<p>I was wondering if there was a big difference between EECS and L&S Comp sci. I don't think I have the stats for EECS at the moment, but if the B.A program is worse I'll take my chances and apply to EECS. Also, how hard is it to transfer between the two programs from L&S to EECS. Thanks in advance for responses.</p>
<p>EECS: It’s a BS in the CoE. That means you do the CoE breadth requirements, and follow CoE rules. EECS requires more technical classes than L&S. It’s ABET accredited (not a big deal for CS) and admits directly to the major. If you’re interested in EE, it might be a better match. Admissions to CoE are more competitive than L&S.</p>
<p>L&S CS: BA, in Letters and Science. The CS classes you take are pretty much the same, with some minor differences in major requirements. You take L&S breadth requirements, which requires a couple more humanities than CoE. L&S admits all students undeclared, so admissions tend to be a bit easier but you’ll have to earn a 3.0+ in the lower div requirements and petition for the major.</p>
<p>Changing majors: Moving from CoE to L&S is pretty easy, just fill out the paperwork. Moving from L&S to CoE (especially EECS) is much harder, read policies here: <a href=“Change of college - Berkeley Engineering”>http://engineering.berkeley.edu/admissions/undergrad-admissions/change-college</a></p>
<p>Overall: The biggest difference is breadth requirements and administrative differences. EECS leans a little more towards maths/sciences, L&S leans a little more towards humanities, but the two are essentially the same if your focus is CS/software.</p>
<p>Main differences in major requirements:</p>
<p>EECS requires Physics 7A and 7B and one more science (e.g. Physics 7C or Chemistry 1A/1AL or 4A).
EECS requires Math 53. (Both require Math 1A, 1B, 54 and CS 70.)
EECS requires both EE 20 and 40, while L&S CS requires either. (Both require CS 61A, 61B, 61C.)
EECS requires CoE H/SS requirements, while L&S CS requires L&S breadth requirements.
EECS upper division courses may be in EE or CS, while L&S CS upper division courses must be mostly CS.</p>
<p>The programs are similar enough. The huge difference for me is not being directly admitted to the major in L&S. For students who have a rough transition to college (happens to the best of them sometimes), this could mean having to transfer schools to study CS. 3.0+ sounds a lot lower than it is, and that number doesn’t seem to be set in stone. With how packed the CS program has become, it could go higher at any time, no?</p>