Computer Science
Why Study Computer Science?
Earn your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science (CS) at Caltech, where our degree program equips you with powerful tools to tackle fundamental problems and engineer breakthrough technologies. As computation becomes increasingly central to scientific discovery and technological advancement, Caltech's computer science major opens the door to shaping the future of multiple disciplines.
Why Computer Science at Caltech?
Our computer science program provides a rigorous and complete understanding of computer sciences' theoretical and applied workings. You won't just be training to build an app. You'll combine computing with other fields to supercharge the possibilities of what computers can help accomplish and solve in the world. After the foundations, you'll pick a focus from several track options, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, or graphics. Deepen your understanding of computer science in settings like finance, medicine, and STEM research through close collaboration in small classes.
In addition to a capstone and access to research programs like SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships), as a computer science major, you can land top internships, like at Meta, and work with leading minds on research projects that matter, from applying AI to MRI test results to increase access to treatment in underserved communities to digitalizing older power grids to make them more efficient. You can also find computer science majors on beach days with the surf club, attending Cheese Society tastings, or putting their heads together over problem sets in the Red Door Cafe.
What You'll Learn
Computer science courses at Caltech will cover the essential mathematical and algorithmic foundations of computing, advanced programming, theoretical principles, systems design and architecture, a capstone project, and specialized training in your track area. In addition to the major, you can add a minor in computer science to another program.
The skills developed in the bachelor's program include conducting high-level research in experimental computer science, theoretical math, and other fields and effectively communicating complex technical concepts. Caltech computer science majors learn to adopt a mindset that encourages experimentation and innovation, gaining knowledge and project experience utilizing CS across various disciplines, even extending outside of STEM to areas like education, where our faculty pioneer ways to make computer science education better and more accessible to all.
View the Caltech catalog for major and minor requirements and curriculum information.
Who You'll Learn From
As a computer science major or minor in the Department of Computing + Mathematical Science, you work directly with faculty who are defining the future of computing across disciplines. Our 42 computer science professors lead research in quantum algorithms, climate modeling, robotics systems, strategies to teach students coding, and more. Through Caltech's shared core curriculum, you'll also meet and learn from experts across science and engineering, business, and the humanities.
I wanted to learn computer science so I can make pretty stuff for myself, do what I'm passionate about, and bring it to life with code--but also create breakthroughs in AI applications in healthcare, like how can AI help lower mortality rates in third-world countries?
Career Possibilities
Computer science majors pioneer new applications of computer science, from technical roles in Silicon Valley to research and academic careers and leadership in government and policy. Graduates become:
- Data scientists
- Database managers
- Research scientists (AI/ML, quantum computing, robotics)
- Systems architects
Drawing on the wealth of research opportunities, experiences, and professionals in the Caltech network, graduates also go on to advanced degrees that lead to professor or research roles:
- PhD programs in computer science and related fields
- Interdisciplinary graduate programs
- Professional master's programs like medical school
Curriculum Components and Prerequisites
No programming experience is required, but it's encouraged. All first-year students at Caltech learn an interdisciplinary core curriculum, and then CS majors take on advanced computing theory, systems and architecture, and other topics:
- Core computer science foundations
- Advanced computer science
- Either an undergraduate thesis or mentored project sponsored by a faculty member
Choose from our available computer science option tracks:
- Graphics
- Learning & Vision
- Networks & Communication
- Programming Languages
- Quantum & Molecular Computing
- Robotics
Pursue a Bachelor's in Computer Science at Caltech
Join Caltech's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree program, where collaboration across disciplines isn't just encouraged but built into the curriculum. In the computer science major, learn how to use computational thinking to advance areas from science and engineering to medicine or sustainability, questing after technology innovation and scientific discovery.