What is the hardest major at Berkeley?

While "hardest" is subjective, UC Berkeley's most notoriously difficult and competitive majors, often cited for low acceptance rates and demanding coursework, include Computer Science (CS), Engineering, Public Health, Political Economy, and Molecular & Cellular Biology (MCB), with Math-intensive programs also being very challenging due to abstraction. CS and Engineering are highly selective, while MCB and Public Health are tough for pre-meds, and Math-heavy majors challenge conceptual understanding.

What is the hardest major to get into at Berkeley?

The hardest majors to get into at UC Berkeley are consistently Computer Science (CS) and other STEM fields like Engineering, often with single-digit acceptance rates, alongside highly impacted majors like Business (Haas), Public Health, and Political Economy, requiring exceptional academic performance and strategic application, especially for first-year applicants. 

What is the most competitive major at Berkeley?

We highlight the computer science and business majors in this graph because as you can see, across the table both major's admissions rates are lower than the campus' overall admission rate. They are a couple of the most competitive majors that first-year applicants apply to.

What are the top 3 hardest majors?

While difficulty is subjective, Medicine, Engineering (especially Chemical/Aerospace), and Physics/Chemistry consistently rank as the top hardest majors due to intense coursework, demanding problem-solving, heavy memorization, and complex analytical skills, often leading to very low average GPAs and extensive study hours. Other contenders often cited include Architecture, Neuroscience, and Computer Science. 

What are the top 3 majors at UC Berkeley?

The top 3 most popular majors at UC Berkeley consistently include Computer Science (often combined with Electrical Engineering - EECS), followed by strong showings in Economics and Molecular/Cellular Biology, with significant interest also in areas like Political Science, Engineering disciplines, and Psychology, reflecting high demand for tech, business, and life sciences. 

Top 10 Hardest Majors In College

What is the easiest major to get into at UC Berkeley?

The "easiest" UC Berkeley major often points to those in the large College of Letters & Science (L&S), especially those not listed as "High-Demand" like Math or Interdisciplinary Studies (for transfers), as most L&S admits are not major-specific initially, allowing easier declaration later, with Linguistics or Ancient Greek & Roman Studies sometimes showing higher transfer admit rates. For first-years, applying to L&S broadly and aiming for non-impacted majors, or even considering majors like Art Practice, Political Economy, or Social Welfare (which are lower-demand for L&S), provides better odds than highly competitive fields like Engineering or Computer Science.
 

What is the no. 1 toughest degree in the world?

The top 10 hardest degrees in the world commonly include: (1) Medicine, (2) Engineering (various branches), (3) Chartered Accountancy, (4) Architecture, (5) Physics, (6) Aerospace Engineering, (7) Chemical Engineering, (8) Law, (9) Pharmacy, and (10) Mathematics.

What is the rarest major?

The rarest college majors are often highly specialized fields like Puppet Arts, Egyptology, Astrobiology, Bagpiping, or niche areas like Bakery Science & Management (only offered at Kansas State), focusing on unique skills or ancient studies with limited career paths but dedicated programs. While some uncommon majors (like Theology or Library Science) are rare due to low demand, others, such as certain Engineering or Arts degrees, are rare because they're exceptionally specific or offered at only one or two universities. 

Which major has the most dropouts?

Dropout rates by major:

STEM fields have higher attrition than non-STEM majors overall. Computer science has a 10.7% early dropout rate (among the highest) Business and engineering also show high early losses. Only 40% of those who declare STEM majors complete the degree.

What are high-demand majors at Berkeley?

High-Demand Majors at Berkeley:

• Art Practice.
• Operations Research & Management Science (Analytics)
• Political Economy.
• Public Health.
• Social Welfare.

Is Berkeley ranked higher than UCLA?

It depends on the ranking system, as UC Berkeley and UCLA often trade places, but recently Berkeley has frequently ranked higher as the top public university in national lists, while UCLA sometimes leads in global rankings or specific program strengths, with both schools consistently considered among the best public universities in the U.S. and the world. For example, recent U.S. News & World Report rankings placed Berkeley above UCLA, while Forbes and Times Higher Education also show Berkeley ahead in some metrics, but UCLA often excels in undergraduate experience and specific industries like entertainment. 

