The Caltech Ph.D. program in social science is designed to graduate scholars who are well grounded in the theoretical perspectives, the quantitative techniques, and the experimental methods of economics and of political science and who also have been introduced to quantitative history, law, anthropology, and psychology. In addition to providing students with a solid foundation in the underlying disciplines, the program has a substantial policy component that brings institutional design to policy studies in a way that is done at no other institution. Graduate students in the social science PhD program are encouraged to begin largely independent research early in their graduate career. Many of the research projects involve direct collaboration between members of the faculty and graduate students. And graduate students are expected to participate actively in the intellectual life of the division, including attendance and participation in seminars and workshops. Seminars occur at least weekly and usually feature a colleague from another university who has been invited to formally present his or her work. Workshops are more informal gatherings where students, faculty, and visitors present their work in progress.

Applicants are required to submit the application and supporting materials online prior to the posted deadline. Once the application has been submitted, you will not be able to modify supporting documents, so please proofread your materials thoroughly before submission. To successfully complete the online application process, you must: • Create a free account with CollegeNET to submit the application form online. • Include payment of the application fee or submit a fee waiver request. • Upload a Statement of Purpose. • Request GRE, TOEFL, and/or IELTS test scores to be sent directly to the California Institute of Technology (Institutional Code 4034). • Upload an official electronic copy of your transcripts or online grade reports issued by your college or university. Updated grade reports for terms in progress are not required. Students who have been admitted and plan to attend Caltech will be required to submit an official copy of all transcripts from the Registrar’s Office prior to enrollment. • Register three individuals from whom you will request letters of recommendation. • Upload a CV or Resume.