Computational Science and Engineering (CSE)

Computational science and engineering (CSE) may be pursued as a subject minor by graduate students who are pursuing Ph.D. degrees in any option. The CSE minor is intended to supplement one of Caltech’s graduate degrees and is designed for students who wish to broaden their knowledge of CSE beyond their major field of study. The CSE minor is also intended to recognize graduate students’ interest in and dedication to CSE as demonstrated by the successful completion of a program of study in the field. Completion of the CSE minor program of study will be recognized on the Ph.D. diploma by the statement, “…and by additional studies constituting a minor in Computational Science and Engineering.”

To receive the CSE minor, graduate students must fulfill the following requirements.

• 18 units (two terms) from the following list: ACM/EE 106 ab, CMS/ACM/EE 122, ACM 114 ab, ACM 116, ACM 117, ACM 157, ACM 158, ACM 210 ab, ACM/IDS 216.
• 18 units (two terms) from the following list: CS 115, CS 138 abc, CMS/CS 139 abc, CS 143, CS/IDS 150 ab, CMS/CS/CNS/EE/IDS 155, CS/CNS/EE 156 a, CS 179.
• 9 units (one term) from the list: Ae/AM/CE/ME 214, Ae/AM/ME 232 ab, Ay 199, Ch 121 ab, GE 263, Ph/CS 219 abc.

All courses to be applied toward the CSE minor requirements must be taken on a graded basis, and students must obtain a grade of B or higher in all courses. Courses that are used to satisfy the CSE minor cannot be used to satisfy course requirements in the major options unless absolutely required by the option. Courses taken as part of the CSE minor are counted toward the total number of units required for the completion of the Ph.D. degree.

The CSE minor is administered by an oversight committee consisting of three faculty members reporting to the chair of the engineering and applied science division. In consultation with their advisers and, if needed, with the CSE Oversight Committee, students formulate a program of approved courses individually tailored to each student’s background and needs, with the objective that the student achieve a level of competence in specific subjects relevant to CSE. Students must petition the CSE Oversight Committee for approval of their program of study. Upon completion of the program of study, the CSE Oversight Committee will verify that the CSE minor requirements have been fulfilled.