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Undergraduate Program

As you might expect, admission to Caltech is competitive. We usually welcome approximately 230 new freshman and 10 to 15 new upperclass students to campus each fall. They come to Caltech from all over the United States and all over the world. What they share is an unusual interest in and an extraordinary aptitude for science.

Our commitment to undergraduate education and small class size allows for frequent one-on-one interaction between students and professors.

Undergraduate research and interdisciplinary work are common and encouraged. Interdisciplinary courses are available in such fields as geochemistry and environmental chemistry.

Learn more about the undergraduate programs in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.

Institutional Learning Outcomes

The Institute aims for these educational outcomes:

  • Graduates can analyze, synthesize, and communicate ideas.
  • Graduates demonstrate integrity, personal and professional responsibility, and respect for others.
  • Bachelor of Science graduates can identify, analyze, and solve challenging problems within and across science and engineering disciplines.
  • Bachelor of Science graduates can apply their analytic skills to other areas of knowledge and understand issues important in our society.
  • Master of Science graduates can apply advanced knowledge in a specialized area in preparation for their professional careers.
  • Doctor of Philosophy graduates can independently identify, analyze, and solve fundamental research problems with breadth and depth.

Core Curriculum Learning Outcomes

The Caltech Core Curriculum provides:

Substantive experience in problem solving, collaboration, and communication.

Students will be able to:
a. Manage increasing academic challenges while developing resilience and confidence.
b. Develop and satisfy their intellectual curiosity.
c. Collaborate effectively and ethically, recognizing diverse models of academic collaboration.
d. Communicate to a range of audiences through a variety of media.

A broad and rigorous foundation in the sciences.
Students will be able to:
a. Demonstrate understanding of foundational concepts from the sciences.
b. Use disciplinary thinking, analytical skills, and a range of methods in the sciences.
c. Apply their knowledge and skills to diverse problems within and across disciplines.

Significant study in the humanities and social sciences.
Students will be able to:
a. Explore and expand upon learning in fields beyond intended areas of specialization.
b. Appreciate and understand the contributions of the humanities, social sciences, and arts to human endeavors.
c. Engage in informed analysis of cultural, political, and economic issues.