University of California - Berkeley Reviews

  • 253 Reviews
  • Berkeley (CA)
  • Annual Tuition: $44,467
95% of 253 students said this degree improved their career prospects
92% of 253 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Asclepius
  • Reviewed: 5/30/2018
  • Degree: Philosophy
"I transferred to UC, Berkeley from Santa Barbara City College (voted the best city college in the nation in one poll). At SBCC I found a lively, encouraging atmosphere of students and professors working together and mutually stimulating each other. I was disappointed when I transferred to Berkeley to find a more competitive atmosphere, with students judging each other, trying to beat each other. Nevertheless, Berkeley introduced me to the world of academia, and took my educational pursuits to a new, higher level of organization and professionalism."
Sean Cardinalli
  • Reviewed: 3/31/2018
  • Degree: Liberal Studies
"The University of California at Berkeley is the premier public institution in the world and I am proud to have graduated from it. A myriad of academic, extracurricular, and socialization opportunities were availed me as an undergraduate there in the early 1990s. At the time, the pro-black movement and other POC groups were pushing back against the anti-affirmative action backers, who represented a misguided sense of colorblindness. Los Angeles burned again under race-related riots (due to the race-related beating of motorist Rodney King), as other urban centers were neglected by the typically callous economic cutbacks and outsourcing of jobs under centrist President Clinton and the Republican-led congress. And crack continued to devastate Americas inner cities abetted by the politicians. And yet, some politically influential mouthpieces tried to tell us undergrads of color that the effects of the Civil Rights Movement, then 30 years past, had leveled the socioeconomic and racial playing field. Well, as of today, we know that to simply be preposterous as campaigns demanding fairness in wages and education for women and POCs are ratcheting up the awareness of Americas still-intransigent, institutionalized disparities and iniquities. UC Berkeley was hallowed ground for the Free Speech Movement, ethnic and womens studies opportunities, and pro-black sensibilities. The campus was and is a cauldron of liberal thought and pioneering outlooks. Change doesn't come easily; it takes demands and demonstrations; and the Berkeley campus history bears that out. The campus and its storied importance and position in world academia is even more important than ever in light of the obvious proliferation of hate groups and racist politics of late. White supremacists have occupied the White House and other political halls and have swelled the alt-rights ranks. Now that such American ugliness is out and in the open, there's no better time to join the Resistance and its admixture of youth and experience students and professors and their campaign against hate, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and homophobia, and other means of social and institutional oppression. Berkeley has been ground zero for so many important sociopolitical movements in the past. I am proud that my alma mater has such a distinguished and disruptive history and I hope to begin my graduate work there, so many years later, to resume my part in that ongoing fervor for liberty, justice, and peace."
Edward
  • Reviewed: 2/23/2018
  • Degree: MSW
"The MSW program at Berkeley focuses on practice over classroom learning. For this reason I would recommend having some experience in the field prior to applying, or it will feel very theoretical and more difficult for you. Half of your work here will be in a real organization, applying the theories and practice models that you are learning in class to your current work. It is a great learning environment, and will definitely challenge you. Being able to think critically about all levels of social work is a skill that you will develop here, where most other school focus on the micro level. Having s strong focus on policy is one of the huge benefits of this school. Even if you are going to do direct practice after graduation, you should have a solid understanding of how policy in your organization affects your work and how those policies are informed by bigger policies and movements. Because of this policy focus, you will start to see better some of the inequities and injustices perpetuated by the school itself. This school is special, but it looks like every other flawed system in this country because it is - they make a lot of mistakes. But you will also have space to help the school see those mistakes and hopefully correct some of them. Every year things get a tiny bit better for the next class of students because of the work of current students. Building community here with other students, organizing, and affecting change at the school, in your placement organizations, community, etc. are the most powerful outcomes you can get from Berkeley. If you are going to come here, come here ready to do real work and have difficult conversations. The degree is super expensive here so if all you want is the paper, then don't come here because it won't be worth it just for that. But you will have a great network here, and you will learn, and you will be better prepared to affect change when you leave."
