UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) major is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 4.5% for the Class of 2027. This program is known for its rigorous curriculum and cutting-edge research opportunities, attracting top students from around the world. With such a low acceptance rate, gaining admission to EECS at UC Berkeley is no easy feat.
In order to be considered for admission to UC Berkeley’s EECS major, students must meet a minimum overall and semester grade point average of 2.00 (C average). Failure to maintain this GPA can result in suspension or dismissal from the university. Additionally, while there is no absolute SAT requirement, it is recommended that students aim for a score of at least 1300 to be competitive for admission to EECS.
The admissions process at UC Berkeley is highly selective, with a holistic review of each applicant’s academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, and personal statement. In addition to meeting the minimum GPA requirements and SAT score recommendations, students are encouraged to showcase their passion for electrical engineering and computer sciences through their application materials. Strong academic performance, coupled with a compelling personal narrative, can greatly increase a student’s chances of being accepted into the competitive EECS program at UC Berkeley.
| EECS Acceptance Rate | Minimum GPA | SAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5% for Class of 2027 | Minimum overall and semester GPA of 2.00 (C average) | At least a 1300 |
About Berkeley Law School Ranking
In a world where the weather is changing, technology is advancing, and new diseases are emerging, there’s no doubt that engineering will be an important part of solving the problems we face.
The College of Engineering at [school name] is recognized globally as a leader in engineering education. Our reputation for intellectual rigor, our talent for developing technologies that improve quality of life and our entrepreneurial spirit are reflected in our faculty and students—and by our physical environment.
We encourage all of our students to study abroad if they can find the time. With careful planning, many students can complete a study abroad program without delaying their graduation. However, students who participate in such a program will be granted one additional semester to complete their degree requirements if needed. Visit our study abroad page for more information.
Hey engineering students!
We’re excited for you to start at Berkeley this fall, and we have a few things to share about what it will be like to live on campus.
First, let’s talk about where you’ll be living. The closest residence hall (dorm) to engineering is Foothill, located at 2700 Hearst Avenue. Bear in mind that first-year engineering students will be enrolling in classes located throughout the main campus. You can find more residence hall information at the Housing website.
Next, let’s talk about what kind of computer you should bring with you. In general, students should buy a laptop that is affordable and convenient; there is no particular brand or model that is preferred. For information about software available to Berkeley students, see our [link] page on the [website].
The College of Engineering at University of California–Berkeley has an application deadline of Dec. 1. The application fee is $120 for U.S. residents and $140 for international students. Its tuition is full-time: $11,442 per year (in-state) and full-time: $26,544 per year (out-of-state). The 2020 Ph.D. student-faculty ratio is 5.5:1. The College of Engineering at University of California–Berkeley has 260 full-time faculty on staff.
The UC—Berkeley College of Engineering has one of the top 10 graduate programs in the country. It is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue a master’s degree in engineering, technology, or applied science.
Graduate programs at Berkeley are offered in eight areas: Industrial Engineering & Operations Research; Applied Science & Technology; Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences; Materials Science & Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Nuclear Engineering; Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; and Civil & Environmental Engineering.
Earning a master’s degree typically takes two years at Berkeley, but students can also opt for the accelerated Berkeley Engineering Professional Master’s Program, which graduates students in just one year. All graduate students must also complete two minors, which can include fields outside of the College of Engineering. The College of Engineering has about 40 research centers and institutes where students can get involved. Graduate students can live on campus. For a break from school work, students can explore nearby San Francisco or take a quick trip to local beaches. To travel in and around San Francisco, students can take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), which stops a block from campus.
This is what Berkeley Engineering looks like:
| Students4.52 average GPA (weighted, uncapped) of accepted applicants29.9% of the student body are women24.3% are international students | Faculty245 faculty76 faculty, active and emeriti, in the National Academy of Engineering 24 recipients, active and emeriti, of distinguished teaching awards |
| 12.2%Percentage of freshman applicants admitted for the 2020-21 academic year | $110,000Median starting salary reported by 2020 undergraduates joining the workforce |
| Program | Undergraduate enrollment | Graduate enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| Bioengineering | 464 | 228 |
| CEE | 383 | 366 |
| Computational Biology | N/A | 28 |
| EECS | 1,692 | 762 |
| Engineering Science | 207 | N/A |
| IEOR | 203 | 186 |
| Materials Science | 133 | 158 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 698 | 333 |
| Nuclear Engineering | 69 | 89 |
| Joint majors | 20 | N/A |
| Undeclared | 111 | N/A |
| Applied Science & Technology | N/A | 39 |
| Total enrollment | 3,892 | 2,155 |
Will I be admitted?
How many students are admitted into engineering?
For the 2020–21 academic year, there were 15,881 freshman applicants to the College of Engineering and 12.2% were admitted.How does Berkeley decide whom to admit?
