ECE Bachelor of Science

(Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)

Electrical and Computer Engineering plays a crucial role in technological advancements across interdisciplinary areas that include neurotechnology, integrated circuits, microelectronics, nanotechnology, computer architecture, sensing and communication, robotics and sustainable energy systems. UC Berkeley’s Electrical and Computer Engineering major prepares students to enter industry, government organizations, and academia with a balanced combination of breadth and depth. Electrical and Computer Engineers apply math, science and engineering to develop technology that has a direct impact on our daily lives.

Why major in Electrical and Computer Engineering?

Electrical and Computer Engineering is behind many of today’s most exciting innovations—from smartphones and self-driving cars to medical devices and clean energy solutions. If you’re curious about how technology works and want to help shape the future, ECE is a powerful path.

As our world becomes more connected and digital, the demand for engineers with ECE skills is growing fast. From solving the global chip shortage to building smarter systems, ECE professionals are at the forefront of change. At UC Berkeley, ECE students get hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields like robotics, physical electronics, integrated circuits, computer architecture, nanotechnology, semiconductors, signal processing, and more. The major is also on track to earn ABET accreditation, which adds value to your degree and career opportunities.

Whether you want to design the next generation of tech or tackle real-world challenges, ECE gives you the tools to make a real impact. Join our community of innovators to help build a better, smarter future.

Ways to Explore Berkeley ECE

Participate in workshops, presentations, demonstrations, and lab tours at Cal Day, our annual open house held each April.
Schedule an appointment with an EECS department adviser.
Register for a department tour, led by members of Eta Kappa Nu, the EECS Honor Society.
Attend programs hosted by Science@Cal, an organization created to connect the community with UC Berkeley scientists and research.
Learn more about Berkeley Engineering on YouTube.
Check out “The Beauty and Joy of Computing,” a free online course taught by Professor Dan Garcia.

Applications

Students interested in ECE should apply directly to the major on the University of California Application for Admission. The holistic review process evaluates the applicant’s full spectrum of qualifications viewed in the context of their academic and personal circumstances.

Once enrolled, students may pursue a joint major, double major, simultaneous degree, or minor.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

First-year Admission

First-years are admitted directly into the ECE major and spend all four years in the program. In addition to the UC Admission requirements, engineering applicants are encouraged to take additional courses, particularly in math and science. Doing well in these subjects will prepare new students for the rigors of engineering at the university level.

First-year applicants may also consider applying to the College of Engineering as Engineering Undeclared.

Prospective First-year FAQs

Transfer Admission

You are a transfer student if you have completed coursework during a regular session at a college or university after high school. Transfer applicants must complete all required preparation courses to be eligible for admission.

Please note that UC Berkeley gives California community college students first priority over other transfer applicants. These students should use assist.org to ensure admission requirements are completed and transferrable.

Transferring from a CA Community College

Transferring from another institution

ECE B.S. Degree Requirements

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.

View degree requirements

Transferring within Cal? Pursuing a Double Major?

It is rare but possible to transfer into the ECE program from another major on campus or to add ECE as a second major. We also offer an EECS minor, a CS minor, and an EIS minor.

More about Double Majors within College of Engineering
More about the Change of College process for non-CoE Students

Undergraduate Research

A self-initiated research project allows you to graduate with something that represents the distillation of your interests and studies, and possibly, a real contribution to knowledge.

Pursue Your Research Interests