During the 2008 presidential election “Drill, baby, drill” was a popular slogan used to promote increased drilling for petroleum and gas resources.
Who are the people who have this job? Petroleum engineers! Petroleum engineering involves activities that find oil and gas for energy needs. They develop new technologies to extract oil, convert it into useful products, and maintain existing infrastructures. As so much of our daily lives require energy, petroleum engineering is essential and skilled professionals are always in demand in the field.
Colleges Rank has compiled a ranking of the 15 best Ph.D. programs in Petroleum Engineering. These schools aim to develop future researchers and practicing engineers. Keep reading to discover what the requirements are, the outlook of the field, and what school may be right for you.
What kind of Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering should you get?
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Chemical and Natural Gas Engineering often gets lumped together with a Doctor of Philosophy in Petroleum Engineering. Chemical engineers work more generally with synthetic material substances, finding new ways to use them efficiently and safely. Natural gas engineers function similarly to petroleum engineers but focus more on using natural gas in everyday industrial functions. While most Ph.D. programs in Petroleum Engineering will only focus on that field, sometimes the degree will feature another discipline in its title. This is not a bad thing, but it does mean that you will likely take more electives.
Some schools may allow students to specialize in a particular area within Petroleum Engineering. The most common specializations are Drilling, Reservoir, and Production Engineering. To declare a specialization or emphasis, one must take additional courses or pursue specific research.
Check out our ranking of the 20 Best Petroleum Engineering degrees here.
How much money does a person with a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering make?
As an advanced engineer with the highest degree possible in the field, those who hold a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering can expect to make at least six figures. According to PayScale, the average salary of these degree holders earn $120,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, reports that regardless of degree, petroleum engineers have a median pay of $137,170 as of 2018. Metropolitan areas offer the highest wages for these types of engineers. For instance, Dallas, Texas is one of the most popular and highest paying cities to pursue a career in petroleum engineering.
The oil and gas extraction industry is the most popular employer in this field, the second is the mining industry. Due to the increased need for energy and gas, jobs for petroleum engineers are expected to experience a considerable growth of 15% from 2016 to 2026. It makes sense that as the demand grows, salaries grow as well.
What can you do with a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering?
In seeking a Ph.D., these professionals prepare for high-level engineering positions as well as more academic research opportunities. Because of the required doctoral dissertation, the expectation is that engineers will be able to bring something new to the field, in addition to performing well in their job. Careers are available both in the private and public sector.
Some common tasks within the industry include:
Drilling for energy Producing petroleum-related products Checking reservoirs Managerial positions
What are the requirements for a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering?
Although some programs allow students straight from their undergraduate study to apply for the Ph.D. program, most schools require students to have a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering already. Those who do not have the exact degree but hold a related engineering degree may also apply, given that they have taken or will take the required courses. Generally, the program will take about three to four years to complete.
Throughout the program, students take a variety of coursework, several exams, and complete research for the doctoral dissertation. Many students will choose to do a related internship or teach undergraduate courses. Most schools are rigorous and require students to maintain at least a 3.0 or 3.5 GPA. Students will have an advising committee to ensure he/she is on the right path to doctoral candidacy.
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