About L&S First-Year Pathways

We want students to know that they belong here, they are part of this community, and that they matter.

Jennifer Johnson-Hanks, Executive Dean, College of Letters & Science

Welcome to UC Berkeley’s College of Letters & Science! As the largest college on campus, L&S strives to support all students throughout their academic journeys — and L&S First-Year Pathways helps first year students successfully transition to college life. Since fall 2023, this program has offered exciting classes bundled into course “clusters,” providing students with a small cohort experience throughout their first semester. In fall 2026, L&S First-Year Pathways is excited to offer 18 different clusters to choose from, providing access and support to hundreds of L&S students.

What is L&S Pathways?

L&S First-Year Pathways is a program for first-year undergraduate students in the College of Letters & Science at UC Berkeley. The program offers 18 different “clusters,” which are mostly groups of 3-4 courses. Students learn in small cohorts of 15-30 students, providing opportunities to form new friendships and connections. Each cluster satisfies different breadth or major prerequisites, so students make the most of their time at Berkeley.

Introducing Peer Mentors in Fall 2026!

Starting this fall, each Pathways cluster will be paired with a Peer Mentor who will support Pathways students with personalized outreach, resources, and community for Pathways participants.

Watch the Program Overview below for more details about L&S Pathways:

What are some benefits of L&S Pathways?

Early class enrollment: Students receive priority enrollment into the courses in their cluster.
Pre-major exploration: Many clusters are designed to move you through early prerequisites for specific majors.
Opportunities for new friendships: The program includes broader Pathways events as well as cluster-specific events and experiences.
Small class experience: Students learn alongside a cohort of 15-30 students throughout the first semester.
Efficient degree progress: Each cluster satisfies various major prerequisites and/or L&S breadth requirements.

L&S Pathways Recap: Fall 2025

Pathways welcomed 230 first-year students for fall 2025 and instituted new, creative ways to help students feel connected with each other and the program. Read about special receptions, study break events, and social outings from Fall 2025.

L&S Pathways Student Testimonials

I applied to the Pathways Program so I would have an easier time meeting people and so that I wouldn’t have to stress about signing up for classes. Signing up for classes was made a breeze. It was definitely easier to make connections with classmates because we were in multiple smaller classes together.

First-Year Pathways Student

Fall 2023

As a first-semester student, it’s a very good introduction to Berkeley as a whole. It reminds you that keeping an open mind and learning from a multitude of perspectives is very important and part of the reason why you’re here.

Caitlyn L

Fall 23 First-Year Pathways Student

I hoped to have a fun first semester with classes I was interested in, as well as smaller class sizes. This was fulfilled! I really love the program and am very appreciative that I got to be a part of it.

First-Year Pathways Student

Fall 2023