Berkeley CS: How are the upper division courses?

Hi all, I'm considering majoring in computer science at UC Berkeley and I'm curious about the upper division courses. Can anyone share their experiences with these classes? How is the workload, difficulty, and overall learning experience? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're considering majoring in computer science at UC Berkeley. As someone who has taken upper division courses here, I can share some insight into the coursework and overall experience.

Upper division CS classes can be quite challenging, I'm not going to lie. You'll be exposed to advanced topics such as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, cryptography, and more. The difficulty of the classes will vary depending on the course and the professor, but you can usually expect a significant amount of problem-solving and critical thinking.

The workload for these classes will be heavier than in lower division courses, as you'll be diving deeper into topics and spending more time on projects and studying. However, the workload remains manageable if you're diligent about managing your time and seeking help when needed. Office hours and discussion sections are invaluable resources in these classes, as they provide an opportunity to ask questions, clarify concepts, and get personalized feedback.

As for the overall learning experience, students (myself included) find it incredibly stimulating and engaging. The chance to work on challenging projects, collaborate with peers, and learn from professors who are experts in their field is an amazing opportunity. The curriculum is designed to not only teach you new concepts and skills, but also to help you grow and develop as a programmer and problem solver. Many students who complete the upper division classes feel more confident in their abilities and ready to tackle real-world computer science problems.