Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the complex environmental challenges facing our planet today. This program combines fundamental principles of physical, chemical, biological, and engineering sciences to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop sustainable solutions for environmental problems. Students in this program explore areas such as climate change, pollution control, water and air quality management, renewable energy, and ecosystem dynamics, preparing them to contribute effectively to environmental conservation and policy development. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, field studies, and research projects, often integrated with cutting-edge technological tools and modeling techniques. Faculty members involved in this program are leading experts in environmental science, engineering, and related disciplines, providing mentorship and fostering innovative research. Caltech’s commitment to interdisciplinary study encourages collaboration across departments, promoting a holistic understanding of environmental issues. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, where they can apply their expertise to develop sustainable energy solutions, improve environmental health, and inform policy decisions. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and a vibrant academic community, students engage in a rigorous educational experience designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep sense of environmental responsibility. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also ethically grounded, capable of addressing the environmental challenges of today and innovating for a sustainable future.

The course program must include the core courses ESE 101, 102 and 103. Attendance at the weekly research seminar (ESE 104 and ESE 110abc) is required for first-year students and is expected of all graduate students. All students are expected to have knowledge of methods of applied mathematics and statistics on the level of courses such as Ge 108 and Ge/ESE 118. In cases of unusual preparation, students may petition to substitute a similar but more advanced course for one of the required courses.

Additionally, students are required to take 36 units of elective courses from the following menu:

• Environmental biology: ESE/Bi 166, ESE/Bi 168, Ge/ESE 170
• Environmental chemistry: ESE 175, ESE176, ESE/Ge/Ch 171
• Environmental physics: ESE 130–138, Ge/ESE 139, Ge/ESE 150

The 36 units of elective courses must include courses from at least two of the above three groups.

The remaining units of graduate work can be fulfilled by a combination of elective courses in ESE or related disciplines, reading or laboratory courses (ESE 100), and research (ESE 106, 300). Of the total required 135 units, no more than 45 units may be in research. No more than 27 research units may be taken during the first year of graduate study. Exceptions may be granted by petition.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in the related area
• Statement of Purpose
• Include payment of the application fee or submit a fee waiver request. 
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and/or work performance are required for all applicants. 
• Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required. Transcripts may be sent directly from the Registrar of the institution you attended or transcripts issued directly to the applicant, and so marked, are acceptable, and can be submitted online following the electronic submission process. If you attended Caltech as an undergraduate, you must request an official transcript from the Office of the Registrar. We cannot obtain one on your behalf. 
• Attach a CV or resume
• TOEFL

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers a range of financial aid options designed to support students pursuing degrees in Environmental Science and Engineering. As a highly selective institution, Caltech provides need-based financial assistance to ensure that talented students from diverse economic backgrounds can access its programs. Undergraduates at Caltech often receive a combination of scholarships, fellowships, and work-study opportunities that help to offset tuition and living expenses. The institution commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students through a financial aid package that may include grants, which do not need to be repaid, and student employment options.

Graduate students pursuing Environmental Science and Engineering can benefit from various fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships offered by Caltech, which provide tuition remission and stipends to support their research activities and academic pursuits. Funding at the graduate level is often tied to research projects in environmental technologies, sustainability, and related fields, with support coming from federal agencies, private foundations, and the university’s internal funds. Caltech encourages early application for financial aid and strongly emphasizes a need-blind admission process for undergraduates, meaning that a student's financial background does not influence admission decisions.

In addition to university-specific aid, students may also explore external scholarships and research grants relevant to environmental sciences and engineering. The Caltech Financial Aid Office offers comprehensive counseling to assist students in understanding eligibility criteria and navigating the application process. Overall, the institution strives to make education in Environmental Science and Engineering accessible by providing strong financial support systems, fostering diversity, and enabling students to focus on their academic and research pursuits without undue financial burden.

The California Institute of Technology offers a comprehensive program in Environmental Science and Engineering designed to prepare students for addressing complex environmental challenges. The program integrates principles from chemistry, biology, physics, and engineering to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of environmental systems. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering areas such as environmental chemistry, microbiology, hydrology, atmospheric science, and environmental policy. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including laboratory techniques, data analysis, and environmental modeling. Research opportunities are abundant, allowing students to work alongside faculty on cutting-edge projects related to pollution control, sustainable development, climate change, and environmental remediation. The program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration across departments and with industry partners to develop innovative solutions for real-world problems. Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue careers in environmental consulting, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and industry, or to continue their education in graduate and professional schools. The campus facilities include advanced laboratories, water and air quality monitoring stations, and access to environmental data sets. Students also participate in seminars, workshops, and internships that enhance their professional development. The program is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility, integrating these themes throughout the curriculum and promoting engagement with local and global environmental issues. Overall, the Environmental Science and Engineering program at Caltech aims to cultivate environmentally conscious engineers and scientists capable of advancing sustainable solutions for a healthier planet.