Key takeaways
Starting your engineering journey at UC Berkeley as an undeclared major offers a unique opportunity to explore various fields before making a decision. The College of Engineering provides a structured advising system to support undeclared students, allowing them to take foundational courses while discovering their interests. This strategic phase is crucial for high-achieving STEM students to plan effectively for their future.
- Students can remain undeclared for up to three semesters while exploring different engineering disciplines (UC Berkeley).
- Focus on building relationships with faculty and participating in student organizations to gain insights into various majors.
- A minimum GPA of 3.6 is typically required for competitive majors like Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) (UC Berkeley).
- Regular meetings with academic advisors and attending departmental info sessions are essential for successful major declaration.
Contents
If you’re starting your engineering journey at UC Berkeley without declaring a major, you’re not alone—and you’re not behind. In fact, the College of Engineering has a built-in advising structure specifically for undeclared students. This flexibility gives you time to explore your interests and get a real sense of what excites you before making a big decision. We often advise high-achieving STEM students to use their undeclared status strategically—not as something to rush, but as a powerful planning phase. Here’s how to make the most of it.
What to Do If You Are Undeclared at UC Berkeley?
“I recently was admitted to UC Berkeley (Fall 2022) to the School of Engineering as an Undeclared major… If you were admitted Undeclared in the College of Engineering, you can declare whatever Engineering major you want after the first semester when you receive a GPA”
Being undeclared means you haven’t officially chosen a major yet—but you’re still in the College of Engineering. You’ll take foundational courses in math, physics, and computer science, just like your peers who have declared. In your first year, focus on:
- Completing your engineering breadth courses
- Building relationships with faculty and TAs
- Exploring research or student orgs related to different engineering fields
- Attending info sessions hosted by departments like EECS, BioE, and MechE
This is your chance to learn by doing—not just guessing.
Understanding the Undeclared Status in Berkeley Engineering
“Everyone should have a year or two to explore subjects in college before zeroing in on their major area of study”
Starting as Undeclared in UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering might seem risky, but it’s actually a smart choice if you’re still deciding on your major.
Berkeley has a special path called Engineering Undeclared (EU) for strong students who aren’t sure yet. You have up to three semesters to explore different areas before picking your major. During this time, you can take core classes, talk to professors, join clubs, and get advising support.
But this freedom comes with responsibility. To declare your major later, you’ll need to:
- Maintain a competitive GPA (especially in math, physics, and core technical courses)
- Attend info sessions on different engineering departments
- Meet regularly with academic advisors
- Declare your major by the end of your fourth semester
Here’s a breakdown of the typical GPA and course expectations for declaring some of the most competitive majors:
| Major | Minimum GPA | Key Courses to Complete |
| EECS (Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences) | 3.6+ | CS 61A, CS 61B, Math 1A/1B, Math 53 |
| Bioengineering | 3.3 | Bio 1A, Chem 1A/1B, Math 1A/1B |
| Mechanical Engineering | 3.4 | Physics 7A/7B, Math 1A/1B, Eng 7 |
| Civil Engineering | 3.2 | Physics 7A, Math 1A/1B |
| Industrial Engineering & Operations Research | 3.5 | Math 1A/1B, CS 61A, Stat 20 |
Advising Resources for Undeclared Students
You’re not expected to figure this out alone. As an undeclared engineering student, you’ll have access to:
- Engineering Student Services (ESS) advisors—assigned to every student
- Peer advisors—upperclassmen trained to guide first-years
- Faculty drop-ins—especially in fall and spring advising weeks
- CalCentral degree planner—to map out how different majors affect your timeline
Make sure to check out the Berkeley Engineering Advising Hub—your one-stop portal for deadlines, checklists, and major planning tools.
How to Declare a Major in Berkeley Engineering?
Declaring a major at Berkeley Engineering is more than just filling out a form. Some majors are open, others are limited and need extra steps. To declare, you must:
- Finish the required courses
- Meet the GPA (usually 3.0+ for popular majors)
- Talk to your ESS advisor
- Submit the form on CalCentral
Most students declare in sophomore year, before they reach 75–80 units.
Important Deadlines for Declaring a Major
The table below summarizes the most important deadlines for declaring your major in Berkeley Engineering:
| Deadline/Event | Expected Timing |
| First meeting with Engineering Student Services (ESS) adviser | First semester, first-year |
| Begin lower-division major requirements | First and second year |
| Submit formal major declaration request | No later than 4th semester |
| Meet minimum GPA and course requirements | Before or during 4th semester |
| Official declaration of major approval | End of 4th semester (sophomore spring) |
To declare successfully, you’ll need to:
- Complete prerequisite courses for your chosen major (specific to each department)
- Maintain a strong technical GPA, often 3.4+ for competitive majors like EECS or Bioengineering
- Submit a declaration form and meet with your department to review your academic standing
If you don’t declare on time or fail to meet the requirements, you may not be allowed to continue in the College of Engineering. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead, stay in touch with ESS, and take your progress seriously from day one.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Major?
This choice affects not just your classes—but internships and even grad school options. Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy problem-solving with code, hardware, or systems?
- Am I drawn to life sciences, mechanics, or data?
- What do I want to build or fix in the world?
- How much math do I really want in my day-to-day life?
Legacy’s advisors often suggest looking at research labs, student orgs, and project teams tied to each major to get a real-world sense of fit.
High Demand Majors in Berkeley Engineering
Not all majors admit freely. These are impacted majors with GPA thresholds and limited space:
| Major | Notes |
| EECS | Highly competitive; GPA ~3.6+ |
| Bioengineering | Selective; strong biology required |
| Mechanical Eng. | More open, but labs are tight |
| Computer Science (in L&S) | Declared via L&S, not CoE; GPA 3.3+ in core CS courses |
Impact of Being Undeclared on Your GPA and Units
“Being undeclared engineering at Berkeley doesn’t mean it’s easy—students still have to take heavy loads each semester. One comment sums it up well: ‘I have to take 18 units minimum every semester from now till the end of my undergraduate career to get my degree. Love it”
Even without a declared major, you must follow a clear plan. That means:
- Take key classes right away, like intro engineering
- Your grades in these courses really matter, especially when applying to declare a major. Some majors, like EECS or Bioengineering, need a GPA between 3.0 and 3.4
- All the units you take must count toward your degree, and you’re expected to finish around 30 units each year
If your GPA or unit count is too low, it can delay your major declaration or block you from more competitive programs.
The 90 Units Rule for Undeclared Students
Once you hit 90 units, Berkeley expects you to have declared. This includes:
- Transfer credits
- AP or IB units
- Summer session coursework
How GPA Affects Your Major Declaration?
Most majors require a minimum GPA in technical courses—usually between 2.0 and 3.4, depending on how competitive the major is. For example, EECS and Bioengineering often need higher GPAs, and not all students who apply get in.
Your technical GPA includes math, science, and lower-level engineering classes. If you struggle in calculus or physics, it might limit your choices. But if you do well, you’ll have more options—even if you later change your mind.
Some majors don’t have strict GPA rules, but advisors will still check that you’re ready for harder classes. GPA isn’t just a number—it helps decide which major you can choose.
Pursuing a Minor While Being Undeclared
Yes, you can start a minor while undeclared—but you’ll need to declare your major before you can officially add a minor. Popular minors for engineering students:
- Data Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Entrepreneurship & Tech (via the Sutardja Center)
- Electrical Engineering for CS students (and vice versa)
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School
Sources: College Board, Reddit
