About Berkeley Social Sciences

Empowering Leaders, Building a Better Society

Berkeley’s Social Sciences Division pioneers new conceptual and methodological approaches that transform what we know about, and how we understand, the social world. Social Sciences provides insight into the fundamental operation of human societies, while simultaneously enhancing our appreciation and comprehension of human existence itself.

Our 15 top-ranked academic departments and programs offer a unique academic journey led by renowned faculty, who help shape a profound understanding of human interactions. As the largest academic division at UC Berkeley, we provide unparalleled opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to examine wide-ranging issues – from individual identity to the intricacies of democratic principles and the global marketplace. Social Sciences educates tomorrow's leaders, catalyzes groundbreaking research and accelerates the transformative power of higher education. Our proud alumni includes renowned economists, psychologists, sociologists, entrepreneurs and more – changemakers who leave indelible marks on society. 

Berkeley Social Sciences Fast Facts

  • Social Sciences is the largest and most diverse academic division at UC Berkeley, with 20% of the faculty and 17% of the student body.

  • The Division has a significant proportion of students of color from underrepresented communities and first-generation students, further emphasizing its commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities.

  • Our 15 departments and programs are consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. Their 2025 Best Graduate Schools ranked Economics No. 1, Sociology No. 1, Psychology No. 1, History No. 2, and Political Science No. 2U.S. News also ranked Psychology and Economics No. 2 for their undergraduate programs in the 2026 national rankings for best colleges.

  • Social Sciences has had six Nobel laureates and several John Bates Clark Medal winners, while other prestigious awards and honors given to faculty include the Berlin Prize, Fukuoka Prize, Jessie Bernard Award, Berkeley’s Distinguished Teaching Award and numerous memberships into the National Academy of Sciences.

  • Berkeley Social Sciences' pioneering research brings in nearly $200 million in annual external funding to dissect societal challenges and find innovative solutions.

  • In 2024, approximately 16.4% of UC Berkeley graduates (both undergraduate and graduate) received Social Sciences degrees — the largest portion of all academic divisions at Berkeley.

Social Sciences Community