Masters in Petroleum Engineering USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A Masters in Petroleum Engineering in the USA offers in-depth study of drilling, reservoir management, and energy systems. Universities like Texas A&M, Stanford, and Colorado School of Mines charge USD 28,000–60,000 (₹24–50 lakh) per year. Graduates find high-paying roles in oil, gas, and renewable sectors. This guide covers costs, eligibility, and jobs.

The USA remains a top choice for students pursuing a Masters in Petroleum Engineering in USA due to high-quality STEM programs, strong industry links, and lucrative career opportunities. In 2025, over 25 universities offer specialized MS programs in petroleum engineering, covering areas like drilling, reservoir management, and energy analytics. 

The average tuition fees for top public universities range between $20,000 – $30,000 per year (₹18–26 lakh), while private universities may charge $25,000 – $35,000 per year (₹22–31 lakh). Graduates can expect starting salaries between $95,000 – $125,000 per year (₹84–110 lakh), depending on specialization and location. 

Top universities in the USA for petroleum engineering include: 

• University of Texas at Austin
• Texas A&M University 
• Colorado School of Mines 
• Penn State University 

These programs often provide access to industry internships, simulation labs, and partnerships with companies like Chevron, ExxonMobil, and Schlumberger, ensuring students gain both academic knowledge and practical exposure. 

Key Highlights: Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA 

Curriculum for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

A Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA is a 1.5 to 2-year STEM degree designed for students pursuing technical careers in upstream oil, gas production, and energy systems. The course structure is highly specialized—covering reservoir simulation, wellbore mechanics, drilling hydraulics, and energy project economics.

Students choose between:

• Thesis track: Ideal for R&D, PhD, or energy policy careers
• Non-thesis track: Geared toward field engineers, operations roles, and consulting

Most programs include simulation labs (e.g., Petrel, CMG, Eclipse) and may require internships with USA-based oilfield service companies or state energy departments. Some programs now include modules in carbon capture, IoT monitoring, and digital oilfield solutions.

Core Subjects in Petroleum MS – USA Curriculum Overview

Top Universities for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

The USA is home to two of the top three petroleum engineering programs in the world: University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. 

Most programs are in-person, full-time, with options to specialize in drilling, reservoir management, or unconventional resources. MS degrees typically take 18–24 months and include project-based learning and optional CPT internships.

Best Petroleum Engineering Universities in USA – Rankings & Fees

For Indian students, universities in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado offer the best placement pipeline into USA oilfields, service firms, and energy EPCs. Many also waive GRE or offer assistantships for research-intensive tracks.

Specializations in Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

Universities offering a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA typically require a BTech or BE in Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering. The degree allows students to focus on niche technical areas aligned with oilfield problems. 

Below are key specializations offered across top MS petroleum engineering programs USA:

Reservoir Engineering

Drilling Engineering

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Offshore Systems

Data Analytics in Energy

Sustainable Petroleum Technologies

Intakes for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

A typical MS in Petroleum Engineering USA starts in Fall (Aug–Sep) or Spring (Jan). Fall is the main intake for most universities and offers better access to funding, on-campus jobs, and internships. Spring intakes are limited and often don’t sync with internship cycles.

Who is eligible to apply for Master's in Petroleum Engineering in USA?

• 4-year undergraduate degree in Engineering (preferably Petroleum/Mechanical)
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (or 65–70% for Indian applicants)
• TOEFL iBT: 80+ or IELTS: 6.5+
• GRE: 310–320 range (unless waived)
• LORs and a technical SOP focused on petroleum-related experience

Intake Timelines – Master’s in Petroleum Engineering USA

Application Tips: Master's in Petroleum Engineering in USA

• Apply early—priority deadlines get you considered for TA/RA and department scholarships.
• Check if your target university waives GRE for Fall 2025. Many public universities (e.g., University of Oklahoma) have test-optional policies post-COVID.
• Ensure transcripts are converted via WES or ECE if required.
• Confirm visa timelines

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

To get into a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA, applicants must meet strict academic and language requirements. Most top universities assess your undergraduate technical background, academic performance, and ability to handle intensive lab and simulation-based coursework.

