L&S First-Year Pathways
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
COLLEGE OF LETTERS & SCIENCE
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L&S First-Year Pathways

Find Your People, Your Place & Your Passions

Navigating a large university can feel overwhelming, so L&S First-Year Pathways simplifies your start at UC Berkeley. Get connected to a small cohort, preselected courses that fit your goals, and guaranteed enrollment! From pre-med tracks to humanities and social sciences, Pathways clusters provide a roadmap and community for your academic journey.
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Early Class Enrollment

Pathways provides priority enrollment into 3-4 courses for incoming first-year students

New Friendships

Build lasting friendships with a dedicated cohort through shared interests and engaging extracurricular activities

Small Cohort Experience

Learn alongside a cohort of 20-25 students, forming relationships with peers and faculty

Degree Progress

Most clusters are aligned with specific majors, and each cluster satisfies major prerequisites and/or L&S breadth requirements

Clusters for Fall 2026

Colorful graphic illustration featuring six women of different shades, hair colors and types
12 Units

Gender, Ethnicity, and Society

With courses in Ethnic Studies, Gender & Women’s Studies (GWS), and Sociology, this cluster is ideal for intended majors in Sociology and Gender & Women’s Studies.

Ancient stone ruins
12 Units

Ancient Worlds

With courses in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, East Asian Languages and Cultures, and Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, this cluster is ideal for intended majors in Arts & Humanities.

Vista overlooking a body of water with California Golden Poppies in the foreground
10 Units

California and Water

With courses in Geography, Art, and Integrative Biology, this cluster is ideal for intended majors in Geography.

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The L&S Pathways program is designed to help first-year students transition into academic and social life here at Berkeley.

Shannon Steen

Associate Dean, Letters & Science