| Rank | School | Location | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California | 99 |
| #2 | Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, Texas | 87 |
| #3 | University of Houston | Houston, Texas | 79 |
| #4 | Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Texas | 78 |
| #5 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, North Dakota | 75 |
| #6 | University of Toledo | Toledo, Ohio | 68 |
Petroleum engineering is the ideal engineering concentration for those with an interest in the technical dimensions of the fossil fuels industry as well as an appreciation for geology, infrastructure, and the science of energy production. Earning an online master’s in petroleum engineering degree can provide you with both the skills and credentials to become a leader in the fields of oil and natural gas extraction, subsurface production engineering, drilling equipment production and more.
The fossil fuels industries continue to play a primary role in the production of commercial, industrial, and residential energy needs, which means that earnings in this field remain high, especially for those with an advanced degree. Your study may combine areas such as thermodynamics, extraction methods, land surveying, and even environmental law. Your engineering master’s degree program will likely also include a research component, where you’ll work closely with an academic advisor or mentor to develop, execute and defend an original research thesis. Earning your petroleum engineering masters will help prepare you for administrative leadership, project planning, outside consultation, and much more in the highly lucrative oil and natural gas sector.
Earning your petroleum engineering degree online provides a convenient, flexible and accessible way to balance the pursuit of your advanced degree with your existing career and personal responsibilities. Bear in mind that many online master’s degree programs may require you to meet in-person once or several times during a semester for face-to-face conferences, laboratory work or internship responsibilities. Be aware of any such requirements as you search for the right online engineering master’s degree program.
Learn more about the benefits of an Online Master’s Degree in Engineering here.
And if you’re interested in bundling your online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering into a single program, learn more about Accelerated 4+1 Online Engineering Degree Programs here.
These programs were ranked with eight factors: student-to-faculy ratio, degrees-awarded-in-field ratio, graduation rate, retention rate, percentage of online students, concentrated influence, desirability, and exclusivity. The program's cost grade is determined by the average in-state tuition levels and its percentile distribution compared to other online engineering institutions. Learn more about our methodology
The Best Online Master's in Petroleum Engineering Ranking
University of Southern California
Viterbi School of Engineering
| Degree | Credits Needed | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| MS - Petroleum Engineering | Less than a year | |
| MS - Petroleum Engineering and Engineering Management | Less than a year | |
| MS - Petroleum Engineering: Smart Oilfield Technologies | Not Listed | Less than a year |
| MS - Petroleum Engineering: Geoscience Technologies | Less than a year |
| Key Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 48,321 (14% fully online) |
| Public or Private | Private |
| Number of Online Engineering Programs | 31 |
| Accreditation | Regional: WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Average In-State Graduate Tuition | $46,272 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition | $46,272 per year |
| Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | |
Texas A & M University
College of Engineering
| Degree | Credits Needed | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| MEng - Petroleum Engineering | Less than a year | |
| MS - Energy | Not Listed | Less than a year months |
| Key Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 68,726 (3% fully online) |
| Public or Private | Public |
| Number of Online Engineering Programs | 15 |
| Accreditation | Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Average In-State Graduate Tuition | $6,677 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition | $18,700 per year |
| Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | |
University of Houston
Cullen College of Engineering
| Degree | Credits Needed | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| MPetE - Petroleum Engineering | Less than a year | |
| MS - Petroleum Engineering | Less than a year |
| Key Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 46,148 (4% fully online) |
| Public or Private | Public |
| USDE Special Government Status | Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Hispanic-Serving Institution |
| Number of Online Engineering Programs | 11 |
| Accreditation | Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Average In-State Graduate Tuition | $8,370 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition | $17,746 per year |
| Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | |
Texas Tech University
Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering
| Degree | Credits Needed | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| MS - Petroleum Engineering | Less than a year |
| Key Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 38,742 (10% fully online) |
| Public or Private | Public |
| USDE Special Government Status | Hispanic-Serving Institution |
| Number of Online Engineering Programs | 11 |
| Accreditation | Regional: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Average In-State Graduate Tuition | $5,958 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition | $13,428 per year |
| Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | |
University of North Dakota
College of Engineering and Mines
| Degree | Credits Needed | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| MS/MEng - Petroleum Engineering | Less than a year | Less than a year years |
| Key Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 13,581 (25% fully online) |
| Public or Private | Public |
| Number of Online Engineering Programs | 31 |
| Accreditation | Regional: Higher Learning Commission |
| Average In-State Graduate Tuition | $10,534 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition | $18,434 per year |
| Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | |
University of Toledo
College of Engineering
| Degree | Credits Needed | Completion Time |
|---|---|---|
| MS - Engineering Energy Engineering | Less than a year | Less than a year years |
| Key Fact | Answer |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | 19,694 (9% fully online) |
| Public or Private | Public |
| Number of Online Engineering Programs | 2 |
| Accreditation | Regional: Higher Learning Commission |
| Average In-State Graduate Tuition | $14,047 per year |
| Average Out-of-State Graduate Tuition | $24,649 per year |
| Source: National Center for Educational Statistics | |
Online Master's in Petroleum Engineering FAQ
What areas of research can I choose from with an online master’s degree in petroleum engineering?
