Best Petroleum Engineering Schools

Are you thinking about about a career in engineering?

If so, you have lots of options to choose from. 

From mechanical to chemical engineering, it’s no secret that engineering grads earn a high median salary. According to U.S. News & World Report, engineers make upwards of $90,000 per year, depending on the specialty.

If you’re not sure which specialty to pursue, you may want to consider a petroleum engineering program.

This is a specialty offered by countless universities, including Colorado School of the Mines, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, and even the University of Southern California. 

A degree in petroleum and drilling engineering will prepare you to work in the oil and gas industry. You’ll complete tasks like well testing and examine other factors to find new oil and gas for the country’s energy needs. 

Plus, petroleum engineers earn a high median salary. It’s to the tune of more than $130,000 per year, says U.S. News & World Report.

So what are you waiting for? Ready to learn more about the best petroleum engineering program to help you meet your goals? Let’s dive in. 

See Also: Most Affordable Online Schools in Chemical Engineering

OUR RANKING CRITERIA 

We have a time-tested four-part formula. It is designed for ranking the best colleges in the nation that we’d love to share with you.

We prioritize four major factors:

• Earnings Potential
• Affordability
• Student Satisfaction
• Selectivity

Reliable research and well-harvested data are the main ingredients in our recipe for success. We don’t make recommendations based on personal opinions, or financial incentives. Our revenue and content are separate. Sponsored schools have no impact on our rankings. The only way to make it onto one of our lists is to have an incredible academic program! Want to know more? Check out our methodology page. 

Check out our ranking of the Best Master’s Programs in Petroleum Engineering! 

See Also: 10 Affordable Online Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Best Petroleum Engineering Schools

#1. TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

The Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University offers students unique insights into the field of energy extraction. It does this via the Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. As you might expect, this is one of the best petroleum engineering masters you will find.

These petroleum engineering masters programs exist as both thesis or non-thesis program. The thesis option includes 30 graduate credits beyond their bachelor’s degree. It is ideal for students who hope to pursue a Ph.D. in petroleum engineering or a related field.

For other students, the option to complete the degree without a thesis may be ideal. Non-thesis students will earn 33 graduate credit hours. This allows for additional coursework to help meet specific career and academic goals. Students in both programs will complete a comprehensive examination before earning their degrees.

The department also offers a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree. This allows students to take some graduate-level coursework in their fourth year of studies.

Some required night courses include:

• Advanced Reservoir Engineering
• Water Flooding Techniques
• Advanced Drilling Techniques

These occur at the university’s Lubbock, Texas, campus. You can also join via live stream or watch a recording.

See Also:25 Best Affordable Master’s in Geology

#2. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

Students who enroll at Texas A&M University have endless opportunities when they join the largest university in the state.

The university’s Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering is just one of many graduate-level degrees and certificate programs to consider. In fact, this is one of the top petroleum engineering schools in the country. Texas A&M University College Station has all the resources you need for a successful petroleum engineering career. 

The MS in Petroleum Engineering here in College Station can be completed as a thesis or non-thesis program.

This master petroleum engineering program concludes with either a final examination or thesis defense.

Texas A&M University College Station also offers petroleum engineering programs. These lead to a Master of Engineering or Ph.D.

Students can take part in research projects in a range of areas. This includes:

• advanced drilling technologies
• advanced well completion technologies
• gas hydrates
• prediction models for unconventional reservoirs
• reservoir modeling
• well simulation

#3. THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING IN PETROLEUM AND GEOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING

This next entry on our list of the best schools for petroleum engineering has a long history of delivering professional preparation. The Master of Science in Engineering in Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin provides critical training for tomorrow’s engineers.

Basic skills courses for the University of Texas Austin include:

• Engineering Analysis
• Advanced Petrophysics
• Transport Phenomena
• Advanced Thermodynamics and Phase Behavior

The UT Austin program’s second module covers:

• drilling
• advanced reservoir engineering
• multi-well formation evaluation
• advanced production engineering

Facilities at the University of Texas at Austin include more than 40,000 square feet of laboratory space. There is also the J.J. Pickle Research Campus.

Current research projects at the University of Texas at Austin include:

• production logging
• subsurface environmental remediation
• vertical and inclined flow in wells
• rock mechanics
• well log digitizing and interpretation
• reservoir simulation

#4. MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ROLLA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

You can develop your expertise as a qualified engineer with the Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla. It’s one of the top petroleum engineering graduate programs in the country.

The MS in Petroleum Engineering program at Missouri University is built around core concepts within engineering. These are bolstered by numerous hands-on learning and research opportunities.

