Degrees Offered

Caltech offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and a select number of Engineer's and non-degree programs. Consult the Caltech Catalog for more detailed information.

Master of Science
The Master of Science degree is a professional degree designed to prepare a student for teaching, for further graduate studies, or for more advanced work in industry. Under normal circumstances, the requirements for the M.S. degree can be completed in one academic year. Not all options admit directly for the M.S. degree, but the M.S. degree may be granted as part of the Ph.D. path or as a terminal degree in special cases.

Engineer's Degree
Engineer's degrees are awarded in limited fields. The work for an engineer's degree must consist of advanced studies and research in the field appropriate to the degree desired.

Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. must consist of research and the preparation of a thesis describing it, and of systematic studies of an advanced character, primarily in science or engineering. Students who hold a Ph.D. degree from another institution will not be admitted to graduate standing at Caltech to pursue a second Ph.D. degree. A student will not be awarded two Ph.D. degrees from the Institute. At least twelve terms (three academic years) of residence are required for the Ph.D. degree.

Part-Time Degree Programs
Part-time graduate study is permitted at the recommendation of the academic option for graduate students who cannot devote full time to their studies. Typically, part-time students are allowed to register only under special arrangements with a sponsoring organization, and such students are subject to the following rules:

• Applicants for the part-time program must submit a regular application form accompanied by a detailed plan of study.
• All research work done for academic credit shall be supervised by a Caltech professorial faculty member.
• In general, students admitted to the part-time program are required to enroll in a minimum of 27 units for a maximum of eight terms.