Dr. Michael Alvarez

Professor

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Biography

Michael Alvarez is the Flintridge Foundation Professor of Political Computational Social Science at California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He received his B.A. from Carleton College in 1986, followed by an M.A. from Duke University in 1990 and a Ph.D. in 1992. Alvarez's academic career began as an Assistant Professor at Caltech from 1992 to 1995, progressed to Associate Professor from 1995 to 2002, and he has been a Professor since 2002, with his current title being Flintridge Foundation Professor. His research predominantly focuses on public opinion, voting behavior, electoral politics, election technology administration, and political campaigns, with an emphasis on statistical computational modeling. He has a long-standing interest in empirically testing formal models related to elections and voting. His work has significant implications for understanding electoral dynamics, election security, and public opinion through various methodologies including machine learning and statistical analysis.

Research Interests

Experience

Flintridge Foundation Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Leading research in political computational social science.

Professor

2002-01-01 — 2024-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Conducting research and teaching in political science.

Associate Professor

1995-01-01 — 2002-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Involved in teaching and research activities.

Assistant Professor

1992-01-01 — 1995-01-01

California Institute of Technology • Pasadena, CA, USA

Started academic career focusing on political 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.