Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Aims and Scope
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) plays an important role in the fields of engineering, applied physics and computational sciences. A significant portion of advancement in technology originates from cutting-edge research performed in the field of ECE. At KAUST the ECE program is bound to this tradition: it aims for preparing students for a multitude of professional paths and advancing world-class research and research-based education through interdisciplinary partnering within engineering and science.
The ECE program encompasses technical areas of solid-state electronics, microsystems, electromagnetics, photonics, communication, networking, signal processing, computer vision, power electronics and control.
Program Contacts
Shehab Ahmed, Program Chair
Rana Al Eryani, Graduate Program Student Advisor
Two degree programs are offered: the M.Sc. degree (under either thesis or non-thesis option) and the Ph.D. degree.
Assessment Test (M.Sc. and Ph.D)
Students are admitted to KAUST from a wide variety of programs and backgrounds. In order to facilitate the design of an appropriate study plan for each individual student, all admitted students are required to take a written assessment during orientation week. The purpose of the assessment is to determine whether students have mastered the prerequisites for undertaking graduate-level courses taught in the program. The Academic Advisor works with admitted students to develop a study plan if needed. Students are encouraged to prepare for the assessment by refreshing the general knowledge gained from their undergraduate education before arriving at KAUST. The remedial study plan requirements must be satisfactorily completed, in addition to the University degree requirements. More information regarding the assessment test is available on the ECE Academic webpage.
Credits
The ECE M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs are organized in three semesters per year – two standard length semesters, Fall and Spring, and a shorter Summer semester. All students must be enrolled in 12 credits in each standard semester and 6 credits in the Summer semester. ECE 100 level courses do not count towards graduation credit requirements.