Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate EAS students can pursue one of the following options (majors): applied physics, applied and computational mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering and applied science, materials science, mechanical engineering. We also offer the following minors: aerospace, control and dynamical systems, computer science, information and data sciences, environmental science and engineering. Students also have access to a variety of elective courses that allow them to develop and explore special interests in a broad array of scientific and engineering fields.

The EAS undergraduate programs are designed to provide our students with a thorough training in the chosen discipline, and whenever possible, to integrate these studies with the core curriculum courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology that all students take during their first years at Caltech.

Active involvement in research, particularly during the summer, is encouraged for all of EAS's undergraduate students.

If you have a facility for the basic sciences, a keen interest in creating new devices, algorithms, or processes, and a compelling curiosity about how things work—and especially if you enjoy grappling with complex problems involving many variables—you're likely to find your niche in EAS. To apply for admission, visit undergraduate admissions.

Learning Outcomes in the EAS Division

The expectation for undergraduate students in the EAS Division is that they will:

• have a basic understanding of the relevant scientific and engineering principles and observations in their chosen discipline,
• have the basic skills in mathematics, physics, chemistry, information science, computing, biology, engineering to address problems in their chosen discipline,
• be able to communicate this scientific and engineering knowledge to peers, experts, and the public, and
• have had experience in doing research.

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:

1. Manage increasing academic challenges while developing resilience and confidence.
2. Develop and satisfy their intellectual curiosity.
3. Collaborate effectively and ethically, recognizing diverse models of academic collaboration.
4. Communicate to a range of audiences through a variety of media.

A broad and rigorous foundation in the sciences.

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of foundational concepts from the sciences.
2. Use disciplinary thinking, analytical skills, and a range of methods in the sciences.
3. 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:

1. Explore and expand upon learning in fields beyond intended areas of specialization.
2. Appreciate and understand the contributions of the humanities, social sciences, and arts to human endeavors.
3. Engage in informed analysis of cultural, political, and economic issues.