Mechanical Engineering MS Program

Program Mission:

The mission of the Mechanical Engineering Master of Science program at KAUST is:
To educate and upskill highly competent mechanical engineers through rigorous, research-rooted education coupled with strong analytical, computational, experimental, and design skills training to address complex engineering challenges in advanced technological environments while exercising sound professional judgment. The program fosters intellectual independence, critical thinking, ethical responsibility, a deep awareness of sustainability principles, and lifelong learning, preparing students for leadership roles in industry, research, and national development.

Program Goals:

• Deliver advanced disciplinary education in mechanical engineering through a rigorous curriculum that develops a deep understanding of mechanical principles and their application in complex engineering systems.
• Develop advanced analytical, computational, experimental, and design competencies that enable graduates to solve complex, multidisciplinary engineering problems in modern technological environments.
• Integrate students into research-informed learning environments that strengthen critical thinking, structured problem-solving, and evidence-based engineering decision-making.
• Integrate professional ethics, sustainability, and responsible engineering practices across coursework and mentorship.
• Prepare graduates for leadership roles in industry, research, and national development, equipping them with intellectual independence, adaptability, and commitment to lifelong learning.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) 

Knowledge and Understanding:  

•  K1: Demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of core mechanical engineering principles, including continuum mechanics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and system dynamics, and their relevance to modern engineering systems.
• K2: Explain and critically interpret advanced computational and experimental methodologies used in mechanical engineering, including modeling, simulation, and diagnostic techniques, and understand their assumptions and limitations.
• K3: Demonstrate awareness of current technological developments and sustainability considerations within mechanical engineering practice and advanced industrial systems.

Skills: 

• S1: Apply advanced analytical, computational, and experimental methods to analyze and solve complex mechanical engineering problems in multidisciplinary contexts.
• S2: Design, implement, and validate engineering solutions through modeling, simulation, experimentation, and data interpretation under realistic technical, economic, and societal constraints.
• S3: Plan and execute an independent research or advanced design project, demonstrating structured problem formulation, critical analysis, and evidence-based decision-making.
• S4: Communicate technical information, research findings, and engineering solutions effectively to specialist and non-specialist audiences using appropriate written, oral, and visual formats.

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility: 

•  V1: Uphold professional integrity and ethical conduct in advanced engineering practice and research, including responsible use of data, computational tools, laboratory methods, and collaborative scholarship.
• V2: Exercise sound professional judgment in evaluating safety, reliability, sustainability, and societal implications of engineering decisions within complex and multidisciplinary environments.
• V3: Demonstrate increasing intellectual independence and accountability by planning, managing, and evaluating advanced engineering tasks with minimal supervision.
• V4: Commit to continuous professional development and lifelong learning, recognizing the evolving nature of mechanical engineering technologies and global sustainability challenges.