The 5 Best Online Petroleum Engineering Degrees of 2024 | Exhaustive Guide

Did you know that the United States uses about 20 million barrels of oil every single day? Petroleum engineers are of paramount importance to keep society moving—literally! And if you’re considering an online petroleum engineering degree, we’ve got all the information you need to start pursuing that path.

We’ll dive into more detail later on, but at the outset we think it’s important to mention that this is a pretty specific career path with a fairly narrow path of entry. At minimum, you will need an undergrad degree in an engineering field, and even then, some programs only accept students with a BS in Petroleum Engineering.

If this describes you, and if you’re ready to learn more about how to take petroleum engineering classes online, then read on!

Article Navigation: Petroleum Engineering Schools Online | Different Ways to Master in Petroleum Engineering Online | 5 Best Petroleum Engineering Schools for a Master’s Online | Master’s in Petroleum Engineering Online Prerequisites | Online Petroleum Engineering Degree Careers | Find Your Master’s Online with GetEducated

Petroleum Engineering Schools Online

Programmatic Accreditation for Petroleum Engineering Schools

The main programmatic accrediting body for engineering degrees is ABET. The most important thing to look for when reviewing accreditation is that the school’s program is ABET-accredited.

While ABET can accredit stand-alone master’s programs, if the undergraduate program is ABET-accredited, then the master’s program from that same school is considered to be reputable. As of the writing of this article, there are currently zero Master’s in Petroleum Engineering programs that are ABET-accredited.

If you attend a university whose undergraduate program is ABET-accredited, then that is the gold standard.

Average Cost of a Petroleum Engineering Master’s Degree

Like any degree, the cost of an online master’s in petroleum engineering can vary dramatically among different schools. That being said, on average, online engineering master’s degrees range from around $27,000 to $32,000.

Petroleum engineering degrees fit right into that range with an average price tag of around $27,345.

How long does it take to complete this degree?

The time to completion largely depends on two main factors:

• Your undergraduate degree
• Whether you’re taking classes on a part-time or full-time basis

If your undergraduate degree is in anything other than petroleum engineering, you will likely need to take at least a couple of introductory classes at the very least. This can add months to years onto completion time.

A good deal of online petroleum engineering degree programs are self-paced and can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. If completed as quickly as possible, students can earn their degree in about 1.5-2 years. Most schools require that the degree be completed within around 5-7 years.

Different Ways to Master in Petroleum Engineering Online

When searching for a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering online program, you’ll likely stumble across a couple of different degree options. All three of these options will allow you to pursue a wide-variety of petroleum engineering jobs. However, they have slight nuances in their approach. Let’s take a closer look at each of those options and see which might be the right fit for you.

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering

A Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering is a research-focused approach to earning a petroleum engineering degree online. Often, these programs will have thesis projects while the other master’s programs might not. This degree is a great option for someone interested in doing original research in the field of petroleum engineering.

Most students who pursue this option have a BS in petroleum engineering. While all colleges and programs are different, many would consider this the most rigorous option because of the thesis and research-focus. Graduates will earn the following distinction: MS in Petroleum Engineering.

Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering

A Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering is less research-based and centered on subject courses. Generally, these programs will not have a required thesis. Students are more focused on learning applications for the field instead of conducting original research. Also, there may be slightly more leeway for undergraduate applicants without petroleum engineering backgrounds. Graduates will earn the following distinction: M.Eng. in Petroleum Engineering.

Master of Petroleum Engineering

Sometimes programs are labeled Master of Petroleum Engineering. While every program has its nuances and specialties, we found that this term is used interchangeably with Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering. Both kinds of programs are more focused on courses and application, both programs usually don’t require a thesis, and both are slightly more accommodating to students with different engineering backgrounds. A Master of Petroleum Engineering graduate will earn the following distinction: Master of PETR (or M.Eng. in Petroleum Engineering).

5 Best Petroleum Engineering Schools for a Master’s Online

1. University of Houston

   Degrees: Master of Petroleum Engineering; Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $22,350

   The University of Houston is home to over 46,000 students and boasts over 275 different degree programs. Among those programs includes 24 online graduate degrees. The university values innovation, collaboration, and resilience in order to foster a community that is cutting-edge, able to adapt, and strengthened through partnerships.

   There are two options for students interested in earning their master’s in petroleum engineering online. The basic Master of Petroleum Engineering program is a non-thesis program that only requires the typical course curriculum. Students who want an MS in Petroleum Engineering, will need to secure a faculty advisor and prepare a separate thesis in addition to their normal coursework. All students will begin in the non-thesis program and can apply to be in the thesis program after completing three classes.

