<p>I've noticed on GALCIT's website that basically research in Aeronautics is gearded towards Fluids or Structures. I was wondering whether it was possible to earn a Ph.d at Caltech, specializing in Dynamics & Control, taking courses through CDS of course, and stll earning the Ph.D in the Aeronautics Department. Thanks.</p>
<p>It's a pretty small place. I bet they would let you count CDS courses toward your course requirements for candidacy in the aeronautics department. But would you be ready for the qualifying exam if you didn't take the aeronautics courses that they suggest?</p>
<p>Are you sure that the aeronautics department has the professors you want to work for? If so, why not ask whether they are able to take grad students from the CDS department? (You'll have to e-mail them anyway, right?) Just say that the CDS curriculum seems like a better fit but you're interested in researching with him/her. I'm sure it will be doable. Apply through CDS, and in your statement of purpose, mention the names of professors you'd like to work with and make sure that some of them are actually in the CDS department. Once you're in, you can join the aero prof's lab and still do the CDS coursework.</p>
<p>BTW, no one cares whether your diploma says aeronautics or cds. Your adviser and your publication record will be all that matters for any job/postdoc you're likely to get with a Ph.D.</p>