Do you know that the University of California, Berkeley alumni hold 35 Nobel Prizes?
Located in the United States, UC Berkeley is rated first based on the U.S. News and World Report on Public University rankings. It is also a popular choice for international students, with nearly 10% of the student body coming from across the globe.
It has 16 academic schools and colleges, including the School of Journalism, Business, Engineering, Law, Letters & Science, Computing, and Data Science & Society, which offer some of the best-known programs, such as actuarial science, Asian studies, agricultural and resource economics, biological engineering, and political science.
With over 350 degree programs offered at the institution, it can be overwhelming to pick the right program. This article lists the five best programs for international students to study at UC Berkeley.
Recommended Study Programs at the UC Berkeley
Some of the best programs to study at the University of California, Berkeley for international students include:
1. Molecular and Cell Biology
The demand for molecular biologists continues to rise, making this program an excellent choice for international students at UC Berkeley. The program focuses on equipping learners with knowledge and skills related to cellular life and the development of living organisms, including viruses, roundworms, fish, and mammals.
Learners should expect to tackle specific target areas like neurobiology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and genetics, among others. These learning areas also form the basis of research areas for Ph.D. students. Graduates can pursue careers like clinical research assistants in hospitals, laboratory technicians, research associates, biologists in food inspection agencies, biochemists, and geneticists, among others.
The molecular and cell biology department also supports students in this program through the Industrial Affiliates Program with its partners. Outstanding students are recruited by top innovative companies and gain access to cutting-edge research and experience in their field of study.
2. Computer Science
Computer science is a program for international students at UC Berkeley, looking forward to working in a competitive technology industry with an interest in areas like automation and robotics, telecommunication, and smart electronics. This program is one of the top programs to study at UC Berkeley.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, where they learn about computer theory, hardware, and software design, among others. There is also an option for a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, focusing on the basics of computer science and engineering and offering more flexibility to explore other fields like Economics. One can also pursue a Master of Science available for undergraduates who apply in their final year, a Doctor of Philosophy, or a combined Master of Science and Ph.D.
UC Berkeley’s proximity to top tech companies makes this program an excellent choice for international students. It also provides research and summer job opportunities for computer science or electrical engineering students. Graduates from this program can pursue careers in software development, autonomy, the building of intelligent systems and smart homes, programming, cybersecurity, etc.
3. Mechanical Engineering
The mechanical engineering undergraduate program at UC Berkeley is suited for students interested in energy, biomechanical engineering, robotics, or even ocean engineering.
The program comes as a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering that seeks to provide students with an excellent foundation in scientific and engineering fundamentals. It can also be taken as a fifth-year Master of Science joint major or pursued as a Master’s in Science, Master’s in Engineering, or Ph.D.
The Center for Global Learning and Outreach from Berkeley Engineering (GLOBE) provides an opportunity for students from the department to access research and other educational opportunities. Graduates from this program can expect to work in areas like manufacturing or aerospace.
4. Economics
The economics major at UC Berkeley is one of the best programs in the world. The Economics Department is ranked first based on the U.S. News and World Report. It also has several faculty members elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This program is suitable for international students interested in understanding how individuals, corporations, or even nations utilize their limited resources.
Students get to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a graduate program offering a Ph.D. in Economics. International students majoring in Economics in their home countries can study at UC Berkeley through the Berkely Economics Semester Abroad Program.
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in management consulting, investment banking, accounting, budget analysis, and financial risk analysis, among others.
5. East Asian Languages and Cultures
Learning about other languages and cultures helps students appreciate cultural differences and interactions with others. The East Asian Languages and Cultures program at UC Berkeley is an excellent study program for international students looking to have a deep understanding of the culture, politics, economics, and history of East and Southeast Asia.
Students can pursue a B.A. degree majoring in Chinese, Japanese, and East Asian Religion, Thought, and Culture, as well as minors in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan. The Master of Arts program is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to customize their studies through elective courses, allowing them to explore a wide range of topics, such as international relations or social changes in Asian societies. Students who meet the eligibility criteria can pursue the program as a Ph.D.
Graduates from this program can pursue careers in teaching and translation, international development work, and academic research.
FAQS: Studying at UC Berkeley
What is the Most Popular Program for International Students at UC Berkeley?
The most popular program for international students at UC Berkeley is business. The program is rated among the best in the world and offers a wide range of courses, from accounting and management entrepreneurship to financial engineering and global management.
The business program at UC Berkeley stands out because of resources from the Haas School of Business Financial Lab. For example, the lab houses an interactive Stock Simulator that allows students to gain hands-on experience with real-world investments. This environment also allows students to experience the same research by top financial institutions, such as algorithmic trading and transaction cost analysis.
One can pursue a bachelor’s degree, an MBA, a Masters in Financial Engineering, or a Ph.D. Other extracurricular activities, such as the Berkeley Accounting Society, offer networking opportunities and a friendly environment to learn more about accounting. Other programs that make this major popular include the Lab for Inclusive Fintech, which focuses on digital financial technologies for the underserved around the world, and the Berkeley Haas Global Access Program, designed to support top-qualifying international students with knowledge and skills to excel as tomorrow’s global leaders and innovators.
If you are an international student looking for a top-quality education, the University of California, Berkeley should be on your list. It is famous for its top scholars, social activism, innovation, and diverse student body. With the right attitude and preparation, you can always have the best programs to study at UC Berkeley.
We hope this article on the Best Programs to Study at UC Berkeley for International Students is informative and helpful. You can also visit the Guide to Studying in the USA and Available Programs for International Students for more articles about studying in the USA!
