PhD Geological and Planetary Sciences at California Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Doctoral study of the earth and planets in six options (environmental science and engineering, geobiology, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, planetary science) with fieldwork, sea-going and laboratory research.

Faculty: Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences | Department: Geological and Planetary Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Pasadena, CA, United States

What you will study

Passing a qualifying oral examination, division course requirements, a Thesis Advisory Committee of at least four Caltech professors with annual reviews, and a thesis; first-year students are encouraged to take nine units of research each term.

Career pathways

Trains students for academic research, government and industry.

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: Only students who intend to work full-time toward the PhD are 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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