Dr. Christopher Umans

Professor

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Biography

Professor Umans specializes in theoretical computer science, particularly in computational complexity. His research focuses on problems with an algebraic flavor and includes significant contributions to derandomization, explicit combinatorial constructions, algebraic algorithms, coding theory, and hardness approximation. Since joining Caltech, Umans has held various positions, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and has been a Professor since 2010. He is also the William M. Coughran Jr. Leadership Chair and has been an Executive Officer since 2020. His work often involves the intersection of complexity theory and algebraic methods, contributing to a deeper understanding of theoretical frameworks in computer science.

Research Interests

Computational Complexity Randomness Computation Algebraic Complexity Algorithms Hardness Approximation

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Associate Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Professor

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

William M. Coughran Jr. Leadership Chair

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Executive Officer

— Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA

Courses

CS 21 – Decidability Tractability CS 151 – Complexity Theory E 2 – Frontiers Engineering Applied Science

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.