Petroleum engineers are key players in the fossil fuels industry. They are in charge of developing methods for the extraction of oil and natural gas from deposits beneath the earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers’ work environment is either an office or drill site, commonly working with other professionals such as sub-surface surveyors and geologists.
An Online Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering program will deal with topics related to oil and natural gas extraction. Course topics include petroleum drilling systems, reservoir fluids, thermodynamics, geostatistics, oil, gas, and environmental law, and subsurface production engineering. Students write technical reports about extraction methods and equipment, deal with equations on the reservoir fluid flow, and work through simulations to develop a plan of extraction. Online Master’s in Petroleum Engineering degrees also include in its advanced courses subsurface engineering and tunneling, well test analysis, and petroleum project evaluation.
Petroleum engineers have an important role in modern business, industry, and social interaction. They must have specialized knowledge in a very technical field. Because of all this petroleum engineers make excellent money with an average annual salary of nearly $140,000. If you’re already a professional in the field, one of the Top Online Master’s in Petroleum Engineering discussed in this list may be the needed step to further advance your career.
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Best Online Schools for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering
METHODOLOGY: The list below features seven schools across the United States that offer an Online Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for petroleum engineers is projected to grow 15% from 2016 to 2026. Notably, price fluctuations can drive greater oil and gas investments and expansion, which affects the demand for professionals in this field.
The schools on this compilation were listed in no particular order and were considered based on:
- Offerings of applicable coursework pursuant to a career in Petroleum Engineering,
- Provides an education related to many career opportunities with a high return on investment,
- Encompasses a wide range of academic applications in petroleum systems, math, physics, geometry, and geology, as well as lab opportunities, all used in a career in Petroleum Engineering,
- Offers a 100% or Hybrid distance learning program,
- Properly accredited for a quality educational experience,
- Suggests scholarship and financial aid options available,
- Displays positive reviews by recent students awarded a Master’s degree in the topic,
- Taught by exceptional faculty with appropriate education and expertise in the field of Petroleum Engineering.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Program Standouts:
The online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree program at the university’s Viterbi School of Engineering is regarded as one of the oldest in the United States. The program fosters a friendly and supportive learning environment. Notably, the school is located near major oil fields in California. Quality education is delivered by nationally renowned and experienced faculty.
Campus Location: Los Angeles, California
Accreditation: The University of South California (USC) is accredited by the Senior College and University Commission (WASC Senior or WSCUC) of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC).
Retention Rate: 96%
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Admission Requirements:
- Fee transcripts
- TOEFL or IELTS test scores (country-specific)
- Bachelor’s transcripts
Degree Concentrations:
- Engineering and Economic Evaluation of Subsurface Reservoirs
- Reservoir Fluids
- Drilling Engineering
- Testing of Wells and Aquifers
- Enhanced Oil Recovery
- Engineering Geostatistics
- Advanced Production Engineering
- Environmental Technology in the Petroleum Industry
- Intelligent and Collaborative Oilfield Systems Characterization and Management
- Smart Oilfield Data Mining
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program become well-trained to enter careers in green technology, oil industry, transportation, mining, storage, drilling, and consulting firms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
Program Standouts:
The university’s online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering program curriculum focuses on establishing the relationship between classroom lessons and practical applications through various research opportunities for professional enhancement.
Campus Location: Houston, Texas
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Retention Rate: 85%
Acceptance Rate: 61.1%
Admission Requirements:
- At least 30 credits approved courses for graduates of bachelor’s in petroleum engineering
- Admitted students with various specializations in engineering required to complete 12 credits leveling courses
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Degree Concentrations:
- Introduction to Petroleum Engineering
- Reservoir Engineering
- Well Logging
- Well Drilling & Completion
- Petroleum Production Operations
Degree Outcomes:
The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering program produces graduates with strong foundational knowledge in Math, Science, and Petroleum Engineering. They become proficient in handling the challenges and exceed the employer’s expectations in the petroleum and energy industries.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON’S ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING (THESIS OPTION)
UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA- LAFAYETTE
Recommended Schools
Program Standouts:
Along with specialty courses that students select, the core curriculum for the online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering emphasizes specialization courses and fundamental knowledge of the chosen engineering discipline. Thesis and non-thesis options are both available. Thesis-based programs demonstrate a more robust educational experience due to the incorporation of formal courses along with experimentation.