Academic Qualification for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

• A 4-year bachelor’s degree in Petroleum, Chemical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering is mandatory.
• Some programs may also consider degrees in Geoscience or Applied Physics if petroleum coursework or internships are present.
• Foundation in subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, geology, and reservoir mechanics is expected.

Minimum GPA Requirement for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

Note: Some public universities accept GPAs below 3.0 with strong project/internship portfolios.

GRE Requirement for Petroleum Engineering USA

• GRE is still required for many top programs, especially for international students.
• Competitive scores: 310–320 total, with 160+ in Quantitative.
• Some universities waive GRE if your GPA is high or you’ve studied in USA/Canada.

English Language Proficiency for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

Work/Internship Preference for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

• Not mandatory, but industrial training, plant visits, or internships in upstream/downstream operations strengthen your profile.
• Research work in reservoir modeling, drilling simulations, or EOR tech adds value during faculty evaluations.

Admission Process for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

The admission process for MS petroleum USA involves both academic document submission and a competitive profile evaluation. Each university has its own portal or uses third-party platforms like ApplyTexas or Slate.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you plan and meet deadlines efficiently.

1. Application Timeline

• Start 10–12 months in advance.
• Priority deadlines (for scholarships/RAships): Dec–Feb (for Fall), Aug–Oct (for Spring).
• Final deadlines extend up to April (Fall) and Nov (Spring), depending on the university.

2. Where to Apply

Always check department-specific requirements on the petroleum engineering page.

3. Documents Required

4. Optional: Admission Interviews

• Rare in petroleum programs but may apply for RA/TA roles or department-funded scholarships.
• Usually conducted via Zoom/Skype and involve questions on past projects, software use, and technical fundamentals.

Cost of Studying Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

The cost of petroleum engineering in USA for Indian students ranges from ₹37 lakh to ₹58 lakh for the full program. Costs include tuition, accommodation, insurance, academic tools, visa, and travel. 

Tuition Fees for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA: By University Type

Note: Per credit hour fees range from $800–$1,400 depending on course load.

Living Cost Breakdown for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA (Annual)

Total Estimated Cost for Full Program (2 Years)

Costs vary based on location—Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota offer lower living expenses compared to states like California or New York. Students can reduce costs through RA/TA roles, part-time jobs (20 hours/week allowed on F-1), or departmental aid.

Scholarships for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

Funding options for a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA are accessible through university departments, STEM-based grants, and industry sponsorships. Indian students often rely on RA/TA roles or early deadlines to qualify for scholarships for petroleum engineering in USA. 

1. University-Based Scholarships

These are merit-based and tied to early application deadlines (usually by December for Fall intake).

2. RA/TA Positions (Teaching or Research Assistantships)

• Offered by petroleum departments, labs, or faculty advisors based on research fit.
• Includes monthly stipend ($1,200–$2,000) and partial or full tuition waiver.
• RA roles are more common than TA in this domain due to heavy project-based work.

Pro Tip: Shortlist professors with published work in your area (EOR, drilling, data analytics) and mention interest clearly in your SOP.

3. Industry-Funded Scholarships

These are either routed through the university or applied directly via organization websites.

4. Indian Government Scholarships

• JN Tata Endowment – Offers one-time loan scholarships up to ₹10 lakh.
• Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation – Covers partial tuition and living.
• Ministry of Education (GoI) – Check National Overseas Scholarship scheme for marginalized categories.

Jobs and Salary After Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

Graduates from a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA earn an average salary of $108,000 per year (₹90 lakh approx.), with roles available across drilling, reservoir engineering, production, and environmental compliance. 

Most employers prefer MS graduates for simulation, data analysis, or on-site execution roles. 

Job opportunities are concentrated in oil-producing states like Texas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota, with hiring driven by supermajors, service firms, and emerging energy tech.

Job Roles and Salary for Petroleum Engineering Graduates in USA

Most MS graduates apply for H-1B sponsorship via lottery-based selection in STEM roles.

Top Hiring Companies for Petroleum Engineering Graduates in USA

Students from top MS petroleum engineering programs USA often secure internships and full-time roles via direct university pipelines and regional career fairs.