A Brief History of UC Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley, is renowned for its academic excellence, lively campus culture, and prime location in the Bay Area, attracting numerous students every year. Study abroad participants find inspiration in its diverse and inclusive environment, as well as its strong connections to the innovative economy of Silicon Valley.

History

UC Berkeley, established in 1868, is the first land-grant university in California. It began as Oakland University in 1869, with 10 professors and 40 male students. Key milestones in its history include the admission of women in 1870, the launch of the Daily Californian newspaper, and the founding of the first Greek letter society on campus in 1871. These developments contribute to Berkeley's distinguished legacy.

The school's rich history is marked by several significant events that only hint at its impact. The university was instrumental in establishing electrical laboratories in the 1890s and played a crucial role in the Free Speech Movement of 1964. Many private contributors were vital during the university's early years, highlighting its longstanding tradition of successful collaboration between the public and private sectors. As of 2025, Berkeley remains a prominent center for teaching and research.

Academics

The University of California, Berkeley, is recognized for several reasons, including its top-ranked departments, Nobel laureates, influential alumni, and significant contributions to human understanding. Many consider UC Berkeley one of the world's most well-rounded institutions. The university is especially well-known for its challenging academic programs, particularly in computer science and engineering, and its vibrant research community. Additionally, it has made substantial advancements in fields such as social innovation, technology, and engineering.

Three of the most popular undergraduate majors at UC Berkeley are computer science, econometrics and quantitative economics, and cell and molecular biology. The fall enrollment typically exceeds 33,000 undergraduates and 13,000 graduate students.

The Free Speech Movement

In 1964, students at UC Berkeley launched the Free Speech Movement in response to the university's ban on political activities on campus. This initiative sparked a series of large rallies and protests demanding full constitutional rights, starting with smaller sit-ins and demonstrations.

The university is dedicated to upholding freedom of expression, speech, assembly, and religion for all individuals, as guaranteed by the Constitution. The campus has become a model for promoting the ongoing expression of diverse opinions.

Famous Former Students

The University of California, Berkeley, is home to many distinguished alumni, including influential figures in the computer industry, Nobel laureates, and other remarkable individuals. Notable alumni include Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel; Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple; Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google; and Carol Greider, who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Berkeley has also produced notable athletes like NFL stars Aaron Rodgers, Marshawn Lynch, and Keenan Allen, as well as Alex Morgan, an Olympian and co-captain of the US women's national soccer team.

UC Berkeley is one of the best options for studying abroad. It offers a world-class education, beautiful weather, and a wide variety of activities in the Southern California region. Contact an SAF counselor today to schedule a consultation and learn more!