California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that's dedicated to constructing knowledge and solving complex problems. Positioned in Pasadena, California, it is recognized for its highly select, small student body and thriving research culture.

Overview

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university in Pasadena, California. Known for its strong emphasis on natural science and engineering, Caltech is often ranked as one of the world's top-ten universities. Although Caltech has a strong tradition in engineering and natural sciences, it has also made significant progress in other areas such as economics and business management. The university has six academic divisions with strong interdisciplinary connections and collaborations across these divisions. Caltech's iconic House System is modelled after the residential college system used by British universities and provides a supportive community structure for undergraduate students. Notable alumni and faculty include numerous Nobel Laureates, Turing Award winners, and Fields Medalists. The university is known for its unique traditions, pranks, and engagement in research contributing significantly to project such as the Mars Rover and Telescope projects.

Schools & colleges

Explore California Institute of Technology's extensive range of specialized programs across diverse schools and colleges.

Division of Biology and Biological Engineering:

  • Biology, Bioengineering
  • Biological Engineering, Bioinformatics
  • Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering:

  • Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
  • Division of Engineering and Applied Science:

  • Applied Physics, Materials Science
  • Computer Science, Applied and Computational Mathematics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering
  • Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences:

  • Geology, Geophysics, Planetary Science
  • Division of Humanities and Social Sciences:

  • Economics, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science
  • Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy:

  • Physics, Astrophysics
  • Mathematics
  • Astrophysics, Astronomy
  • University Awards

    Highlighting the prestigious awards California Institute of Technology has received for excellence in education, research, and service.

    Medal of Technology and Innovation:

    In 2008, the California Institute of Technology was awarded the US National Medal of Technology and Innovation, a prestigious honor recognizing those who have made lasting contributions to America's competitiveness, standard of living, and quality of life through technological innovation.

    RISE Score Leadership:

    CalTech has received exceptional RISE scores for 2020, enhancing its reputation as a leading institution for research influence, scholarly output, and industrial engagement, thus solidifying its place as a renowned institution of higher learning and research.

    Nobel Prizes:

    Caltech boasts several Nobel laureates amongst its faculty and alumni, emphasizing their innovative and groundbreaking research in a variety of scientific and technological disciplines. Each laureate’s achievement adds to Caltech's global reputation as a leader in research and development.

    National Science Foundation Awards:

    California Institute of Technology is known for receiving numerous grants and funding awards from National Science Foundation which demonstrates the institution's strong commitment to the advancement of knowledge and scientific discovery in various fields.

    Leadership in Green Building Award:

    In 2012, CalTech received the Leadership in Green Building Award for its commitment to sustainable practices in designing, constructing, and operating buildings. The award highlighted the institution’s drive to reduce environmental impact while pioneering research.

    Rankings

    Discover where California Institute of Technology ranks nationally and internationally, reflecting its academic and research excellence.

    QS World University Rankings
    2021
    5
    in the world
    QS World University Rankings
    2022
    4
    in the world
    QS World University Rankings
    2023
    #
    in the world

    Famous Alumni

    Meet California Institute of Technology's distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions to society and their fields.

    Charles Francis Richter

    Developed the Richter Magnitude Scale

    Charles Francis Richter developed the Richter Magnitude Scale in 1935 which quantifies the size of earthquakes. This scientific breakthrough has significantly contributed to our comprehension of seismic activities and continues to be used today for measuring earthquakes.

    Frank Capra

    Oscar-winning Director

    Frank Capra is a renowned film director, with three Academy Awards for Best Director among his numerous accolades. Despite graduating in chemical engineering, he pursued a career in film and directed classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life' and 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'.

    Richard P. Feynman

    Nobel laureate in Physics

    Richard P. Feynman won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 jointly with Julian Schwinger and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga for their work in the field of quantum electrodynamics. Feynman is particularly known for his path integral formulation of quantum mechanics.

    David Ho

    AIDS Researcher and Time's Person of the Year

    David Ho is best known for pioneering contributions in the fight against AIDS. He developed combination antiretroviral therapy which is used to slow the progression of HIV infection. Time magazine named him their 1996 Man of the Year for his efforts.

    Gordon Moore

    Co-founder of Intel and author of Moore's Law

    Gordon Moore is known for co-founding Silicon Valley's giant Intel and authoring Moore's Law. His law which predicts the doubling of transistors in a dense integrated circuit approximately every two years still holds true and drives the semi-conductor industry.

    Contact Information

    Find all essential contact details for admissions and support at California Institute of Technology Website: https://www.caltech.edu/

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