California Institute of Technology

California Institute of Technology

Seal of the California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is a private research university located in Pasadena, California. Known for its strength in science and engineering, Caltech is one of the world's leading institutions in these fields.

History

Throop Polytechnic Institute, Pasadena, California

Caltech was founded as a preparatory and vocational school by Amos G. Throop in 1891 and was originally known as Throop University. The institution underwent several name changes before becoming the California Institute of Technology in 1920.

Early Years

In its early years, the school was known as Throop Polytechnic Institute. It was during this period that the institution began to focus on science and engineering, setting the stage for its future development.

Throop Hall at Caltech, in Pasadena

Transformation into a Research University

Under the leadership of George Ellery Hale, Arthur Amos Noyes, and Robert Andrews Millikan, Caltech transformed into a major research university. These leaders were instrumental in establishing Caltech's reputation as a center for scientific research and education.

Campus

Caltech aerial 1922

Caltech's campus is located in Pasadena, California, and covers approximately 124 acres. The campus is home to numerous research facilities and laboratories, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which is managed by Caltech for NASA.

Academics

Caltech is organized into six academic divisions with strong emphasis on science and engineering. The divisions are:

• Biology and Biological Engineering
• Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
• Engineering and Applied Science
• Geological and Planetary Sciences
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy

Research

Caltech is renowned for its research output and has been home to many notable scientists and engineers. The institute has a high research activity and is known for its contributions to fields such as quantum physics, aerospace engineering, and biotechnology.

Bridge Laboratory 1921

Notable People

Caltech has been associated with numerous Nobel laureates and other distinguished scientists. Some notable figures include:

• Richard C. Tolman, a physicist and chemist who contributed to the understanding of thermodynamics and relativity.
• Albert Einstein, who was a visiting professor at Caltech in the early 1930s.

Richard C. Tolman and Albert Einstein at California Institute of Technology

• J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was a professor of physics at Caltech before leading the Manhattan Project.

Oppenheimer at Caltech

Related Pages

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• Pasadena, California
• List of Nobel laureates affiliated with the California Institute of Technology