   In both cases, the core curriculum is 30 credits. However, students who have a bachelor’s in any other subject area will need to take an additional 12 credits in introductory courses before proceeding to the core courses. The program is extremely competitive and rigorous, and students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above through the duration of the degree.

   Students will take four foundation courses in Reservoir Engineering, Well Logging, Well Drilling & Completion, and Petroleum Production Operations. After that, they can choose from 5 different elective courses according to the students’ specific interest areas. Options include classes like: Horizontal Drilling, Petroleum Energy Markets, and Artificial Lift.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Petroleum Engineering
   Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering

    

2. Texas Tech University

   Degree: Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state): $22,087
   Tuition (out-of-state): $23,587

   Founded in 1923, Texas Tech has over a quarter million alumni around the world and has a current enrollment of over 40,000 students. They offer over 150 total degree programs with over 80 of those programs available fully online. Texas Tech is on a mission to “advance knowledge through innovative and creative teaching, research, and scholarship…and enhance the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.”

   Texas Tech also offers both a thesis and non-thesis option for their Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. The thesis option is 30 credits, including a 6 credit thesis project, while the non-thesis option is 33 credits. Regardless of which track is chosen, all students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA, take a comprehensive examination, and attend two research or writing workshops.

   While in the program, students will study in four different core areas: Drilling Engineering, Production, Engineering, Reservoir Engineering, and Formation Evaluation. When choosing their 12-15 elective credits, each student must take at least one course from each of these core areas. Students in the thesis program will also work with a faculty advisor who will mentor them through their research process.

   For students interested in this program but looking for some financial help, Texas Tech has various options for students who have completed their first semester. Students can apply for Teaching Assistantships, Research Assistantships, Scholarships and Fellowships, as well as part time jobs within the Petroleum Engineering Department.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering

    

3. University of North Dakota

   Degree: Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
   Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $26,085

   The University of North Dakota is older than the actual state of North Dakota. The university began in 1883—six years prior to statehood. Today they have over 250 degree programs and are the largest institution in the state with over 14,000 students. The UND’s vision is to “inspire a sense of wonder, a love of discovery, and commitment to serve.”

   This is another program that offers both thesis and non-thesis options. The non-thesis option is the Master’s of Engineer in Petroleum Engineering while the thesis option is called Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering. The program website reports that the MS program is more popular while the M.Eng. program is more course-based and geared toward those who don’t have a background in Petroleum Engineering.

   The M.S. track is 32 credits while the M.Eng. track is 30 credits. Both options take an average of 1.5-2 years to complete. Both options also require a design project and the submission of a peer-reviewed manuscript. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in petroleum engineering may have to take six additional credits before beginning the core program.

   Classes for both tracks are offered asynchronously for the greatest flexibility for busy students. While all the main coursework is entirely online, students will have to come to campus for some hands-on learning activities. The curriculum at UND includes courses like: Data Mining in Petroleum Engineering, Reservoir Geophysics, and Seismic Geomechanics.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering

    

4. Texas A&M University

   Degree: Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering
   Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
   Tuition (in-state): $30,204
   Tuition (out-of-state): $46,449

   Established in 1876, Texas A&M was the first public university in Texas. “Dedicated to the discovery, development, communication, and application of knowledge,” this research-based college is home to over 77,000 students. With over 400 different programs total and over 100 online master’s programs, they offer a host of exciting options for distance learners.

   Their Master of Engineering degree is entirely online. It’s the exact same program as the on- campus counterpart. Local students have the option of taking classes and exams on campus if they so desire, but there are no required residencies, labs, or workshops in-person.

   For students who already have a BS in petroleum engineering, the program is 30 credits. Students who have an undergraduate degree in a different engineering speciality will have to take an additional 6 credits. This program is not designed for students who have undergraduate degrees in a non-engineering subject area. Admitted students will assemble an advisory committee for themselves who will assist in degree planning, academic projects, and mentoring.

   All students must maintain a 3.0 GPA through the duration of the degree program. They must also complete an independent project and successfully pass an oral examination. The independent project is not a thesis, but is an in-depth report for a professional journal on a petroleum engineering topic. The entire program takes seven years.

