Can You Double Major in Computer Science at UC Berkeley for Non-STEM?

At UC Berkeley, students have the opportunity to pursue a double major in Computer Science (CS) and another discipline. However, if you are considering a double major outside of the STEM field, it is important to note that the Computer Science major is typically classified as a STEM field. This article will explore the specifics of pursuing a non-STEM double major in Computer Science at UC Berkeley, including the necessary steps and considerations.

Department Approval

For a non-STEM double major in Computer Science, you must obtain approval from both departments involved. Each department has its own set of criteria and prerequisites. This can be a complex process and requires careful planning. It is recommended that you meet with academic advisors from both departments early in your academic planning to understand the feasibility and requirements.

College Requirements

Depending on whether you are in the College of Letters and Science or another college, there may be additional restrictions or requirements. For instance, students in the College of Letters and Science (CALS) may need to meet specific GPA and course prerequisites to pursue a double major. It is crucial to review these requirements carefully to ensure that you meet all necessary criteria.

Course Load and Interdisciplinary Opportunities

The course load for a double major in Computer Science can be quite demanding. You will need to fulfill the requirements for both majors, which can be challenging. Interdisciplinary opportunities may also be available for students who are interested in pairing Computer Science with majors that have a strong interdisciplinary component, such as Cognitive Science or Data Science. These majors blend both STEM and non-STEM elements, offering a unique and enriching academic experience.

Specific Non-STEM Majors to Consider

Here are some specific non-STEM majors that students often pair with Computer Science at UC Berkeley:

Economics - For Those Interested in Algorithms and Economics

Economics students interested in the application of algorithms in decision-making processes and market analysis may find this combination particularly rewarding. The interdisciplinary nature of this double major can provide a powerful combination of analytical skills.

Business - For Those with an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Technology

Students who have an entrepreneurial mindset and are interested in technological applications in business may benefit from a double major in Computer Science and Business. This combination can provide a unique perspective on innovation and technology in the business world.

English - For Those Interested in Linguistics and Natural Language Processing

Combining Computer Science with English can be an exciting choice for students who are interested in the linguistic aspects of natural language processing (NLP). This double major can provide a deep understanding of both the computational and linguistic aspects of language.

Foreign Language - For Those Practicing Language Acquisition

Students who wish to improve their language skills may explore a double major in Computer Science and a foreign language. This combination can be particularly beneficial for students interested in international technology and business.

Other STEM-Related Fields

While the double major is primarily focused on non-STEM areas, it is also beneficial to dip into some STEM-related fields for a more rounded education. Here are a few examples:

Mathematics - There is significant overlap between Computer Science and Mathematics, and many concepts in upper-level Mathematics are applicable in the study of Computers. Biology - Bioinformatics combines computational techniques with biological data. Physics - Computational Physics has a lot of modeling and simulation applications. Chemistry - Computational Chemistry aims to predict and analyze chemical phenomena through computational methods. Statistics - Machine Learning, Statistics, and Data Mining are crucial in analyzing and interpreting large datasets.

Opinion: Other UC Campuses May Be More Favorable

As an opinion piece, it is suggested that other UC campuses might be better suited for a dual non-STEM direction than UC Berkeley. UC Berkeley can be very strict with its major advisor policies, often pushing for timely graduation. Other campuses, however, have more relaxed limitations, making the process of pursuing a dual major in non-STEM fields more flexible.

Find an Internship-Relevant Campus

It is advisable to pick a campus or university area where finding a summer internship is easiest for you. Coding is similar to learning a language – use it or lose it. The perceived value to companies that hire you is more related to your real-world internship experience rather than the campus where you completed your training. Companies like Intel have been known to offer internships to undergraduates who have only taken one programming class, recognizing the value of their practical experience.

Consider Community College Offerings

If you are still in high school or struggling with programming, consider taking an introductory course at a community college (CC). CCs are often better at providing the necessary support for new learners. Additionally, you can take the introductory courses early to get a head start and avoid competition with those who have already completed the CC curriculum.