Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Program in Applied Mechanics

The graduate program in Applied Mechanics at Caltech is designed to prepare students for research and professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology. The program combines individual depth of experience and competence in a particular chosen major specialty, with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences.

Aim and Scope of the Graduate Program

The aim of the graduate program in applied mechanics at Caltech is to prepare students for research and professional practice in an era of rapidly advancing interdisciplinary technology. The program combines individual depth of experience and competence in a particular chosen major specialty, with a strong background in the basic and engineering sciences. It strives to develop professional independence, creativity, leadership, and the capacity for continuing professional and intellectual growth.

Preparation for the Graduate Program

Students who have not specialized in applied mechanics as undergraduates, as well as those who have, may be admitted for graduate study. As preparation for advanced study and research, entering graduate students are expected to have a thorough background in undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering. An outstanding four-year undergraduate program in mathematics and sciences may provide a suitable background as well. The qualifications of each applicant will be considered individually, and, after being enrolled, the student will arrange his or her program in consultation with a member of the faculty.

Master's Degree Description and Requirements

The degree of Master of Science in applied mechanics is only awarded to students who do not already have an M.S. degree in applied mechanics. The degree will be awarded upon request by students who have fulfilled the requirements. Only in exceptional cases is there admission to the M.S. program as the final degree objective.

• Applied Mechanics Core (45 units): These units should provide a solid base for the student's engineering interest. The courses should be selected from the Core AM/ CE subjects listed under the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Description and Requirements section.
• Math, engineering and research electives (63 units): Research up to a maximum of 27 units.
• Free electives (27 units): These units may be selected from any course with a number of 100 or greater, except that research units may not be included.
• Graduate Engineering Seminar, AM/CE/ME 150 abc (3 units).

Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Description and Requirements

The Ph.D. degree in applied mechanics is focused on research. Study and research programs for the Ph.D. degree are individually planned to fit the interests and background of the student. A comprehensive research project resulting in an original contribution to the field which is documented by a thesis is required.

Advising and Thesis Supervision

An interim adviser is appointed for each student upon admission to a graduate degree in applied mechanics. The interim adviser will serve as the primary mentor until the student finds a research adviser. It is the responsibility of the student to find an academic and research adviser within three terms of graduate residence at Caltech.

Admission to Candidacy

To be recommended for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in applied mechanics, the student must, in addition to meeting the general Institute requirements, do the following:

• Obtain the agreement of a professorial faculty member to serve as his or her academic and research adviser before the end of the third term of graduate residence at Caltech.
• Pass both subject and research components of the oral candidacy examination before the end of the eighth term of graduate academic residence at Caltech.

Required PhD Program

• Applied Mechanics Core Subject (45 units): Course work in core subjects selected from the list below; pass with a grade of at least C.
• Electives or Minor (63 units): Additional engineering or science courses with course number 101 or above. Pass with a grade of at least C, courses that are approved by the thesis advisory committee.
• Advanced mathematics or applied mathematics (27 units): Pass with a grade of at least C, chosen in consultation with adviser from the following list.
• Graduate engineering seminar (6 units): Pass six terms of AM/CE/ME 150abc, within twelve terms, 3 years, in residence at Caltech.
• Research (54 units): Successfully complete at least 54 units of research and demonstrate satisfactory research progress.

Registration Beyond the Fifth Year of Graduate Residence

The annual approval of the Ph.D. dissertation supervision committee is necessary for registration beyond the twentieth academic term of graduate residence at Caltech.

Thesis and Final Examination

The thesis examination will be given after the thesis has been formally completed. This examination will be a defense of the doctoral thesis and a test of the candidate's knowledge in the specialized field of research.

Subject Minor

A student majoring in another branch of engineering or another division of the Institute may, with the approval of the faculty in the department of mechanical and civil engineering and the faculty in his or her major field, elect applied mechanics as a subject minor. The program of courses must differ markedly from the major subject of study or research, and must consist of at least 54 units of advanced courses (101 or above) approved by the faculty in mechanical and civil engineering.