California Institute of Technology

Aerospace

The Institute offers graduate programs in aerospace through the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT), with degrees in aeronautics and space engineering emphasizing the foundations of the aeronautical and space sciences and research and analytical, computational, and experimental methods. The master's program provides advanced training beyond a four-year undergraduate program and is completed in one year with no thesis requirement.

Aerospace

The Institute offers graduate programs in aerospace through the Graduate Aerospace Laboratories (GALCIT), with degrees in aeronautics and space engineering emphasizing the foundations of the aeronautical and space sciences and research and analytical, computational, and experimental methods. Students may focus on fields such as fluids, mechanics of solids and materials, structural mechanics, space technology, and propulsion.

Applied and Computational Mathematics

An interdisciplinary program in applied and computational mathematics offered by the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department, providing training in fundamental computational and applied mathematics and research ability in a specific application field. Students are not admitted to work toward the master's degree, which may be awarded only in exceptional cases.

Applied and Computational Mathematics

An interdisciplinary program in applied and computational mathematics offered by the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department, providing training in fundamental computational and applied mathematics and research ability in a specific application field. Research emphasizes computational methods and theoretical analysis for problems arising in engineering, the sciences, and the social sciences.

Applied and Computational Mathematics

This option within the Computing & Mathematical Sciences department addresses the interests of students who want to combine basic studies in mathematics with considerable involvement in applications. It gives thorough training in fundamental computational and applied mathematics and lets students develop research ability in a specific application field such as fluid mechanics, materials science, mathematical biology, image processing, and mathematical finance.

Applied Mechanics

Offered through the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, applied mechanics prepares students for research and professional practice, combining depth in a chosen major specialty with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. The M.S. degree is typically only awarded to students who pursue the Ph.D. and do not already hold an M.S. in applied mechanics.

Applied Mechanics

Offered through the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, applied mechanics prepares students for research and professional practice, combining depth in a chosen major specialty with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. The Ph.D. is focused on research, with a comprehensive research project resulting in an original contribution documented by a thesis.

Applied Physics

Applied physics is a highly multidisciplinary program at the intersection of physics and other fields of science and engineering, training students to apply advanced knowledge toward technological and scientific breakthroughs. There is no separate master's program, but the M.S. in Applied Physics may be awarded after fulfillment of the course requirements.

Applied Physics

Applied physics is a highly multidisciplinary program at the intersection of physics and other fields of science and engineering, training students to apply advanced knowledge toward technological and scientific breakthroughs. Doctoral students demonstrate mastery across pure and applied physics areas and complete an original program of scientific study culminating in a thesis.

Applied Physics

The applied physics option is designed to extend knowledge of the principles of pure physics to the development of new technologies. Research in applied physics focuses primarily on problems of technological importance, and the interdisciplinary nature of the option allows considerable flexibility in coursework, training, and individual research interests.

Astrophysics

The graduate astrophysics program prepares students for creative and productive careers in astrophysical research, emphasizing independent research and taking advantage of observational facilities owned and operated by Caltech. The option does not offer a master's program in itself, but a master's degree may be awarded en route to the Ph.D. or as a terminal degree.

Astrophysics

The graduate astrophysics program prepares students for creative and productive careers in astrophysical research, emphasizing independent research and taking advantage of observational facilities owned and operated by Caltech. Students may pursue study in virtually any area of astrophysics.

Astrophysics

With the goal of understanding the physical processes that govern the universe, its constituents, and their origins and evolution, astronomy uses the apparatus and methodology of physics to gather and interpret data. The astrophysics option is designed to give the student an understanding of the basic facts and concepts of astronomy today, to stimulate their interest in research, and to provide a basis for graduate work in astronomy/astrophysics.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics

An integrated, interdivisional program of graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biophysics organized primarily by the Divisions of Biology and Biological Engineering and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Students are not admitted to work toward the M.S. degree; a terminal M.S. may be awarded only in special circumstances.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics

An integrated, interdivisional program of graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biophysics providing a broad background in the biochemistry and biophysics of macromolecules and molecular assemblies. Students complete laboratory rotations, advanced course work, and a doctoral thesis.

