Best Ph.D. In Petroleum Engineering

Overview

Louisiana State University is the state’s premier flagship university. It was founded originally as the Agricultural and Mechanical College. Today the university has grown to 14 schools and colleges. LSU’s College of Engineering is home to exciting research opportunities and has been part of the university since the early 20th century. Currently, LSU is chiefly known for its affordable programs, offering about $300 million worth of financial aid and scholarships annually.

Program Features

Those who already hold an MS in Petroleum Engineering are eligible to apply for LSU’s Ph.D. program. Those who have a similar and related MS degree may also be eligible to apply. The Craft & Hawkins Department of Petroleum Engineering offers this degree.

• One-year residency
• Interdisciplinary – must take courses outside department
• Fall and spring terms

Notables

Assistantships are offered only to exceptional students. Interested applicants must indicate on their application that they would like to apply.

Overview

The Missouri University of Science Technology, more commonly known as Missouri S&T, is a public land- and space-grant university. Although the school initially focused on promoting STEM-related majors, the university offers a total of 99 programs in the humanities as well. Students who are particularly interested in engineering programs have come to the right place! Missouri S&T offers a variety of engineering research and job opportunities. The school’s engineering college has been ranked No. 3 in the country.

Program Features

Missouri S&T offers either a Ph.D. or a Doctor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering. Students have access to state-of-the-art lab equipment where they can perform different projects and research. Possible areas of research are:

• Drilling
• CO2 sequestration
• Well-completion performance studies

Notables

There are several scholarships available specifically for Petroleum Engineering students. Interested students should apply online.

Overview

Looking for a school that focuses on STEM programs and research? The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is the right place for you! NMT was established in 1893 in a booming mining town, hence its current name. Although the school grew slowly, NMT saw a boom after the Great Depression due to people needing higher education. The school saw a demand for Petroleum Engineering, and created programs and even a research center in 1977. PayScale ranks NMT the No. 9 best school on their list of public universities in the nation for return on investment.

Program Features

Those who already possess an MS with a thesis can apply to NMT’s Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering. This program requires at least 60 credit hours, with 30 of them composed of level 500 courses. Other program features are:

• Four-member committee that oversees each student
• Industry workshops
• Option to join professional societies

Notables

There are five basic subjects that students must master: Petroleum Economics, Production Engineering, Reservoir Evaluation, Reservoir Engineering, and Drilling and Completion Engineering.

Overview

Considered to be the most prestigious university on the West Coast, Stanford University is a private university located in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was founded in 1885 by former state senator and American tycoon Leland Stanford, along with his wife Jane. Leland dreamt of providing an affordable education in liberal arts and technology to an area that was still up and coming. Today, Stanford is nationally and globally recognized for its amazing programs, faculty, and research. The U.S. News & World Report ranks the school No. 7 in the nation.

Program Features

Stanford’s Energy Resources Engineering department offers a Ph.D. program in Petroleum Engineering. This degree is an extension of the Master’s program and is ideal for those with fantastic scholarship. Potential courses in the program include:

• Numerical Linear Algebra
• Geothermal Reservoir Engineering
• Reflection Seismology

Notables

There is also the unique option of declaring a Ph.D. Minor at Stanford. Declaring a Ph.D. minor means that the student will only take part of the credits required for the entire Ph.D. degree.

Overview

Texas A&M University was the state’s first public institution of higher education. Its campus is located in the Houston-Dallas-Austin triangle, giving students prime opportunities to network in the state’s major cities. Currently, more than 59,000 students are enrolled throughout the school’s 125 undergraduate, 200 graduate, and 100 doctoral programs. In 2018, Money ranked Texas A&M as the No. 1 public university in the state for having the best value.

Program Features

Texas A&M’s Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering program is for Master’s students who wish to continue on to a future in research. Throughout the program, students will take a variety of tests, coursework, residencies, as well as submitting a dissertation. Key features of the program include:

• Minimum of 64 credit hours for Master’s holders
• Personal counseling
• Transfer credit accepted

Notables

Students must complete at least nine credit hours per semester or enroll in the ten-week summer semester to meet the residency requirement. 

