Petroleum Engineering involves the technology of economically developing and producing subterranean reservoirs of oil, gas, steam, and hot water and designing underground waste disposal facilities. This technology relies on basic concepts of physics, chemistry, mathematics, geology, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and economics. Because more than 300 products are derived from petroleum, it has become a vital part of our everyday life. The petroleum industry is one of the largest and most prominent in the United States today, and the companies involved are dependent on the services of petroleum engineers to explore, discover, and produce oil and gas to meet energy needs.
The USC Viterbi School of Engineering's Petroleum Engineering program is one of the oldest in the country with considerable industry support and interaction. Its assets are numerous - the advantages of a relatively small, friendly program, combined with the University's impressive academic and research facilities; its proximity to major oil fields in California; and a quality education provided by experienced and nationally renowned faculty.
International students: This program is eligible for the OPT STEM extension.
Please Note: Requirements for graduation, course offerings, course availability, track offerings, and any other degree requirements are subject to change. Students should consult with an academic advisor prior to registering for any classes.
- A minimum of 28 units is required to earn the MS in Petroleum Engineering degree
- Some deficiency courses may be required
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
APPLICATION DEADLINES
| SEMESTER | DEADLINE |
| Spring 2024 | September 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2024 | December 15, 2023* |
* DEN@Viterbi (Online Delivery) Deadline Extension: An application extension for Fall 2024 is available for online DEN@Viterbi applicants who intend to pursue their entire degree program online and do not require a visa sponsorship. Please email den@viterbi.usc.edu to request an application extension.
On-campus students who apply by published deadlines will be considered for scholarships if admitted.
Online DEN@Viterbi applicants can view the Master's Scholarships (DEN@Viterbi) page for scholarship opportunities.
|
Visit our
Ready to Apply page for more information.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related disciplines including but not limited to: Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
The following materials are required to be included with your online application:
- Transcripts: Upload Electronic Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs.
- Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents)
- Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
- If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
- For upload purposes, all transcript related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document
- If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard copy transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Personal Statement : The personal statement should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
- GRE: General GRE test scores are not required for 2024
- Letters of Recommendation (3 Required): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study.
ADDITIONAL MATERIALS FOR INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
English Language Proficiency: In addition to application requirements above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission to the Viterbi School. For possible exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score. Please review USC Graduate Admission – Proficiency in English.
IMPORTANT: USC does not accept Duolingo and TOEFL Essentials test scores.
APPLY NOW - USC GRADUATE APPLICATION
The following is an overview of the tuition & fees for graduate engineering students. Both on-campus and DEN@Viterbi students pay the same tuition.
TUITION
.
| Academic Year | Per Unit Rate | 3-unit Course | 4-unit Course |
| Fall 2023 - Summer 2024* | $2,424 | $7,272 | $9,696 |
| Fall 2022 - Summer 2023* | $2,309 | $6,927 | $9,236 |
| * Tuition is the same for on-campus and online students |
MANDATORY STUDENT FEES - 2023/24
.
| Fee Description | Fee Amount | On-Campus | DEN@Viterbi |
| Student Health Center Fee | $600/semester | | |
| Norman Topping Student Aid Fee | $11/semester | | |
| ENGR Student Programming Fee (On-Campus students) | $40/semester | | |
| ENGR Student Programming Fee (DEN@Viterbi students) | $20/semester | | |
| Exam Proctoring | $40 - $100 per course | | |
| Transportation Fee | $93/semester | | |
| Health Insurance (U.S.-based health insurance is required, but it does not have to be through USC) | Fall 2023: $948
Spring 2024: $1,765 | | |
ESTIMATED COST OF ATTENDANCE - 28 UNIT PROGRAM
.
This downloadable Cost of Attendance document breaks down the tuition and fees by semester. Although the actual number of courses taken each semester may vary by student as can the amount of time taken to complete the program, it can be submitted to banks and scholarship institutions.
PAYMENT
.
USC students may pay their tuition and fees online, via wire transfer or using a payment plan. Details can be found on the USC Student Financial Services Payment Options page. You can check your account balance through the On-line Academic Student Information System (OASIS). Log into OASIS through MyUSC.
.
USC also provides a Tuition Refund Insurance option that enables students to receive a 100% refund of term tuition and fees if they are are forced to withdraw for medical reasons.
HENRY SU
What attracted you to choose USC for your graduate studies?
When I made the move to Houston, my intent was to get closer to the exploration & production side of the business in Chevron, and at the time, I was also exploring options for furthering my education. After consulting with many, including mentors and management, I decided to pursue a Petroleum Engineering MS program in order to develop a blended "digital engineering" skill set. I chose USC due to the research partnership they had with Chevron, and also the number of current students and alumni I knew who went through the same MS program through DEN@Viterbi.
Overall, how was your USC journey?
Because I did my MS studies part-time while working full-time, I took only 1 class per semester, and so my journey at USC took much longer than for a full-time student (over 4 years, in fact). The journey was long, challenging, but very fulfilling. And I can surely say that I've learned a lot along the way.
What are your future plans after completing your degree?
My future plans are to continue working at Chevron, hopefully in a digital engineering role which makes use of both my undergrad in Computer Science and the Petroleum Engineering knowledge that I've gained from my MS studies.