Aamirah
  • Reviewed: 12/29/2017
  • Degree: Communications
"The Media Studies program at UC Berkeley is transformative. Those interested in further pursuing their passion in mass communication should look into this degree program. The faculty is outstanding and there are many interdisciplinary curriculums that allow for expanded skillsets and newfound knowledge. There are various extracurricular activities that are supplemental (and fun!) for the degree such as KALX Radio, The Daily Californian, and Business Careers in Entertainment Club, just to name a few. UC Berkeley's location is quintessential for those looking for internship opportunities around the bay area as well, particularly in San Francisco. Lastly, the diversity of the student population makes for an inclusive and immersive experience at the number one public university in the world!"
Salina Nasir
  • Reviewed: 11/17/2017
  • Degree: Journalism
"I am currently enrolled as a graduate student at UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism, and I am a first-year. Given that it is a two-year program, I am only able to speak on the experiences of first semester. I would like to begin with a note on faculty and staff. The school is relatively small, but it is staffed with a sufficient amount of employees who dedicate their time (and careers) to making the lives of their students easier. We have unobstructed access to financial advisers, career advisers, and academic advisers, all of whom vow to be there for us when needed. Also worthy of mention is the fact that the dean himself has a relatively open-door policy, meaning he makes it easy for students to have important conversations with him. Furthermore, there are two additional associate deans who also double as full-time faculty/lecturers at the school. They are also available for both quick advice and important counseling, as well as for random conversations in between. In terms of professors, I really appreciate that most of them are alums from the J-school who are able to understand exactly where students are coming from. They are also all experienced in the field with impressive resumes; this gives students access to a network of professional journalists who play a hand in not only teaching us during our time as graduate students, but possibly also in connecting us to the right people once our careers begin post-graduation. Lastly, as journalism is an industry heavily focused on gear and equipment, it is important that we receive proper technical training on how to handle expensive cameras and video cameras. Students have been trained by the school's own equipment manager on several different occasions. There is also a really neat and organized rental schedule that is well-maintained and constantly updated; this makes for an easy check-out/check-in process when students rent equipment for assignments. We have also been spoken to about the importance of insurance, and we have been recommended different insurance plans. The classroom experience at UC Berkeley's J-school is intimate, as there are only about a dozen students assigned to a single professor in most sections. This makes learning an extremely personalized process, which I believe helps benefit the student immensely. All students are on different tracks and career paths--from New Media to Video Journalism to Narrative Writing--so it helps to have plenty of one-on-one time with professors who are guiding us along. The selection of classes is also very broad--ranging from practical, niche reporting courses (such as sports reporting, investigative reporting, business reporting, and international reporting), to more specialized courses on reporting on sexual violence, reporting from war abroad, etc. Students are encouraged to dabble in different areas of reporting to develop a versatile skillset. For example, though I am following the Narrative Writing and New Media tracks, I am currently enrolled in a mandatory Intro to Visual Storytelling course. The course, along with Intro to Reporting, is required regardless of which track you are on because the school wants all students to try both video and narrative mediums for reporting at least once so to at least establish a basic foundation. Perhaps my favorite part about attending Berkeley's J-school is the network of amazing peers and faculty/staff that I have been introduced to, as well as the honor of being apart of this network that has many useful connections in the industry. I am constantly interacting with my peers at the many events the school hosts, which features panel discussions on important themes in the industry and talks led by leading journalists (some of whom are former students) who have succeeded professionally. I am also involved in clubs at the school including the Asian American Journalists Association, which meets frequently to plan school events, offer constructive feedback on our projects, and spend time/bond outside of the classroom environment. At the J-school, we are constantly reminded to de-stress and maintain a positive mindset and a healthy well-being, so making time for relaxation and fun is absolutely mandatory! I recommend, without hesitation, the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism for any reporter who is serious about perfecting his or her craft or interested in developing new skillsets. Journalism is a constantly-evolving field, and Berkeley's J-school is ready to help students modernize and prepare for the current shift as well as any future change to come."
Danielle Bezalel
  • Reviewed: 10/24/2017
  • Degree: Film Production
"The University of California, Berkeley is an incredibly rigorous, challenging, rewarding, and beautiful school to attend. I was so lucky to attend and obtain a degree in Film and Media with a minor in Education; I learned so much about not only those specific topics but about who I was as a person through general education classes, clubs, my a cappella group, my sorority, and by participating in the Jewish Community on campus (Hillel). I would recommend that anyone and everyone apply to UC Berkeley (go bears)!"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Public Health
"College is a place where you learn and find yourself. The first time away from home, I was able to find myself and slowly define my own path and choose what I wanted to do. College is a very diverse place with many students from different backgrounds. My world broadened with the meeting of these people who I am still lucky to call friends as I was able to learn about various cultures."
