Study Away
Study Away
Caltech offers a unique exchange opportunity for a fall term with the University of Chicago. The University of Chicago is referred to as an intellectual destination where conventional thinking is challenged. This environment is perfect for Caltech students to learn for a term.
Living and studying in the city of Chicago during their beautiful fall season provides an opportunity to explore the city's great museums, experience neighborhood street festivals, vibrant business community, visit parks and recreation areas, and use the excellent public transportation system.
General Information
Students will study for the fall term, live in a university residence hall, and take up to a maximum of 4 classes. Students will take 2 classes for which they can get credit in their primary option at Caltech, and the other 2 classes are their choice providing the student meets the requirements for the class. This means that students can take two elective or required classes in their option, in another STEM field, or in the humanities or social sciences. One of the max 4 classes could also be taken in one of the professional schools listed below if the student meets the requirements and the class is approved by U. Chicago:
The Booth School of Business, the Law School, the School of Social Service Administration, or the Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies
Caltech Room Draw and Study Abroad
Students who are studying abroad during fall or winter term are eligible to participate in the fall housing lottery; they are enrolled students. If a study abroad student selects a single, that room will either (a) be occupied by a fall term-only exchange student or (b) be offered as temporary housing for other undergraduate students. If a study abroad student selects a double or triple, the remaining roommate(s) will be given the chance to select a fall term-only roommate or the space may be offered as temporary housing for other undergraduate students.
Searching for Classes
Use the course search to find classes for "Autumn Term" to create your course list proposal (required for the application). Type in the department name or select it from the sidebar (e.g., Computer Science). Click "Search" to view a list of the latest Autumn Term classes. Only the current year's classes are available because next fall's schedule has not yet been finalized. Click on a class to view its detailed description.
Classes numbered 1000–1999 are introductory or first-level courses, 2000–2999 are upper-level courses, and 3000 and above are graduate-level courses.
Please note: There are no engineering undergraduate majors at the University of Chicago with the exception of molecular Engineering. Caltech students cannot apply in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering as these majors do not exist. Instead, those students must research alternative majors that would allow them to take two courses that would potentially qualify for option credit at Caltech. Chemical Engineering or Bio-engineering students may consider Chemistry or Molecular Engineering which includes chemical and soft materials.
Major and minor subjects are listed here. Note that a blue "C" means this is a career path and is not an academic department. Majors have a large "M" and minors are indicated with a small "m". a "J" is a joint degree and not relevant to exchange students.
Required Items To Apply & Resources:
- Go to the "Application" page for all required application items: Application Process
- U. Chicago Program Presentation
- University of Chicago Program Handout
- University of Chicago Scholars Participant Comments Fall 2021 & 2019
