At the heart of Berkeley’s Data Science Undergraduate Studies is a commitment to shaping a future where data empowers thoughtful, inclusive, and impactful decision-making. We believe that excellence in data science is not just about technical mastery, but about who participates, how they’re supported, and what values guide their work.
Grounded in this vision, our core values reflect what we stand for and how we strive to serve our students, the field, and society.
In Berkeley’s Data Science Undergraduate Studies, we:
Attract and Educate Top Talent
We strive to attract and nurture some of the brightest talent in the world. By fostering an inclusive environment and providing cutting-edge education, we prepare future leaders in data science to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Empower Student Growth
We are committed to supporting all students, regardless of prior experience, to explore and excel in data science.
Foster Diverse Perspectives
We recognize that the strength of data science lies in the diversity of its contributors. By embracing and elevating a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints, we enrich the discipline and drive innovation.
Integrate Human Contexts and Ethics
Our curriculum incorporates human contexts and ethical considerations, equipping students to make responsible and impactful decisions in their careers.
Bridge Disciplines
We view data science as an interdisciplinary field with applications spanning from the sciences to the humanities, and we promote connections across these diverse areas.
Extend Educational Opportunities
We are dedicated to making high-quality data science education accessible beyond Berkeley. Through partnerships with other institutions, we strive to broaden access and impact.
Values in action
At DSUS, our values shape the way we teach, engage with students, and create opportunities for our community. In addition to the programs and initiatives linked above, here are some highlighted stories about our values in action.
Data Discovery showcases undergraduate research projects with real-world application
Nihar Nuthikattu’s initial interest in Section 230 was kindled by following U.S. congressional hearings that included testimony from CEOs at major technology companies. A junior majoring in data science and economics at UC Berkeley, Nuthikattu said he was struck by “the stark asymmetry in technical acumen between lawmakers and digital platforms.” Years later, Nuthikattu was considering potential research projects among the many options available to undergraduate students as part of the CDSS Data Discovery program.
Breaking Down the Divide Between Technology and Society at Berkeley
In an age where data drives decision-making across nearly every industry, UC Berkeley is pioneering a new approach—one that ensures future data scientists understand not just algorithms, but also the human consequences of their work.
UC Berkeley to launch compute hub with California Education Learning LabHuman Contexts and Ethics
UC Berkeley experts received a $1.5 million grant from the California Education Learning Lab (Learning Lab) to launch a first-of-its-kind computing technology hub for the state’s public colleges and universities. The hub will provide access to students across the state to course materials built on the JupyterHub platform and will be run by Berkeley for several California higher education institutions, saving money, aligning curricula and facilitating transfer pathways for STEM students.
First-gen student brings parents’ dream to life at UC Berkeley
On a rainy fall day, senior Fatima Guadalupe Gonzalez Perez teaches one of her last data science sections of the term. The classroom is filled with students, listening intently and asking thoughtful questions about probability. But it’s the small group in the back that Gonzalez Perez is trying to ignore in order to keep her nerves in check. Her parents, accompanied by her two younger sisters, hold up their phones to take pictures, their faces alight with pride.
Professor Ani Adhikari honored with 2024 Leon A. Henkin Citation award
Adhikari’s philosophy, inspired by the legacy of Leon A. Henkin, centers around collaboration and empowerment. “The students have in them talent and skills and it is your job to stand next to them and collaborate with them in bringing those skills out. You don’t do that with remedial work. You do that by giving them the work of the class and then some. You give them work that is exciting and then the two of you can work on that together and that leads to wonderful things. You aim high, not low.”
Find more stories about our values in action on our homepage's "News and Articles" section.
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