Hunter,36
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Information Technology
"It was the best time of my life! University of California is the best"
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"It is a great, well-rounded school. From the liberal arts to engineering, it has something for everyone. In addition to being great academically, it has a great campus culture that encourages people to be socially aware and to be involved in your community. I've learned so much from the people I met there."
Nick
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Public Health
"It is a great institution to study public health as you have lecturers some of whom are physicians and/or work with international health organizations such as WHO."
Rebecca
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"I will always value my time at Cal. Not only for the things I learned, but also for the wonderful atmosphere on campus and around the area."
David
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Computer Science
"Nice place to study and meet many types of people. I enjoyed my time."
Grace
  • Reviewed: 6/28/2017
  • Degree: Biomedical Sciences
"The University of California, Berkeley is renowned across the world as the best public university in the world for a reason. Although the curriculum is difficult and can be strenuous at times, the effort is well worth it. You gain perseverance, resilience, and a knowledge that is definitely worth the tuition."
Sara A.
  • Reviewed: 6/28/2017
  • Degree: Clinical Psychology
"I attended UC Berkeley Extension as an older student in career transition. At first I was intimidated by the cost of the classes but upon completion of my certification, I can confidently report that it was money well spent. Every instructor I had was either currently teaching or prominent in their field and highly motivated to instruct. Our materials were up-to-date (I still refer back to a few chapters and assignments I had!) and the content of the classes was engaging, group oriented when appropriate, and well paced. I didn't enter into the program to meet people but ending up making connections with other students, both personal and professional, that continue to be rewarding. When it came time to apply to graduate school, I felt prepared by my experience in two ways: 1) the academic study was very good and covered basic core requirements, and 2) even though this is a program geared to assist those looking to go back to school, there was time set aside to address how to break into the every level of the world of counseling both professionally and academically. I felt guided and supported through this process and opted to tap my instructors for letters of rec when I applied to grad school, which was very helpful as an older student because I had lost touch with my undergrad instructors. I have no doubt that my performance substantially upped the competitiveness of my application since I was accepted into two top-ten schools out of 4 applications. I highly recommend UC Berkeley extension overall as a wonderful place to learn about a variety of subjects and specifically for their certification in counseling and psychology program."
Mandana
  • Reviewed: 6/14/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"I attended UC Berkeley for the last two years of my bachelors degree. At first, I was hesitant to attend this school and I was worried that I would not be able to keep up with others, and would become limited in other dimensions of my life, to an unhealthy balance point. However, now I believe going to this school was the best decision I made in my life. Attending this campus opened my eyes to many dimensions of life, society and the world that I was not aware of before. I came into contact with a very diverse group of amazing, smart, ans motivated group of people. This also motivated me to pursue growth. It not only did not limit me, but also introduced me to groups that would guide me to become better, and strive for more."
J
  • Reviewed: 6/14/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"The MSW program has a heavy academic/theoretical focus- all your practice happens in your field placement. The professors are variable- some are excellent, and some are near retirement, not up-to-date on advancements in the field, and less progressive than you would expect, given that it is Berkeley. The program is going through a transition period where older professors are retiring and they are hiring a more diverse group of younger professors. The school, overall, has less of a social-justice focus than I hoped, but there are some students working to change that. While the program isn't everything I hoped for now, I think it's heading in the right direction."
Cecilia Villarruel
  • Reviewed: 6/12/2017
  • Degree: Biology
"Amazing school with unlimited educational opportunities in a wide array of disciplines. Faculty are top notch and experts in their field. If you are interested in research, this is the school to go to. The Integrative Biology Program is phenomenal with a breath of courses to suit every students interest."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Accounting
"Excellent instruction and resources on campus"
J-J
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Information Technology
"My experience in this university was one of the best, I can say that it is an excellent instiucion with very good professionals of the education in charge"
John G.
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Engineering
"I enjoyed attending University of California in the early 2000s, but I would not consider attending now. The campus and the city are entirely too simplistic in their political and world views, and they lack any real-life experience or logic."