Petroleum Engineering

Prepare to solve complex energy challenges through the exploration, extraction, production, and management of oil, natural gas, carbon storage, and geothermal resources.

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Program Overview

Engineer Energy Solutions for a Changing World

Petroleum engineering focuses on the exploration, extraction, production, and management of oil and natural gas resources. The field combines geology, physics, chemistry, and engineering to solve complex challenges in the energy sector.

At Texas Tech, students prepare to design and oversee drilling and completion of wellbores for oil and gas production, carbon dioxide sequestration, and geothermal energy extraction while learning responsible environmental stewardship and professional practice.

What You'll Explore

Explore Energy Resources from Subsurface to Surface Systems

Drilling & Well Completion

Learn how engineers design and oversee drilling and completion of wellbores for oil and gas production, carbon dioxide sequestration, and geothermal energy extraction.

Reservoir & Production Engineering

Study how subsurface energy resources are located, evaluated, produced, and managed using engineering analysis and advanced technologies.

Surface Facilities & Energy Systems

Explore systems used to process, transport, and manage fluids, along with applications in oil and gas, carbon storage, and geothermal energy.

Student Experience

Prepare for Careers Across the Energy Industry

Energy-Focused Learning

Build knowledge across geology, physics, chemistry, and engineering while preparing to address real-world energy production and resource management challenges.

Faculty & Department Resources

Learn from faculty and connect with department resources that support petroleum engineering education, research, and professional development.

Career Pathways

Prepare for roles such as completions engineer, drilling engineer, production engineer, reservoir engineer, carbon storage specialist, geothermal engineer, and other energy-related careers.

Department

Learn More About the Department

This program is offered through the Bob L. Herd Department of Petroleum Engineering. Explore department facilities, faculty, research, student organizations, graduate degree opportunities, industry partnerships, news, and additional resources.

About the Department

Next Steps

Ready to Learn More?

Connect with the Whitacre College of Engineering to learn more about Petroleum Engineering, admission requirements, degree options, student resources, and how this program can prepare you for a career in oil and gas, carbon storage, geothermal energy, and other energy systems.