Bioengineering

Bioengineering research at Caltech applies engineering principles to the design, analysis, construction, and manipulation of biological systems, preparing students to become leading scientists and engineers in academia and industry. Students are not admitted to work toward the M.S. degree, which may be awarded only in special circumstances.

Bioengineering

Bioengineering research at Caltech applies engineering principles to the design, analysis, construction, and manipulation of biological systems, with research emphases including biodevices, bioimaging, biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, synthetic biology, and systems biology. Students independently plan and conduct research culminating in a defended thesis.

Bioengineering

The undergraduate bioengineering option provides a foundation for graduate studies and career paths that require the application of engineering principles to the design, analysis, construction, and manipulation of biological systems. Students learn basic laboratory and engineering methods across a broad range of bioengineering sub-disciplines and develop quantitative and analytic skills vital to experiments and system designs.

Biology

The graduate program in biology provides individual depth of experience in a self-selected subject of biology supplemented by advanced course work. The Biology option does not admit students for work toward the M.S. degree; in special circumstances the M.S. may be awarded, not designating any of the disciplines of biology.

Biology

The graduate program in biology provides individual depth of experience in a self-selected subject of biology, with major subjects including biophysics, cellular, computational, developmental, and molecular biology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and systems biology. Joint MD/PhD programs are also available with the Kaiser Permanente, UCLA, and USC medical schools, with the PhD awarded by Caltech.

Biology

The undergraduate option in biology builds on a solid foundation in mathematics and physical science by providing an introduction to the basic facts, concepts, problems, and methodologies of biological science. It serves as a basis for graduate study in any field of biology or for admission to the study of medicine, with instruction offered through participation in the ongoing research programs of the division as well as formal course work.

Business, Economics, and Management

The business, economics, and management (BEM) option provides students with the analytical tools to operate successfully in a modern business environment and prepares those interested in pursuing graduate studies in related fields. The emphasis is on entrepreneurship, finance, and strategy in free-market, competitive, and strategic situations, and students often pair the BEM option as a double major with a science or engineering option.

Chemical Engineering

Graduate work in chemical engineering trains students to apply mathematics and the physical, chemical, and biological sciences to systems involving chemical reactions, transport phenomena, and materials/energy transformations. There is no formal M.S. program, but Ph.D. program students may apply for an M.S. degree.

Chemical Engineering

Graduate work in chemical engineering trains students to apply mathematics and the physical, chemical, and biological sciences to systems involving chemical reactions, transport phenomena, and materials/energy transformations, and to the development of new processes and materials. Students complete core coursework, research rotations, a candidacy exam, and a thesis with final defense.

Chemical Engineering

The Chemical Engineering option prepares students for the future in industry, in research and development, or for continuing their studies at the graduate level. It accomplishes this through a mixture of interdisciplinary classes exposing students to most fields of science, core chemical engineering principles, and an area of specialization, with students completing a track in biomolecular, sustainability, process systems, materials, or computational chemical engineering.

Chemistry

The chemistry option offers a flexible, interdisciplinary program encompassing organic, inorganic, chemical biology, biochemistry and biophysics, chemical physics, and theoretical chemistry, with two tracks: Chemistry and Chemical Biology & Molecular Bioscience. Students are not ordinarily admitted to graduate work leading to an M.S.; under special circumstances a master's degree can be granted.

Chemistry

The chemistry option offers a research-emphasizing program leading to the Ph.D., encompassing organic, inorganic, chemical biology, biochemistry and biophysics, chemical physics, and theoretical chemistry, with two tracks: Chemistry and Chemical Biology & Molecular Bioscience. Students complete research rotations, a candidacy exam with propositions, and a thesis defense.

