caltech physics phd application deadline

Information for Applicants

Apply Here!

All applications are submitted online at the Graduate Studies Office. Application fee waivers are also requested and processed through the application process. http://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/admissions

The Physics Graduate Admissions Committee will review the applications and recommendations for admission are sent to the Graduate Studies Office. The official offer of admission comes from the Graduate Studies Office via email though the online application system. Students must respond to our offer by April 15 th .

Please visit the Graduate Office for Frequently Asked Questions regarding admissions.

What are the degree requirements for admission to the physics graduate program?

The physics department does not usually consider applicants who already possess a Ph.D. Also, the M.S. degree is not necessary for admission into this program. Most of the applicants to this program are expecting the B.S. or B.A. degree to be awarded by their undergraduate institution after admission to this graduate program has been offered. Note that an official transcript documenting the award of an undergraduate degree is required prior to enrollment in the physics graduate program at Caltech.

What level of undergraduate preparation is necessary for admission?

Mechanics at about the level of Goldstein's Classical Mechanics; electromagnetism at the level of Reitz and Milford's Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory; atomic and nuclear physics at the level of R.B. Leighton's Modern Physics; introductory quantum mechanics at the level of Dicke and Wittke's Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, and advanced calculus at the level of T.M. Apostol's Mathematical Analysis.

Should I apply to Physics or Astronomy? There is a considerable amount of research in astrophysics carried out in the Physics Department. It is not unusual for faculty in Astronomy to supervise Physics students or for Astronomy students to find astrophysics advisors in the Physics Department. Students who are not sure whether they want to work in astrophysics or in other areas of physics should apply to the Physics Department. Students who already know they want to work in nuclear and particle astrophysics, gravitational-wave astrophysics, or on space-based projects in cosmic-ray, gamma-ray, X-ray or infrared astronomy, should apply to the Physics Department. Research on ground-based submillimeter, infrared, optical and radio astronomy (including instrumentation) goes on in both departments. There are students in theoretical astrophysics from both Physics and Astronomy, although most come from Physics.

Should I apply to Physics or Applied Physics?

The Applied Physics Department is part of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science. The Physics Department is part of the Physics, Math, and Astronomy Department. There is some overlap between the activities in Physics and those in Applied Physics. Research in Physics is aimed more toward the understanding of fundamental principles, as opposed to direct applications. Since there is overlap, sometimes Physics students work with Applied Physics professors to attain a PhD in Physics.

Graduate Degree in Applied Physics

Aims and scope of the graduate program.

Applied Physics is a broad field of study that lies at the intersection of physics and many other fields of science and engineering. The applied physics option at Caltech is accordingly a highly multidisciplinary program that is designed to train students in a broad spectrum of physics and engineering fields at an advanced level. Moreover, it is our goal to cultivate abilities in our graduates to apply this knowledge throughout their lives so as to make technological and scientific breakthroughs at the edge of current knowledge.

Preparation for the Graduate Program

Students admitted for graduate study can enter from a broad range of disciplines, but are expected to have a rigorous background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering. An outstanding four-year undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may provide a suitable background as well. The qualifications of each applicant will be considered individually. After enrollment, the student will arrange a course of study and research in consultation with members of the faculty and the applied physics option representative.

Description of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

To receive the doctoral degree in Applied Physics students must demonstrate the ability to formulate and execute an original program of scientific study. As part of this, a doctoral candidate is expected to develop a deep understanding in a chosen field of specialization; to develop tools with which to assess problems outside one's field of specialization; to develop rigor and strength in the physical sciences for self-education beyond formal training; and to develop skills to become a productive member of the community of scholars. All students wishing to enter the program must complete a series of preparatory courses, followed by an oral candidacy exam in which the student describes their proposed topic of research and is examined on their knowledge of course subject matter. Upon passing the candidacy examination, students work towards completion of a thesis in consultation with their research adviser. The doctoral degree is awarded upon approval of a written thesis by a faculty committee, and successful defense of the thesis in a final oral examination. There is no separate master's program in applied physics. However, with the approval of the student's adviser and the applied physics option representative, the degree of Master of Science in Applied Physics may be awarded after the fulfillment of the course requirements described below.

