What is COE?

King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) was established in September 1963. The first students were admitted a year later when 67 young men enrolled in what was then the College of Petroleum and Minerals (CPM). Since that time, the University enrollment has grown to more than 10000 students. The university has been all-male institution since that date.

Several significant events have marked the University's growth. In 1971, at the first graduation ceremony, four men received their baccalaureate degrees in engineering. In 1975, the College of Petroleum and Minerals became the University of Petroleum and Minerals, a change both in name and academic status. In 1986, the University was renamed: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

The computer engineering program (COE) was established in 1986 at the College ofComputer Sciences and Engineering (CCSE) at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). The degree title for those students who satisfactorily complete the program is the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.  This is the only Bachelor Degree offered by the program. More details about the program are available on the department website at: http://www.ccse.kfupm.edu.sa/coe/

Computer engineering is a discipline of interest and demand locally in Saudi Arabia, regionally in the Middle East and internationally worldwide. Currently, there is a critical shortage of computer professionals who can design and implement computer systems and networks. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has focused on computer technology and its utilization as one of the fundamental tools to modernize its industry to cope up with advances in modern technology. It is, therefore, mandatory to prepare highly qualified computer engineers who are capable of mastering the last advances in such a rapidly growing technology.

The Computer Engineering Department offers strong undergraduate educational program leading to a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Engineering. It also have a well-established graduate programs leading to a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Engineering, and two programs joint with the Information & Computer Science Department: Master of Science (MS) in Computer Networks, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).

The Computer Engineering program at KFUPM provides a comprehensive coverage of a wide range of COE subjects and areas that are dynamically improving according to the need and applicability. Nowadays, COE concentrations cover:

  • Computer Architecture & Digital Design
  • Parallel and Distributed Systems
  • Communications and Networks
  • VLSI and Design Automation
  • Computer Systems and Applications (Robotics, Security, Multimedia….etc)

Computer engineering tradition in education, research, and public service continues because of the commitment of the COE talented faculty, staff, and students and the endless support from KFUPM, the Saudi government, and the industry. Our relations with the industry include research collaborations, project contracts, short courses training, internships for students and faculty through summer training, and the Cooperative education program.