College of Letters & Science

About the school

The College of Letters and Science is the largest academic unit of the University of California Berkeley (UC Berkeley). The College has 38 departments offering 80 majors and providing ample opportunities for qualitative research and learning. College of Letters and Science empowers students to chart their paths of inquiry and discovery. The well-designed academic programmes are unmatched as they consistently produce 6,000 capable graduates every year, prepared to drive positive change globally. Some of the graduate courses of the College of Letters and Science have earned commendable positions in the 2022 US News & World Report rankings of graduate programmes. English, History, and Sociology received rank 1. UC Berkeley's College of Letters & Science boasts an impressive roster of accomplished alumni who shine in diverse fields, demonstrating the University's legacy of excellence. Among them are William "Bill" Wing Yen Chu (founder of Hearts to Humanity Eternal), Jeff Nathan (assistant programme manager at Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense), and Sandile Hlatshwayo (senior economist at the Council of Economic Advisers). Located in the vibrant city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley’s College of Letters and Science campus houses a diverse yet welcoming community. Berkeley is the hub of innovation, opportunities, and exploration.

Where is the school located?

Life at the College of Letters & Science

The University of California Berkeley's College of Letters & Science is home to nearly 2,400 graduate students. Despite the size, it creates a close-knit community through various student activities, clubs and over 1000 student organisations. The dynamic environment promotes both personal and academic growth, encouraging students to dive into a rich array of educational experiences. Housing On-campus summer housing options are available for students studying during the summer or involved in local internships. Graduate students can choose from eight residence halls and 12 campus apartments, offering privacy and convenience. The University Villages housing residential complexes provide family-friendly amenities. The Cal Rentals portal helps students find off-campus accommodation. Ongoing construction projects aim to increase housing availability near campus. Meals There are diverse meal options available through Berkeley Dining. They serve various locations on the Campus, like the dining commons, convenience stores, 4 campus restaurants and Grubhub. Transportation The campus shuttle system, known as Bear Transit, ensures easy transport amongst different campus locations, parking areas, downtown Berkeley BART, student residences, and the Hill vicinity. Night Shuttles provides free late-night services.

Additional benefits of studying at the College of Letters & Science

The College offers an array of additional benefits to enrich the student experience. Libraries such as Bancroft Library, Doe Memorial Library, and numerous specialised libraries cater to diverse academic interests. The Graduate Diversity Offices of Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Math and Physical Sciences and Social Sciences housed on the College of Letters and Science campus provide support for students in getting ahead in their academics, research, and careers.

Admissions criteria

A comprehensive outline of general graduate admission requirements to guide prospective international students applying to the College of Letters and Science is provided below. - Applicants have to pay an application fee of USD 155 - Minimum admission requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution, a GPA of at least 3.0, and sufficient undergraduate training or professional experience. - Academic records, including degree certificates or diplomas and transcripts in the original issued language, must be accompanied by English translations if the documents are not issued in English. - Some programmes require standardised tests like GRE, GMAT, or MCAT - Three letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose, and a Personal History statement are mandatory. - English language proficiency test score is required: - TOEFL: 90 (iBT) - IELTS: 7 overall The applicants are encouraged to check programme-specific requirements for a smooth application process on the Berkeley Graduate Division website A tentative list of the expenses a student could incur while studying at the College of Letters and Science is given below.

• Health Insurance: USD 3,078
• Student services fee: USD 603
• Berkeley campus fee: USD 790.25
• Class pass fee- transit: USD 105

Check the website of the office of the registrar for any updated information.

Job placements

The University of California Berkeley's College of Letters & Science helps graduates navigate diverse career paths beyond academia. The Career Center provides the following services to students and help them find job opportunities and network with employers: - Career counselling
- Organises career fairs and employer info sessions - Provides professional development consultations via GradPro - Arrange conferences, presentations, and workshops - Organises on-campus recruiting events Registering on Handshake helps students search and apply for jobs and internships listed on the portal