Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence

Effat University has a distinguished 25-year legacy of advancing women's participation in engineering, technology, and innovation in the Kingdom of Saudi A​rabia. As one of the first universities in the Kingdom to offer engineering programs for women, and following its transition to a co-educational institution in 2022, Effat University continues to play a pioneering role in preparing future leaders capable of contributing to national and global transformation. Building on this institutional mission and its ABET-accredited engineering programs, the University is expanding its graduate offerings through the Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MEAI), developed in alignment with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

 

Saudi Arabia's rapid digital transformation, driven by Vision 2030, has positioned Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of its national innovation and economic diversification agenda. The Kingdom aims to lead the region in AI readiness through initiatives spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), emphasizing intelligent automation, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable technological growth. This national direction creates an unprecedented demand for AI professionals capable of building smart, secure, and scalable systems across critical sectors including energy, healthcare, education, logistics, and smart cities.

To meet these evolving needs, Effat University has developed the Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MEAI)—a forward-looking, interdisciplinary graduate program that integrates theoretical foundations, advanced computational techniques, and ethical frameworks in AI. The program prepares graduates to analyze complex data, design intelligent systems, and contribute to the national ecosystem through research, innovation, and leadership. It emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to apply machine learning, natural language processing, robotics, and computer vision to real-world challenges where the program is aligned with SDAIA Education Intelligence Framework.

The MEAI program, one of its kind in the Kingdom, blends rigorous academic study with applied industry projects and COOP experiences that bridge classroom learning with real-world implementation. Through collaboration with local and international partners, the program builds a solid foundation for leadership and professional excellence in the AI domain. Graduates will be equipped with the technical expertise, ethical grounding, and innovative mindset needed to drive sustainable development and technological progress in line with the Kingdom's strategic priorities.​

The Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence aims to prepare skilled professionals capable of designing, developing, and deploying intelligent systems that address real-world challenges by providing AI-based solutions that enhance community services and public welfare. The program integrates advanced AI knowledge, applied industry projects, and ethical practice to equip graduates with the competencies needed to support national digital transformation and contribute to innovation across key economic sectors through research and societal contribution.​​​

The Master of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence (MEAI) program equips graduates with the technical expertise, analytical mindset, and professional competencies needed to meet Saudi Arabia's growing demand for AI engineers, innovators, and technology leaders. The program emphasizes applied learning through a balanced integration of theory, hands-on coursework, and real-world projects. Students work on practical problem-solving tasks using modern AI tools, frameworks, and platforms, preparing them to design, implement, and manage intelligent systems across a range of domains including energy, healthcare, transportation, finance, and smart cities.​

In addition, the program's structured industry COOP component strengthens the connection between academia and professional practice, allowing students to apply classroom learning to actual industrial challenges. By engaging in applied projects and collaborative initiatives, graduates develop the ability to lead AI-based transformations that align with national priorities such as Vision 2030 and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) strategy.​

Within a few years of graduation, MEAI graduates are expected to:

​PEO-1: Demonstrate advanced understanding of artificial intelligence principles, algorithms, and technologies, and apply them effectively to design and develop intelligent solutions for complex, real-world problems. (Graduate Attribute: Itqan)

​PEO-2: Apply specialized tools, techniques, and methodologies to execute applied projects and deliver industry-grade AI applications that enhance productivity, efficiency, and decision-making. (Graduate Attribute: Ihsan)

​PEO-3: Pursue continuous professional growth through lifelong learning, certification programs, and active engagement with AI-related industries and professional communities. (Graduate Attribute: Stewardship)

​PEO-4: Exhibit leadership, teamwork, and ethical professionalism in managing AI-driven initiatives, communicating complex technical concepts clearly, and ensuring responsible and sustainable use of intelligent technologies. (Graduate Attribute: Ambassador)​

Knowledge and Understanding

• PLO1: Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of artificial intelligence principles, theories, and frameworks, with the ability to relate them to real-world challenges and emerging innovations.
• PLO2: Comprehend advanced methods, tools, and technologies used in AI and its subfields, including data-driven modeling, machine learning, and intelligent systems design.
• PLO3: Exhibit deep awareness of contemporary research frontiers, methodologies, and scholarly inquiry processes in AI, enabling engagement with cutting-edge developments.
• 
  

Skills

• PLO4: Formulate and analyze complex AI problems, selecting and applying suitable computational models, machine learning algorithms, and mathematical techniques to derive effective solutions.
• PLO5: Evaluate and synthesize AI concepts, research findings, and technologies to design innovative solutions for complex and dynamic environments.

• PLO6: Conduct independent research and professional investigations using specialized AI methodologies, data analytics tools, and computational experiments to advance knowledge or practice.
• PLO7: Communicate advanced AI concepts, research outcomes, and technical results effectively through written, oral, and visual formats to both expert and non-specialist audiences.
  
• 
  

Values

• PLO8: Demonstrate ethical reasoning and professional integrity in AI practice, addressing social, legal, and moral implications of intelligent systems.
• PLO9: Exhibit leadership, collaboration, and project management capabilities in research and applied AI environments, assuming responsibility for team performance and outcomes.
• PLO10: Engage in lifelong learning and self-directed professional development to remain current with the evolving landscape of AI technologies, ethics,  and applications that contribute to societal advancement.
  ​
  
  

To be able to graduate, students should complete the following:

1. A GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0
2. ​A total of 33 credit-hours distributed as follows:
   • 27 credit hours of course requirements
   • 3 credit hours for Applied Project
     
   • 3 credit hours for Industrial COOP
3. There is a possibility of transferring credits from previous institutions subject to committee approval. ​