Social Sciences

The HSS PhD program in the Social Sciences offers the opportunity for highly motivated and quantitatively oriented students to pursue interdisciplinary research in areas common to economics, political science, political economy,history, psychology, anthropology, law, and public policy.

A foundational belief of the program is that a wide variety of social phenomena are best understood as the consequence of intelligent decisions by individuals pursuing their own ends. Caltech social scientists have established that such decisions can be modeled and that conclusions concerning social events should be based on observable and measurable parameters of those theories.  

Caltech was one of the pioneering research institutions to first use laboratory experimentation in the study of economics and political science, and HSS remains one of the top departments—if not the top—in the world in this field. Under faculty supervision, graduate students are major users of HSS research centers, including the Social Science Experimental Laboratory (SSEL) and the Caltech Brain Imaging Center (CBIC). 

Graduate students in the social sciences PhD program are encouraged to begin largely independent research early in their graduate career. Many of the research projects involve direct collaboration between members of the faculty and graduate students. And graduate students are expected to participate actively in the intellectual life of the division, including attendance and participation in seminars and workshops. Seminars occur at least weekly and usually feature a colleague from another university who has been invited to formally present his or her work. Workshops are more informal gatherings where students, faculty, and visitors present their work in progress.

Expected learning outcomes for a graduate student completing the social sciences PhD program include:

• a strong background in economics, political science, and econometrics;
• a solid understanding of the technical tools, which themselves require an understanding of different theoretical and empirical approaches, needed to carry out research at the frontier of the social sciences
• a demonstrated record of independent and high quality research; and
• an ability to collaborate and communicate across different fields in the social sciences.

The first-year curriculum consists of courses in modern statistical and econometric methods; game theory, social choice, and decision theory; microeconomics; and American political institutions. These required courses give Caltech students the unique perspective and background that faculty believe yields special insights into economic and political interactions. This rigorous first-year training also provides students with the foundation and skills needed to conduct independent research early in their careers at Caltech.

The second-year curriculum is built around a series of workshops that are used to start students on the road to active, independent research. Emphasis in these second-year seminars is on areas of the faculty's current research interest, offering students a unique opportunity to work closely with individual faculty members in identifying and tackling research problems.

During their third year, social science graduate students are expected to complete the transition from coursework to independent research.

Requirements

• Master'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 support options for students enrolled in its Social Sciences programmes. Undergraduate students typically have access to various forms of financial aid, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, Federal Work-Study opportunities, and federal student loans. Caltech emphasizes a need-blind admissions process, ensuring that admitted students receive full consideration for financial assistance regardless of their financial circumstances. The institute commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted undergraduates through a combination of scholarships and grants, minimizing reliance on loans to promote access and affordability. For graduate students pursuing advanced degrees within the social sciences, financial support is often provided through fellowships, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and departmental grants. These awards usually cover tuition fees and provide a stipend to support living expenses. Caltech’s financial aid process encourages students to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile to facilitate comprehensive evaluation of their financial needs. The institute also provides information and guidance through its Office of Financial Aid to help students understand available funding options, application procedures, and deadlines. While specific details about the range and amount of awards vary annually and depend on individual circumstances, Caltech’s overarching philosophy is to ensure that financing does not prevent qualified students from pursuing social sciences education. Additionally, external scholarships and grants may be available for students based on merit, academic achievement, or specific demographic criteria. Overall, Caltech’s dedication to financial accessibility reflects its mission to foster an inclusive academic community where talented students can thrive regardless of their financial background.

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) offers a comprehensive program in Social Sciences that emphasizes interdisciplinary study and research. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, public service, policy analysis, and related fields by providing a strong foundation in social science theories, methods, and quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Students in the program have access to world-class faculty members who are experts in areas such as economics, political science, sociology, anthropology, and history.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and to develop a nuanced understanding of societal structures, cultural dynamics, and global issues. The curriculum often includes core courses that introduce key concepts in social sciences, complemented by specialized electives that allow students to focus on areas like public policy, social justice, globalization, comparative politics, and behavioral sciences. The program also emphasizes hands-on research experience, often through independent study projects, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives with faculty.

Caltech's unique approach combines rigorous quantitative analysis with substantive social theory, equipping students with skills necessary to analyze data, policy implications, and social phenomena. The university supports various extracurricular activities, research centers, and conferences that enhance learning and networking opportunities for students. Graduates of the program have pursued careers in academia, government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations, contributing to policy development, social research, and community engagement globally. Access to vast resources, cutting-edge technology, and a vibrant intellectual community makes the Social Sciences program at Caltech a distinctive and compelling choice for aspiring social scientists.