Is Petroleum Engineering a Good Major?

Have you imagined yourself building a career in engineering, especially in the oil and gas industry? If so, petroleum engineering could be a great fit. As a key part of the global energy industry, petroleum engineers help develop the resources that power our daily lives.

What is Petroleum Engineering?

Petroleum Engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on energy production. Petroleum engineers evaluate oil and gas resources beneath the Earth’s surface and develop safe, efficient ways to recover them.

Because petroleum engineering is such a diverse field, careers can vary based on specialization and work environment. Major areas within petroleum engineering include:

• Drilling
• Formation Evaluation
• Production and Completion
• Reservoir Engineering
• Petroleum Geoscience

What do Petroleum Engineers Do?

Petroleum engineers combine knowledge of physics, mathematics, geology, and technology to evaluate energy resources and determine the most efficient ways to recover them. Their work plays a major role in field development, production strategies, and overall project economics.

On any given day, a Petroleum Engineer may:

• Analyze production data to identify performance issues and opportunities for improvement
• Use reservoir simulation software to model oil and gas flow underground
• Collaborate with drilling teams, Geoscientists, and field operators on well development plans
• Review well logs, seismic data, and pressure test results
• Prepare technical reports, reserve estimates, and economic analyses
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and optimize production rates
• Participate in meetings with engineering, geology, operations, safety, and finance teams
• Visit well sites and field facilities for inspections, testing, and consultation

Why Study Petroleum Engineering?

There are many reasons to consider a degree in petroleum engineering. If you're interested in energy, technology, problem-solving, and making a meaningful impact, this field offers exciting opportunities.

One of the biggest advantages of petroleum engineering is its strong career outlook, particularly in the Permian Basin. Energy remains essential to modern life, and petroleum products are used in countless everyday items, including plastics, clothing, cosmetics, and paint.

Petroleum engineers help locate, recover, and manage oil and gas resources while improving safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. They play an important role in ensuring operations meet industry standards and environmental regulations.

Why Study Petroleum Engineering at UTPB?

UTPB students have a unique advantage. Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, our campus sits within one of the world's most productive energy regions, providing unmatched access to industry partners, internships, and career opportunities.

The UTPB College of Engineering is recognized for delivering a high-quality, affordable engineering education. Students benefit from scholarship opportunities, strong Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam performance, and a learning environment designed to prepare them for success.

According to the Journal of Petroleum Technology, UTPB's Petroleum Engineering Program is ranked eighth worldwide and sixth in the United States based on undergraduate enrollment.

The College of Engineering building opened in 2019 and features state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative study spaces, and modern classrooms designed for hands-on learning.

As a petroleum engineering student at UTPB, you'll benefit from:

• An ABET-accredited program that meets rigorous international standards for engineering education
• Graduates who consistently rank among the highest-paid petroleum engineering professionals in the nation
• A location in the heart of the Permian Basin, providing direct access to one of the world's leading open sky oil laboratory and energy-producing regions
• Opportunities to work in the industry while earning your degree and building professional experience
• Strong partnerships with companies such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and LUFKIN Industries
• Internships, field trips, guest speakers, and networking opportunities with industry leaders
• Free textbooks and access to industry-standard software through faculty-developed resources and the $2.47 million PETEX software grant
• Small class sizes with personalized support from faculty
• Professors with extensive industry experience who bring real-world expertise into the classroom
• Undergraduate research opportunities in advanced engineering laboratories
• Access to professional certifications and industry organizations from your first year

Student Support at UTPB

At UTPB, you'll find resources designed to help you succeed both in the classroom and throughout your career.

Academic Support

Small class sizes allow students to build meaningful relationships with their professors and classmates while receiving individualized support. Students also complete a senior capstone project that focuses on solving real-world industry challenges.

Career Support

UTPB's Career Services team helps students prepare for professional success through resume reviews, interview preparation, career fairs, and job placement assistance. Engineering students regularly connect with leading oil and gas companies recruiting for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions.

Financial Support

UTPB offers a variety of scholarship and financial aid opportunities, including programs like Falcon Free, which pays your tuition and fees if you are in a household that earns $100,000 or less annually.

Professional Organizations

Petroleum engineering students can join professional organizations that build leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and create valuable networking opportunities. Many organizations also provide access to conferences, competitions, scholarships, and industry recruiters before graduation.

Organizations include:

• Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
• American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)
• American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA)
• Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Engineering Student Leadership Council (ESLC)

Ready to Build Your Future?

Petroleum engineering offers a unique combination of high-impact work, technical problem-solving, and strong career opportunities. At UTPB, you'll gain hands-on experience, learn from industry experts, and build the skills needed to succeed in one of the world's most important industries. Whether your future is in oil and gas, renewable energy, carbon management, or another technical field, a petroleum engineering degree can help you get there.