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Masters in Petroleum Engineering in USA

A Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA leads to roles in drilling operations, reservoir analysis, and oilfield management. In 2024, the average salary for petroleum engineers was $141,280 per year. Over 20,000 jobs exist in this field, with many located in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.

USA universities offer MS programs that focus on production systems, flow mechanics, and energy technology. Most programs last 18 to 24 months. 

Here’s how to plan your petroleum MS based on costs, job scope, and admission steps. The goal is to help you plan your master’s based on facts, cost, and outcomes.

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H2: Highlights: Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

Feature

Details

Program Duration

18–24 months (full-time)

STEM Classification

Yes (eligible for 3-year OPT)

Intake Cycles

Fall (Aug–Sept), Spring (Jan)

Language of Instruction

English

OPT Eligibility

Up to 36 months post-graduation

Average Salary (Post-MS)

$110,000–$145,000/year (₹91–₹1.2 Cr approx)

Why Study Petroleum Engineering in USA?

Understand the Cost Before You Apply

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

Subject

Focus Area

Fluid Mechanics

Multiphase flow, formation pressure, fluid transport

Drilling Systems

Well design, rig control, MWD/LWD systems

Reservoir Simulation

Pressure prediction, flow modeling, EOR strategies

Geomechanics

Rock stress, stability, frac design, well integrity

Energy Economics

CAPEX/OPEX models, break-even, oil price forecasts

Visa Process and Intake Guidance

Top Universities for Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in USA

USA hosts two of the top three petroleum engineering programs globallyUniversity of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. These universities offer direct links to USA energy companies, field simulation labs, and exclusive access to proprietary oilfield data.

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

University (State)

QS Petroleum Rank

Avg Tuition (INR/year)

UT Austin (Texas)

1

₹24–28 lakhs

Texas A&M University (Texas)

3

₹22–26 lakhs

Penn State University (Pennsylvania)

27

₹25–29 lakhs

Colorado School of Mines (Colorado)

28

₹23–27 lakhs

USC (California)

37

₹35–40 lakhs

Texas Tech University (Texas)

=49

₹20–24 lakhs

Case Western Reserve (Ohio)

51–100

₹31–35 lakhs

University of Houston (Texas)

51–100

₹18–22 lakhs

University of Kansas (Kansas)

51–100

₹17–21 lakhs

University of Oklahoma (Oklahoma)

51–100

₹19–23 lakhs

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.

Read: Public Universities in the USA

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

Details

Information

Focus Areas

PVT analysis, material balance, simulation, production forecasting

Average Salary

$118,000/year

Job Roles

Reservoir Engineer, Simulation Engineer, Subsurface Analyst

Top Recruiters

ExxonMobil, Chevron, Schlumberger, ConocoPhillips

Drilling Engineering

Details

Information

Focus Areas

Wellbore design, mud systems, hydraulics, blowout prevention

Average Salary

$110,000/year

Job Roles

Drilling Engineer, Well Planner, Directional Driller

Top Recruiters

Halliburton, BP, Nabors, Patterson-UTI

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Details

Information

Focus Areas

CO₂ flooding, SAGD, chemical injection, thermal recovery

Average Salary

$102,000/year

Job Roles

EOR Research Engineer, Upstream R&D Scientist, Production Engineer (EOR)

Top Recruiters

Occidental, Core Laboratories, Saudi Aramco (USA division)

Offshore Systems

Details

Information

Focus Areas

Platform design, subsea systems, structural reliability

Average Salary

$112,000/year

Job Roles

Offshore Structural Engineer, Subsea Engineer, Riser Analyst

Top Recruiters

Shell, TechnipFMC, Aker Solutions, TotalEnergies

Data Analytics in Energy

Details

Information

Focus Areas

Python, machine learning, drilling data modeling, predictive maintenance

Average Salary

$108,000/year

Job Roles

Petroleum Data Scientist, Energy Analyst, Optimization Engineer

Top Recruiters

Schlumberger Digital, NOV, Palantir (Energy), Baker Hughes

Sustainable Petroleum Technologies

Details

Information

Focus Areas

Carbon capture, methane detection, ESG metrics, sustainable drilling

Average Salary

$98,000/year

Job Roles

Carbon Engineer, ESG Petroleum Consultant, Environmental Engineer

Top Recruiters

Chevron New Energies, DOE labs, Carbon Clean, Worley

Exam and Eligibility Requirements

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

Intake

Deadline Range

Key Notes

Fall (Aug/Sept)

Dec 1 – Feb 15 (priority)

Mar 15 – Apr 30 (final)

Highest scholarship probability. On-campus research roles open.

Spring (Jan)

Aug 15 – Oct 30 (previous year)

Fewer course options. No summer internships right after.

Rolling/Alternate

Varies by university (e.g., University of North Dakota, Texas Tech)

Less competitive programs; useful for backup plans or late applicants

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—most I-20s are issued 3–6 weeks after admission.

