Dr. Christopher Umans

Professor

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Biography

Professor Christopher Umans specializes in theoretical computer science, focusing on computational complexity and its related fields. He is particularly interested in problems with an algebraic flavor and explores research questions in derandomization, explicit combinatorial constructions, and algebraic algorithms. His work also delves into coding theory and hardness approximation, contributing significantly to the understanding of these complex topics.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Serves as a Professor in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences and holds the William M. Coughran Jr. Leadership Chair.

Associate Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Held the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

Assistant Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

Executive Officer

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Serves as an Executive Officer in the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

Division Deputy Chair

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Served as the Division Deputy Chair.

Courses

CS/IDS 153 – Current Topics Theoretical Computer Science CS 21 – Decidability Tractability CS 151 – Complexity Theory

Requirements for California Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Strong background in mathematics and physical sciences
Application Checklist
  • Online Application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Most Caltech graduate programs are PhD-only. GRE General and Subject tests vary by department; many have made them optional or no longer accept them.