Marine Science PhD 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:
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Advance KAUST’s leadership in Red Sea and global marine research.
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Train graduate students to have disciplinary expertise and cross-disciplinary skills.
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Foster innovation and application of marine science for societal benefit in Saudi Arabia and internationally.
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Build capacity in marine conservation, climate adaptation, and sustainable ocean economies.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Knowledge and Understanding:
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K1: Contribute original insights into marine ecology, oceanography, and biogeochemistry.
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K2: Critically evaluate and integrate complex interactions among physical, chemical, and biological processes in marine systems.
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K3: Advance knowledge of the molecular and genomic bases of marine organism function and adaptation through original research and methodological innovation.
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K4: Situate Red Sea and Arabian Gulf research within global debates on sustainability, conservation, and sustainable ocean economies.
Skills:
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S1: Lead independent research projects that generate new knowledge in marine science.
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S2: Develop and apply advanced quantitative and computational models to address complex marine science questions.
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S3: Innovate or adapt cutting-edge technologies to extend the frontiers of marine ecosystem research and restoration.
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S4: Communicate scientific results at a level that influences the international research community and policy-making bodies.
Values, Autonomy, and Responsibility:
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V1: Model ethical leadership and mentor others in best research practices.
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V2: Shape strategies for sustainable marine ecosystem use at national and international levels.
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V3: Lead multidisciplinary teams and collaborations across institutions and cultures.
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V4: Advance global ocean stewardship through sustained scientific and policy engagement.
PhD Course Requirements
Students entering the PhD Program must complete the requirements below.
- At least two 300-level courses (6 credits)
- Graduate Seminar (non-credit)
- Winter Enrichment Program (non-credit)
The Academic Advisor may request the completion of additional courses. Courses taken while pursuing the KAUST MS degree cannot be counted towards the PhD course requirements. Courses must be technical courses and cannot be substituted with Research, Internship, or Broadening Courses to fulfill degree requirements.
Graduate Seminars (non-credit)
All students must register for MarS 398 and receive a Satisfactory grade for a minimum of five Semesters. However it is recommended students register for Seminars every Semester. For more details about MarS Seminars please contact your GPC.
Winter Enrichment Program (non-credit)
All students must complete the Winter Enrichment Program (
WE 100) for credit at least once during their studies at KAUST. Students who have previously completed WEP will be exempt from this requirement in their future studies.
PhD Candidacy
In addition to the coursework requirements, students must successfully complete the required PhD candidacy milestones to progress toward PhD candidate status. These milestones are as follows:
- A subject-based qualifier (pre-proposal meeting)
- PhD Proposal Defense
Once students have advanced to candidacy, students are designated as PhD or Doctoral Candidates.
Qualifying Exam
The qualifier known in the program as 'The Pre-Proposal Committee Meeting' is a research update meeting to determine progress and readiness toward the PhD Proposal Defense. Students must pass the Pre-Proposal Committee Meeting by the end of the third semester after commencing the PhD degree. However, it is recommended students pass the Pre-Proposal Committee Meeting by the end of their Second Semester after commencing the PhD program. Students who complete their Proposal Defense within three Semesters do not have to complete the Pre-Proposal Committee Meeting.
Membership of the Pre-Proposal Committee must consist of 2 Faculty from within the program (Dissertation Advisor + 1 other) and 1 from outside of the program. Although not required, the membership of this Committee could be retained for the Proposal Defense Committee.
Expectations for the Qualifier (Pre-Proposal Meeting):
The student will be given verbal and written feedback (10 mins) regarding the following:
- Research topic
- Methodology and plan
- Overall performance
Dissertation
For more details on the Qualifying Exam results, Dissertation Proposal Defense and committee formation, Proposal Defense results, Petition to Defend the Dissertation and committee formation, Dissertation Defense results, Dissertation document, and Dissertation archiving, please refer to the Policy page.