Go from dream to do.

At the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), curiosity becomes action. As one of the world’s leading institutions in science and engineering, Caltech brings together bold thinkers and powerful tools to explore fundamental questions and address real-world challenges. From quantum science and bioengineering to climate science, economics, and the nature of life itself, Caltech students and faculty are constantly pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible.

Your journey begins with Caltech’s core curriculum, an interdisciplinary foundation designed to build both technical expertise and strong communication skills. Here, learning extends across disciplines because the most important problems rarely belong to just one field. Every student (or “Techer”) engages deeply with the sciences, humanities, and social sciences, gaining multiple perspectives that prepare them to think critically and solve complex problems.

You will be challenged, especially in mathematics, where collaborative problem sets will stretch your thinking and strengthen your resilience. These experiences are designed not just to test what you know, but to help you grow into a confident, creative problem solver. At the same time, courses in the humanities and social sciences will sharpen your ability to communicate clearly, think broadly, and understand the world beyond the lab.

At Caltech, you are a scientist from day one. With more than 50 research centers and institutes on campus, including 5 NASA facilities, research is woven into the undergraduate experience. In fact, Caltech students conduct research with Nobel Prize winners. Over 90% of students participate in research, and may begin in their first year. Through programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF), students work alongside leading researchers to explore new ideas and contribute to meaningful discoveries.

Life at Caltech extends far beyond academics. Students bring a wide range of interests and talents to campus! They are scientists, athletes, artists, musicians, and creators. With over 100 student-led organizations, there are countless ways to explore your passions, build community, and even create something entirely new.

Creativity is an essential part of the Caltech experience. Through the Performing and Visual Arts department, students engage in music, theater, and visual arts, finding balance and inspiration beyond their technical work. And through the Caltech Center for Inclusion & Diversity, students can find community, celebrate their identities, and develop the tools to lead and advocate for themselves and others.

At Caltech, you won’t just study science, you’ll shape the future of it.