What degree is Berkeley known for?

Berkeley Engineering is a national leader in engineering education, with students and researchers from around the world drawn to our department by its outstanding reputation, internationally recognized faculty, and tradition of impact in research and teaching.

Which is harder, UCLA or UC Berkeley?

Generally, UC Berkeley is considered academically more rigorous and "cutthroat," especially in STEM, with a stronger research focus and tougher grading, while UCLA offers a slightly better balance between intense academics and social life, though both are top-tier, highly competitive universities where difficulty depends heavily on your specific major and department. Berkeley often has a reputation for heavier workloads, tougher curves (especially in engineering), and students getting less sleep, but UCLA can be harder to get into in recent years due to lower acceptance rates. 

What is the easiest major to major in?

The "easiest" major often depends on your strengths, but generally, liberal arts, social sciences (like Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice), and Education are considered more accessible due to fewer advanced STEM requirements, focusing more on reading, writing, and analysis, with Business Administration, Communications, and English also frequently cited for their practicality and lower math/science intensity, making them popular choices for high GPAs and versatile skills. 

What is the largest major at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley Data Science major now largest on campus. Already ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report, UC Berkeley's Data Science major has recently become the largest on campus. An average of 1,960 undergraduate students were declared in the major between fall 2024 and spring 2025.

What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, jobs paying over $400,000 without a college degree exist, with Walmart Store Managers being a prominent example due to increased bonuses and stock, while other high earners include roles in enterprise tech sales, commercial real estate, high-level trades (like nuclear operators, air traffic controllers), and self-made entrepreneurs/influencers, all relying on high skill, performance, and market demand, not just degrees, according to sources from Tallo and The Wall Street Journal. 

What are the top 3 hardest degrees?

CollegeVine's Top 10 Hardest Majors

• Electrical Engineering. Average GPA: 3.3.
• Physics. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
• Architecture. Average GPA: 3.3. ...
• Nursing. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Accounting. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Cellular and Molecular Biology. Average GPA: 3.2. ...
• Philosophy. Average GPA: 3.1. ...
• Fine Arts. Average GPA: 3.2. Average Weekly Study Hours: 18.1. ...

What is the lowest paid major?

10 of the lowest-paying majors

1. Theology. Average salary: $40,000 per year A theology major studies various religious texts, religions and the relationship between humans and religion. ...
2. Fine and performing arts. ...
3. Public policy and social services. ...
4. Education. ...
5. Library science. ...
6. Liberal arts. ...
7. Psychology. ...
8. English.

Which degree leads to burnout?

Architecture. Architecture is known as one of the degrees that leads to the highest mental burnout due to its intense studio culture, long working hours, and demanding design expectations. Students often spend nights completing models, drawings, and critiques, which can lead to stress and exhaustion.

Which hard degree is most in demand?

STEM degrees, especially in engineering, computer science, and mathematics, lead across all key employment metrics, offering low unemployment rates, high starting salaries, and long-term demand. Healthcare fields also rank highly, with nursing topping the list due to its exceptional job security and national demand.

What's the easiest degree in the world?

These are the easiest majors we've identified by highest average GPA.

• #1: Psychology. Psychology majors study the inner workings of the human psyche. ...
• #2: Criminal Justice. ...
• #3: English. ...
• #4: Education. ...
• #5: Social Work. ...
• #6: Sociology. ...
• #7: Communications. ...
• #8: History.

What is Berkeley, CA famous for?

Berkeley may be primarily renowned for its world-class university, but this California city also boasts a treasure trove of outstanding attractions and things to do. Throughout Berkeley, you will find fine dining restaurants, excellent theaters and galleries, and exciting local festivals.

What's the hardest major to get into at Berkeley?

Hardest Majors to Get Into at UC Berkeley

1. Computer Science – 4% Admit Rate. Berkeley's Computer Science (CS) program is one of the most selective majors, with an admission rate of just 4%. ...
2. Public Health – 5% Admit Rate. ...
3. Engineering – 7% Admit Rate. ...
4. Architecture – 8% Admit Rate. ...
5. Social Sciences – 9% Admit Rate.