The petroleum and natural gas program at WVU is known worldwide with 63% of its undergraduate students from around the globe. Explore this specialized, high demand field where career opportunities are abundant worldwide. Join us to get started in this exciting field.
Learn more about our undergraduate programsPetroleum and natural gas engineers focus on the design and application of new and improved systems of natural resource discovery, production, processing and transportation and carbon separation and reuse. PNGE students learn about drilling engineering, production engineering, reservoir engineering, simulation design and carbon sequestration methods while studying at West Virginia University.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department at WVU is one of only four programs like it in the nation recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. West Virginia is located in the largest formations of shale oil and gas activity in the Marcellus and Utica regions, which provides optimum educational and practical opportunities only available to WVU students. Thanks to our proximity to oil and gas activity, students are able to secure permanent positions with some of the highest starting salaries of all graduates. Equipped with real-world simulation laboratories, our research helps to maintain the United States position as the largest oil and gas producer in the world. Students are exposed to best industry practices through expert instruction, site visits, undergraduate research, mentorships, industry networking, internships, and participation in professional associations.
The mission of the PNGE department aims to conduct high-quality, diverse and inclusive educational programs to prepare our students for successful professional careers in petroleum and natural gas engineering. The department focuses on discovering and developing new extraction techniques and processes that are effective, efficient and safe for our students; provide technical assistance and support to West Virginia’s oil and gas industry, government and citizens; and share knowledge in ways that are relevant and beneficial to the state, nation and world.
A petroleum and natural gas engineering degree provides graduates with job offers from around the world. WVU is centrally located near major oil and gas fields, which provides our students with opportunities to interact with many professionals working in the industry. Through organized site visits, seminars, summer internships and networking opportunities, our students meet industry personnel from many of these organizations, developing meaningful professional connections.
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Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering programs in the US recognized by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
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Our department has two graduate programs available to choose from: A Master's degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering or a PHD in petroleum and natural gas engineering
WVU Society of Petroleum Engineers student chapter was awarded the 2019 Student Chapter of Excellence Award by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Our Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department has an advanced, full-size drilling rig floor simulator which provides hands-on teaching, training and research capabilities in drilling engineering, blowout prevention, well control, safety and equipment operation.
1916
The first petroleum engineering course was offered at WVU in 1916.
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