #3 for U.S. graduate engineering programs
• #11 globally for engineering programs

An undergraduate degree from Berkeley Engineering opens doors to a wide range of careers, from advanced degrees and entrepreneurship to technical professions. The journey begins with a strong foundation in formal training, native intelligence, and a deep curiosity to understand and improve the world around us.

Students can choose from a variety of UC Berkeley majors in engineering, including:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences
• Electrical & Computer Engineering (starting Fall 2025)
• Engineering Science
• Industrial Engineering & Operations Research
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering

Berkeley Engineering also provides resources to support students throughout their studies:

• Jacobs Institute for Design Innovation. Students gain hands-on experience in design and prototyping.
• Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology. Helps students learn how to launch startups.
• Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership. Offer programs that shape future technical leaders.
• Berkeley Center for New Media. Promotes a trans-disciplinary community focused on technological equity.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences at UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s Division of Biological Sciences is at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries that shape our understanding of life. Pioneering research in fields like CRISPR genome engineering, immuno-oncology, telomeres, and the molecular behavior of insulin has established UC Berkeley as a leader in the life sciences.

With around 112 full-time faculty across two departments, UC Berkeley Biological Sciences offers students the opportunity to work with some of the world’s top scientific minds. The Molecular and Cell Biology (MCB) and Integrative Biology (IB) departments consistently produce cutting-edge research with global impact.

Berkeley’s Division of Biological Sciences is also home to Nobel laureates, including current faculty members Jennifer Doudna (2020 for CRISPR), Randy Schekman (2013), and Eric Betzig (2014). Former faculty members Jim Allison (2018) and Elizabeth Blackburn with Carol Greider (2009) have also been recognized with Nobel Prizes, further solidifying Berkeley’s reputation for excellence in scientific research.

Several UC Berkeley majors are affiliated with the Biological Sciences division, providing students with specialized academic tracks:

• Robinson Life Sciences Business and Entrepreneurship Program. Offers a dual-degree track in MCB and Business.
• SEED (STEM Excellence through Equity and Diversity) Scholars Honors Program. Focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM.
• Biology Scholars Program. Provides an inclusive support system for Biology majors pursuing biology-related careers.

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies at UC Berkeley

The ISF Major at UC Berkeley offers motivated students the chance to pursue an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree, allowing them to explore social issues from multiple perspectives.

What does “interdisciplinary” mean? It involves drawing knowledge from multiple disciplines—such as:

• Economics
• English
• History
• Political Science
• Philosophy
• Sociology

Students pursuing the ISF Major design their course of study in collaboration with a faculty adviser, creating a curriculum that spans the social sciences, humanities, and even professional schools. The course program is complemented by an original Senior Thesis (ISF 190), which focuses on a significant research problem and constitutes the culminating project for the degree.

Students can tailor their Research Field—an area of focused inquiry—by integrating approaches from at least three different academic disciplines. This process allows students to dive into topics that do not fit neatly into traditional majors, expanding their intellectual horizons. Students may also propose their own Research Field in consultation with ISF faculty and advisors, ensuring that the field is truly interdisciplinary and not simply a combination of existing majors.

Mathematics and Statistics at UC Berkeley

The mathematics major at UC Berkeley is designed to move you from computational calculus into the world of abstract reasoning. This structure means you build a solid foundation before tackling proofs, making the program challenging yet rewarding. Completing the lower‑division requirements and earning a 2.0 GPA or higher in any upper‑division math classes are conditions for declaring the major.

The Department of Mathematics is globally recognized as one of the broadest and liveliest math departments. Around 55 regular faculty members represent nearly every field of current mathematical research, and dozens of postdoctoral scholars and hundreds of graduate and undergraduate students join them.

As a math major, you are encouraged to participate in honors-level courses and competitions like the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition and the Mathematical Contest in Modeling.

Meanwhile, the statistics major, now housed in the College of Computing, Data Science and Society (CDSS), offers a similarly prestigious experience. Berkeley’s Statistics Department traces its roots back to 1938 when Jerzy Neyman established one of the nation’s first centers for statistical research.

The statistics major encourages you to design your own applied cluster—a set of upper‑division electives from other departments that create a thematic focus—and offers guidance on clusters suited for graduate school preparation, actuarial science, or other career paths.

Berkeley statisticians are deeply involved in interdisciplinary research, with faculty holding joint appointments in fields from biostatistics to electrical engineering and participating in projects like the ENCODE and Cancer Genome Atlas initiatives. The department lists research strengths ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning to causal inference, high‑dimensional data analysis and statistical computing.

