Online Petroleum Engineering Degrees

The oil and gas industry continues to play an important role in global energy supply. Petroleum engineers assume varied responsibilities in the energy industry, depending on their training and professional interests. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveal a median annual salary of $135,690 for petroleum engineers, much higher than the $48,060 median salary for all workers.

Students can now pursue a petroleum engineering degree online at several accredited colleges and universities. No matter how graduates earn a degree in the field, they enter a global professional arena with high income potential.

Online Petroleum Engineering Programs

Why Get a Degree in Petroleum Engineering?

A well-crafted petroleum engineering degree develops the skills and technical knowledge required in such a challenging professional field. Programs often include case studies, individual and group projects, internship opportunities, and in-depth research. Students learn how to solve a variety of engineering problems through critical analysis and technical evaluation. Enrollees study how to implement safe, viable, and ethical solutions within industry regulations.

At many schools, students pursuing an online petroleum engineer degree follow the same curriculum as on-campus enrollees. Upon completing the program, online graduates derive the same professional benefits as on-campus students.

How Much Does a Petroleum Engineering Degree Cost?

National Center for Education Statistics data show undergraduate students at in-state public schools paid an average of $20,598 for 2018-19. Bachelor's degree-seekers at private, nonprofit four-year institutions paid $47,541. Both amounts include tuition, fees, and on-campus housing. Students can expect the cost of a year's enrollment in a petroleum engineering program to approximate these figures.

Online enrollees often save significantly by not paying on-campus room and board costs. For tuition and fees alone, one year of enrollment at a public school came to $9,212 for resident students. Online students at private institutions paid an average of $34,758. Therefore, earning an online petroleum engineer degree could prove more affordable. Students should take note of schools that allow out-of-state online enrollees to pay resident tuition, bringing substantial savings.

How Much Do Petroleum Engineering Majors Make?

Expectedly, oil and gas companies hire the most petroleum engineers, followed by general businesses, and the mining industry. Industries with the highest employment levels for any occupation usually offer opportunities for career growth and advancement. However, management of companies and enterprises were paid the highest mean salaries for professionals in this arena, at $168,190 annually. Oil and gas extraction and those working in Petroleum and coal products manufacturing follow close behind, paying $158,720 and $157,590, respectively.

The state where a petroleum engineer chooses to work also influences their professional options and income potential. The states with the highest employment levels in this industry include Texas, California, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Colorado. The following states pay the highest petroleum engineering salaries:Texas, California, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Louisiana. Petroleum engineers in these locales earn mean annual wages of $155,290, $139,840, $148,310, $162,190, and $155,890, respectively.

Courses in Petroleum Engineering

Whether pursuing a petroleum engineering degree online or on campus, students gain a fundamental understanding of the basic tenets of science and engineering. Participants receive hands-on training in the latest technology and tools available today. Most colleges and universities offer similar foundation courses in calculus, chemistry, and physics. Schools with specific specialization areas offer additional classes in those arenas.

Engineering programs typically include an internship experience or a fieldwork component. Students develop the practical skills necessary for the workplace through hands-on training experiences.

• Engineering, Energy, and the Environment

  The course introduces the petroleum energy field and geosystems engineering through an overview of topics including energy supply and demand, fossil energy exploitation, and subsurface engineering. Students develop an understanding of basic petroleum geology, engineering problem-solving methods, and geologic CO2 storage.

• Properties of Petroleum Fluid

  Topics covered include the principles of organic chemistry, properties of hydrocarbon gases and liquids, and behavior of multicomponent mixtures. The class gives learners an overview of materials balance calculations and laboratory phase behavior measurements. Graduates apply the knowledge gained in the course to improve extraction, storage, and distribution methods in the field.

• Reservoir Geomechanic

  Participants explore how various conditions and factors impact the real-world practice of petroleum engineering. They study topics such as pore pressure and stress measurement, rock fracture description and analysis, and depletion-induced reservoir formation. Familiarity with these and other topics help petroleum engineers maximize extraction while maintaining safety and productivity.

Certifications and Licensure for Petroleum Engineering

Most states allow petroleum engineering degree-holders to work under the supervision of a licensed engineer. Licensure requirements vary by state. However, some states accept an out-of-state license if the licensure criteria meets or exceeds their own requirements. Petroleum engineers can earn industry-recognized certifications to expand their expertise in a specific arena and increase their career options.

Scholarships for Petroleum Engineering

Many colleges and universities attract and support STEM enrollees through generous financial aid packages. Petroleum engineering degree-seekers can explore additional opportunities available through state and federal agencies, private nonprofits, and professional associations with ties to engineering.

FAQ's About Petroleum Engineering

Is a petroleum engineering degree worth it?

The BLS reports a median salary of $135,690 per year for professionals in this arena. Students with mathematical and technical abilities who enjoy working mostly outdoors may enjoy a petroleum engineering career.

How long does it take to get a degree in petroleum engineering?

An undergraduate petroleum engineering degree typically takes four years to complete. However, factors such as enrollment status and delivery format may influence actual completion time.

Is there a high demand for petroleum engineers?

Oil prices and supply usually drives the demand for petroleum engineers. The BLS projects a 2% growth rate for jobs in this sector, about as fast as average.

What degree do I need to become a petroleum engineer?

Entry-level positions in the field typically only require a bachelor's. Management jobs may require additional certification or an advanced petroleum engineering degree.