Marine Science MS Program

Program Mission:
To advance fundamental and applied marine science through innovative research, education, and technology - leveraging the unique natural laboratories of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, as well as an extensive international network- to understand and conserve marine ecosystems and enable sustainable use of ocean resources. The program prepares future leaders in marine science, driving solutions for biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and sustainable ocean economies, in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and global sustainability goals. 

Program Goals:
• Advance KAUST’s leadership in Red Sea and global marine research.
• Train graduate students to have disciplinary expertise and cross-disciplinary skills.
• Foster innovation and application of marine science for societal benefit in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
• Build capacity in marine conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable ocean economies.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) 

Knowledge and Understanding:   
• K1: Demonstrate understanding of core concepts in marine ecosystem structure, function, and biodiversity. 
• K2: Know how physical, chemical, and biological processes interact in  marine ecosystems, with emphasis on the Red Sea. 
• K3: Understand the molecular and genomic bases of marine organism function and adaptation. 
• K4: Recognize the regional and global significance of Red Sea and Arabian Gulf systems in the context of marine biodiversity, sustainability, and ocean economies

Skills:  
• S1: Design and conduct marine science research using appropriate experimental, observational, and analytical methods. 
• S2: Apply quantitative and computational approaches to analyze marine data. 
• S3: Use innovative technologies (e.g., remote sensing, robotics, AI, genomics) to explore, monitor, and restore marine ecosystems 
• S4: Communicate scientific findings effectively through written, oral, and visual media for both academic and non-academic audiences. 

Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility: 
• V1: Practice ethical conduct in field, laboratory, and collaborative research. 
• V2: Work effectively and responsibly in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. 
• V3: Demonstrate responsibility for the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems. 
• V4: Commit to lifelong learning and to advancing global ocean stewardship.