Graduate Studies
The Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE) offers degree programs in:
The Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering especially encourages applications from first-generation, low-income, systemically marginalized, and underrepresented groups in science and engineering, including women. Caltech CCE is committed to increasing the diversity of our student body. Although admissions for our program requires an application fee, this fee should not stand between you and your future degree. If you are considering Caltech graduate programs and need assistance with the application fees, consider applying for a fee waiver. For more information, click the link below:
Information about the Graduate Application Fee Waiver
All Graduate applications are handled through the Office of Graduate Studies, and all application materials should be sent to them. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online, however, you may request a paper application through the Graduate Office.
Completed applications are due to the Graduate Office no later than December 1st. Late applications may be considered but may be at a disadvantage in the allocation of assistance or the priority for admission.
Please note that a Master's degree in chemistry or chemical engineering is not ordinarily offered, except under special circumstances, and with prior approval of the Graduate Study Committee.
We strongly discourage applications from Caltech undergraduates, except for extenuating circumstances.
Admitted graduate students are supported through a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships and fellowships. Applicants are encouraged to pursue outside fellowships including those offered by US governmental organizations as well as those offered through international governments and private organizations.
For information regarding visit weekends, please see the description for each specific graduate program on the Graduate Student Visits page.
Required Tests
Students coming from non-English speaking countries are required to take an English proficiency exam. However, students who have studied in the U.S. for 2 or more years, or who obtained a degree from a school whose primary instruction is in English are exempt from this requirement.
More information on the TOEFL, TSE, TWE, and IELTS tests are available at the Office of Graduate Studies Checklist.
Prospective chemistry graduate students:
For students coming from non-English speaking countries, English proficiency test scores are no longer required for admission. However, English proficiency is required and will be assessed through interviews with faculty.
Applying
The Admissions Committees will take several components of the application into consideration including letters of recommendation, grades in college particularly those in chemistry, biochemistry, and related subjects, any research experience including resulting publications or presentations, GRE scores*, and the statement of purpose.
*GRE scores are not required. Absence of GRE scores will not be negatively considered for otherwise qualified applicants. If an applicant believes that GRE scores strengthen the application and chooses to submit them, submitted GRE scores will be considered. Caltech is reviewing the future use of the GRE at the institution.
All documents related to the application must be submitted to the Graduate office on or before the December 1st deadline (Chemical Engineering program application must be submitted before the December 1st).
If you have questions about your application, please call the Graduate Office at (626) 395-6346 or send email to [email protected].
Details of the Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics PhD Programs can be found in the Caltech course catalog.