Programs of California Institute of Technology

Neurobiology

Pasadena , United States

Understanding the brain remains one of the great intellectual challenges for science, and it requires the integration of approaches from many disciplines. Caltech Neuroscience research spans a wide range: from the molecular function of receptors; through signaling organelles like the synapse; the structure and function of single neurons; the assembly and function of circuits of nerve cells; and the collective function of brain systems in controlling behavior, perception, memory, cognition, and emotion. Several laboratories are applying basic science findings to animal models of brain disorders, and these translational approaches are opening up novel therapeutic avenues. Finally, Caltech's traditional strength in engineering stimulates the development of new tools for brain science: from optical techniques to new twists of genetic engineering, to novel multi-electrode devices, to computational models and theories.

$52,233 International

$52,233 Domestic

$27,114 Living cost

Philosophy

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

The philosophy option provides students with a broad education in philosophy that is designed to complement the scientific curriculum at Caltech. Philosophy majors will be expected to learn about some of the major figures and movements in the history of philosophy, and to learn about contemporary philosophical debates. The philosophy option also aims to provide students with new perspectives on the material they learn in their science courses, and to enable them to bring their technical skills and scientific learning to traditional problems in philosophy.

$52,506 International

$52,506 Domestic

$22,257 Living cost

Physics

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

The undergraduate physics program provides students with extensive training in the fundamentals of modern physics, ensuring that they have the foundation to pursue graduate study and careers in basic research. All Caltech undergraduates are required to complete three terms of introductory physics, though most options require additional physics.Those who choose to pursue the physics option go on to study the discipline in much greater depth. Sophomore-level courses explore waves, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. Elective courses taken during the junior and senior year allow students to explore their particular interests through broad survey courses as well as through more focused laboratory studies and research. Active evolvement in research, both during the summer and school year, is strongly encouraged for all PMA undergraduates. Students often receive academic credit for the physics work that they do outside of the classroom. In addition, many of the physics undergraduates complete at least one Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF).

$52,506 International

$52,506 Domestic

$22,257 Living cost

Physics

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

The physics option offers a program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. This program prepares students for careers in scientific research or research combined with teaching. Courses are offered that give a broad treatment of both fundamental physics and specialized physics research topics. Graduates of our program are expected to have extensive experience with modern research methods, a broad knowledge of contemporary physics, and the ability to perform as independent researchers at the highest intellectual and technical levels.

$52,233 International

$52,233 Domestic

$27,114 Living cost

Planetary Science

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

Caltech is one of the top centers of planetary science research in the world. We are active in most areas of study, not just through the efforts of planetary science faculty and students but because there are other parts of Caltech (astronomy, geology, geochemistry, environmental science, and engineering) who contribute in major ways to this interdisciplinary field. Close proximity to JPL enhances our efforts. We have astronomical observers studying bodies in our solar system and planets around other stars, people who are involved in current and future spacecraft missions, people who study geology and processes on Mars, atmospheric circulation and chemistry in planetary atmospheres; indeed just about anything of interest in planetary science.

$52,233 International

$52,233 Domestic

$27,114 Living cost

Planetary Science

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

Caltech is one of the top centers of planetary science research in the world. We are active in most areas of study, not just through the efforts of planetary science faculty and students but because there are other parts of Caltech (astronomy, geology, geochemistry, environmental science and engineering) who contribute in major ways to this interdisciplinary field. Close proximity to JPL enhances our efforts. We have astronomical observers studying bodies in our solar system and planets around other stars, people who are involved in current and future spacecraft missions, people who study geology and processes on Mars, atmospheric circulation and chemistry in planetary atmospheres; indeed just about anything of interest in planetary science.

$52,506 International

$52,506 Domestic

$22,257 Living cost

Political Science

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

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 those theories. In addition, the option encourages original research. The design of the political science option ensures that students will be well suited to pursue careers in government or the private sector, as well as to pursue graduate work in political science.

$52,506 International

$52,506 Domestic

$22,257 Living cost

Social and Decision Neuroscience

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

The Caltech PhD program in social and decision neuroscience (SDN) prepares students to do research on the neurocomputational basis of decision making and social interactions. It is characterized by interdisciplinary research at the frontier of neuroscience, psychology, economics, and political science. The program seeks to train students to do interdisciplinary work at the intersection of the natural and social sciences, and humanities groups participate in research and training in this area.

$52,232 International

$52,233 Domestic

$27,114 Living cost

Social Science

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

The HSS PhD program in the social sciences offers the opportunity for highly motivated and quantitatively oriented students to pursue interdisciplinary research in areas common to economics, political science, political economy, history, psychology, anthropology, law, and public policy.

$52,233 International

$52,233 Domestic

$27,114 Living cost

Space Engineering

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena , United States

The program is designed to provide intense education in the foundations of the aeronautical and space sciences, with emphasis on research and analytical, computational, and experimental methods. Entering graduate students should have a thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering science.

$52,233 International

$52,233 Domestic

$27,114 Living cost