PhD Medical Engineering at California Institute of Technology

Programme overview

Doctoral program for students with an engineering background applying micro/nanoscale science and technology to medicine, with research in medical devices, nanoelectronics, biomaterials, biomechanics, fluidics and medical imaging and sensing; tracks MedE and Medical and Electrical Engineering.

Faculty: Division of Engineering and Applied Science | Department: Andrew and Peggy Cherng Department of Medical Engineering | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Pasadena, CA, United States

What you will study

Course requirements, candidacy and a thesis defense before a committee of at least four members.

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: Designed for students with an engineering background; students are not normally admitted for the MS.

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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