Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)

This track equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to address global challenges in sustainability, renewable energy, nanotechnology, nanoelectronics, biomaterials, low-power computing, and advanced materials characterization.

 Materials Science and Engineering

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM

Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 36 credits
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A minimum of a B- grade for course credit

Program Options

  • Master’s Thesis
  • Master’s non-Thesis

Master Mandatory Courses

  • Core Courses (12 credits)
  • 4 Elective Courses (12 credits)
  • 2 Graduate Seminars
  • 1 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP)

 

3. Research/Capstone Experience

  • Master’s non-Thesis
    • 6 credits of Directed Research (MSE 299)
    • 6 credits must be 200 or 300-level courses
  • Master’s Thesis
    • A minimum of 12 Thesis Research (MSE 297) credits is required to fulfill the research requirements.

Duration of Study

  • M.S. (non-thesis) 3 Semesters and 1 Summer Session.
  • M.S. Thesis - 4 Semesters and 1 Summer Session.
Material Science and Engineering

Ph.D. DEGREE PROGRAM

Degree Requirements

  • A minimum of 72 credits
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • A minimum of a B- grade for course credit

 

Mandatory Courses

  • One of the 300-level Courses must be from the MSE Program. The other course must be from the AMCS, AP, BioE, Chem, CE, ECE, MSE or ME programs
  • 5 Graduate Seminar
  • Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) - Exemption granted if WEP was completed during a KAUST Master's degree

Degree Milestones

  • Qualifying Exam
  • Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal
  • Ph.D. Dissertation Defense
  • Ph.D. Dissertation Archive

Duration of Study

Students are expected to complete the PhD program in 8 Semesters and 4 Summer Sessions

    Applied Physics (AP)

    Designed to promote scientific discovery and technological innovation, the AP track provides students with a comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation to drive advancements in applied physics and engineering solutions.

    Applied Physics

    Master's DEGREE PROGRAM

    Degree Requirements

    • A minimum of 36 credits
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
    • A minimum of a B- grade for course credit
    • The AP program exclusively offers a master’s Thesis. Completion of the thesis is a mandatory requirement for the degree.

     

    Mandatory Courses

    • 4 Core Courses (12 credits)
    • 4 Elective Courses (12 credits)
    • 2 Graduate Seminars
    • 1 Winter Enrichment Program (WEP)

     

    3. Research Experience

    A minimum of 12 Thesis Research (AP 297) credits is required to fulfill the research requirements

    Duration of Study

    M.S. Thesis - 4 Semesters and 1 Summer Session

    Applied Physics

    Ph.D. DEGREE PROGRAM

    Degree Requirements

    • A minimum of 72 credits
    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
    • A minimum of a B- grade for course credit


    Mandatory Courses

    • Two 300-level courses are required
      • One must be from the AP Program.
      • The second can be from the AMCS, AP, Chem, CE, ECE, ME or MSE programs
    • 5 Graduate Seminar
    • Winter Enrichment Program (WEP) - Exemption granted if WEP was completed during a KAUST Master's degree

    Degree Milestones

    • Qualifying Exam
    • Ph.D. Dissertation Proposal
    • Ph.D. Dissertation Defense
    • Ph.D. Dissertation Archive


    Duration of Study

    Students are expected to complete the PhD program in 8 Semesters and 4 Summer Sessions

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    PROGRAM GUIDE

    Visit the KAUST Program Guide for detailed information about our graduate degree options.  The Program Guide provides prospective and current students with comprehensive information on various aspects of the program. 

    Within the guide, you will find detailed information on program course and credit requirements, placement tests, Ph.D. proposals, dissertation process guidance and the academic year structure. 

    The Program Guide will serve as your roadmap to successfully navigate your academic journey at KAUST and will allow you to make informed decisions about your studies. 

    Research

    In PSE, we tackle the world’s most critical environmental and energy challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance ecosystem resilience, secure food and water, and advance human health.

    Explore Our Research

    Meet Our
    MSAP Faculty

    Explore the experts advancing research and innovation in Materials Science and Applied Physics at KAUST.

    Our Faculty