A petroleum engineer searches for gas and oil, then designs new ways to extract such materials from the Earth and make them into usable fuel for consumers. The majority of petroleum engineers are only required to hold a bachelor's degree in their engineering specialty for entry-level jobs, but some may pursue a graduate degree for advanced research positions. Get more info about the requirements here.
High School Education
High school students who want to become petroleum engineers should take advanced courses in calculus, chemistry, earth science, computer science, English, and physics. Students should obtain good grades in order to get into a well-known college and enter its engineering program. High school students should also prepare for this kind of career by participating in an engineering club, such as the Junior Engineering Technical Society or a geology club.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutPetroleumEngineeringCareers">Important Facts About Petroleum Engineering Careers</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (May 2021) </td><td> $130,850</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 8% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Analytical skills, creativity, math skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Offices, research laboratories, drilling sites</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---PostsecondaryEducation">Postsecondary Education</h3><p>Aspiring petroleum engineers should attend a college with an engineering program approved by ABET. Students should have excellent grades in math and science in order to be accepted into the college's undergraduate engineering program. Students can complete their bachelor's degree in about four or five years. During their undergraduate studies, students may explore other specialties, such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, materials engineering, geology, and chemistry. Students can also pursue a graduate degree if they wish to obtain faculty positions or advanced research positions in their field, but it is not required for entry-level employment.
</p><h3 id="section---RequiredCourses">Required Courses</h3><p>Petroleum engineers need a well-rounded background in general engineering concepts that can appeal to employers in different engineering fields. This background is provided by coursework in chemistry, geology, and engineering systems. Petroleum engineering programs also include coursework in well design and petrophysics, as well as a drilling and production engineering lab.
</p><h3 id="section---LicensingAndCertification">Licensing and Certification</h3><p>Engineers who offer their services directly to the public in the United States must have a license, and they are called professional engineers (PEs). If they don't directly serve the public, they don't need a license to work. Petroleum engineers may consider pursuing certification. Certification may facilitate job advancement to managerial positions and demonstrate competency. The Society of Petroleum Engineers is one of the many professional organizations that offer certification exams, professional conduct guidelines, seminars, career tools, and networking events.</p>