Chemistry

The objective of the undergraduate option in chemistry is to produce graduates articulate in the fundamental concepts of the molecular sciences through a combination of coursework and laboratory experiences. The program provides depth in the traditional areas of chemistry, and a Biochemistry Track is offered for students interested in the chemistry of biological macromolecules.

Civil Engineering

Offered through the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, civil engineering prepares students for research and professional practice, combining depth in a chosen major specialty with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. The M.S. degree is typically only awarded to students who pursue the Ph.D. and do not already hold an M.S. in civil engineering.

Civil Engineering

Offered through the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, civil engineering prepares students for research and professional practice, combining depth in a chosen major specialty with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. The Ph.D. is focused on research, with a comprehensive research project resulting in an original contribution documented by a thesis.

Computation and Neural Systems

An integrated program combining computation and neural systems, organized jointly across the divisions of Biology and Biological Engineering, Engineering and Applied Science, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Only students who expect to pursue the Ph.D. are admitted; the master's degree may be awarded in exceptional cases.

Computation and Neural Systems

An integrated program combining computation and neural systems, spanning molecular, cellular, and systems biology, cognitive and computational neuroscience, information and learning theory, and computer and electrical engineering. Students complete laboratory rotations, coursework, general knowledge and candidacy exams, and a thesis.

Computation and Neural Systems

The undergraduate CNS option provides a foundation in math, physics, biology, and computer science to prepare students for interdisciplinary graduate studies and career paths that involve computational applications inspired by properties of biological systems, such as artificial intelligence and computer vision. Students acquire knowledge in neurobiology, computation principles across different systems, and methods used in modern neuroscience research.

Computer Science

Graduate study in computer science within the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department is oriented principally toward Ph.D. research. The CS option only admits students who plan to pursue the Ph.D.; the M.S. degree may be awarded in exceptional cases.

Computer Science

Graduate study in computer science within the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department is oriented principally toward Ph.D. research, requiring a minimum of three academic years of residence. Students complete advanced coursework, a preliminary examination, a candidacy oral examination, and a thesis with final defense.

Computer Science

Study in the computer science option within the Computing & Mathematical Sciences department emphasizes rigor and creativity, and is good preparation either for graduate study followed by a research career or for a variety of professional or entrepreneurial occupations. The option introduces students to the mathematical and engineering foundations of the discipline and provides considerable flexibility in course selection together with a capstone project.

Computing and Mathematical Sciences

An interdisciplinary Ph.D. program that trains students to apply algorithmic thinking to problems across science and engineering, building the mathematical and algorithmic foundations to move from data to information to action. Only students who expect to pursue the Ph.D. are admitted; the master's degree may be awarded in exceptional cases.

Computing and Mathematical Sciences

An interdisciplinary Ph.D. program that trains students to apply algorithmic thinking to problems across science and engineering. Students complete core CMS classes in applied mathematics and computer science, depth and breadth requirements, preliminary and candidacy examinations, and a dissertation.

Control and Dynamical Systems

Part of the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department, CDS emphasizes the interdisciplinary theory of modern dynamical systems and control through mathematical and experimental techniques. Students are admitted expecting to pursue the Ph.D.; the master's degree may be awarded in exceptional cases.

Control and Dynamical Systems

Part of the Computing and Mathematical Sciences department, CDS emphasizes the interdisciplinary theory of modern dynamical systems and control. Students complete core courses, select a focus area, pass preliminary and candidacy examinations, and complete a dissertation.

Economics

The economics option provides students with an understanding of the basic principles underlying the functioning of economic institutions, offering a modern quantitative approach seldom available at the undergraduate level. The emphasis on economic principles and modern methodology provides excellent preparation for graduate study in economics as well as for professional work in business, law, economics, and government.