Advising and Thesis Supervision

An interim adviser is appointed for each student upon admission to the graduate program in applied physics. Typically, this person is the applied physics option representative. In consultation with the interim adviser the student will determine a course schedule and identify a faculty research adviser. This most often occurs within the first six months of graduate residence. The faculty adviser is the student's primary mentor and the student will work in the adviser's research group to formulate and execute a plan of study leading to the thesis. In consultation with their research adviser, the student will also form a Ph.D. thesis advisory committee. This four-member committee should include the student's adviser and at least three members of the Caltech professorial faculty from either the applied physics or physics options. The thesis advisory committee will conduct the qualifying examination and also approve the thesis and conduct the thesis defense. The membership of this committee may change between the time of the qualifying exam and the final defense.

Requirements for Candidacy to the Ph.D. Degree

To be recommended for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics, a student must demonstrate mastery in the following five areas of pure and applied physics:

• Classical Physics: Mechanics and Electromagnetism
• Quantum Mechanics
• Mathematical Methods
• Statistical Physics and Thermodynamics
• Biophysics, Optical Physics, Hydrodynamics, Plasma Physics, or Solid State Physics

A. Graduate Coursework towards Candidacy

In partial fulfillment of the "mastery" requirement a student must successfully complete a minimum of 108 units of courses numbered 101 or above from the course schedule. In addition, 4 units of APh 110ab must also be completed. All courses must be passed with a grade of at least a C, except for courses offered only on a pass/fail basis. Students must also complete the degree progress report online upon completion of their courses.

Note that any given class can only be used for one requirement category.

In addition to work in the classroom, students must complete a minimum of 27 units of laboratory or reading research through APh 200.

Students entering the program with advanced preparation may choose either to substitute more advanced courses in the topical areas shown or to demonstrate competency by successfully passing both the midterm and final examinations. In such cases, students may petition the Applied Physics option representative to accept alternate subjects or areas. These changes should retain core applied physics knowledge, and maintain sufficient breadth. All such petitions must be submitted to the option representative and approved before the student registers for the course.

Coursework towards the Ph.D. degree in Applied Physics is normally completed within the first two years of graduate residency.

B. Candidacy Examination

To fulfill the requirements for candidacy all students must pass an oral examination after completing their coursework. This examination must be taken before the beginning of the student's third year in residence. Students will be expected to deliver a half-hour oral presentation giving a prospectus on their proposed thesis research. Following questions on the research prospectus, a more open-ended set of questions will be posed to the student by the committee members to test general proficiency in the five areas of pure and applied physics listed above. Students who fail the oral examination on their first attempt will be given additional guidelines for further study and an opportunity to retake the examination a second and final time if the committee so recommends. Should a student fail the oral examination a second time, he/she cannot continue with doctoral studies leading to the Ph.D. Upon recommendation of the examining committee, however, the student may be granted a master's degree. Annual approval of the applied physics option representative is necessary for registration beyond the third year of graduate residence if the student has not completed the candidacy examination.

Students who fulfill the requirements above will be recommended for candidacy to the doctoral program and a master's degree (if applicable) in applied physics.

Ph.D. Thesis Requirements

The candidate is to provide a draft copy of his or her completed thesis to the members of the examining committee (typically the same as the thesis committee) at least two weeks before the final oral examination. The date of the examination and the composition of the examining committee will not be approved by the dean of graduate studies until the thesis is submitted in completed form, i.e., ready for review by the dean, the members of the thesis committee, and the Graduate Office proofreader. Registration is required for the term in which the thesis defense is taken, but is not normally allowed beyond the last date of the term. For more information, please see the section entitled "Information for Graduate Students" in the Caltech catalog.

Ph.D. Final Examination

The candidate shall undergo a final broad oral examination (thesis defense) in the field, to include the subspecialty represented by the thesis and the significance of its findings to the field. This oral examination will be administered at least two weeks after the doctoral thesis has been presented in final form so that the examining committee has sufficient time to review its content. This examination must be taken at least three weeks prior to the date on which the degree will be officially conferred.

