Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering program at the University of Houston is designed to cover the broad fundamentals and advanced topics of petroleum engineering, including drilling, reservoir, formation evaluation, petrophysics, production, and reservoir engineering. In addition, broadening electives include geoscience, project management, and economics.

Curriculum Overview

The 127-semester-credit-hour curriculum is designed to enable students qualified to start in Calculus I to complete a BS in four years. The curriculum includes the core curriculum mandated by the State of Texas. Students must follow the degree plan in place upon admission to the university. All students should consult with the Academic Advisor for Petroleum Engineering to ensure their course selections meet the degree plan requirements.

Careers and Internships

Almost half of Houston's economy is driven by energy, with more than 3,600 energy-related companies based in Houston. Projections from the United States Energy Information Administration predict a substantial increase in demand for energy of all types over the next 30 years. The average annual salary with a Bachelor's Science in Petroleum Engineering is $116,000. Our students are expected to hold internships in some of the world's most prestigious offices while working to obtain a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. Interns receive compensation and valuable experience in real petroleum engineering assignments, enhancing the opportunity for direct hire upon graduation.

Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to join academic and professional organizations to build leadership, communication, and networking skills. Members of student organizations receive career guidance from engineering professionals and participate in activities that promote engineering. Some of the organizations include:

• Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
• American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)
• Pi Epsilon Tau (PIET)
• American Petroleum Institute (API)
• American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
• American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
• Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA)

Standards and Expectations

All PETR students are expected to meet all ethical standards of the university as described in the Student Handbook under "Academic Honesty". In light of the high professional standards for ethical behavior required of all petroleum engineers, and in light of the potentially severe consequences to health, safety, and the environment of unethical behavior on the part of a petroleum engineer, severe consequences will result from any ethical breach by a PETR student, up to and including immediate expulsion from the program.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in Petroleum Engineering includes:

• Overview
• Admissions
• Degree Programs
  • PETR Majors
  • PETR Minors
• Accreditation
• Advising
• Courses
• Research Resources
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Employment
• Frequently Asked Questions

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Petroleum Engineering includes:

• Admissions
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Degree Programs
  • Masters of PETR (Courses Only)
  • M.S. in PETR (Thesis Option)
  • Ph.D. Program
• Advising
• Class Schedules
• Scholarships
• Employment
• Internship
• Research Resources
• FAQ
• Certificate Programs

Online Learning

The university offers online learning options, including:

• UH-Extend Online Master of Petroleum Engineering
• Online Programs at the Cullen College