(Photo by Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)
ECE Bachelor of Science
New Major Coming Fall 2025
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, greener 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.
Whatever you want to design the next generation of tech or tackle real-world challenges, ECE gives you the tools to make real impact. Join our community of innovators to help build a better, smarter future.
Ways to Explore Berkeley ECE
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.
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.
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
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.
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.