PhD Civil Engineering at California Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Research doctorate preparing students for research and professional practice in interdisciplinary technology; the MS in civil engineering is typically awarded only to students pursuing the PhD.

Faculty: Division of Engineering and Applied Science | Department: Mechanical and Civil Engineering | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Pasadena, CA, United States

What you will study

Graduate civil engineering core and electives, and a research thesis; the MS requires at least 138 units numbered 100 or above (45-unit core, 27 units of free electives).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in science or engineering related to the option; transcripts from each institution attended, three letters of recommendation, CV and essays; GRE policy is set by each graduate program; English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL, PTE Academic, IELTS) expected for applicants whose native language is not English; application fee $100 (waivers available). Admission is once a year with fall-term enrollment; deadlines vary by program from December 1 to January 15. PhD matriculation requires evidence of US work authorization unless alternative support is arranged with the option. Programme-specific: Thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics and engineering expected; applicants who did not specialize in civil engineering may be admitted.

USD 68,574 a year (2026-27). Annual graduate tuition rate for all Caltech graduate students (Fall, Winter and Spring terms at $22,858 each); no programme-specific rate; excludes mandatory fees ($2,448). The same page states that PhD financial packages cover tuition and mandatory fees Source

Graduate admission takes place once each year, with enrollment starting in the following fall term.

Graduate applications are accepted between December 1 and January 15 for enrollment the following fall term, with deadlines varying by programme. The application fee is $100, with fee waivers for a limited number of applicants. Applications are submitted online.

Apply through the official page: https://www.gradoffice.caltech.edu/admissions/applyonline

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