2 Pathways to Apply to Data Science

Comprehensive Review

  • First-year students admitted to UC Berkeley in Fall 2023 or later who did not select Data Science on their admissions application
  • All students admitted to UC Berkeley Fall 2024 or later who were not admitted directly into the major

See details below about applying through Comprehensive Review.

Prerequisite Pathway

  • All students admitted to UC Berkeley prior to Fall 2023
  • First-year students admitted to UC Berkeley in Fall 2023 with Data Science as your intended major on your admission application (currently listed as "HD Data Science" in CalCentral)
  • Transfer students admitted to UC Berkeley in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 who have not completed 2 semesters or more at UC Berkeley

See the Prerequisite Pathway page for details.

What is Comprehensive Review?

The comprehensive review process for applying to the Data Science major evaluates both academic and non-academic achievements, as well as a student’s potential contributions to the program.

This process is designed to create opportunities for students who were not initially admitted to UC Berkeley as Data Science majors. By considering factors beyond grades, it allows students without prior data science experience to present a compelling case for admission and showcase their unique qualifications and aspirations.

Need Advising?

Data Science advisors are available to help! Email us at ds-advising@berkeley.edu, or find out about our other advising services.

Required Coursework for Comprehensive Review

Students applying for the Data Science major through comprehensive review are expected to be making progress toward the major relative to their year in school:

Year Courses Completed with Final Grades Posted at the time of application Courses Expected to have completed or in progress in Spring 2025

1st year

(Sp25 = 1st or 2nd term)
  1.  Data C8 or Stat 20, and
  2.  one additional course from Calculus 1, Calculus 2 or Intro Programming
 One (1) additional course toward lower-division major requirements

2nd Year

(Sp25 = 3rd or 4th term)

 
  1.  Data C8 or Stat 20, and
  2.  one additional course from Calculus 1, Calculus 2 or Intro Programming
 Three (3) additional course toward lower-division major requirements

3rd Year/New Transfer

(Sp25 = 5th or 6th term)
  1.  Data C8 or Stat 20*, and
  2.  one additional course from Calculus 1, Calculus 2 or Intro Programming

*For Fall 2024 transfer admits, we will accept Data C8 or Stat 20 in progress in Spring 2025, as long as you are also otherwise on track to complete the lower-division requirements in Spring 2025.

 All remaining courses toward lower-division major requirements
  • All courses toward the major must be completed with a letter grade of C- or better
  • A course completed with a grade below C- may be repeated one time for credit.
  • If admitted to the Data Science major, all students 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 (Updated 12/13/24)

When and how can I apply?

View a PDF version of the application to prepare your responses.

The application is available here

The deadline to submit an application is January 31, 2025.

For more information about submitting an application, see the Comprehensive Review section of the CDSS College Policies page.

The application will be open once per year in January.