The Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree is awarded upon successful completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours. Students are expected to complete the M.Sc. degree in four semesters. Satisfactory participation in every KAUST summer semester is mandatory. Summer semester courses are credit bearing and apply towards the degree.
The M.Sc. Requirements
- Core courses (9 credits)
- Elective courses (15 credits)
- Research/capstone experience (12 credits)
Core Courses (9 credits)
Core courses are all regular CS 200-level courses with the following exception:
- Special courses such as CS 294 Contemporary Topics
Elective Courses (15 credits)
Elective courses are regular 200-level and regular 300-level courses. The following rules apply:
- 3 credits have to be CS courses
- 6 credits have to be CEMSE courses
- 6 credits have to be BESE/CEMSE/PSE courses
Note that students can take 15 credits of CS courses to fulfill this requirement.
M.Sc. Thesis
Students wishing to pursue the thesis option must complete a total of 12 credits of thesis research (CS297). The thesis defense committee, which must be approved by the Associate Dean, must consist of at least three members and typically includes no more than four members. At least two of the required members must be KAUST faculty. The chair plus one additional faculty member must be affiliated with the CS program. The committee membership can be summarized as:
| Member |
Role |
Program Status |
| 1 |
Chair |
Within program |
| 2 |
Faculty |
Within program |
| 3 |
Faculty or approved research scientist |
Within or outside program |
| 4 |
Optional faculty or research scientist |
Inside or outside KAUST |
Notes:
-
Notes:
• Members 1-3 are required, member 4 is optional
• Members 2, 3, or 4 may serve as the co-chair, but must be faculty
• Adjunct professors and professors emeriti may retain their roles on current committees, but may not serve as chair on any new committees
• Professors of practice and research professors may serve as members 2, 3 or 4 and serve as co-chairs
• Visiting professors may serve as member 4
View a list of faculty and their affiliations here.
M.Sc. Non-Thesis
Students wishing to pursue the non-thesis option will pursue a broadening experience., Broadening experience is defined as experience in research, work within representative industry, setting up a company. Students must complete a total of 12 capstone credits that include 6 credits of directed research (CS 299). The remaining 6 capstone credits are obtained through one or a combination of the options listed below:
• IED 210 Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• IED 220 New Venture and Product Innovation Challenge
• CS 295 Internship
• Regular 300-level courses. One 300 level course can be an approved regular BESE/CEMSE/PSE course. The second 300-level course must be an approved regular CEMSE course.