Caltech still has that ambition and that daring. Caltech conducts instruction at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and, including its off-campus facilities, is one of the world's major research institutions. Each leads to the degree of Bachelor of Science. All options require students to take courses in biology, chemistry, humanities, mathematics, physics, and the social sciences.
Course work is rigorous and students are encouraged to participate in research.
The undergraduate program is thus designed to provide an intensive exposure to a wide spectrum of intellectual pursuits. Near the end of the first year, students select an option, and during the second year they begin to specialize. However, the major concentration in chosen fields and professional subjects occurs during the third and fourth years. Caltech also encourages a reasonable participation in extracurricular activities, which are largely managed by the students themselves. Three terms of physical education are required, and intercollegiate and intramural sports are encouraged.