   Interested prospective students should note that Texas A&M does require the GRE as a part of their admission process.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering

    

5. University of Southern California

   Degrees: Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering; MS in Petroleum Engineering/MS in Engineering Management (Dual Degree)
   Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission
   Tuition (in-state and out-of-state): $109,824

   The history of the University of Southern California goes all the way back to 1880 with a first class of 53 students. Today, the school has over 49,000 students in 23 different schools. The university is committed to an ongoing “Culture Journey” with the understanding that developing and upholding strong cultural values is an ongoing process and not a “one and done” checklist. These ongoing cultural values include: integrity, excellence, well-being, open communication, accountability, and diversity, equity, & inclusion.

   The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering programs at USC can be taken in-person or fully online. Students of any background may apply, but those who do not have a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum

   Engineering will have to take introductory classes before beginning the master’s program. USC offers both a thesis and a non-thesis program. For the regular M.S. program, students will take a minimum of 28 credits. The dual degree program (MS in Petroleum Engineering/MS in Engineering Management) is 44 credits. All degree requirements must be completed within five years.

   The program opens with six foundational courses in classes like Testing of Wells and Aquifers, Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery, and Well Completion, Stimulation, & Damage Control. Students will then choose three elective courses within their particular areas of interest. At the end of the degree program, students will need to pass both a written and oral comprehensive examination.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
   MS in Petroleum Engineering/MS in Engineering Management (Dual Degree)

    

Master’s in Petroleum Engineering Online Prerequisites

At the very least, applicants to an online petroleum engineering degree must have an earned bachelor’s degree. Most programs won’t outright prohibit applications from diverse academic backgrounds. That said, it will be extremely difficult to get admitted into a program if your undergrad degree is in something unrelated to engineering. Even students who have a BS in an engineering specialty other than petroleum engineering will likely need to take remedial courses.

Other possible petroleum engineering perquisites include:

• GPA requirements
• Internship or work experiences
• Specific classes
• Minimum GRE scores

Application requirements can vary widely among schools, so it’s important to do your due diligence before applying.

Online Petroleum Engineering Degree Careers

How to Become a Petroleum Engineer—Licensing and Certification Requirements

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE International) offers a certification opportunity in order to “obtain a globally recognized credential as a petroleum industry professional.” In order to qualify to take their exam, you must first have:

• An undergraduate degree in engineering
• At least four years of experience in the field
• And must be a member of the SPE

After meeting all of those qualifications, you may sign up to take the PE License Exam. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive official certification. The SPE notes that “the exam may be waived if you have passed a written competency exam to practice in petroleum engineering as a registered, licensed, professional engineer.” It should be noted that comprehensive university exams do not count for this exam.

Who should pursue this type of degree?

The best candidates for petroleum engineer degrees online are students who have a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from an ABET-accredited school. A master's program is perfect for those who already know the foundations of petroleum engineering and are eager to become more specialized in the field. It also benefits higher management positions and those conducting original research.

This could also be a good degree for those who have an undergrad engineering degree in a different specialty. Depending on the school and your background, you may have to take a couple of introductory courses in addition to the regular curriculum. But most should be able to catch up fairly quickly.

Because this is such a specialized and rigorous degree program, this is not the best degree to pursue if you have a background in anything other than engineering. Especially if your degree is not science-related at all. If petroleum engineering is a route you want to take, we recommend first getting a second bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering at an ABET-accredited school before applying to a master’s program.

What careers can you get with a master’s degree in this field?

In general, petroleum engineers specialize in extracting Earth’s natural resources. Like most fields, there can be lots of variations in careers within that specialization. For example, petroleum engineers can choose to focus on:

• Emerging technologies
• Hands-on application
• Original research, and much more

Texas A&M lists some popular career paths for those with a degree in this field:

• Petroleum Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Instrumentation Engineer
• Field Engineer
• Reservoir Engineer
• Drilling Engineer

How much can you earn with an online petroleum engineering degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, petroleum engineers earn a median salary of $131,800 per year. The lowest 10% earners will earn about $76,960 per year while the top ten percent will earn over $220,000.

Comparing entry level jobs in the field for B.S. graduates vs. M.S. graduates—those with a master’s in petroleum engineering online can earn $2,000-$5,000 more per year in the same kind of entry-level jobs when compared to those with only a bachelor’s.

Find Your Master’s Online with GetEducated

From daily transportation to heating our homes to enjoying electricity, we all owe a big thanks to all the petroleum engineers out there. Talk about a job that makes a daily difference!

This is a wonderful career path filled with rewarding work, good job security, and high pay. We’re excited that you’re about to take this next step to earn your petroleum engineer degree online, and are cheering you on every step of the way!

If you want to learn more about this and other online degrees, check out GetEducated to read all about the amazing online options that are available for you!