10 Caltech Undergraduate Majors in STEM You Should Apply to
If you’re a high school student interested in pursuing your university degree in STEM, chances are that Caltech is already one of your options. Apart from being a prestigious university, Caltech is also an excellent research university, with a 1:1 ratio of faculty and postdoctoral fellows to students and 6 Nobel laureates in residence!
In this blog, we’ll outline 10 potential majors (or options as they’re known in Caltech) you can opt for. You can find the entire list of both majors and minors here.
The applied physics major is an interdisciplinary course that focuses on applying the theoretical concepts of pure physics to develop new technologies. Currently, you can choose to specialize in topics such as Photonics, holographic data processing and storage, hydrophysics, and optical approaches to quantum computation (among others)!
Your typical course schedule will include classes such as “Waves, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics” and”Laboratory in Applied Physics”.
2. Astrophysics
The objective of the astrophysics course is to understand the physical processes that govern the universe and use the methodology of physics to gather and interpret data on the same. This course is unique as it emphasizes the skill-set required to have a successful research career and all students are encouraged to take multiple research projects.
Within the course, you can expect to take courses in subjects such as physics, mathematics and practical and computational astrophysics laboratory exercises. You can also tailor your elective courses based on your plans in mathematical methods, computational methods, engineering or planetary science!
Note. If you’re interested in astronomy, you should also look at the courses in astrophysics as these 2 terms are used interchangeably!
3. Applied and Computational Mathematics
If you are interested in the application side of mathematics, this degree might be a solid option! The program aims to give you a strong foundation in computational and applied mathematics, which can be applied in areas such as fluid mechanics, materials science, mathematical biology, image processing and more!
Similar to the Astrophysics course, this course provides training that is essential for careers in applied mathematics in academia, national laboratories or any other field in the industry!
Your course material will include mathematical fundamentals such as linear algebra, probability, mathematical methods and numerical analysis, programming fundamentals, and elective courses that will give you an application area. These elective courses include learning & vision, graphics, robotics & engineering, environmental science, business & finance, or mechanics!
In the bioengineering program, you will focus on applying engineering principles to understand biological design and you will attempt to engineer new biological systems and functions.
Your coursework includes physical cell biology, systems biology, biomolecular engineering, biodevice design and synthetic biology. Some interesting courses that you can take are “Mechanics and Signal Transduction in Morpho-genesis” or “Dynamics and Control of Chemical Systems''.
An interesting part of this major is that the Donna and Benjamin M.Rosen Bioengineering Center offers research support through a variety of programs and funding opportunities across all disciplines!
5. Computational and Neural Systems
If you are looking for an interdisciplinary degree that covers topics in math, physics, biology and computer science, you might want to consider choosing CNS as your major. The objective of this course is to prepare students for career paths that involve computational applications in biological systems, e.g. artificial intelligence and computer vision!
Your coursework will include courses such as “Data Analysis in Biological Sciences”, “Neural Computation” and “Waves, Statistical Mechanics”!
The Computer Science major at Caltech focuses on creating a strong foundation in mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computing, and introducing research in the many subfields of Computer Science.
Your elective coursework is based on the “track” you choose to specialize in. The different areas available include Physical Implementation of Computations, Robust Modeling of Physical Systems, Systematic Design, Theory, Networks & Distributed Systems, Machine Learning, and Interdisciplinary Research.
The electrical engineering option at Caltech focuses on preparing students for careers in rapidly advancing tech areas related to telecommunications, solid-state, robotics, information, and computer and electrical systems.
In your first year, you would typically take the introductory seminar EE 2 as your elective, and from your sophomore year, you can choose courses such as “Deterministic analysis of systems' ' or “Mathematics of electrical engineering' '! As you will have to do a project for this major, you can also opt for classes such as “Experimental Projects in Electronic Circuits''.
8. Environmental Science and Engineering
The Environmental Science and Engineering major has 2 tracks that you can opt for - environmental physics and environmental chemistry. While the courses have separate course requirements and emphases, you will be sharing the same core course training in mathematics and physics.
Typical courses in this major include “Waves, Quantum Mechanics, and Statistical Physics” or “Earth’s Biogeochemical Cycles” which are mandatory as all ESE majors must take courses in both atmospheric and oceanic physics, and marine and terrestrial biogeochemistry!
9. Information and Data Sciences
The information and data science course draws upon traditional topics within computer science, applied mathematics and electrical engineering and combines it with contemporary topics in machine learning, network science and distributed systems!
This course focuses on the foundations of information and data science, especially its roots in probability, statistics, linear algebra and signal processing. Typical courses include “Numerical Algorithms and their Implementation” or “Research in Control and Dynamical Systems''.
10. Geological and Planetary Sciences
This interdisciplinary degree integrates the study of geography and planetary studies within mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. You will further your research into this subject with a specialization track which could include geology, geobiology, geochemistry, geophysics or planetary science.
Your courses can span between covering earthquakes and its prediction through a first year seminar, to marine geochemistry or challenges and opportunities in quantitative ecology for geochemistry and geobiology majors respectively.
An added bonus of this degree is the fieldwork to improve your understanding of geological phenomena. Your field trips can either be in closer locations such as the Death Valley of the San Gabriel Mountains, or locations further away such as Hawaii or even Asia!
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