STUDY Environmental Science & Engineering AT KAUST

At KAUST, the Environmental Science and Engineering program aims to educate and train our students to address many of the world’s grand challenges related to sustainability and the environment, focusing on the intersection of water, food, energy and sustainable processes.  

WHY JOIN US?

World-Class Faculty and Facilities:
Our program at KAUST provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including lab-scale and pilot-scale technological units, and a diverse community of top leading faculty researchers. Our faculty is dedicated to advancing both basic and translational science and engineering, ensuring that students have the tools and mentorship they need to succeed. 
We embrace cross-disciplinary research and educational foundational activities across fields such as engineering, bioengineering, physical and computational sciences, allowing students and researchers to work on multidisciplinary projects that address complex scientific and global challenges. With a strong focus on both international and Saudi talent, we prepare graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry, and beyond. 
Our program aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) pillar of Sustainable Environment, focusing on various research and educational priorities such as water technology and management; water resources including Earth observations; climate change, land degradation and sustainable development; ecological monitoring and restoration that bridge water-food-energy-environmental nexus.  

Join KAUST and become a part of a vibrant program where pioneering research, teamwork, and innovation redefine the future of Environmental Science and Engineering. 

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING PROGRAM


The Environmental Science and Engineering program prepares students to tackle sustainability challenges in water, energy, and food. Focus areas include water treatment, desalination, microbiology, resource recovery, and sustainability management. With hands-on lab research and both thesis and non-thesis options, students take key courses like aquatic chemistry, applied statistics, and environmental sustainability, equipping them to address global environmental issues. 

 

 

EnSE MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM

Learn how to apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios in the life sciences while exploring cutting-edge research and theory.

Mandatory Courses Program Areas Lab Experience Duration of Study

Mandatory Courses

  • 4 Core Courses
  • 2-4 Electives
  • Graduate Seminar
  • Courses offered include (but not limited to) Aquatic Chemistry, Applied Statistics, Environmental Sustainability, etc.

Program Areas

  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Water Desalination
  • Microbiology
  • Resource Recovery
  • Sustainability and Management
  • Surface Science and materials

Lab Experience

  • Thesis and Non-thesis options

Duration of Study

  • 1.5 to 2 years
  • 3 x 15-week semesters and one Summer for Non-thesis
  • 4 x 15-week semesters and one Summer for Thesis

EnSE PHD DEGREE PROGRAM

Lab Experience Mandatory Courses Program Areas Duration of Study

Lab Experience

  • Doctoral Dissertation Research with your PI
  • Traveling Scholar for external collaboration

Mandatory Courses

  • 2 PhD-level Electives
  • Graduate Seminar
  • PhD courses can be taken from any program

Program Areas

  • Water and Wastewater Treatment
  • Water Desalination
  • Microbiology
  • Resource Recovery
  • Sustainability and Management
  • Surface Science and materials

Duration of Study

  • 2.5 – 4 years
  • Maximum of 8 x 15-week semesters and 4 Summers

The information provided above is for general reference only. For detailed and current degree requirements, please refer to the Program Guide.

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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 BESE, we tackle the world’s most critical environmental and biological 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
Environmental Science and Engineering Faculty

Explore the experts advancing research and innovation in environmental science and engineering at KAUST.

Our Faculty