Admission to Chemistry Graduate Program

Caltech offers a program of graduate study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry. The Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering encourages applications from members of groups underrepresented in science and engineering, including women.

Graduate applications are handled through the Graduate Office. All application materials should be sent to them. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply electronically. You can also request a paper application through the Caltech Graduate Office. More information can be found at the Graduate Studies Office.

Completed applications for the Chemistry program are due to the Graduate Office no later than January 1. Late applications may be considered but may be at a disadvantage in the allocation of assistance or the priority for admission.

Students are not ordinarily admitted to study for the Master's degree. Under special circumstances, and with prior approval of the Graduate Study Committee, a master's degree can be obtained. Generally, students are admitted to graduate standing for enrollment at the beginning of the following academic year.

Admitted chemistry graduate students are supported through a combination of assistantships, teaching assistantships and fellowships. Applicants are encouraged to pursue outside fellowships including those offered by US governmental organizations as well as those offered through international governments and private organizations.

Required Tests

Caltech requires the verbal, quantitative, and analytical components of the Graduate Records Examination (GREs). Chemistry also requires applicants take either the Chemistry, Physics, or Biochemistry Subject Exam as part of the application.

Students coming from non-English speaking countries are required to demonstrate a proficiency in both spoken and written English. More information on the TOEFL, TSE, TWE, and IELTS tests are available at the Graduate Studies Office.

There are no minimum score requirements for GREs. Test scores are only one aspect of the application package. The Chemistry Admissions Committee will take several components of the application into consideration including letters of recommendation, grades in college particularly those in chemistry and related subjects, any research experience including resulting publications or presentations, GRE scores, and the statement of purpose. Please make sure that all documents related to the application reach us before the January 1st deadline.

If you have questions about your application, please call the Graduate Office at 626-395-6346 or send email to gradofc@caltech.edu.

The Chemistry program receives a large number of qualified applications every year. We are not able to admit many candidates because of limited facilities.

Details of the Chemistry PhD Program can be found in the catalog available as a PDF.

go to top of page