As a master of petroleum engineering, you’ll have the chance to pursue an independent research topic of your own design. Possible areas of specialization include:
- Drilling Engineering
- Testing of Wells and Reservoirs
- Enhanced Oil Recovery
- Geostatistics in Engineering
- Petroleum Exploration and Environmental Compliance
What Industries can I work in with an online master’s degree in petroleum engineering?
A master’s degree in petroleum engineering could be a pathway into a variety of industries, including:
- Geology
- Energy Production
- Technology Development
- Drilling
- Oil Exploration
What jobs can I get with an online master’s degree in petroleum engineering?
This versatile engineering degree can open the door to a number of exciting career options. With a master’s degree in petroleum engineering, you could:
- Design equipment for onshore oil extraction
- Develop plans for oil and gas recovery
- Innovate ways of extracting high volumes of oil
- Install and operate oilfield machinery
- Test and analyze well production
Online Master's in Engineering FAQ
Can You Get a Master's Degree in Engineering Fully Online?
You can earn a master's degree in engineering online. However, as with your bachelor's degree in engineering, you'll want to make sure that your online master's degree program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Only degrees from ABET-accredited institutions will be viewed as credible by employers, professional associations, scholarly journals, and others.
To learn more, find out what you can do with an online master's degree in engineering.
What Kind of Accreditation Do I Need for an Online Master's Degree in Engineering?
Accreditation is important in higher education, but it takes on added importance in certain fields. Engineering is one of them. Engineering accreditation is actually an essential requirement if you plan to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE). So in addition to seeking out a college or university with accreditation from a Department of Education-recognized accreditor, you should also seek out a school with an engineering program that has earned programmatic accreditation. In the engineering field, programmatic accreditation must be granted by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in order for the resulting degree to confer licensing eligibility.
To learn more, visit our Guide to Programmatic Accreditation for Engineering.
What Kinds of Online Master's in Engineering Degrees Are There?
- Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
- The Master of engineering is considered a terminal degree in the field. This is the highest credential you can earn without pursuing a Master of Science degree. You will typically be required to choose a specialization and complete a practicum or final project (as opposed to a thesis). A Master of engineering degree does not qualify you to pursue a PhD in the field.
- Master of Science in Engineering (M.Sc.Eng)
- The Master of Science in Engineering degree is required as a basic qualification for enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering program. If you plan to pursue your PhD in the field, which would qualify you to conduct research or teach engineering at the postsecondary level, you would need to earn your M.Sc.Eng. The Master of Science degree program typically requires the completion of a thesis based on your own original research question and undertaking.
How Can I Get Into an Online Master's Degree in Engineering Program?
Your online master's in engineering program will likely require the following:
- A bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related subject from an ABET-accredited undergraduate program;
- A minimum 3.0 GPA in your undergraduate studies; and
- Any prerequisite math or science courses that might not have been included in your undergraduate degree program.
Additionally, some engineering masters programs may require you to complete a Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Because engineering is an interdisciplinary subject, some graduate schools may alternately accept, or require, The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). If the GRE or GMAT is needed, your program may either require a general exam, or a GRE specific to the subject of engineering. Some programs may require you to meet a certain scoring threshold while others may merely require that you complete the exam. These requirements will vary from one engineering master's program to the next.
How Long Does It Take To Earn an Online Master's Degree in Engineering?
An online master's degree in engineering will usually require you to earn between 30 and 50 credits, depending on the nature of your program.. For full-time students, this can typically be completed over the course of two to three years. Part-time students who are balancing their online education with job responsibilities and commitments to home and family may require longer. Your area of concentration or specialization may play a determinant role in the length of your commitment.
If you're interested in bundling your online bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering into a single program, learn more about Accelerated 4+1 Online Engineering Degree Programs.
What Are Some Important Engineering Societies?
Engineering societies are an essential part of the engineering discipline and professional sector. In addition to the numerous benefits that these professional associations provide to members, many of the leading engineering societies also play a direct role in granting accreditation to degree programs and awarding licenses to professional engineers. It's a good idea to become familiar with the engineering societies, professional associations, and student-run groups that represent the engineering field. This can be especially appealing if you're working toward an online engineering degree. The following are some noteworthy professional engineering societies:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET)
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
- Order of the Engineer
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
- Society of Women Engineers
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
For a closer look, check out our Guide to the top Professional Engineering Associations.
Career Information
Petroleum Engineer Career Information
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a petroleum engineer career requires a bachelor's degree for entry into the field.
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Mean | $75 per hour |
| Tenth Percentile | $38 per hour |
| Twenty-Fifth Percentile | $51 per hour |
| Fiftieth Percentile (Median) | $66 per hour |
| Seventy-Fifth Percentile | $93 per hour |
| Ninetieth Percentile | none provided per hour |
| Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Mean | $156,780 |
| Tenth Percentile | $79,270 |
| Twenty-Fifth Percentile | $107,020 |
| Fiftieth Percentile (Median) | $137,720 |
| Seventy-Fifth Percentile | $193,430 |
| Ninetieth Percentile | none provided |
| Measurement | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2019 Employment | 33,400 people |
| 2029 Employment | 34,400 people |
| Employment Percent Change from 2019 to 2029 | 3% |