Program Overview

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Petroleum Engineering Degree

The University of North Dakota's Petroleum Engineering program is designed to provide students with the technical skills and industry insight necessary to succeed in the field. With a focus on hands-on learning, students will gain experience in recovering oil and gas, as well as addressing industry challenges.

Program Details

• Program type: Major
• Format: On Campus or Online
• Estimated time to complete: 4+ years
• Credit hours: 129

Why Pursue a Petroleum Engineering Major?

Pursuing a Petroleum Engineering major can lead to a rewarding career in a field that is growing twice as fast as the national average. North Dakota is the nation's second-largest leading producer of oil, and the University of North Dakota is committed to educating the next generation of petroleum engineers.

ABET Accredited Program

The Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Accreditation is a critical factor to consider if you plan to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer.

Partnership with Petroleum Engineering Schools

The 2+2 Petroleum Engineering program allows students who have earned their associate in science degree from Williston State College to receive a bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of North Dakota in approximately 2 years.

Petroleum Engineering Major

The Petroleum Engineering major provides students with a thorough grounding in chemistry, engineering, geology, and physics, as well as skills necessary to pursue a job in the field, including:

• Ethics
• Safety
• Communications Students will also gain a firm understanding of the issues affecting the industry, including:
• Science and technology
• Economics and business
• Policy and regulation
• Society and behavior

Careers with a Petroleum Engineering Degree

Petroleum engineers are in great demand, with over 90% of graduates finding jobs in fields such as:

• Computer simulation
• Drilling and fracturing
• Environmental efforts
• Equipment and process design to optimize recovery
• Geologic formation characterization
• Geosciences
• International business
• Monitoring of production and processing
• Petro-chemical production and transportation of products
• Petroleum exploration
• Refining

Petroleum Engineering Major Skills

A Petroleum Engineering degree provides students with strategic skills, including:

• Oil and Gas
• Production Engineering
• Reservoir Engineering
• Strategic Planning

Jobs with a Petroleum Engineering Degree

University of North Dakota Petroleum Engineering graduates have gone on to successful careers with companies such as:

• Hess Corp
• Marathon Petroleum Corp
• Continental Resources
• Energy & Environmental Research Center
• Bureau of Land Management
• Halliburton
• Schlumberger (SLB)

Petroleum Engineering Degree Courses

Some of the courses offered in the Petroleum Engineering program include:

• Drilling Engineering (PTRE 411)
• Petroleum Economics & Law (PTRE 405)
• Well Logging (PTRE 401)
• Numerical Reservoir Simulation (PTRE 471)
• Well Testing (PTRE 445)
• Well Completions (PTRE 475)

Online Petroleum Engineering Degree

The University of North Dakota offers an online Petroleum Engineering degree program, which provides students with the same high-quality education as the on-campus program. The online program is designed to be flexible, with asynchronous classes and access to virtual libraries, streaming video content, and online simulations.

Campus Visit

While the majority of the Petroleum Engineering program is offered online, students are required to attend two labs on campus, each one week in length. This provides students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to interact with faculty and other students.

Engineering Clubs for Online Students

The Society of Distance Engineering Students is a club for online engineering students, providing opportunities for students to connect with peers and industry professionals.

Best Online Petroleum Engineering Bachelor's Program

The University of North Dakota's online Petroleum Engineering bachelor's degree program is ranked among the top online programs in the nation, with a focus on affordability, academic quality, and student outcomes.

Military Friendly School

The University of North Dakota is a top college for military-affiliated students, with dedicated support services, military-affiliated peer support, and priority registration for individuals using VA funding.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a degree in Petroleum Engineering?

The typical duration for earning a degree in petroleum engineering is four years for full-time students.

Is there a high demand for petroleum engineers?

The demand for petroleum engineers remains consistent, with a projected 2% growth in employment from 2022 to 2032.

What degree do I need to become a petroleum engineer?

To become a petroleum engineer, a bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering is required. Alternatively, you may also consider pursuing a degree in a related field that provides a solid foundation for understanding the principles and practices of petroleum engineering.

Is a petroleum engineering degree worth it?

Absolutely. The energy industry is a key part of our nation and world's economy, and petroleum engineers play a critical role in exploring, producing, and processing oil and gas.

What is the eligibility criteria for an online Petroleum Engineering degree?

There is no specific criteria to pursue a petroleum engineering degree, other than the admission requirements for the university. However, students should be passionate about working in the oil and gas industry and motivated to learn science, chemistry, geology, and math to succeed in the field.