Conservation and Resource Studies at UC Berkeley

The Conservation and Resource Studies (CRS) major at UC Berkeley is an interdisciplinary program designed for students passionate about environmental issues. It focuses on the intersection of natural resources, population, energy, technology, societal institutions, and cultural values. CRS students explore topics such as:

• Environmental justice
• Sustainable development
• Energy and environmental policy
• Conservation and culture
• Ecological restoration

The program is housed within the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management (ESPM), part of the Rausser College of Natural Resources at UC Berkeley.

In addition to UC Berkeley majors like CRS, students can pursue minors in related fields, which enhance their academic focus. Available minors include:

• Conservation and Resource Studies (CRS)
• Energy and Resources
• Environmental Economics and Policy (EEP)
• Food Systems (FS)
• Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
• Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST)
• Nutritional Sciences (NS)
• Sustainable Business & Policy

The CRS major, along with these minors, provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education that prepares students to tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing society.

Business and Management at UC Berkeley

Haas School of Business consistently ranks among the best in the world. The school also boasts over 45,000 Haas alumni worldwide and is #1 for venture-backed companies founded by undergraduate alumni.

The Spieker Undergraduate Business Program offers a four-year curriculum designed to provide students with advanced learning and enrichment opportunities. This comprehensive program includes career development, internships, study abroad options, entrepreneurship programs, capstone projects, mentorship, and student leadership experiences.

Beginning Fall 2025, the program will also feature an exciting new opportunity for students in the Global Management Program (GMP), which combines academic expertise with hands-on project-based travel experiences.

Students will have the chance to develop a global business perspective through a semester abroad in vibrant Accra, Ghana, at the University of Ghana. This update means that students in the Class of 2029 and beyond will no longer be required to complete summer sessions in their first year.

Psychology at UC Berkeley

The Psychology Department at UC Berkeley offers a comprehensive program reflecting the broad scope of the field, covering six key research areas:

• Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience
• Cognition
• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Science
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social-Personality Psychology

While these specialized areas of study exist, the program’s primary focus is on developing students’ methodological, statistical, and critical thinking skills. These essential skills are not limited to any one area of psychology but are applicable across all disciplines within the field.

The foundational learning goals are introduced in Psych 1 (General Psychology), the only lower-division course required for the UC Berkeley major in Psychology. These skills are further developed in the upper-division Tier 2 core courses, including Psychology 10/101 (Research Methods), which all majors must complete. In addition, students gain exposure to the major subfields of psychology through these core courses.

The program is structured to provide broad exposure to the entire field of psychology while encouraging students to explore a specific area in more depth.

Physical Sciences at UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley’s physics department boasts nine Nobel Prize laureates and a faculty renowned for groundbreaking research across various physics disciplines, including quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and condensed matter physics.

The undergraduate curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in both classical and modern physics, preparing you for diverse career paths in research, education, or industry. Berkeley’s affiliation with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory further enhances research opportunities under its graduate program, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge projects alongside leading scientists.

Beyond academics, the department promotes community through organizations like the Society of Physics Students and initiatives such as the Compass Project, which supports underrepresented groups in physics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How hard is it to get into UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 11% for the Class of 2028. 

2. What is UC Berkeley’s strongest STEM major?

UC Berkeley is renowned for its Computer Science and Engineering programs, which are among the best in the world. The EECS program has shaped Silicon Valley, with alumni founding companies like Apple (Steve Wozniak) and Google (Eric Schmidt). Other standout STEM majors include Data Science, Bioengineering, and Environmental Science.

3. What is considered to be the top program at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is a giant in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The College of Engineering, for instance, is ranked #3 in the country.

4. Is UC Berkeley a good school?

Yes. UC Berkeley is one of the top universities in the U.S. and globally, known for its academic rigor, world-class research, and diverse, inclusive campus. It offers top-ranked programs across STEM and the social sciences, with close ties to Silicon Valley for internships and career opportunities.

Takeaways

• The best UC Berkeley majors include Social Sciences, Computer and Data Science, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Psychology.
• Choosing the right major at UC Berkeley is a big decision, but with the university’s diverse academic offerings, world-class faculty, and interdisciplinary opportunities, you’re sure to find a path that aligns with your passions and career goals.
• Want to pursue any of these top majors at UC Berkeley? Working with a college admissions consultant can help sharpen your application strategy and increase your chances of being accepted.