Materials Science

Material Science at the California Institute of Technology offers an exceptional interdisciplinary graduate program focused on understanding, designing, and manipulating the structure and properties of materials. This program combines principles from physics, chemistry, engineering, and applied sciences to explore the underlying mechanisms that govern materials behavior at atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels. Students in this program gain comprehensive knowledge in the synthesis, characterization, and performance assessment of a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and novel composites. The curriculum emphasizes experimental techniques, theoretical modeling, and computational methods to develop innovative materials with tailored functionalities for applications in electronics, energy storage, aerospace, biotechnology, and sustainability.

The program provides rigorous coursework complemented by research opportunities under the guidance of renowned faculty members who are pioneers in the field of materials science and engineering. Students are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge research projects that address the grand challenges of modern society, such as developing lightweight and high-strength materials, creating eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and designing materials with novel optical, magnetic, or electronic properties. Through collaborative group work and independent research, students develop critical skills in problem-solving, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Caltech’s Materials Science program also emphasizes the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, preparing students to translate scientific discoveries into real-world solutions. State-of-the-art laboratories and facilities provide access to advanced analytical tools such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopy, and materials synthesis platforms. The program fosters an inclusive and dynamic academic environment that promotes interdisciplinary interaction and extensive networking with industry partners, research institutes, and academic collaborators worldwide.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, industry, or national laboratories, contributing to breakthroughs in materials technology, advancing research and development efforts, or pursuing further studies. The California Institute of Technology’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact makes its Materials Science program a leading choice for aspiring scientists and engineers dedicated to shaping the future of materials and their applications across diverse fields.

Course Content

Courses:

• Advanced Work in Materials Science
• Materials Research Lectures
• Fundamentals of Materials Science
• Structure and Bonding in Materials
• Advanced Work in Materials Science
• Thesis Research

Applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree or the equivalent before beginning graduate study.

Applicants are required to submit the application and supporting materials online prior to the posted deadline. Once the application has been submitted, you will not be able to modify supporting documents, so please proofread your materials thoroughly before submission.

To successfully complete the online application process, you must:

• Create a free account with CollegeNET to submit the application form online.
• Include payment of the application fee or submit a fee waiver request.
• Upload a Statement of Purpose.
• Request GRE, TOEFL, and/or IELTS test scores to be sent directly to the California
• Institute of Technology.
• Upload an official electronic copy of your transcripts or online grade reports issued by your college or university. Updated grade reports for terms in progress are not required. Students who have been admitted and plan to attend Caltech will be required to submit an official copy of all transcripts from the Registrar’s Office prior to enrollment.
• Register three individuals from whom you will request letters of recommendation.
• Upload a CV or Resume.

No work experience is required.

Approximately 98 percent of graduate and 99 percent of doctoral students receive full financial support. Aid is awarded annually in the form of fellowships and assistantships.

Materials Science at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the structure, properties, and applications of materials. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating principles from chemistry, physics, and engineering to address complex challenges in materials development and utilization. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering topics such as solid-state physics, materials chemistry, metallurgy, polymers, ceramics, and nanomaterials. The program also provides hands-on laboratory experience, allowing students to develop practical skills in materials characterization, synthesis, and testing techniques.

Research plays a central role in the Caltech Materials Science program. Students have the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty members on cutting-edge projects involving advanced materials for electronics, energy storage, biomaterials, and sustainable technologies. The program encourages innovation and critical thinking, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, and research institutions. Students can participate in collaborative projects that span multiple disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of materials and their societal impacts.

The program is structured to support both undergraduate and graduate students, with a strong focus on research integration and experiential learning. Caltech’s state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized laboratories and analytical instruments, provide an ideal environment for experimental science. Graduates of the program are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to advancements in materials technology, addressing global challenges such as renewable energy development, modern manufacturing, and medical innovations.

Overall, the Materials Science program at Caltech combines rigorous academic training, innovative research opportunities, and access to world-class facilities to cultivate the next generation of leaders in materials science. The program's interdisciplinary nature ensures that students can adapt to a wide range of scientific and technological fields, making it a premier choice for aspiring materials scientists.