At UC Berkeley’s College of Computing, Data Science, and Society, its first new college in 50 years, you build an understanding of the data science lifecycle—from question formulation through machine learning deployment—and explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping work and organizations. You join Berkeley students in exciting, rigorous programs that span statistical prediction, machine learning algorithms, and scalable data processing using Python and develop the quantitative critical thinking and technical expertise global employers demand from the next generation of data professionals.
University of California, Berkeley Global Computing and Data Science Academic Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Advanced
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Computer Science & Math,
Statistics,
Math,
Computer Science,
Computer
Housing:
Off-Campus Apartment
Visa Required:
Maybe
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
About the University
University of California, Berkeley
There’s something special about UC Berkeley. One of the most prestigious state universities in the country, it is home of the Free Speech Movement, a hotbed of student activism, and with a deeply motivated academic population committed to excellence, it celebrates diversity and community in the urban, eclectic greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Opportunity, here, feels endless. Immerse yourself in a shared student experience both on campus and on the trails of wooded Berkeley Hills, the colorful San Francisco streets, and in the great Californian outdoors.
Learn more at University of California, Berkeley's official website.
Academics
Since its inception, UC Berkeley has sought to understand, examine, and solve society’s greatest challenges. As AI-driven business changes the world at speed, UC Berkeley has once again stepped up to make a difference, establishing its first new college in 50 years. Working with leaders in innovative Silicon Valley, the epicenter of the AI-augmented economy, you join exclusive site visits to Bay Area companies, venture capital firms, and startups to see data-driven transformation firsthand, giving you a career advantage in this AI-driven world.
For diverse learning, you have the required course Computing, Data Science, and the Future Workplace, one of two core courses and the choice of any UC Berkeley course for your two electives.
Courses
UC Berkeley’s College of Computing, Data Science, and Society emphasizes ethical, inclusive, interdisciplinary learning that connects technical computing and data science skills with societal impact, preparing you to tackle real-world challenges responsibly and collaboratively across diverse fields.
Course Selection
- One required course: Computing, Data Science, and the Future Workplace: Equips you to thrive and lead in an AI-driven economy. You explore how AI and machine learning are transforming work, skills, and organizations, while learning what global employers want in data-savvy professionals.
- One of two core courses: Principles and Techniques of Data Science or Modern Statistical Prediction and Machine Learning
- Understand the full data science lifecycle, from asking questions and preparing data to analysis, modeling, and decision-making. The data science core course emphasizes quantitative critical thinking and core tools, including programming languages, machine learning algorithms, data visualization principles, statistical inference, and scalable data processing.
- Examine the theory and practice of statistical prediction, combining classical methods with modern extensions. You work with real data using Python to evaluate models, balance efficiency and performance, and assess underlying statistical assumptions.
- Two electives: Any UC Berkeley course or further offerings at the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society.
Classroom
At the all-new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society, professors balance rigorous theory with real-world applications, and classrooms increasingly use flipped or interactive teaching methods to encourage participation and critical thinking.
Site Visits
Throughout your courses, you have direct engagement with industry leaders and startups across the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university - and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
To prove your language proficiency, you will need to provide one of the following:
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Housing Information
Dorm/Residence Hall
You stay in the welcoming community of Wesley House, across the street from the campus sports facility.
Sharing a triple room*, you quickly develop friendships in your friendly, supportive off-campus apartment. You have your own bed, desk, and storage space in your shared room, and you share the bathroom, a living room, and kitchen with the four other triple rooms in your apartment. The password-entry building has a games room, mail room, laundry, and a stunning roof terrace with views across San Francisco Bay.
As there is no meal plan included, you are free to cook with your roommates, buy a meal plan to eat in Berkeley’s dining halls, or explore the local restaurants and cafes.
*Double and, rarely, single rooms may also be available. Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Berkeley
Why Berkeley
The wooded Berkeley Hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, the great Californian outdoors, colorful San Francisco - Berkeley is an unforgettable destination. Neighbor to Silicon Valley, Berkeley is an inspirational place to study, and downtime might mean hopping on the free transit to see San Francisco’s famous sights, heading for a hike or bike in the Berkeley Hills, or enjoying waterfront views at the Berkeley Marina.
The Student Experience
A Brief History of UC Berkeley
Get to know this amazing California university in Berkeley!
Student Health & Safety
We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
Commonly Asked Questions About Academic & Concurrent Programs
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
