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Caltech
Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy
Brief History of the Division Administration

The Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy (PMA) at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has a long and distinguished history, playing a leading role in many of the most important scientific developments of the 20th and 21st centuries.

From 1949, PMA has been one of the six academic divisions at Caltech. As a foundational academic and research unit, our faculty, staff scientists, and students create and employ the most ambitious and technologically advanced tools in their efforts to explore and understand every aspect of our universe. Their research covers all scales, from the vastness of the cosmos down to atoms, electrons, strings, quantum foam, and beyond.

PMA has trained generations of Nobel laureates, encouraging the kind of high-risk, high-reward research work that consistently sets it apart. This spirit is sustained through investment in exceptional experimental facilities and cultivation of a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment where science's brightest minds can be set to work on its most intractable and fascinating problems. PMA's compact and focused nature promotes close collaboration and intellectual rigor that continues to define its global reputation.

PMA at a Glance

  • Professorial Faculty:  79
  • Emeritus Faculty: 21
  • Research Faculty: 14
  • Undergraduate Students: ~ 150
  • Graduate Students: ~ 250
  • Postdocs: ~150
  • Technical and Administrative Staff: ~ 75

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Degrees

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mathematics
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Astrophysics

Graduate Degrees

PMA primarily focuses on graduate programs leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. A Master of Science (M.S.) degree may be awarded to Ph.D. students upon completion of certain requirements, or in exceptional cases, to undergraduate students pursuing a concurrent B.S./M.S. degree.

  • PhD in Physics
  • PhD in Mathematics
  • PhD in Astrophysics

BS and PhD degrees are offered in Astrophysics, Math, and Physics. Astrophysics is the official option name for Astronomy, which is used to denote the department.

Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

The Interdisciplinary Studies Program (ISP) is an undergraduate option that allows the student to create their own scholastic requirements, under faculty supervision, and to pursue positive educational goals that cannot be achieved in any of the other available options. More information is available on the Caltech Catalog.

PMA Awards & Honors

Division Chairs