Computer Science

Computation is now pervasive, wide-reaching, and unavoidable in our daily lives, and in science and engineering. The Computer Science option gives students a strong grounding in the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computing, provides an introduction to cutting-edge research in a variety of subfields of Computer Science, and prepares them to apply computational thinking to a diversity of applications in Computer Science and beyond. Our students and faculty strive to:

• understand information and computation as intrinsic components of a broad array of natural and engineered systems
• tackle challenging and fundamental problems with the potential for long-term and real-world impact
• develop underlying theory
• nurture collaboration between traditionally separate disciplines

The undergraduate computer science option introduces students to the mathematical and engineering foundations of the discipline. It provides considerable flexibility in course selection, together with a capstone project giving an opportunity for independent work in an area of the student’s choice. A set of "core" courses give students a strong foundation in programming principles, algorithms and complexity, and computing systems. Additional advanced coursework is organized around several "tracks" in which greater depth is obtained in topic areas such as networking, distributed systems, robotics, machine learning, graphics, databases, and more. Students are provided a variety of research opportunities, both through the SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships) program and the required capstone project sequence.

The department expects undergraduate majors to achieve

• a thorough understanding of the mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computer science,
• a depth of knowledge, and an understanding of the research frontiers, in at least one subfield of computer science,
• experience in working on a significant project, typically as part of a team,
• an appreciation of the scope of applications of computing in information systems and across science and engineering,
• an ability to apply computational thinking to a wide variety of problems both inside and outside Computer Science,
• an understanding of how to critically evaluate computer science research
• an ability to effectively communicate their ideas in writing and in oral presentations.

The undergraduate degree equips students with the tools and knowledge necessary for a successful research, industrial, and entrepreneurial career in computing.

The first year for a CS major is generally spent on satisfying most of the core requirements, but CS 1, CS 2, and/or CS 4 may be taken as well. After that, a typical course schedule looks as follows:

1Commonly taken during the freshman year.

Study Tracks

We have collected here, for the benefit of Computer Science students and their advisors, various recommended study tracks in a few areas:

• Algorithms & Complexity
  Ma/CS 117 Computability Theory
  CMS/CS 139 Analysis and Design of Algorithms
  SS/CS 149 Introduction to Algorithmic Economics
  CS 150 Probability And Algorithms
  CS 151 Complexity Theory 
  CMS/CS/CNS/EE 155 Machine Learning & Data Mining
  Ph/CS 219 abc Quantum Computation
• Algorithmic Economics 
  CMS/CS 139 Analysis and Design of Algorithms
  SS/CS 149 Introduction to Algorithmic Economics
  CS/SS 152 Introduction to Data Privacy
  SS/CS 241 Topics in Algorithmic Economics
• BioComputes 
  CMS/EE 116 Introduction to Probability Models
  CDS 110 Introduction to Feedback Control Systems
  CS/EE/Ma 129ab Information & Complexity 
  CS/CNS/EE 156ab Learning Systems
  CNS/Bi/Ph/CS/NB 187 Neural Computation
  BE/CS/CNS/Bi 191 ab Biomolecular Computation
  Ph/CS 219 abc Quantum Computation
• Graphics
  CS/CNS 171 Introduction To Computer Graphics Laboratory
  CS/CNS 174 Computer Graphics Projects
  CS 176 Introduction To Computer Graphics Research
  CS 177 Discrete Differential Geometry: Theory And Applications
  ACM 106ab Introductory Methods Of Computational Mathematics
• Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
  CMS/EE 116 Introduction to Probability Models
  EE/CNS/CS 148 Selected Topics in Computational Vision
  CS 150 Probability and Algorithms
  CMS/CS/CNS/EE 155 Machine Learning & Data Mining
  CS/CNS/EE 156 ab Learning Systems
  CNS/Bi/Ph/CS/NB 187 Neural Computation
• Networks & Distributed Systems
  CMS/EE 116 Introduction to Probability Models
  CS 142 Distributed Computing
  CS/EE 143 Communication Networks
  CMS/CS/EE 144 Networks: Structure & Economics
  CS/EE 145 Projects in Networking
  CS/EE 146 Advanced Networking
• Robotics & Control
  CDS 110 Introductory to Feedback Control Systems
  CMS/EE 116 Introduction to Probability Models
  EE/CNS/CS 148 Selected topics in Computational Vision
  CS/CNS/EE 156ab Learning Systems
  CNS/Bi/Ph/CS/NB 187 Neural Computation
  ME 115ab Introduction To Kinematics And Robotics
  ME/CS 132ab Advanced Robotics: Navigation And Vision
• Systems
  CS 115 Functional Programming
  CS 116 Reasoning about Program Correctness
  CS 118 Logic Model Checking for Formal Software Verification
  CS 119 Reliable Software: Testing and Monitoring
  CS 121 Introduction to Relational Databases
  CS 122 Database System Implementation
  CS 123 Projects in Database Systems
  CS 124 Operating Systems

Requirements

• Common Application or the Coalition Application with Caltech Questions - Caltech does not have a preference between the Common Application or the Coalition Application. We advise that you use the best platform for your application process.
  • Note: Caltech is also a QuestBridge Partner. Students may apply for Caltech through the QuestBridge College Match Program.
• $75 application fee or fee waiver (Common App waiver, Coalition Application waiver, or Caltech-specific waiver)
• SAT with Optional Essay or ACT with Writing (official scores from testing agency)
• SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 (official scores from testing agency)
• 1 SAT science subject test: biology (ecological), biology (molecular), chemistry, or physics (official scores from testing agency)
• 1 math or science teacher evaluation
• 1 humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation
• Secondary School Report
• Academic transcripts
• TOEFL scores - Required of all international citizens unless 1) your native language is English; or 2) you have had school instruction for two or more years in English. The two years of school instruction must be completed prior to the application deadline). We do not accept the IELTS or any other substitute for the TOEFL requirement.
• International Financial Aid Statement of Intent - When an international citizen applies for freshman admission, the application prompts questions to confirm his/her understanding of our financial aid policy and thus confirm his/her financial aid intent towards Caltech. Caltech is need-sensitive for international citizens because the total amount of financial aid funds is limited for these students, and we remain committed to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted students.

Scholarships

• Need-based scholarships 
• Caltech Scholarships