Electrical Engineering

Graduate study in electrical engineering leads to the Ph.D., which offers two tracks: EE only and Medical and Electrical Engineering (Med-EE), the latter offered jointly with the Department of Medical Engineering and shown on the diploma as Ph.D. in Medical and Electrical Engineering. Students complete research, coursework, a qualifying oral examination, candidacy, and a thesis with final defense.

Electrical Engineering

The objective of the undergraduate program in Electrical Engineering is to produce graduates who will attain careers and higher education that ultimately lead to leadership roles in academia, industry, and government in areas of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology related to telecommunications, solid-state, robotics, information, computer, and electrical systems.

Electrical Engineering (Engineer's Degree)

Graduate study in electrical engineering leads to the M.S. degree and the more advanced degrees of Electrical Engineer and Doctor of Philosophy. The degree of Electrical Engineer may be awarded in exceptional cases upon fulfilling the Institute requirements and receiving a recommendation from the candidacy oral examination committee.

Electrical Engineering (MS)

Graduate study in electrical engineering leads to the M.S. degree and the more advanced degrees of Electrical Engineer and Doctor of Philosophy. The master's degree in electrical engineering is normally completed in one academic year.

Engineering and Applied Science

The engineering and applied science (EAS) option offers students the opportunity for study in a wide variety of challenging areas of science and technology by allowing each student to design a customized course of study that has breadth, depth, and rigor similar to the other options. The program builds on the core curriculum to combine individual depth in a chosen engineering specialty with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences, culminating in a capstone design experience.

English

The option in English provides students with a broad and intensive education in the rich traditions of literature in English from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a particular emphasis on British and American writing. Option students develop critical reading skills through analysis and interpretation of literary texts, become effective writers, and complete a Senior Tutorial with a faculty member.

Environmental Science and Engineering

The ESE program trains doctoral students to solve fundamental problems in environmental science and engineering across Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere, uniting the divisions of Geological and Planetary Sciences, Engineering and Applied Science, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. Admission is limited to students intending to pursue the Ph.D.; students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may be awarded a master's degree upon satisfying the requirements.

Environmental Science and Engineering

The ESE program trains doctoral students to solve fundamental problems in environmental science and engineering across Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere, culminating in research leading to a Ph.D. thesis. Students satisfy course requirements, pass a qualifying examination, advance to candidacy, and complete and defend a thesis.

Environmental Science and Engineering

The ESE major is intended to train students in the environmental sciences to pursue careers in academia, the public sector, or the private sector. The major can be pursued along two tracks, environmental physics and environmental chemistry, providing fundamental training in core scientific disciplines with specialization in applications to the environmental and climate sciences.

Geobiology

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, in which students study the earth and planets to understand their origin, constitution, and development and the effect on the history of life, the environment, and humanity. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may be awarded a master's degree upon satisfying the requirements.

Geobiology

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences focused on the interactions of the earth and planets with the history of life, biogeochemistry, and the environment. Candidates satisfy course, candidacy, and thesis requirements set by the division and option.

Geochemistry

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, in which students study the earth and planets to understand their origin, constitution, and development. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may be awarded a master's degree upon satisfying the requirements.

Geochemistry

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences spanning petrology/mineralogy, isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry, water chemistry/oceans, atmospheres, and biogeochemistry. Candidates demonstrate understanding across the subdisciplines and complete a thesis.

Geological and Planetary Sciences

The aim of the undergraduate program is to provide thorough training in the geological and planetary sciences and, wherever possible, to integrate these studies with mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. The GPS major involves a number of core courses and various electives, with focused tracks available in geology, geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics, and planetary science.

Geology

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, in which students study the earth and planets to understand their origin, constitution, and development. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may be awarded a master's degree upon satisfying the requirements.

Geology

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences encompassing field geology, advanced course work, and research across the earth sciences. Candidates satisfy course and field requirements, advance to candidacy, and complete a thesis.

Geophysics

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, in which students study the earth and planets to understand their origin, constitution, and development. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may be awarded a master's degree upon satisfying the requirements.