What AP tests will I get credit for?
The College of Engineering awards AP credit for most AP tests. Depending upon the test and score, students will receive UC credit and/or College of Engineering subject credit. More information can be found in the College of Engineering Undergraduate Guide – Exams.
If I apply for the fall and plan to take the SATs/ACTs in January after the application deadline, will you delay the review of my admission application until you receive the January scores?
UC will not consider ACT or SAT test scores for admissions decisions or the awarding of Regents and Chancellors scholarships for any applicants. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used for course placement after you enroll.
Berkeley Law School Tuition
Although a minimum of three years of college preparatory math is required, we strongly recommend completing four years. Since engineering admission is very competitive, applicants must do more than the minimum, particularly in math and science. Exceeding minimum requirements and doing well in these subjects prepares new students for the rigors of university work, especially in engineering.
Do I need to complete high school physics?
A minimum of two years of laboratory science is required for admission. We strongly recommend completing physics even if the minimum has been completed (the usual pattern is biology and chemistry). If admitted to Berkeley, new students must complete college-level physics as part of the lower division requirements for their engineering major. A high school physics background prepares students for university-level physics.
Does Berkeley Engineering consider the alternate major on the admission application?
No. Berkeley Engineering does not consider the alternate major. However, other UC campuses might.Can I change my major on my application?
Applicants may change their college and/or major during the November application filing period only by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admissions no later than November 30. Once admitted to Berkeley, students may only apply to change major after completing at least one semester at Berkeley.
There are minimum requirements, including GPA requirements, progress requirements, and coursework requirements in some cases, so students are advised that change of major is not guaranteed.
If I am unable to attend the semester for which I am admitted, will you defer my admission?
Admission to Berkeley Engineering is valid only for the term in which the applicant is admitted. However, if there are extenuating circumstances, the applicant may apply for a deferral through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
If I’m an out-of-state or international student, can I establish residency for tuition purposes?
It’s extremely difficult for an out-of-state or international student to establish residency. Therefore, all out-of-state and international students should expect to pay non-resident tuition for each of their undergraduate years at Berkeley. Learn more at the Office of the Registrar website.
Is it difficult to switch majors within engineering?
The earliest that freshmen can apply to change their major is after completion of their first semester. Some of our majors are more impacted than others (currently EECS and BioE), so a change of major into these programs is competitive and requires more than one semester completed before application. Students considering a change of major should meet with their Engineering Student Services adviser.
Is it difficult to switch out of engineering into another college?
Students who decide to switch out of the College of Engineering should meet with their assigned Engineering Student Services (ESS) adviser to discuss the process.
Is it difficult to get into courses?
Being flexible is the key to getting into courses on the Berkeley campus. Berkeley Engineering students are required to take, at a minimum, two technical courses (math, science, engineering) that fulfill requirements for their major and a total of 12 units. Some of these courses offer several lecture sections along with several sub-sections of discussions and/or labs. With careful planning and some flexibility, students should be able to get into the courses they need. For more information please refer to registrar.berkeley.edu/registration/enrollment.
UC Berkeley Law School Fall 2020
| Bachelors | |
|---|---|
| Bioengineering | 86 |
| Civil Engineering | 81 |
| Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences | 452 |
| Joint Major Bioengineering and Materials Science & Engineering | 2 |
| Joint Major Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences and Materials Science & Engineering | 0 |
| Joint Major Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering | 0 |
| Joint Major Materials Science & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering | 0 |
| Joint Major Materials Science & Engineering and Nuclear Engineering | 0 |
| Energy Engineering | 10 |
| Engineering Math & Statistics | 7 |
| Engineering Physics | 11 |
| Environmental Engineering Science | 2 |
| Industrial Engineering & Operations Research | 42 |
| Materials Science & Engineering | 36 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 177 |
| Nuclear Engineering | 12 |
| Total Bachelors: | 897 |
| Masters | |
| Applied Science & Technology | 1 |
| Bioengineering | 47 |
| Translational Medicine | 18 |
| Civil & Environmental Engineering | 227 |
| Computer Science | 14 |
| Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences | 188 |
| Industrial Engineering & Operations Research | 152 |
| Materials Science & Engineering | 41 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 149 |
| Nuclear Engineering | 20 |
| Total Masters: | 857 |
| Doctoral | |
| Applied Science & Technology | 6 |
| Bioengineering | 13 |
| Civil & Environmental Engineering | 26 |
| Computational Biology | 3 |
| Computer Science | 38 |
| Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences | 38 |
| Industrial Engineering & Operations Research | 16 |
| Materials Science & Engineering | 15 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 43 |
| Nuclear Engineering | 15 |
| Total Ph.D.: | 213 |
When can I apply for admission to Berkeley Engineering?
The UC system’s annual application period is November 1–30 each year for admission for the following fall semester. Learn more about the application process at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions.
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