Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (Petroleum Engineering)
See the listing under
Chemical Engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Petroleum Engineering)
See the listing under
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
Minor in Petroleum Engineering
A minor in petroleum engineering consisting of 16 required units is available to undergraduate majors in various fields of engineering and applied science. Besides preparing for graduate study in petroleum engineering, the program will prepare students for careers in areas of national need such as the exploration, recovery and production of subterranean resources, and the underground disposal of hazardous wastes.
Prerequisite courses:
MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 226, MATH 245, PHYS 151L and CHEM 105aL
Required courses | Units |
PTE 461 | Formation Evaluation | 3 |
PTE 462 | Economic, Risk and Formation Productivity Analysis | 4 |
PTE 463L | Introduction to Transport Processes in Porous Media | 3 |
PTE 464L | Petroleum Reservoir Engineering | 3 |
PTE 465L | Drilling Technology and Subsurface Methods | 3 |
| | 16 |
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering
The Master of Science in petroleum engineering is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. A student may be permitted to elect the program without thesis upon approval from the department.
Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering/Smart Oilfield Technologies
The Master of Science in petroleum engineering/smart oilfield technologies is awarded in strict conformity with the general requirements of the Viterbi School of Engineering. A student may be permitted to elect the program without thesis upon approval from the department. Course requirements are similar to the existing M.S. degree in petroleum engineering in terms of core requirements.
Certificate in Smart Oilfield Technologies
The certificate in smart oilfield techniques is designed for practicing engineers and scientists who enter petroleum engineering related fields and/or who wish to obtain training in the specific smart oilfields area. The applicants may enroll at USC as limited status students. They must apply and be admitted to the program before they complete 9 units of the required course work. The certificate program is open to applicants with an undergraduate degree in engineering or sciences who meet the admission criteria as limited students. The required courses consist of the following 12 units:
Required courses | Units |
PTE 586 | Intelligent and Collaborative Oilfield Systems Characterization and Management | 3 |
PTE 587 | Smart Completions, Oilfield Sensors and Sensor Technology | 3 |
PTE 588 | Smart Oilfield Data Mining | 3 |
PTE 589 | Advanced Oilfield Operations with Remote Visualization and Control | 3 |
These classes will be available through the USC Distance Education Network (DEN). The credit for classes may be applied toward the M.S. or Ph.D. in petroleum engineering should the student decide later to pursue an advanced degree. In order to be admitted to the M.S. program, the student should maintain a B average or higher in courses for the certificate program and must satisfy all normal admission requirements. All courses for the certificate must be taken at USC.
Engineer in Petroleum Engineering
Requirements for the Engineer degree in petroleum engineering are the same as set forth in the general requirements. See
general requirements for graduate degrees.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy with a major in petroleum engineering is also offered. See
general requirements for graduate degrees.