PhD in Software Engineering

Graduates from the PhD program in Software Engineering will have the following knowledge and skills by the time of graduation:

Knowledge and Comprehension:

• Master the advanced concepts, models, methods, and techniques relevant to the area of specialization within Software Engineering.
• Identify and formulate accurately research issues and problems related to the area of specialization within Software Engineering.
• Apply advanced mathematical, statistical, optimization, and computing models and methods to solve software engineering research problems.
• Evaluate, compare, document, and defend research outcomes and results.
• Recognize and observe ethical responsibility and behavior in scientific research.

Mental Skills:

• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills.
• Possess strong reasoning and problem solving skills.
• Deal with confidence and professionalism with new, complex, and unpredicted problems.

Professional and Practical Skills:

• Communicate research problems, ideas, and solutions in both written and verbal.
• Work and collaborate within research teams.
• Possess the ability to continuously learn new ideas, approaches, and solutions to Software engineering research problems.
• Demonstrate leadership skills allowing graduates to lead teams and projects.

General Skills:

• Utilize the knowledge and skills acquired in the program to understand and evaluate the impact of Software Engineering problems and solutions on the economy and the society.
• Acquire independence, self-starting, and initiative skills  to address problems and propose solutions
• Possess the necessary capabilities that allow the graduates from the program to have an active and positive role in their community

In addition to the admission requirements contained in the unified regulations for postgraduate studies in Saudi universities and the organizational and executive rules and procedures for postgraduate studies at King Saud University, the Department requires the following:

1. Applicants must hold a BSc. Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information technology, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering from King Saud University or a University recognized by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5.
2. Applicants must hold an MSc. Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information technology, Information Systems, or Computer Engineering from King Saud University or a University recognized by the Ministry of Education, with a minimum GPA of 3.75 out of 5.
3. Applicants shall possess a score of no less than (53) in the TOEFL IBT exam or equivalent.
4. Applicants should have a score of no less than (148) in the GRE (quantitative reasoning part) or a score of no less than (80) in the post-graduate Qudurat exam.

First Year – First Semester

Total Study Units: 9

First Year– Second Semester

Total Study Units: 9
*Annual course

Second Year – First Semester

Total Study Units: 6

Second Year – Second Semester

Total Study Units: 0

Third Year 

Total Study Units: 24 + 24 units for Thesis

Elective Courses (LIST 1)

Students select 6 study units from this list

Elective Courses (LIST 2)

Students select 6 study units from this list