Berkeley Tour Guide: Explore Academics

Located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, the University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's premier public universities. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, UC Berkeley has established itself as a hub for academic excellence, innovation, and diversity. In this article, we will delve into the world of academics at UC Berkeley, exploring the various colleges, schools, and programs that make this institution a leader in higher education.
Academic Colleges and Schools

UC Berkeley is comprised of 14 colleges and schools, each offering a unique set of academic programs and opportunities. The College of Letters and Science is the largest and most diverse college, offering over 100 undergraduate majors and 90 graduate programs. The College of Engineering is renowned for its rigorous programs in engineering, computer science, and related fields, while the Haas School of Business is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world.
College of Letters and Science
The College of Letters and Science is the foundation of UC Berkeley’s academic programs, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students can choose from over 100 undergraduate majors, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, and physics. The college is also home to several interdisciplinary programs, such as the Environmental Science and Global Studies majors.
College | Undergraduate Majors | Graduate Programs |
---|---|---|
College of Letters and Science | 100+ | 90+ |
College of Engineering | 20+ | 30+ |
Haas School of Business | 5+ | 10+ |

College of Engineering
The College of Engineering is one of the top engineering programs in the world, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of fields, including computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The college is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) and the Energy and Resources Group (ERG).
Academic Programs and Research Opportunities

UC Berkeley offers a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities, from undergraduate research programs to graduate fellowships. The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) provides students with the opportunity to work with faculty mentors on research projects, while the Graduate Research Fellowship Program offers funding and support for graduate students pursuing research in their field.
Research Centers and Institutes
UC Berkeley is home to over 100 research centers and institutes, focusing on a range of topics from climate change and energy policy to artificial intelligence and human rights. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is a premier research laboratory, conducting research in energy, environmental science, and computing sciences. The UC Berkeley Institute of International Studies (IIS) is a leading research center, focusing on global studies, international relations, and area studies.
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL): Energy, environmental science, and computing sciences
- UC Berkeley Institute of International Studies (IIS): Global studies, international relations, and area studies
- Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS): Information technology and society
Academic Support and Resources
UC Berkeley provides a range of academic support and resources, from advising and mentoring to tutoring and academic support services. The Academic Support Services unit offers support for students with disabilities, while the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) unit provides mental health support and counseling services.
Advising and Mentoring
UC Berkeley offers a range of advising and mentoring programs, from undergraduate advising to graduate mentoring. The Undergraduate Advising unit provides academic advising and support for undergraduate students, while the Graduate Mentoring unit offers mentoring and support for graduate students.
What are the most popular undergraduate majors at UC Berkeley?
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The most popular undergraduate majors at UC Berkeley include computer science, engineering, economics, business administration, and biology.
What research opportunities are available for undergraduate students at UC Berkeley?
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UC Berkeley offers a range of research opportunities for undergraduate students, including the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) and the Berkeley Undergraduate Research Program.
What academic support services are available for students with disabilities at UC Berkeley?
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UC Berkeley provides a range of academic support services for students with disabilities, including the Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) and the Accessibility Services unit.