Master of Science in Energy Engineering

Overv​​iew​

​Saudi Arabia is an oil-based economy with one of the largest oil reservoirs in the world and ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 80% of budget revenues, 45% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings. Moreover, the statistical analysis through several financial international institutions for the country’s economy and its sustainable future indicates a notable growth in oil and energy sectors including renewable energy, energy generation, and petrochemicals. Such growth will add value to upstream energy production and will satisfy the high in-demand market’s needs. 

The development of Saudi competitiveness in the industry requires the establishment of a strong technical educational program and professional training in various fields of energy that would increase the employment of Saudi youth, particularly, females. Furthermore, these energy professionals, scientists, and researchers based in Saudi Arabia would offer their outstanding potential necessary for the expected economic growth and the inevitable need for efficiently utilizing the energy resources.

At Effat University, we are continuously striving to bring new state-of-the-art academic programs to the institution to qualify and prepare women to become top leaders and dynamic professionals at international and national levels. As part of this overall effort, Effat University has developed a new Master’s program in energy called "Master of Science in Energy Engineering".  The program is designed to prepare the students to address challenges faced in different aspects of energy engineering. The graduate program follows an interdisciplinary approach in design, implementation, management, energy systems upgrading, comprising production transport and efficient utilization of energy. Social and economic aspects will be integrated into a scientific and technological perspective in order to enable future professionals to deal with the complexities of today’s relationships between energy, economy, and environment. 

The “Master of Science (ME) in Energy Engineering” program, the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, will prepare students with the scientific and technical expertise to address the crucial issues of energy and sustainability. Offering such a program is not just achievable, but also serves the Kingdom’s general mission and vision for the achievement of a sustainable economic development. The core and elective courses of the curriculum will build a solid foundation for leadership roles in this growing and challenging energy field. The partnership with local and international institutions and research centers allows us to incorporate practical industrial knowledge and credibility to the program.

Curri​culum

The MSc Energy Engineering course offers two concentrations for Effat University students to choose from. These are Petroleum Engineering (PE) and Renewable Energy (RE).

The Petroleum Engineering concentration teaches students fundamental engineering principles and technical skills to help support professionals engaged in the development of petroleum engineering practices, develop and implement strategies to address major issues in petroleum regulation and policy.

Students who choose the Renewable Energy Engineering concentration will develop a broad understanding of renewable energy technologies (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biofuels) for energy conversion, and formulate innovative engineering solutions to specific energy and power problems, using conventional and/or renewable energy resources.

Other key modules covered by both programme plans include Engineering Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer, Energy Economics and Research Methodology.

Mission

Graduate influential catalysts in Energy Engineering who combine the highest level of education, research, technical competences, and innovative skills necessary for contributing to transformative science and sustainable technological energy solutions locally and globally.​

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Vision 

A world class leader in providing the society with outstanding researchers and specialists in Energy Engineering who would   contribute to the development of future solutions that advances society, drive economic progress, and protect environment.​​

Goals

1. Ensure the MSEE Program’s achievement of its mission through quality education, cutting-edge research, and contribution to national and international communities in alignment with the Saudi Vision 2030.
2. Provide a progressive and dynamic work environment conducive to enhanced productivity, learning and personal growth through effective leadership and seek national and international accreditation
3. Provide graduate students with an academic excellence by providing an innovative, distinctive and high-quality education in Energy Engineering and Research.
4. Attract and retain an exceptional, diverse body of graduate students and transform them into role models for future generations of engineers by cultivating an environment that supports effective knowledge exchange and innovative research.
5. Maintain diverse, highly qualified faculty and staff by providing support in professional and personal development opportunities; and maintaining a healthy, professional work environment.
6. Provide and maintain state-of-the-art learning facilities that promote students' hands-on and design experiences with a self-sufficient and expandable academic infrastructure; and maintain and enhance overall financial strength.
7. Foster high quality collaborative applied research among faculty and graduate students with industrial and academic partners as well as national and international institutions.
8. Build national and international long-term productive partnerships and collaborations with industry and academic institutions and develop outreach programs to strengthen the relationship of the MSEE program with the community.​
   

​The Master of Science in Energy Engineering program is designed for professionals who wish to develop a high-level understanding of the principles and practices of energy engineering and to strengthen their skills in this area. By the time of graduation, students should demonstrate the following program learning outcomes (PLOs):

Knowledge and Understanding:

​The career outlook for graduates in Energy Engineering is exceptionally bright, both in governmental and private institutions. Graduates can be employed in a wide range of industries such as engineering, manufacturing, private and public consulting firms as well as sectors in electricity and natural gas, petroleum, renewable energy and the environment, strategic analysis for the energy sector, risk management and business continuity, oil and g​as economics, and in utilities and public boards that supply energy as electricity.

​Career oppor​tu​​ni​​​ties:

Students who choose the master of science in energy engineering will be able to work productively in the following areas: 

• Transmission system operator
• Power plant operator  
• Wind turbine engineer
  
• Environmental engineer  
  
• Industrial engineer  
  
• Water treatment specialist 
• Nuclear power reactor operator 
• Completions engineers 
• Drilling engineers
• Natural gas engineers 
• Production engineers 
• Reservoir engineers​
  
  

To be able to graduate, students should complete the following

1. A GPA ≥ 3.0/4.0
2. A total of 36 credit-hours distributed as follows:
   • 30 credits hours of course requirements, 
   • 6 credit hours for Thesis.
     
3. ​There is a possibility of transferring credits from previous institutions subject to committee approval.​​
   

Master of Science in Energy Engineering​ Program Plan (PDF), more suitable for mobile browsing.​​