Master of Science in Computer Engineering
Department of Computer Engineering · Graduate Program
Program Vision
Regional leadership and excellence in the field of Computer Engineering and the management of related research, in addition to producing graduates who will become pioneers in exploring new challenges in Computer Engineering and related fields.
Program Mission
The Department of Computer Engineering is committed to providing students with a high level of education in Computer Engineering sciences. It aspires to foster creativity and a team-work spirit in a student-centered learning environment. The department also strives to develop innovative research and to participate in leading the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in order to facilitate the Kingdom's transformation into a knowledge-based economy.
Program Objectives
Prepare graduates of high quality and expertise in the field of Computer Engineering.
Advance scientific and applied research.
Provide training programs to qualify engineers and practitioners working in the field of Computer Engineering.
Provide consultations and develop suitable solutions.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Computer Engineering department will possess computing skills, as well as the ability to:
Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
Design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data.
Design systems and their components, or process them to meet desired needs.
Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the admission requirements stated in the Unified Regulations of Graduate Studies in Saudi universities and the regulatory and executive rules and procedures of graduate studies at King Saud University, the department requires the following:
The applicant must meet the terms stated in the unified regulations of graduate studies in Saudi Universities.
The applicant must meet the terms stated in the unified regulations of graduate studies at King Saud University.
Hold a bachelor's degree with a regular study program from King Saud University or its equivalent in one of the following: Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or other computing disciplines.
Hold a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 5 or equivalent in Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering, or a minimum GPA of 4 out of 5 or equivalent in other disciplines.
A minimum GPA is required as follows:
Minimum standardized test scores required:
(or equivalent: 75 Qiyas)
(450 PBT / 133 CBT)
Graduation Requirements
The student must successfully complete (25) credit hours from the master's program courses.
Successful completion of the master's thesis.
Program Structure
The total number of required credit hours is (25), in addition to (1) credit hour for the thesis, distributed as follows:
| Course Type | Number of Courses | Required Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses | 6 | (13) Credit Hours |
| Elective Courses | 4 | (12) Credit Hours |
| Thesis | 1 | (1) Credit Hour for the Thesis |
| Total | 11 | (25) Credit Hours + (1) Credit Hour for the Thesis |
Study Plan
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 521 | Advanced Computer Architecture | 3 | — |
| CEN 531 | Computer Networks | 3 | — |
| Subtotal | 6 Credit Hours | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 543 | Digital Signal Processing (1) | 3 | — |
| Subtotal | 3 Credit Hours | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 591 | Seminar in Computer Engineering | 1 | — |
| CEN 592 | Independent Study | 2 | — |
| Subtotal | 3 Credit Hours | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 596 | Thesis Proposal Preparation | 1 | (12 credit hours) |
| Subtotal | 1 Credit Hour | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 600 | Thesis | 1 | CEN 596 |
| Subtotal | 1 Credit Hour | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 570 | Simulation and Modeling | 3 (3+0) | — |
| CEN 571 | Stochastic Processes | 3 (3+0) | — |
| CEN 573 | Algorithms Analysis and Complexity Theory | 3 (3+0) | — |
| CEN 576 | Intelligent Systems | 3 (3+0) | — |
| Subtotal (one course) | 3 Credit Hours | ||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours | Prerequisite |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEN 524 | Advanced Computer Arithmetic | 3 (3+0) | CEN 521 |
| CEN 526 | Advanced Embedded Systems | 3 (3+0) | CEN 521 |
| CEN 527 | Parallel Computing | 3 (3+0) | CEN 521 |
| CEN 528 | Processor Design | 3 (3+0) | CEN 521 |
| CEN 532 | Mobile Computing and Wireless Networks | 3 (3+0) | CEN 531 |
| CEN 533 | Performance Analysis of Computer Networks | 3 (3+0) | CEN 531 |
| CEN 534 | Wireless Sensor Networks | 3 (3+0) | CEN 531 |
| CEN 546 | Digital Image Processing | 3 (3+0) | CEN 543 |
| CEN 549 | Digital Speech Processing | 3 (3+0) | CEN 543 |
| CEN 552 | Mobile Robots | 3 (3+0) | CEN 543 |
| CEN 553 | Selected Topics in Computer Engineering | 3 (3+0) | — |
| CEN 586 | Network Security | 3 (3+0) | CEN 531 |
| Subtotal (three courses) | 9 Credit Hours | ||
Course Schedule
| First Semester | Second Semester | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Courses | CEN 543 | CEN 543 | |
| CEN 531 | CEN 531 | ||
| CEN 521 | CEN 521 | ||
| CEN 591 | |||
| Elective List (1) | CEN 570 | CEN 571 | |
| CEN 573 | CEN 576 | ||
| Elective List (2) | Signals & Systems | CEN 549 | CEN 546 |
| CEN 552 | |||
| Computer Networks | CEN 533 | CEN 586 | |
| CEN 534 or CEN 553 | CEN 532 | ||
| Computer Architecture | CEN 524 or CEN 528 | CEN 526 or CEN 527 | |
