Program Overview

The petroleum engineering degree at the University of Kansas prepares students for dynamic and technically rigorous careers in the global energy industry. As a petroleum engineering major, you’ll build expertise in locating and responsibly extracting oil and natural gas from subsurface reservoirs while optimizing production through data-driven decision-making and advanced engineering methods. This program integrates core engineering fundamentals with applied learning in drilling, reservoir analysis, and production systems design.

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering develop a strong technical foundation in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and engineering science before progressing into specialized petroleum engineering courses. Coursework emphasizes fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, geology, and rock-fluid interactions, preparing students to evaluate complex subsurface systems. Laboratory experiences and team-based design projects reinforce classroom instruction, allowing students to apply theory to real-world reservoir and well-performance challenges.

As global energy systems evolve, the petroleum engineering major continues to emphasize efficiency, sustainability, and responsible resource management. Students explore enhanced recovery techniques, production system design, and emerging technologies that support both conventional and unconventional resource development. The petroleum engineering degree requirements are aligned with accreditation standards and industry expectations, ensuring graduates are prepared to enter professional practice or pursue graduate study.

Graduates of this bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering are prepared for technically demanding roles that require quantitative reasoning, computational proficiency, and systems-level thinking. With competitive industry demand and strong workforce outcomes, students who complete the petroleum engineering degree are positioned to pursue impactful careers in energy production and resource management.

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Undergraduate

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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.

Petroleum Engineering, BS

KU School of Engineering

The Bachelor’s of Petroleum Engineering is part of the School of Engineering, where new technologies are developed to solve the problems facing the world.

Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering Learning Outcomes

Graduates of KU’s bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering will:

  • Apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to analyze and solve complex problems related to hydrocarbon recovery and production systems.
  • Design and conduct experiments, interpret data, and use modern engineering tools relevant to petroleum engineering courses and professional practice.
  • Utilize industry-standard software for reservoir simulation, well performance analysis, and drilling design.
  • Evaluate drilling, reservoir, and production strategies while considering environmental, safety, ethical, and economic factors.
  • Communicate technical information effectively in written, oral, and team-based settings.
  • Function effectively on multidisciplinary teams to design solutions that meet specified technical and societal needs.

What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering?

A petroleum engineering degree prepares graduates for a wide range of technical roles in the energy industry. Common petroleum engineering jobs include positions with exploration and production companies, engineering consulting firms, government agencies, and research institutions. Potential career paths include:

  • Reservoir Engineer
  • Drilling Engineer
  • Production Engineer
  • Petroleum Consultant

According to Lightcast, compensation in the field remains competitive. The typical petroleum engineer salary reflects the technical demands of the profession, with strong early-career earning potential and long-term growth. National data also show that overall petroleum engineering salary levels consistently rank among the highest within engineering disciplines, depending on region and experience level.

Tuition and Financial Aid

KU offers competitive tuition rates and a variety of financial aid options. Scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities are available to eligible students. Learn more about tuition and aid at KU Scholarships & Financial Aid.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the petroleum engineering degree program at KU requires meeting general university freshman and transfer admission standards. This includes:

Freshmen

  • 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Demonstrate mathematics preparedness by:
    • Obtaining a mathematics ACT score of 22+ (or math SAT score of 540+), OR
    • Achieving a B or better in college algebra or a more advanced mathematics course, OR
    • Achieving a C or better in a high school calculus course; OR
    • Earning credit via IB or AP credit for the above-mentioned courses in accordance with KU placement credit requirements; OR
    • Achieving at minimum a qualifying score for MATH 104 on the ALEKS mathematics placement exam.

Transfers

  • Earn a grade of C- or better in MATH 125 (Calculus I, or its direct equivalent), AND
  • Earn grades of C or better in math, science, and engineering courses applicable to the engineering degree.

For detailed admission requirements, visit the School of Engineering.

Student Life and Learning Experience

Students in the petroleum engineering major are part of a collaborative engineering community that emphasizes professional growth and leadership development. Opportunities include:

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) KU Chapter
  • Engineering student organizations and leadership programs
  • Industry networking events and career fairs
  • Undergraduate research experiences in energy-related fields

The KU School of Engineering provides mentoring, tutoring, career services, and internship support. Through team-based design experiences embedded in petroleum engineering courses, students build both technical competence and professional communication skills.

Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering Sample Courses

As part of the petroleum engineering degree requirements, students complete foundational and advanced petroleum engineering courses designed to prepare them for professional practice. Sample courses include:

  • Reservoir Engineering
  • Drilling Fluids Laboratory
  • Process Safety and Sustainability
  • AI and Machine Learning for Energy and Dynamic Systems
  • Petroleum Engineering Design

For a full list of petroleum engineering degree requirements, visit the KU Catalog.

Bachelor’s in Petroleum Engineering Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply?

Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.

How long will it take to complete the degree?

Students typically complete this degree in four years.

Contact Information

KU Admissions studyengineering@ku.edu 785-864-3881

Accreditation & Notes

The Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Petroleum and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

A Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering is the official degree awarded, and references to “petroleum engineering degree” or similar terms are used for clarity and student understanding.