Registration Beyond the Sixth Year of Graduate Residence

The annual approval of the student's thesis advisory committee is necessary for registration beyond the twentieth academic term of graduate residence at Caltech.

Subject Minor

Graduate students majoring in other fields may elect a minor in applied physics. In addition to general Institute requirements, the student must complete, with a grade of C or higher, 81 units of courses in applied physics above the 100 level, excluding APh 200. The minor is also subject to the following conditions:

• Students cannot use courses required by their major option in fulfillment of this requirement.
• Students interested in a minor must receive prior approval from the option representative in applied physics, who will review and approve the proposed course of study.
• It is recommended that this course of study include advanced courses spanning different subfields of applied physics.

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GOT INTO CALTECH PHD!

After almost a year of taking GREs, writing SoPs and submitting applications, I got admitted to Caltech today! I honestly can’t believe it. A year ago, this moment seemed like an unachievable dream. Caltech has been my top choice, and I am so grateful to have achieved my goal.

For future applicants who might read this post: As a PhD applicant who didn’t get into some of the top schools, I can say graduate admissions are definitely very variable and personalized to each applicant. There isn’t a one-fits-all way to getting into the top schools. Getting that score on GRE or that GPA, having this many publications or this many awards, they all help to a certain degree. However, everything is heavily dependent on your specific subfield, your interactions with PoIs, and most importantly, YOU. Take advice from others and listen to people who went through this process, but at the end of the day, conquer this journey in the way you want and in the way that best represents you. If you want to talk about a cliche example about why you like your research in your specific field in your SoP or during your interview, go for it! Show your passion and professors on the other end will also see it.

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Graduate Admissions and Entrance Procedures

GPS welcomes applications from students who are interested in working full-time toward the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. Admission to GPS's graduate program will only be granted to students who are committed to this educational track.

The application submission deadline for GPS is December 15th.

The GPS Division uses this rubric (pdf) to assess applications to our graduate program.  While we do not formally score the applications or have any cut-off criteria for admissions, this document summarizes the qualities and skills that we seek in future graduate students in our program.

Testing Requirements

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Applicants are required to submit GRE scores when applying to all options other than ESE.  (Also see our graduate application FAQs )

• Environmental Science and Engineering: Recommended but not required.
• Geobiology: Required.
• Geochemistry: Required.
• Geology: Required.
• Geophysics: Required.
• Planetary Science: Required.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Applicants from non-English-speaking nations are required to submit scores from either TOEFL, PTE, or the IELTS exam as part of their application process. For more information please see the Grad Office FAQs - Do I need to take an English proficiency exam (i.e., TOEFL, PTE, IELTS)?

Selecting an Option

Students accepted into the GPS graduate program are assigned to one of the major subject options of the division— environmental science and engineering, geobiology, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, or planetary science—based on their application request, and are given an academic adviser who is a professor associated with that option. Students may change options during their course of study, but must first obtain the approval of the new option. Each student must plan to satisfy all the requirements for the PhD degree in a single option.

Entering graduate students will meet with their option representative and discuss their preparation in the basic sciences during the week preceding the beginning of instruction in their first term at Caltech. Together, each student and representative will select a series of courses that will best prepare the student for research in his or her chosen field, while also meeting the requirements set forth below.

First-year graduate students are encouraged to register for at least nine units of research (Ge 297) during each term of residence. The primary objective of this requirement is for students to begin appreciating the excitement of discovery through their original investigations, and to provide a broad introduction to the array of research opportunities. An important byproduct can be the formulation of propositions for the PhD qualifying oral examination and/or orientation toward a PhD research topic.

Complete admissions information can be obtained from Caltech's Graduate Studies Office .

Admission to Graduate Standing

Application

An application for admission should be completed online through the Graduate Studies Office at gradoffice.caltech.edu/admissions . Admission is granted once a year to a limited number of students who show promise for scholarship and research at the highest level. Completed applications are due between November 15 and December 15, for enrollment at the beginning of the fall term of the following year. Applicants will automatically be considered for financial aid; no additional application is required.