Applied and fundamental research projects include:

• enhanced oil recovery
• petroleum geology
• unconventional resources
• hydraulic fracturing
• geo-analysis and big data
• wellbore integrity
• mining and mineral exploration

Graduate students in these programs have access to cutting-edge research facilities. They include:

• a Drilling Fluids Lab
• a Geological Engineering Computer Lab
• a Core Flooding Research Lab

#5. UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

MASTER’S OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

The University of Wyoming offers the Master’s of Science in Petroleum Engineering. It’s one of the best petroleum engineering schools for students seeking rewarding careers in academia or industry.

The university also offers a special concentration in Unconventional Resources. There’s even a combined degree program. This pairs the MS with a Master of Business Administration.

Students can choose either a research thesis or coursework option. Students in the research thesis option will complete 30 graduate credits. Four of these will be earned by conducting research.

The coursework option requires students to complete a research report. It’s worth two credits. 

#6. NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is the next in our petroleum engineering ranking. The program meets the technical needs of the growing and dynamic gas and oil industry.

This program is offered by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department. It  has experienced explosive growth in the last decade.

The university offers students access to groundbreaking research, hands-on training, and many opportunities for faculty and industry collaboration.

The MS in Petroleum Engineering is available in both thesis and independent study options. Students in both options will take required courses in:

• formation evaluation
• drilling engineering
• reservoir engineering
• production engineering

There is also a graduate seminar. Students completing a thesis will earn at least 30 credit hours. They’ll earn six credit hours through their research activities. Along with Colorado School of Mines, it’s one of the primary places in the west to earn a petroleum engineering degree.

#7. UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma is offered by another one of the best petroleum engineering universities. 

The degree provides a flexible pathway to a career in the energy industry. It is offered in both thesis and non-thesis formats. Students interested in research or doctoral studies are encouraged to seek the program’s thesis track. 

The degree consists of 36 credit hours for non-thesis students. Students preparing a thesis will earn 30 hours in addition to hours earned during graduate research. All students will complete a sequence of required courses. These introduce fundamental concepts of petroleum engineering and other factors related to the discipline.

Petroleum engineering graduates will be prepared for rewarding lifelong work. Classes include:

• Advanced Drilling
• Advanced Oil Reservoir Engineering
• Advanced Production Engineering

The remaining credits will be earned through an applied mathematics core. There’s also a selection of electives approved by a graduate advisor.

Students have numerous research opportunities in oil and gas through the program. Students can access cutting-edge facilities like:

• the Integrated Core Characterization Center
• the Integrated PoroMechanics Institute
• the school’s Well Construction Technology Center

#8. UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

The University of Tula’s McDougall School of Petroleum Engineering offers the Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering. It’s ideal for students seeking careers managing oil and natural gas resources.

Students earn a total of 33 credit hours. Students have opportunities for independent study and to take electives outside of their major department.

Students have access to extensive research equipment and laboratories in the oil and gas industry to round out their petroleum engineering degree. This includes:

• state-of-the-art computer facilities
• a well testing and drilling laboratory on the university’s North Campus
• a cutting transport facility
• a 2,000-foot well available for artificial lift experiments

Qualified applicants will need a bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA. They’ll also need a good score from the Graduate Record Examination. Applicants may apply for admission throughout the year.  

#9. STANFORD UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Stanford University is offered by one of the best colleges in the world. This is one of the best places to earn petroleum engineering degrees.

The MS in Petroleum Engineering curriculum delivers cutting-edge coursework.You’ll learn everything you need to know, from well testing to oil and gas extraction. 

In this petroleum engineering degree, students will conduct graduate-level research worth six units toward their degree. Research areas include:

• energy industry management
• the flow of non-Newtonian fluids
• reservoir engineering
• well-test analysis

#10. UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING DEGREES

Develop your skills as a petroleum extraction expert with the Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Houston.

The university is in Houston. It has a great location to provide access to career networking opportunities. It also hosts a range of cutting edge facilities and laboratories. 

Students who enter the program with a degree in civil, environmental, chemical, or mechanical engineering will complete a series of leveling courses. These are designed to introduce the concepts of petroleum engineering.

All students will take courses in:

• reservoir engineering
• well logging
• well drilling and completion
• production operations

The university’s Petroleum Engineering Department offers more than 50 classes. This gives students an opportunity to design a plan of study that meets their individual career goals.

Advanced electives include:

• Evaluation of Petroleum Formations
• Petroleum Production Economics
• Enhanced Oil Recovery
• Natural Gas Engineering

Petroleum Engineering Degrees FAQ

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE BEST MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & BEST MASTER’S PROGRAMS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING!