FAQs - Graduate Programs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


  • How many BIOE graduate programs are there in the department?

There are four types of programs offered by the BIOE department: Master of Science in Bioengineering (Project-based), Master of Science (Thesis-based)*, and Master of Science in Life Sciences*, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Bioengineering.

*This program doesn’t not accept new students.

  • What are the research areas available in the BIOE department?

There are five areas: biomaterials and tissue engineering, biomechanics, biomedical devices, biotechnology, bioinformatics and computational biology, covering a wide range of bioengineering disciplines to meet diverse research and career goals.

  •  Is it required to take courses as part of completing a degree?

Yes. Successful completion of a specified course sequence and supervised research leads to a written M.S. project, M.S. thesis or Ph.D. dissertation, which the student must defend.

  • What is the requirement for admission to the MS, PhD programs?

Applicants must hold a B.S. degree in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, or a closely related field from an institution whose graduate programs are equivalent to those of KFUPM. Visit https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/ to learn more about the institutional requirements, and visit the program pages under Academic tap (https://bioe.kfupm.edu.sa/) to learn more about the department’s requirements.

  • How many credit hours are required to complete an MS degree?

A total of thirty (30) credit hours.

  • What are the core courses in the PhD program?

There are four core courses (12 credits in total) as follows: BIOE 501: Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering, BIOE 502: Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers, BIOE 503: Concepts in Bioengineering, and BIOE 504: Statistics for Bioengineers.

  • What is a degree plan?

The degree plan is a detailed plan of courses and thesis/project/dissertation required to complete a particular degree. It must be approved by the department and the Deanship of Graduate Studies.

  • What is the deadline for students to submit their degree plans?

The degree plan should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than the 12th week of the second semester of enrollment.

  • Is it allowed to take 400-level courses in the MS degree?

At most one 400-level course (as electives) may be allowed with the approval of the advisor.

  • What are the requirements for completion of a Ph.D. degree?

The program requires coursework and the successful completion of a research dissertation that contributes original knowledge in the discipline. A Ph.D. student must also pass a comprehensive exam, defend a dissertation proposal, and present and defend the final dissertation.

  • How many credit hours of coursework are required in the Ph.D. program?

Forty-two (42) credit hours.

  • What happens if someone fails the comprehensive exam?

If a student fails the Comprehensive Examination the first time, they may take it again in the following semester. The exam must be passed by the 4th semester, and the student is allotted only 2 chances.

  • Is it required to take BIOE 599/699 (Seminars)?

Yes. Students from all graduate programs are required to register for BIOE 599/699 (Seminars) in all semesters throughout their studies.

  • How many credit hours are there for the Ph.D. Dissertation?

Pre-Dissertation (3 credits) and Dissertation (9 credits) total of Twelve (12) credit hours.

  • How many courses (maximum) can a Ph.D. student take from outside the department?

At most two (2) courses.

  • I am currently a regular Master of Science (M.S.) student and I would like to switch to the PhD-BIOE program. Is it allowed and how?

The switch from one program is not allowed. You can apply through the graduate deanship for upcoming active admission cycle.

  • Is it possible to register a course from outside the BIOE department (non-BIOE) as part of the specialization?

Yes, if it is cross-listed and departmental approval is required.

  • Where can I go for help completing my degree plan?

Contact your advisor, and the BIOE graduate program coordinator for guidance.

  • How and when can I select a thesis advisor?

You will be assigned an advisor based on the alignment of research interests declared in your statement of purpose (SoP) and the admission interview in the best way possible. Then, you should declare your advisor in the system within your first semester.

  • How can I submit an academic petition?

Complete the Graduate School petition form and get approval from the BIOE graduate coordinator. Submit it to the Deanship of Graduate Studies.

  • Is it required to register the thesis every semester while it is under process (once started)?

Yes. The student has to register thesis every semester until the defense.

  • Can I take courses beyond the degree requirements?

Yes, with advisor and department approval.

  • How do I register for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam?

Coordinate with the BIOE Graduate Committee. Typically scheduled in 3rd semester.

  • What is the deadline for passing the Ph.D. comprehensive exam?

Take it by your 3rd semester; if failed, a second chance must be attempted in the 4th semester of enrollment.

 


During Online Admissions

  • What are the deadlines for online applications?

For submitting a complete online application and the deadlines, please visit the following link:
https://apply.kfupm.edu.sa/

  • What are the mandatory documents for online application?

Check the CGIS website: https://cgis.kfupm.edu.sa/admission/admissionrequirement

  • What is exactly meant by 'complete transcripts'?

A transcript is an official document from a university that clearly mentions the names and grades/marks/scores of the various courses /subjects taken by you during your study.
For Direct Ph.D. – MS (if applicable) and BS transcripts are required.
For MS – BS transcripts are required.

  • How do I submit Recommendation Letters?

In the online application, you should enter the names and email addresses of academic referees in the section "Recommenders Info". After you complete the section, an email will be sent to your referee inviting him/her to submit an online recommendation letter for you.

  • What is a statement of purpose (SoP)?

It is a one-page essay focusing on your academic and research goals. You can also mention the area of research and potential advisor here.

  • What do you mean by Identification?

For International Applicants – PASSPORT, For Saudi Nationals – National ID card, For Residents of Saudi Arabia - Iqama (Resident Permit).

  • How do I upload documents?

The upload section is the last part of the online application.

  • I entered the wrong email for the recommender; how do I correct it?

You may edit them yourself after logging on to your application.

  • I uploaded a wrong document. How do I delete it?

You may "update" it yourself after logging on to your application. 

  • One of my recommenders did not receive the request to fill out the online recommendation form. What to do about this? 

Please send this request to: gs-admissions@kfupm.edu.sa using the same email you used to create your online application and inform about this problem with a quotation of your username.

  • When will I know the results of my application? How will you inform me about it?

You can check it online and also you will be notified via email.

  • I want to know whether you have received my recommendations.

You can check yourself in the tracking system.

  • Can I nominate my work supervisors/ colleagues as my recommenders/ referees?

No, only academic referees should be nominated.