Planning for Top-Tier Universities?

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

  • 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

University Tier

Minimum GPA (US Scale)

Indian Equivalent (% Approx.)

Top 20 (e.g., Texas A&M, UT Austin)

3.3 – 3.5

80%+

Mid-Tier (e.g., University of Houston)

3.0

70–75%

Low-Tier/Conditional

2.75

65–70%

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

Test

Minimum Score

IELTS

6.5–7.0 (no band below 6.0)

TOEFL iBT

80–100

TOEFL preferred by most public universities.

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.

Still Comparing Countries for Petroleum Engineering?

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

University

Application Portal

Texas A&M, UT Austin, Texas Tech

ApplyTexas

University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, Houston

Institutional portals

Colorado School of Mines

Slate

North Dakota, UAF

Online via their grad school websites

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

3. Documents Required

Document

Details

Academic Transcripts

Must be official, with GPA conversion (WES or university-specific tool)

SOP (Statement of Purpose)

Focus on petroleum projects, research goals, and long-term plans in oil & gas

LORs (Letters of Recommendation)

2–3 required; from professors, internship mentors, or project heads

Resume/CV

One-page technical resume; include software (e.g., Petrel, Eclipse), field exposure, and certifications

GRE and IELTS/TOEFL Scores

Upload screenshots + send official scores to institution code

Passport Copy

Required for I-20 and DS-160 linking post-admission

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

University Type

Estimated Tuition/Year (USD)

INR Equivalent (Approx.)

Top Public (e.g., UT Austin, Texas A&M)

$20,000 – $30,000

₹16 – ₹25 lakh

Mid-range Public (e.g., U of Houston, Texas Tech)

$15,000 – $22,000

₹12 – ₹18 lakh

Private/Lower Tier

$25,000 – $35,000

₹21 – ₹29 lakh

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)

Expense Type

USD/Year

INR/Year

Living (rent, food, transport)

$12,000 – $15,000

₹10 – ₹12.5 lakh

Health Insurance

$1,200 – $2,000

₹1 – ₹1.7 lakh

Visa (F-1 + SEVIS)

$510

₹42,000

Travel (2-way India–USA)

$1,000 – $1,200

₹85,000 – ₹1 lakh

Books + Software (e.g., Petrel, Eclipse, MATLAB)

$600 – $800

₹50,000 – ₹70,000

Total Estimated Cost for Full Program (2 Years)

University Tier

Total Cost (USD)

Total in INR

Top 20 Programs

$55,000 – $70,000

₹46 – ₹58 lakh

Mid-range Schools

$45,000 – $60,000

₹37 – ₹50 lakh

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

University

Funding Type

Details

Texas A&M

Graduate Merit Fellowship

$1,500/month (₹1.2 lakh/month approx.) + tuition waiver for top admits 

University of Houston

Cullen Graduate Fellowship

For petroleum grad students; renewable

Colorado School of Mines

MEP Department Funding

Offered via faculty-funded research projects

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

Company

Scholarship Name

Target

SPE Foundation

SPE Star Scholarship

Requires SPE membership + academic merit

Chevron & BP

STEM Graduate Awards

For students in energy innovation and sustainability

Schlumberger Foundation

Faculty for the Future

Women in STEM research; competitive and global

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

Job Role

Core Responsibility

Average Salary (USD)

Reservoir Engineer Model reservoirs, forecast production, optimize recovery $95,000 – $125,000 (₹79 – ₹104 lakh)
Production Engineer Design lift systems, monitor field performance $85,000 – $115,000 (₹71 – ₹96 lakh)
Drilling Engineer Plan wells, select equipment and muds, oversee drilling $90,000 – $120,000 (₹75 – ₹100 lakh)
Field Engineer Execute frac, production, and well operations on-site $80,000 – $110,000 (₹67 – ₹92 lakh)
EHS Analyst Monitor safety, emissions, and environmental compliance $75,000 – $105,000 (₹62 – ₹88 lakh)
Petroleum Data Analyst Analyze drilling/production data, build performance models $88,000 – $115,000 (₹73 – ₹96 lakh)

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

Top Hiring Companies for Petroleum Engineering Graduates in USA

Employer Type

Examples

Supermajors Chevron, Shell, BP, ExxonMobil
Service Companies Schlumberger, Halliburton, Baker Hughes, NOV
Energy Consultancies GaffneyCline, Wood Mackenzie, Rystad Energy
Tech + ESG Focus Palantir (Energy), Cognite, Carbon Clean, DNV

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

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6 results found

Petroleum Engineering (MS or MEng)

University of North Dakota, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 19.86L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of Science in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

The University of Kansas, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 39.41L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.0
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Petroleum Engineering MS

The University of Utah, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year 6 Months
  • FEES
    INR 32.22L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

M.S., Petroleum Engineering

University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Thesis)

Louisiana State University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 21.46L/yr
  • EXAMS
    IELTS-6.5
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUN 2025
View details

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