Petroleum and natural gas engineering is concerned with design and application aspects of the discovery, production and transportation of oil and natural gas resources. Professionals in this field must have a thorough understanding of the geological principles relating to the occurrence, discovery and production of fluid hydrocarbons. The petroleum and natural gas engineer must know and be capable of applying both conventional engineering design principles as well as those pertaining specifically to the field of petroleum and natural gas engineering. These are developed in the petroleum engineering courses in the curriculum. In addition, a strong foundation in mathematics and the sciences broadens the future engineer's professional capabilities. Because many engineers will be employed as supervisors or executives, managerial and social skills are also emphasized.
Students are offered the opportunity to enter all phases of the petroleum and natural gas industry in meaningful and important jobs, continue their education toward advanced degrees or – in some cases – pursue a combination of professional employment and continued education.
Programs and Mentoring
Programs Offered
The bachelor of science degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering at WVU will help you achieve personal and professional success. Encompassing the various design and application aspects involved in the discovery, production and transportation of oil and natural gas resources, the program will guide you through a deep curriculum focused on developing engineering fundamentals and honing your creativity, providing you with exceptional opportunities for lifelong personal rewards and career advancement.
Upon making the decision to further your career as a petroleum and natural gas engineer, you will have one of the best opportunities to obtain the skills necessary for lifelong success.
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Petroleum and natural gas engineering is concerned with design and application aspects of the discovery, production, and transportation of oil and natural gas resources.
The bachelor of science degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org .
Fields of Study
Drilling Engineering
Applying engineering expertise to the procedures involved in drilling for oil and natural gas.
Evaluation of Oil and Gas Reserves
Calculating the recovery potentials of oil and gas reservoirs and predicting reservoir performance under a variety of production methods for maximum conservation.
Petroleum Properties
Utilizing knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of petroleum to extract, transport and process it for maximum benefit and minimum environmental impact.
Production Engineering
Applying engineering expertise to the many phases of oil and gas production, reservoir development, drilling and pumping systems to well stimulation and storage.
Rock Properties
Applying knowledge of the earth's rock structures and characteristics to the discovery and extraction of petroleum and natural gas.
Transport Phenomena
Understanding and applying the principles of fluid dynamics and heat transfer to the many aspects involved in moving oil or gas through pipes, including drilling hydraulics, flow calculations, flow measurements and fluid machinery.
Curriculum
Faculty Mentors
Students joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering (PNGE) program are advised on course scheduling, academic difficulties, transfer credit evaluation, and University resources by staff in the Statler College Advising Center. More information about the Advising Center can be found at: https://www.statler.wvu.edu/advising-center.
Career and professional advising is handled by faculty mentors within the PNGE Department. We are happy to meet with our students to discuss research opportunities, career options, or academics. The following faculty members are good contacts for information about the career questions, extracurricular opportunities, and specific curriculum questions.
Samuel Ameri
Honors
samuel.ameri@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 321A
304.293.3964
Kashy Aminian
Graduate Coordinator, Probation, Second Degree
kashy.aminian@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 325C
304.293.3964
H. Ilkin Bilgesu
ilkin.bilgesu@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 325A
304.293.3966
Ebrahim Fathi
ebrahim.fathi@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 333B
304.293.2449
Shahab Mohaghegh
shahab.mohaghegh@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 325B
304.293.7682
Mohamed El Sgher
melsgher@mail.wvu.edu
MRB 333D
304.293.3973
Admission Requirements
View admission requirements here