Declaring The Major

Not all students declaring Data Science will need to complete prerequisites prior to declaration. Please use the "Eligibility to Declare by Semester of Admission" tabs above to determine if this information is relevant to you.

Prerequisites to Declare

Not all students declaring will do so through comprehensive review. Please use the "Eligibility to Declare by Semester of Admission" tabs above to determine if this information is relevant to you.

What factors will be considered in the comprehensive review process?

Criteria will include your academic performance as well as your motivation to pursue the Data Science major. We support the University of California policy on the value of diverse viewpoints, including academic and intellectual breadth. If you listed a different field as your primary interest when you applied to UC Berkeley, then you should explain why your interest has changed.

Keep in mind that in a holistic review process no single criterion is of primary importance, nor do you have to be exceptional in every dimension. We urge you not to take on multiple activities in the hope of strengthening your application. Just tell us your background and goals simply and honestly. We will be listening for your own unique voice.

What are the minimum classes required to take before applying to the Data Science major?

Before submitting your application to the Data Science major, you should have completed Data C8 (or Stat 20), and at least 1 additional course in calculus (Math 1A, 16A, 10A or 1B) or program structures (Data/CompSci C88C, CompSci 61A, or Engin 7). Approved transfer courses and/or exam credit may be counted, as outlined on the Data Science website.

Additionally, applicants should be on track to complete the lower-division classes by the end of their 5th semester.

What are the minimum grades to apply for the Data Science major?

There is no minimum grade or GPA required to apply to the Data Science major, and all interested students are encouraged to apply.

If you do not pass a class on the first attempt, you may repeat a class one time for credit toward your UC GPA.

If admitted to the Data Science major, all students must have a minimum C- or better in each course toward the major in order to declare and graduate, and must have a minimum 2.0 GPA overall in the major and in the upper-division courses in the major.

Review additional FAQs about the comprehensive review process.

The application for the Data Science major is open from the 4th week of each term through the week after Finals, including during the Summer.

Please submit your application no earlier than the last 3 weeks of the term in which you will complete your prerequisites. 

Major Declaration Form Availability

Spring 2024: February 5, 2024 - May 24, 2024

• First day to apply with prerequisites in progress in Spring 2024: April 22, 2024. Applications will be reviewed after final grades are available, so students should expect a reply in late May or in June. 

Summer 2024: TBD - Due to the impending transfer of majors from L&S to CDSS which will take place during summer 2024, we don't yet know when the summer application will be available.

Students Admitted Prior to Fall 2023 

Per L&S policy, declared students adding Data Science as a double major, or changing to the Data Science major, must declare before the first day of their final term in attendance. There is no deadline to declare Data Science as a single major. 

Students Admitted to UC Berkeley in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024:

• New first-year students admitted in Fall 2023, if not admitted directly in the Data Science major, may apply to declare Data Science when the CDSS comprehensive review process is available. 
• New transfer students admitted in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, if not admitted directly in the Data Science major, may change to or add Data Science no later than the end of their second semester in attendance.

Students Admitted to UC Berkeley Fall 2024 or later:

• New students admitted in Fall 2024 or later, if not admitted directly in the Data Science major, may apply to declare Data Science when the CDSS comprehensive review process is available.

1.  Complete the Data Science BA worksheet and L&S Program Planning Sheet (no signatures required).
2.  Upload your completed forms via the application link below.
3.  Once your application has been approved, the change will be reflected on CalCentral. 

Apply here

Applications are typically processed within 10 business days after submission OR after your final prerequisite grades are available.

You do not need to meet with an advisor or obtain any advisor signatures on your forms prior to submitting them.

*If you are declared in the Data Science minor, you will be dropped from the minor when you declare or add the Data Science major, as students may not earn a major and minor in the same field.

1.  Complete the Data Science BA worksheet and either the L&S Double Major Application or Simultaneous Degrees Application (you may obtain advisor signatures from your other major first, but this is not required). Note: students applying to add Data Science as a second major with an L&S major should continue to use the L&S Double Major application form for Spring 2024, until the majors officially transfer into the College of CDSS in Summer 2024. 
2.  Upload your completed forms via the application link below.
3.  Once your application has been approved, a Data Science Advisor will email you back with your signed forms. You will need to obtain any other required signatures and submit your completed packet to your College Advising office for final approval.

Apply here

Applications are typically processed within 10 business days after submission OR after your final prerequisite grades are available.

You do not need to meet with an advisor or obtain any advisor signatures on your forms prior to submitting them.

*If you are declared in the Data Science minor, you will be dropped from the minor when you declare or add the Data Science major, as students may not earn a major and minor in the same field.

1.  Complete the Data Science BA worksheet, L&S Program Plan and the L&S Major Declaration form. No signatures are required.
2.  Upload your completed forms via the application link below.
3.  Once your application has been approved, a Data Science Advisor will email you back with your signed L&S Major Declaration. You will need to submit this with your completed Change of College application to the L&S College Advising office.

Apply here

Applications are typically processed within 10 business days after submission OR after your final prerequisite grades are available.

You do not need to meet with an advisor or obtain any advisor signatures on your forms prior to submitting them.

*If you are declared in the Data Science minor, you will be dropped from the minor when you declare or add the Data Science major, as students may not earn a major and minor in the same field.