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    California Institute of Technology

    Physics

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Pasadena, USMSIn-person9 months
    STEM-OPT
    $65,622.00
    Tuition
    over 9mo
    20%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    135
    Credits
    $100.00
    App fee

    Physics at California Institute of Technology is a 135-credit, 9-month, in-person ms program based in Pasadena, US. Tuition is $65,622 and the program is STEM-OPT eligible for international students.

    About the program

    The program requires Ph 125 abc (quantum mechanics), 81 units of physics electives numbered 100 or above, and 27 units of other graduate electives. It is awarded to PhD students upon completing candidacy exams or to other graduate students upon fulfilling the coursework requirements approved by the option representative.

    Focus: coursework
    QS: 6 | US News #3 in Physics
    Part-time option

    Your fit

    Match

    Pro users see a 0 to 100 match score personalized to their academic profile, plus a per-component breakdown (major, GPA, tests, work experience, and more).

    Admissions

    Pro

    Unlock full admissions requirements

    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

    Pro

    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

    Pro

    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US), 24 months STEM OPT (US)

    $31,774.00
    Annual living cost
    See admits on GradCafe
    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Application Checklist

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    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Physics at California Institute of Technology cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Physics at California Institute of Technology is $65,622 across 135 required credits.
    Is Physics at California Institute of Technology online or in-person?
    Physics at California Institute of Technology is offered in-person.
    How long does Physics at California Institute of Technology take to complete?
    Physics at California Institute of Technology is structured around 9 months and 135 credits.
    Is Physics at California Institute of Technology STEM-OPT eligible?
    Yes - Physics at California Institute of Technology is STEM-OPT designated, allowing international graduates to extend their post-completion OPT for up to 36 months total.
    How competitive is Physics at California Institute of Technology?
    Physics at California Institute of Technology reports an acceptance rate of approximately 20%.