To be admitted to graduate standing, an applicant must have received a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, representing the completion of an undergraduate course in science or engineering related to one of the options offered by the Institute. Applicants must, moreover, have attained a scholastic record and provide recommendations to indicate the ability to pursue, with distinction, advanced study and research. The graduate program thrives on individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and we highly encourage applications from members of groups underrepresented in science and engineering. Graduate admission is covered by Caltech’s Nondiscrimination Policy .

Applicants should refer to the Graduate Studies Office website for additional requirements, a list of supporting documents, and option-specific application deadlines.

Please note that students admitted to Caltech’s PhD program will be provided with financial support for tuition and living expenses to enable them to maintain the singular focus and high level of productivity expected of students in the program. Most of the funding sources for this support require that the student be authorized to work in the United States. Consequently, matriculation into the PhD program requires evidence of work authorization, unless alternative financial support can be arranged with the admitting option.

International Students

In order to be admitted for graduate study, students from non-English-speaking countries are expected to read, write, and speak English and comprehend the spoken language. Although not required for admission, applicants whose native language is not English or have not received a degree from a university or college where English is the primary language of instruction, should be able to demonstrate a strong capability in English prior to admission to Caltech. This can be done by self-reporting scores from the Educational Testing Service (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), the Cambridge Examinations and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or other services that provide a certified English-language proficiency examination.

All international students are evaluated upon arrival at Caltech and, if it is determined that additional instruction in English is needed, they will be assigned to an English as a Second Language (ESL) course. To be a candidate for an advanced degree, the student must have clear self-expression in both oral and written English.

Graduate Students

Applying to Caltech as a graduate student interested in QSE

• Prospective graduate students should apply to a graduate program (including Physics, Applied Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Science) depending on their research interest and background.
• In your application (e.g., at the end of your personal statement), list the faculty members across all divisions that you are most interested in. You can find the QSE faculty here .
• Importantly, at Caltech, you have the flexibility to work with a PhD supervisor outside of your assigned program/division. In fact, this is quite common and part of the interdisciplinary spirit here. Hence, your choice of a graduate program does not limit you to work with certain faculty.
• Graduate students may apply to only one academic option per admission cycle. In reviewing your application, the admission committee of the option to which you have applied may recommend that your application be reviewed by another option, if they foresee a better fit with that option. This internal review is automatic and does not require any additional fees, or duplicate application.
• In addition, Caltech offers a Quantum Science and Engineering Minor open to graduate students in all options. You can find more information for the QSE Minor here .
• Caltech offers a wide range of courses in Quantum Science and Engineering. A sample of courses can be found on the QSE Minor page.

More information about applying to options in each Academic Division is available at:

• Physics (PMA)
• Applied Physics (EAS)
• Material Science (EAS)
• Chemistry (CCE)
• Electrical Engineering (EAS)
• Computer Science (EAS)

Additional information about applying to Caltech as a graduate student is available through the Graduate Studies Office

Find a list of QSE Faculty along with information about their research area, their Academic Division and links to their websites on the QSE Faculty page.

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 physics program also forms an excellent basis for future work in a variety of applied fields. An intensive version of the sophomore physics course (waves, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics) is offered for those planning further study in physics and the required junior-level courses give a thorough treatment of fundamental principles. Elective courses taken during the junior and senior years allow students to explore their particular interest. Some electives offer broad surveys, while others concentrate on particular fields of current research. A choice of laboratory course is offered at several levels.

Physics Coursework at a Glance

Ph 139. Introduction to Elementary Particle Physics. This course provides an introduction to particle physics which includes Standard Model, Feynman diagrams, matrix elements, electroweak theory, QCD, gauge theories, the Higgs mechanism, neutrino mixing, astro-particle physics/cosmology, accelerators, experimental techniques, important historical and recent results, physics beyond the Standard Model, and major open questions in the field.