Campus Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC)
Retention Rate: 75%
Acceptance Rate: 50.9%
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum of 30 credits with a cumulative grade of at least 3.0
- A Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree that is accredited by ABET/EAC
- A Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from a non-accredited but approved institution
- A Bachelor of Science in a non-engineering major that closely aligns with Petroleum Engineering.
- Cumulative technical GPA of at least 2.85
Degree Concentrations:
- Reservoir Engineering
- Tertiary Recovery
- Environmental Engineering
- Computational fluid flow
- Drilling
- Process Economics
- Computer-visualization of petroleum systems
- Thermodynamics
- Transport Phenomenon
- Reservoir Fluid Flow
- Natural Gas Engineering
Degree Outcomes:
The goal is to equip future petroleum engineers with an increased knowledge of engineering theory, system design, and the enhancement of research and developmental skills for utilization in the resolution of complex engineering problems.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA
Program Standouts:
The online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree program under the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering supplies students with sufficient knowledge in the liberal arts with math, science, and engineering coursework. Undergraduates may enroll in accelerated dual degrees, such as in the bachelor’s program.
Campus Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission.
Retention Rate: 90%
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Admission Requirements:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 2.50
- Immunization requirements
Degree Concentrations:
- Drilling Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Reservoir Engineering
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program become trained in real-world leadership and problem-solving skills.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA’S ONLINE ACCELERATED MS IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA-FAIRBANKS
Program Standouts:
The online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering focuses more on arctic oil and gas exploration and development.
Campus Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Retention Rate: 77%
Acceptance Rate: 76.7%
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree holder from an accredited institution
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
Degree Concentrations:
- Well Logging
- Reservoir Rock and Fluid Properties
- Sedimentology and Structural Geology
- Drilling Fluids
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this program become well-trained through subjects such as chemistry, geology, physics, and traditional principles of engineering science. Placement rates are high for the entire country coupled with connections with major energy firms.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA-FAIRBANKS’ DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
The university offers an online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering under the Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering. The degree program features foundational training in mathematics, science, geology, physics, and chemistry.
Campus Location: Broadway Lubbock, Texas
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC)
Retention Rate: 84%
Acceptance Rate: 69.2%
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree holder from an accredited institution
- Application fee
- Unofficial transcripts of ALL post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of citizenship for foreign-born US citizens
- Resident alien card (PR only)
Degree Concentrations:
- Well Development
- Well Drilling
- Production Engineering
- Transportation of Natural Resources
Degree Outcomes:
The school’s online Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering program maintains numerous influential partnerships leading to multi-million-dollar grants from individuals and corporations like the Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Chevron, and the Apache Corporation. Graduates are offered opportunities to work for these industry leaders.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PE DEGREE PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS
Program Standouts:
Under the Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, the online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering accepts an estimate of 100 students annually, which may represent less than 10 percent of its applicant pool.
Campus Location: Austin, Texas
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Retention Rate: 95%
Acceptance Rate: 36.5%
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree holder from an accredited institution
- Bachelor’s degree transcripts
- Fee waivers
- Application fee
Degree Concentrations:
- Engineering, Energy, and the Environment
- Engineering Communications
- Petrophysics
- Drilling and Well Completions
Degree Outcomes:
Students become more competitive as they become well-trained in all facets of petroleum engineering and drilling as a career. Because the University of Texas is a leading school offering the degree program online at the Master’s level, graduates are positioned to work for reputable companies and industry organizations.