Geophysics

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences applying physics, mathematics, and data analysis to the study of the earth and planets. Candidates complete introductory and advanced course requirements, advance to candidacy, and complete a thesis.

History

Students who choose the history option learn how to think critically about past societies and their development, read evidence closely, and express arguments in writing. The option provides science and engineering students with an important supplement to their technical training and offers excellent preparation for careers in business, administration, law, journalism, or public affairs, as well as a solid foundation for graduate work in history.

History and Philosophy of Science

The history and philosophy of science option (HPS) provides students the opportunity to explore the historical evolution of the sciences and the philosophical perspectives that inform them, as well as the dynamics between science, technology, and other human endeavors.

Information and Data Sciences

The Information and Data Sciences (IDS) option is unabashedly mathematical, focusing on the foundations of the information and data sciences across its roots in probability, statistics, linear algebra, and signal processing. It takes advantage of the interdisciplinary nature of Caltech by including a required set of application courses where students learn how data touches science and engineering broadly.

Interdisciplinary Studies Program

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP) is an undergraduate option that allows the student to create their own scholastic requirements, under faculty supervision, and to pursue positive educational goals that cannot be achieved in any of the other available options. In scope and depth the program must be comparable to a normal undergraduate program, but it need not include all of the specific courses required for the standard options.

Materials Science

The graduate program in materials science develops understanding of synthesis-structure-property relationships across physical, mechanical, soft, and oxide materials. The M.S. is only awarded to students who do not already hold an M.S. in materials science; students intending to terminate at the master's level are not normally admitted.

Materials Science

The graduate program in materials science is a doctoral program with no separate master's, developing understanding of synthesis-structure-property relationships across physical, mechanical, soft, and oxide materials. Students complete core courses, pass an oral candidacy examination, and write and defend a thesis.

Materials Science

The aim of the Materials Science option is to prepare students for research, professional practice, or advanced study in a rapidly advancing interdisciplinary field, focusing on the relationships between the properties of materials and their internal structure and how this structure can be controlled. The program builds on the core curriculum to develop analytical competence for individualized research, culminating in a one-year senior thesis.

Mathematics

The graduate program develops the ability to do original research in mathematics through direct contact with faculty. Entering students are admitted directly to the Ph.D. program; a master's degree may be awarded in exceptional circumstances as a terminal degree or preliminary to the Ph.D.

Mathematics

The graduate program develops the ability to do original research in mathematics, with core work in analysis, algebra, and geometry/topology. Students complete qualifying examinations, advanced coursework, teaching, and a thesis with final examination.

Mathematics

The mathematics option is designed to give students an understanding of the broad outlines of modern mathematics, to introduce current research, and to prepare them for advanced work in pure mathematics or related fields. Students go well beyond the basics to study the structures of algebra, analysis, and geometry and learn to write coherent and complete proofs, with a flexible schedule that lets them adapt programs to their needs and interests.

Mechanical Engineering

Offered through the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, mechanical engineering prepares students for research and professional practice, combining depth in a chosen major specialty with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. The M.S. degree is typically only awarded to students who pursue the Ph.D. and do not already hold an M.S. in mechanical engineering.

Mechanical Engineering

Offered through the Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, mechanical engineering prepares students for research and professional practice. The Ph.D. is focused on research, with a comprehensive research project resulting in an original contribution documented by a thesis and tracks in thermal-fluid sciences, mechanics of solids and materials, and robotics/controls/dynamics.

Mechanical Engineering

The objective of the undergraduate program in Mechanical Engineering is to produce graduates who will attain careers and higher education that ultimately lead to leadership roles in academia, industry, and government in areas of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology related to fluid, solid, thermal, and mechanical systems.

Medical Engineering

The medical engineering option is designed for students with an engineering background interested in applications of micro-/nanoscale science and technology to medicine. Students are not normally admitted toward the M.S. degree, but the M.S. may be awarded along the way toward the Ph.D.

