Studying a career in petroleum engineering provides students with the opportunity to learn the area-specific information required to start their careers in this area. With many petroleum engineering schools online now offering learning options, students can acquire these important certificates with the flexibility required to meet their current time commitments
Petroleum engineering is one of the fastest-growing professions in the country. In response, some schools have provided online degrees in this area – especially for those who want to develop.
Although some institutions offer bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering with online components, most distance learning options in this area lead to master’s degrees. These graduate programs are offered by a number of four-year universities and colleges.
Table of contents
- Online Petroleum Engineering
- What do Petroleum Engineers do?
- Is Online Master Petroleum Engineering worthwhile?
- What are the Requirements for Online Master’s Courses in Petroleum Engineering?
- Can I get an Online Certificate for Petroleum Engineering?
- How Online Petroleum Engineering Schools Work
- What Career can I do with an Online Degree in Petroleum Engineering?
- How long does Online Petroleum Engineering Degree take?
- Where do Petroleum Engineers Work?
- Best Petroleum Engineering Schools Online
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- University of London
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas
- University of Louisiana- Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
- University of Houston, Houston, Texas
- Texas Tech University, Broadway Lubbock, Texas
- University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
- University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
- University of North Dakota
- Aberdeen University
- Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Conclusion
- Reference
- Writer’s Recommendation
Online Petroleum Engineering
The world’s largest single source of energy consumption and production is petroleum. At the top of this growth are petroleum engineering specialists who help to make this energy available.
Students working towards their online degree in petroleum engineering take courses in geology, chemistry, and advanced math.
Most of the online petroleum engineering courses are currently only available at the master’s level or in the form of final certificates.
What do Petroleum Engineers do?
Petroleum engineers are responsible for creating the processes, developing the strategies, and improving equipment for the extraction of oil and natural gas. Your work is limited to either a drilling site or a laboratory.
They typically work as part of a team of professionals, such as surveyors and geologists, looking for oil and gas deposits below the surface.
When a deposit is found, a team analyzes the soil that needs to be drilled, evaluates the best strategies for safe and efficient oil or gas extraction, and determines the right equipment for the task.
The levels of responsibility depending on the career path or employment, the relevant experience, and the level of education.
Is Online Master Petroleum Engineering worthwhile?
Online petroleum engineering programs for college graduates cover everything related to oil and natural gas production. This includes courses such as oil drilling systems, reservoir fluids, thermodynamics, geostatistics, oil, gas, and environmental law as well as underground production technology.
Students write technical reports on extraction methods and equipment, deal with equations of fluid flow in the reservoir, and work through simulations to develop an extraction plan.
Online master’s degrees in petroleum engineering include advanced engineering and underground engineering and tunneling, borehole test analysis, and evaluation of petroleum projects.
Professionals with an online master’s degree in petroleum engineering acquire advanced knowledge and skills in certain areas of the job. They are experts in developing safe methods for extraction, device design, and maximizing profits.
Looking to get an advanced degree in Petroleum Engineering? Click the link to access the 15 Best Masters In Petroleum Engineering Programs
What are the Requirements for Online Master’s Courses in Petroleum Engineering?
The master’s degree in petroleum engineering is by far the most common online degree in this field. Taking a master’s degree online is very popular, as many students already have full-time positions and have settled in a specific location if they choose to continue their education.
Therefore, the master’s degree is aimed at students who are already working in the oil industry and / or as an engineer.
To be accepted into most online master’s programs, applicants must either have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or some other engineering field like civil, chemical, or mechanical engineering.
After admission, students can count on 30 to 36 credits and around two years to complete their studies. However, some programs offer accelerated courses that can complete the master’s degree in less than 18 months.
In addition to the electives, students can expect to take a number of core courses that will enable them to specialize in a particular area of petroleum engineering. There is also a diploma thesis or a petroleum engineering project.
Other Admission Requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and certificates
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 and a high standard of English language evidence if you are from a non-English language country.
Not all online programs require a thesis. However, if no thesis is required, a research project will usually take its place. Most online master’s degrees in petroleum engineering have no requirements on campus to complete the degree.
Can I get an Online Certificate for Petroleum Engineering?
Almost all online programs for certificates for petroleum engineering can be found at the graduate level. These programs are aimed at people who are already active in the petroleum industry or a related sector and who wish to gain in-depth knowledge of a specific specialty.
Depending on the school offering the certificate, most programs consist of four to six courses or 12 to 16 credits, which can be taken over one or two semesters.
In order to be included in a certificate program, a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering or a closely related field (such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, or chemical engineering) is required or is strongly recommended.
Even if a bachelor’s degree is not required, the courses of the certificate program require a solid foundation in the concepts of natural sciences, mathematics, petroleum, and engineering.