.
TOMAS GUERRA ALDAZABAL
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I did my bachelor's degree in geological sciences in my home city at the University of Buenos Aires. I also have two years of experience in the oil and gas industry. I worked as a field engineer in Schlumberger in Neuquén, in Argentinean Patagonia.
What attracted you to choose USC for your graduate studies?
USC has a unique program for petroleum engineering that accounts for the digital transformation that the industry and the world is going through. This includes the use of smart tools and soft computing techniques applied to different aspects of the industry. I found this program very interesting and challenging considering the trends of the industry and my background. Another decisive factor was the location. Los Angeles is a beautiful city and I really enjoy living here as the weather is amazing and many outdoor activities can be done.
Overall, how was your USC journey?
It was a great experience, not only academically but also as a social experience. I feel that the biggest takeaway of this journey is the people I met and had the chance to share a piece of this part of my life. I had the opportunity to make friends from different countries and cultural backgrounds which helped me grow as a person.
.
OMAR DE GANTE
Tell us a little bit about yourself — where are you from, where did you study or work previously, what are you interested in and why?
I grew up in Puebla, Mexico, a city near Mexico City, I did my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Universidad de las Americas. After finishing my studies, I was hired by one of the biggest Oil and Gas service companies in the world, and I’ve had the opportunity to work in so many different cities — Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Canada, India, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Tell us about your interests outside the classroom.
I was the vice president of external affairs for the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) USC chapter. I used to plan events like technical talks from experienced professionals on campus and field trips to within the industry for fellow students. It was a very challenging but rewarding experience that gave me the opportunity to meet experienced professionals from the local oil and gas industry.
Is there something that may surprise people about you?
My brother and I became part of the Trojan family because we did the same master’s program, at the same time. We took the same classes and we were roommates for two years. Fun fact — professors thought we were twins! (We are not, I am the older brother). We also used to play water polo at a competitive level, and we had the opportunity to play again after many years in the water polo club at USC.
Alumni Employment
- Angel Inventum
- ARAMCO - Petroleum Engineer
- Chevron Corporation - Petroleum Engineer
- China National Petroleum Corporation - Reservoir Engineer
- CNOOC - Drilling Engineer
- Delfinsia, Inc.
- E&B Natural Resources - Production Operations Engineer
- eDataViz LLC
- Exxon Mobil - Reservoir Engineer
- Halliburton - M/LWD Field Engineer
- Reservoir Geo-Services, LLC
- Schlumberger - Measurements Performance Live Engineer
- SETLD
- University of Southern California - Resource Employee
- University of Southern California - Research Assistant
Internships
Chevron Energy Technology Company
This program is also available online to professional engineers through DEN@Viterbi. Because the DEN@Viterbi program provides a fully equivalent academic experience, the degree a USC engineering student earns is the same whether they are on-campus or online.
If you are interested in beginning classes as a DEN@Viterbi student next semester, explore the requirements and steps to enrolling as a Limited Status Student.
Learn More About DEN@Viterbi
Detailed Program Curriculum and RequirementsSchedule of Classes
DEN@VITERBI ONLINE COURSE OFFERINGS
The following courses and program requirements serve as program planning for DEN@Viterbi students. Course offerings and availability are subject to change. Please consult with advisor if you have any questions.
Required Courses
|
| All Courses Required - 19 units total. |
| PTE 507 | Engineering and Economic Evaluation of Subsurface Reservoirs (3 units) |
| PTE 508 | Numerical Simulation of Subsurface Flow and Transport Processes (3 units) |
| PTE 517 | Testing of Wells and Aquifers (3 units) |
| PTE 531 | Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery (4 units) |
| PTE 555 | Well Completion, Stimulation, and Damage Control (3 units) |
| PTE 582 | Fluid Flow and Transport Processes in Porous Media (3 units) |
| Elective Courses |
| Complete 3 courses (9-10 Units) total from the list below. |
| PTE 502 | Advanced Reservoir Characterization (3 units) |
| PTE 511 | Advanced Phase Behavior of Petroleum Reservoir Fluids (3 units) |
| PTE 514 | Drilling Engineering (3 units) |
| PTE 542 | Carbonate Rocks (3 units) |
| PTE 545 | Corrosion Control in Petroleum Production (3 units) |
| PTE 572 | Applied Geostatistical Modeling for Subsurface Characterization (4 units) |
| PTE 578 | Advanced Production Engineering (3 units) |
| PTE 581 | Environmental Technology in the Petroleum Industry (3 units) |
| PTE 586 | Intelligent and Collaborative Oilfield Systems Characterization and Management (3 units) |
| PTE 587 | Smart Completions, Oilfield Sensors and Sensor Technology (3 units) |
| PTE 588 | Smart Oilfield Data Mining (3 units) |
| PTE 589 | Advanced Oilfield Operations with Remote Immersive Visualization and Control (3 units) |
Deficiency Courses
|
| Students without a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering must complete deficiency courses at USC. Units from these deficiency courses cannot be applied towards the M.S. in Petroleum Engineering. If you have questions about deficiency courses please consult with your department advisor. |
Please complete the following form for more information.