Medical Engineering

The medical engineering option leads to the Ph.D. and offers two tracks, MedE and Medical and Electrical Engineering (Med-EE), the latter offered jointly with Electrical Engineering. Research areas include micro/nano medical technologies and devices, medical nanoelectronics, biomedical materials and biomechanics, fluidics and bioinspired design, and medical imaging and sensing.

Neurobiology

Neurobiology, the integrative study of the nervous system, exposes students to the breadth of the discipline through a first-year curriculum spanning molecular biology, cell and developmental biology, systems neuroscience, animal behavior, and mathematical modeling. The option does not admit students for work toward the master's; a terminal M.S. may be awarded in exceptional circumstances.

Neurobiology

Neurobiology, the integrative study of the nervous system, exposes students to the breadth of the discipline before focusing on original research in a chosen specialty. Students complete laboratory rotations, formal classes, teaching, candidacy, and a thesis.

Philosophy

The philosophy option provides students with a broad education in philosophy that is designed to complement the scientific curriculum at Caltech, with coursework concentrating in philosophy of science; philosophy of mind, brain, and behavior; history of philosophy; and ethics. The option trains students to acquire the basic tools of philosophical analysis and to express themselves clearly and concisely in both writing and speaking, culminating in a senior thesis.

Physics

The physics option offers a program leading to the Ph.D., preparing students for careers in scientific research across particle, nuclear, condensed-matter, atomic/molecular/optical, gravitational, astrophysics, and theoretical physics. A Master of Science degree may be awarded upon completion of a program of courses; students are not normally admitted to work toward the M.S. unless also working toward the Ph.D.

Physics

The physics option offers a program leading to the Ph.D., preparing students for careers in scientific research across particle, nuclear, condensed-matter, atomic/molecular/optical, gravitational, astrophysics, and theoretical physics. Students demonstrate basic and advanced physics proficiency, pass written and oral candidacy examinations, and complete a thesis with final examination.

Physics

The physics option offers instruction in the fundamentals of modern physics and provides a foundation for graduate study, which is generally necessary for a career in basic research. The program also forms an excellent basis for future work in a variety of applied fields, with required junior-level courses giving a thorough treatment of fundamental principles and elective courses allowing students to explore their particular interests.

Planetary Science

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, in which students study the earth and planets to understand their origin, constitution, and development. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may be awarded a master's degree upon satisfying the requirements.

Planetary Science

A subject option within the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences covering planetary formation and dynamics, atmospheres, interiors, and surfaces. Candidates complete a coherent field of specialization, advance to candidacy, and complete a thesis.

Political Science

The political science option provides students with training in the substance and methods of modern political science, including the analysis of representative democracy, electoral institutions, the allocation of public goods, and regulatory behavior. The option emphasizes formal tools like game theory, social choice theory, and formal political theory along with quantitative methodologies to test theories, and encourages original research.

Social and Decision Neuroscience

The SDN Ph.D. program prepares students to research the neurocomputational basis of decision-making and social interactions, drawing on computational modeling, statistical methods, systems neuroscience, and neural measurement. Students are not admitted toward the master's degree, which might be awarded under exceptional circumstances.

Social and Decision Neuroscience

The SDN Ph.D. program prepares students to research the neurocomputational basis of decision-making and social interactions. Students complete coursework, lab rotations, a general knowledge exam, candidacy, and a thesis with final defense.

Social Science

The social science Ph.D. program prepares students for a research career in economics and political science, grounded in theoretical perspectives, quantitative techniques, and experimental methods. Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program may earn an M.S. degree after completing 36 units of course work beyond the first-year coursework.

Social Science

The social science Ph.D. program prepares students for a research career in economics and political science, grounded in theoretical perspectives, quantitative techniques, and experimental methods. Students complete first- and second-year course sequences, preliminary examinations, second- and third-year papers, advancement to candidacy, and a dissertation.