How Online Petroleum Engineering Schools Work
By signing up for an online petroleum engineering study program, students can continue to receive first-class and complete training while still enjoying the convenience and flexibility of online learning.
Online students need access to the internet and a current computer that can run web-based programs and tools. In today’s online degree programs, all information is conveyed through lectures, video chats and the like.
In general, the main difference between online and traditional campus programs is minimal. Online programs allow students to take courses remotely, but all other requirements such as admission standards, assignments, and tests are the same.
There are some schools that are exceptions; For example, in an online master’s program, only the title without a thesis may be available.
Even though online programs allow students to take classes online, it does not always mean that they run at their own pace. Students may have to complete their coursework at the same price as their campus colleagues.
Some online petroleum engineering programs require students to visit a physical campus from time to time, e.g. B. to visit laboratories on campus.
What Career can I do with an Online Degree in Petroleum Engineering?
Although the most obvious career path for those seeking a degree in petroleum engineering is becoming a petroleum engineer, there are other potential positions that could be open to graduates.
Below are some of the most common options for those who have completed the petroleum engineering program.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers develop methods for extracting petroleum products underground. Most petroleum engineers focus on one aspect of the extraction process, e.g. For example, improving extraction efficiency, developing drilling techniques to extract petroleum that was previously unavailable, or ensuring safety for personnel and the environment during the drilling process.
Geoscientist
Geoscientists are studying the physical composition of the earth for a variety of applications, including the search for oil, gas, and other reserves of natural resources. A geoscientist’s work may include surveying and sampling, laboratory testing, and data analysis.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial engineers design and develop hardware for industrial applications. Most often, this includes production, refining, manufacturing and logistics operations on a large industrial scale.
Materials Engineer
Material engineers do exactly what their titles indicate: They design and develop new materials or modify existing materials for new applications.
Geological Engineer
Geological engineers identify locations for mineral deposits and help develop opportunities to extract the identified mineral resource. Geological engineers can also design mines and ensure that these mines are operated safely.
How long does Online Petroleum Engineering Degree take?
The master’s thesis usually lasts about two years. However, this depends on the program requirements and student enrolment status.
As a rule, no on-site requirements are required for course work at the graduate level, since the students have already completed initial training in petroleum engineering as part of their basic training.
However, some schools may require students to complete their exams in approved, supervised environments in their region.
Where do Petroleum Engineers Work?
The working environment and conditions for petroleum engineers vary depending on their geographic location, industry, and company. Petroleum engineers often work either in an office environment or somewhere with a well or borehole location.
They also travel frequently at home and abroad. The highest paid jobs for petroleum engineers are managing large companies, extracting oil or gas, or helping with mining activities. Working hours and schedules vary depending on the company.
Petroleum engineers typically work 40 hours a week. Depending on the job title and certain deadlines, petroleum engineers can work longer. You may not stay on a single job site and instead can monitor and manage multiple job sites for a particular company.
Best Petroleum Engineering Schools Online
Here is the list of the Best Petroleum Engineering Schools Online available for you to take advantage of.
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- University of London
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Texas, Austin, Texas
- University of Louisiana- Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
- University of Houston, Houston, Texas
- Texas Tech University, Broadway Lubbock, Texas
- University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
- University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
- University of North Dakota
- Aberdeen University
- Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering online course at the University’s Viterbi School of Engineering is considered one of the oldest in the United States. The program promotes a friendly and supportive learning environment. The school is located near the main oil fields in California. High-quality training is offered by nationally renowned and experienced faculties.
Graduates from this program are well trained to begin careers in green technology, oil industry, transportation, mining, storage, drilling, and consulting firms.
Tuition Fee: $8,590
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Graduation Rate: 96%
University of London
The online MSc in Petroleum Geoscience is being developed by Royal Holloway at one of Britain’s leading centers for geoscientific research.
This online version of the established Royal Holloway MSc course is primarily intended for professionals in the hydrocarbon industry who want to develop their knowledge and skills as they work, and has an international reputation for excellence in the petroleum industry.
The search for new reserves is becoming increasingly difficult and the increased recovery of reserves from existing fields is becoming increasingly important. Well-trained petroleum geoscientists with the ability to integrate geological and geophysical data and apply it to a variety of scales play an important role.
Tuition Fee: £15,387
Acceptance Rate: 16.82%.
Graduation Rate: NA
Robert Gordon University
Online Petroleum Production Engineering (MSc) at Robert Gordon University was developed and is supported by experienced industry professionals using authentic industry application software, technical standards, and technical practices.
It combines academic studies with current industry practice to provide you with an interesting, challenging learning experience that prepares you to deal with production problems both today and in the future.
Tuition Fee: £17,280
Acceptance Rate: 22%.