Overview

Since its founding in 1923, Texas Tech University has developed strong programs in the STEM fields, as well as in the liberal arts. Before the TTU known today was established, the school was called the Texas Technological College. In the 1960s, the institution started to grow and is now the seventh-largest institute in the state. Several of TTU’s engineering programs have been highly-ranked nationally for their value. They are also known for offering an affordable education with a high return on investment.

Program Features

Learn from experienced professionals through TTU’s Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering program. Students will be adept at the basic principles of engineering and the application of advanced research methods. There are five core areas of studies, including Computation, Reservoir Engineering, Drilling Engineering, Formation Evaluation, and Production Engineering. Students must take at least two courses in each of the five core areas to meet their degree requirements. 

Notables

Students can transfer up to 24 credit hours from the Master’s program to the Ph.D. program.

Overview

With over 46,000 enrolled students, the University of Houston is an empowering campus in one of the state’s major cities. UH offers 46 doctoral degrees and 29 on-campus research centers. The university was founded in 1927 and transformed higher education for students, particularly during World War II. Today, many of UH’s programs are recognized nationally. The U.S. News & World Report awarded UH the honor of being recognized as one of the best engineering schools in 2019.

Program Features

UH’s Petroleum Engineering Ph.D. program is a challenging, but rewarding degree for future high-level professionals or researchers. Students can either apply after completing their undergraduate degree or as an MS holder. 

• Part-time internships
• Fall and spring terms
• Assistantships, fellowships, grants, and financial aid available

Notables

There are specific scholarships available for Petroleum Engineering students. Visit the department’s online site to learn how to apply!

Overview

With 13 academic schools and more than 350,000 alumni, the University of Kansas is the state’s flagship institution of higher education. KU aims to be more than just a research university – they are also a community known as the Jayhawks. The Jayhawk spirit values the power that research and education have on individuals. KU currently operates five campuses as well as online programs through distance learning. 

Program Features

KU’s Ph.D. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering is an advanced program that requires a total of 60 credit hours. This degree is suitable for Master’s holders. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 during the entire program.

• 30 credit hours of research hours
• Work in the Center for Environmentally Beneficial Catalysis laboratory
• Participate in the Tertiary Oil Recovery Program

Notables

Master’s holders may be able to waive some of the Ph.D. requirements, but unfortunately, no transfer credit is offered.

Overview

Join the Sooner family by enrolling at the University of Oklahoma. Nicknamed the “Oklahoma Sooners,” the name has its roots with the university’s Native American heritage. OU was founded in 1890 by the state’s territorial legislature to serve the needs of the state. Currently, more than 30,000 students are enrolled on this large campus which is located only 20 minutes from Oklahoma City. In 2019 the U.S. News & World Report ranked OU’s graduate Petroleum Engineering No. 7 in the nation.

Program Features

OU’s Ph.D. program in Petroleum Engineering is composed of 90 credit hours. Students must also complete at least 36 hours of dissertation. Before graduation, students will have published a paper and presented their thesis to the department board. 

• Limited number of teaching assistantships available
• Five Petroleum and Geological Engineering-specific research centers and institutes
• Program-related student organizations

Notables

Other than teaching assistantships, OU also offers research assistantships. In both cases, students will receive a stipend.

Overview

With over 225 years of history, the University of Pittsburgh is one of the oldest universities within the country. Pittsburgh is proud to have notable alumni who have participated in world-changing research. Making new health discoveries and championing major technology are just a few of Pittsburgh’s alumni contributions. Pittsburgh ranks No. 9 in the nation for federal science and engineering funding. They are also a best-value college, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

Program Features

This Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering program is for those who already possess an MS degree. Throughout the program, students will undergo a variety of experiences until the culmination of the dissertation. Students can expect:

• Two-term teaching practicum
• Graduate seminars
• Oral examinations

Notables

The Chemical and Petroleum Department is proud to host a variety of research topics. Some areas include materials, catalysis, and biotechnology.