Graduate Studies

CMS offers graduate programs in Computing + Mathematical Sciences leading to the following degree:

We also offer minors in various fields, for students wishing to broaden their expertise:

Subject Minor in Applied Computation »

Subject Minor in Applied + Computational Science »

Subject Minor in Computational Science + Engineering »

Subject Minor in Computer Science »

Subject Minor in Control and Dynamical Systems »

Admission

Options Administrator

Maria Lopez
mlopez Symbolat cms.caltech.edu

Applications for graduate studies are reviewed and evaluated for admission (and financial aid) each year starting on December 15th, after all credentials (including recommendation letters and official copies of test scores) have been received. GRE scores are required (applicants should take the GRE in September to allow enough time for Caltech to receive the scores by December), and a subject test of the student's choice is strongly recommended. The Graduate Admission Committee usually decides on admissions by the end of February.

Applications are encouraged from fields other than computer science or applied mathematics; however, applicants should be aware that our program is quite mathematically and scientifically oriented, and students are expected to catch up on their field of studies by the end of the first year. Students who hold a PhD degree from another institution are not normally admitted to graduate standing at Caltech to pursue a second PhD degree.

Fellowships And Financial Support

Each year, we award several graduate fellowships to our doctoral students. Fellowships usually provide full tuition and a substantial living-expense stipend for one academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring terms). The department also provides financial support for graduate students in the form of research assistantships and/or teaching assistantship. Note that admission and financial aid are considered separately; on rare occasions, some students may be admitted without financial aid. Visit the Financial Support page of the Graduate Admissions website for further information.

Applicants are also encouraged to secure financial support from outside sources, e.g. government fellowships, industry, etc. There are a number of outside fellowships available to U.S. citizens including the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships, the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowships, the Office of Science Graduate Fellowships, to name a few.

For more general details on graduate studies at Caltech, visit the Caltech's Graduate Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are graduate applications due?

Applications for the graduate program are due by December 15th. Late submissions are considered with a lower priority.

Can I earn a terminal Master's Degree in Computer Science at Caltech?

Caltech's CMS only accepts students who intend to pursue a PhD in computer science, Control + Dynamical Systems, or Applied + Computational Mathematics. We traditionally do not offer a Master's degree as a terminal degree.

How do I apply for graduate admission?

Visit the Graduate Admissions website in order to download or request an application. Complete instructions may be found there. Applications are due on December 15th for entry the following September. Also peruse this website for detailed information on the faculty and their research expertise; current graduate students; alumni; and general information about our department.

Where can I find information about the CMS PhD Programs?

On our webpages and in the Online Catalog.

Can I attend Caltech as a part-time student?

No. Our graduate programs are for full-time students only.

What kind of research in Computing and Mathematical Sciences is done at Caltech?

Research emphases are in multiscale modeling and simulation, elasticity and pseudoelasticity, chemical reactor theory, computational molecular biology, wavelets, ridgelets, curvelets, computational harmonic analysis, error correction and bounding, perturbation and bifurcation theory, statistical estimation, theoretical and computational fluid mechanics, diffusion and transport in materials, simulation of free surface flows, theory of partial differential equations, homogenization theory, magnetohydrodynamics, biomolecular design, spectral methods, vortex dynamics,image processing, numerical analysis, diffractive optics, pattern formation, parallel scientific computing, computational electromagnetism, robust control, multivariable and nonlinear dynamical systems, optimal and decentralized control, system identification and estimation theory, communications and information theory, mixing and transport processes in fluids, cooperative control of multi-vehicle systems, networking and communication systems, biological systems, quantum measurement and control, control of nonlinear and mechanical systems, nonlinear and chaotic dynamics, mechanics, nonlinear flight dynamics for highly maneuverable aircraft, robotics, algorithms, concurrent computation, networks, graphics and human-computer interaction, novel computational substrates (quantum computing, molecular computers), asynchronous and analog VLSI, high-confidence systems (fault tolerance, program verification, and security), learning theory, computer vision, and large-scale scientific computing. Projects frequently involve connections with other disciplines such as Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Mechanics, Control and Dynamical Systems, and Electrical Engineering. For more information, visit our Research webpages.

How many years does it take to earn a PhD within CMS at Caltech?

The PhD program requires a minimum of three academic years of residence. Most students complete the PhD program in four to six years.

Are stipends available for graduate students?

In general, students offered admission to graduate study at Caltech are simultaneously offered a package of financial support that pays all tuition charges and provides them with a stipend. Financial support for graduate students comes in the form of fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantship, or some combination of fellowship and assistantship support. In most cases financial assistance is awarded on an annual basis, but there are also multi-year fellowships available. Applicants requesting additional information on financial assistance may contact the Office of Graduate Studies at (626) 395-6348.

Must I take the GRE?

Yes. GRE scores are required, with a subject test of the student's choice strongly recommended. It is strongly recommended that applicants take the GRE in September to allow enough time for Caltech to receive the scores by December.

I already have earned a PhD May I still apply to your program?

Students who hold a PhD degree from another institution are not normally admitted to graduate standing at Caltech to pursue a second PhD degree.