Graduation Rate: NA
University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Under the Department of Petroleum and Geosystem Technology, the online Master of Science in Petroleum Technology accepts an estimate of 100 students a year, which can make up less than 10 percent of its applicant pool.
Students become more competitive as they are well trained in all facets of petroleum engineering and drilling as a career. Since the University of Texas is a leading school that offers the degree online at the master’s level, graduates are able to work for renowned companies and industry organizations.
Tuition Fee: $22,966
Acceptance Rate: 36.5%
Graduation Rate: 95%
University of Louisiana- Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana
In addition to the special courses selected by the students, the core curriculum for the online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering focuses on specialization courses and basic knowledge of the chosen engineering discipline.
Thesis and non-thesis options are available. Programs based on these have a more robust educational experience due to the inclusion of formal courses and experimentation.
The aim is to equip future petroleum engineers with an expanded knowledge of engineering theory, system design and the improvement of research and development skills for solving complex technical problems.
Tuition Fee: $24,380.00
Acceptance Rate: 50.9%
Graduation Rate: 75%
University of Houston, Houston, Texas
The online curriculum of the University’s Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering focuses on establishing the relationship between teaching and practical applications through various research opportunities for professional development.
The Master of Science program for petroleum engineering produces graduates with a sound knowledge of math, science and petroleum engineering. They master the challenges competently and exceed employers’ expectations in the petroleum and energy industries.
Tuition Fee: $1,043.17
Acceptance Rate: 61.1%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Texas Tech University, Broadway Lubbock, Texas
The university offers an online master of science in petroleum engineering under the Department of Petroleum Engineering by Bob L. Herd. The course offers basic training in mathematics, natural sciences, geology, physics and chemistry.
The School of Petroleum Engineering’s online master’s program maintains numerous influential partnerships that result in multi-million-dollar grants from individuals and companies such as Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Chevron, and Apache Corporation.
Graduates are given the opportunity to work for these industry leaders.
Acceptance Rate: 69.2%
Graduation Rate: 84%
University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma
The online Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering course at the Mewbourne School of Petroleum and Geological Engineering provides students with sufficient knowledge of the liberal arts with courses in math, science and engineering. Students can enroll for accelerated dual degrees, such as for the Bachelor program.
Graduates of this program are trained in real leadership skills and problem-solving skills.
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 90%
University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska
The online master of science in petroleum engineering focuses more on the exploration and development of arctic oil and gas. Graduates of this program are well trained through subjects such as chemistry, geology, physics, and traditional engineering principles.
Placement rates are high across the country, with ties to large energy companies.
Acceptance Rate: 76.7%
Graduation Rate: 77%
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota has an online degree in petroleum engineering. The good news is that the course is also BSc and ABET certified! The completion takes 4-6 years.
Again, this course is not 100% online because you have to attend short courses and lab sessions. These could still fit into the holiday season if your employer fully supports your activities.
There may be others available that are not known to us, but it seems that for a bachelor’s route, a personal petroleum degree or other distance learning course are the two main options.
If you are considering an option such as the distance learning course at AND, you need to contact the school and explain your personal circumstances. You may find a compromise or workaround that you haven’t considered.
Tuition Fee: $1,524.24
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 100%
Aberdeen University
This is a flexible online petroleum engineering program from the University of Aberdeen, which is located in the European center of the oil and gas industry and offers you a variety of study opportunities to acquire your MSc in petroleum engineering from only 36 months to a maximum of 72 months an average of 10-12 hours a week.
You can study this program from anywhere in the world and it offers the same academic precision that you would expect if you were studying on the University of Aberdeen campus, but you can tailor it to a busy life, work, and other assignments .
Tuition Fee: £17,200
Acceptance Rate: 78%.
Graduation Rate: NA
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
Since its foundation in 1975, the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering (IGE) at Heriot-Watt University has provided its internationally recognized online MSc program for petroleum engineering, which provides thousands of graduates with the knowledge and skills to solve the most difficult problems of the Oil and gas industries to cope with the globe. The program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the exploration and extraction of petroleum resources.
The program encompasses a wide range of fundamentals of applied petroleum technology, which lead to the development of a technically well-prepared graduate with in-depth industry knowledge – through eight taught courses and two projects.
Tuition Fee: £13,440
Acceptance Rate: 65%.
Graduation Rate: NA
Conclusion
Although petroleum engineering is a risky area for entry into foreign countries where the sustainable energy movement has developed as an evolving economy, most nations in the world remains heavily dependent on non-renewable energies including petroleum-based energy and that has made the career a lucrative one.
So, if you can’t get the degree on campus due to your busy schedule, you can take advantage of the Petroleum Engineering Schools Online.
Reference
- www.affordablecollegesonline.org – degrees petroleum engineering
- www.findamasters.com – Petroleum Engineering
- study.com – petroleum engineering degree online
