If you want a career in oil and gas, you must check out the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry.
Besides, despite the decline in oil prices, the energy sector will remain a vital part of the economy for many years to come.
This is why employers continue to look for skilled workers in the field.
Moreover, the immense scope of this industry allows for various opportunities for individuals with the right skills and knowledge.
The article covers the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry.
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Best Degrees for the Oil and Gas Industry
The following are the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry:
1. Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers are responsible for finding the most efficient ways to extract natural gas or oil from a reservoir.
They play a vital role in the exploration and drilling of new wells.
2. Reservoir engineering
They need to have the necessary knowledge and skills to design and develop reservoirs that can hold both oil and gas.
Aside from having the necessary scientific knowledge, reservoir engineers also need to be knowledgeable about the regulations related to the environment.
This makes them highly sort after, and it’s also one of the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry.
3. Surface facilities engineering
Facilities engineers are more managerial than their other specializations.
Moreover, they have a variety of responsibilities, such as cost tracking and construction management.
4. Petrophysical engineering
The physical properties of gas and oil are studied by petroleum engineers.
As a part of this field, they will often take samples from the ground and rock.
5. Production engineering
Once the design of the drilling rig is complete, the production engineer is responsible for setting up the various facilities that will be used to drill the well.
6. Drilling engineering
Drilling engineering is one of the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry.
As a drilling engineer, you’ll be part of a team that’s responsible for developing the well’s plan.
You’ll also be able to design the equipment used to drill the well.
7. Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineers are a vital part of the oil and gas industry. It is one of the 20 best degrees to study.
These engineers design the various components used by technicians and engineers in the field.
Some of these include turbine engines and shutoff valves.
8. Design engineer
Design engineering is one of the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry.
In addition to designing the components, design engineers modify the existing equipment to make it more functional and efficient.
9. Quality control engineer
As a quality control inspector, you’ll ensure that the pumping equipment works properly.
In addition to working closely with the other team members, you’ll also need to follow proper procedures and regulations.
10. Operation and maintenance engineer
This degree mainly focuses on the petrochemical and refinery industries.
However, as an operations engineer, you’ll be able to help maintain the various equipment in the facility. These include turbines, specialty vehicles, and piping.
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11. Equipment engineer
You’ll be responsible for maintaining the various pumping equipment used to extract gas and oil from the ground.
In addition to working with the other team members, you’ll also report any malfunctions.
12. Electrical Engineering
As an electrical engineer, you’ll typically start as a technician on the oil rig.
But, after a couple of years of experience, you’ll be able to take on a more prominent position within the organization.
13. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers are highly skilled and responsible for ensuring that the products that are used in the production of oil and gas are safe and pure.
Moreover, there are a variety of career opportunities available in major gas and oil companies.
14. Environmental Health Engineering
These professionals are known as environmental engineers. They ensure that the activities of oil and gas companies do not harm the environment.
15. Law
Due to the nature of the industry, the legal requirements surrounding the production and transportation of oil and gas are some of the most stringent in the U.S.
Large energy firms hire lawyers to help them navigate through the various regulations.
16. Oceanography
Oceanographers are hired by oil companies to help them find the best possible locations to drill for oil and gas.
Moreover, these professionals are vital in helping engineers determine the optimal locations for their projects.
17. Geology
As a geologist, you’ll regularly collect soil samples to find out what’s underneath the ground.
In addition, you’ll be working with drilling engineers to make sure that the ground is stable for the use of heavy equipment.
18. Petroleum geologists
You can earn a petroleum geology degree by going through this course, which is more specific to the industry.
This course can be found at several prominent universities across the country.
19. Technical Writing
This is a great career for individuals who love teaching others how to do certain things.
You’ll be able to use your creative side to draft proposals for projects, and you’ll also be able to provide technical support.
20. Surveying
Before an oil or gas company can start drilling, it has to make a map of the area.
This process is carried out by surveyors, who are experts in analyzing the ground.
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Conclusion
A career in the oil and gas industry is lucrative for many reasons. The world needs petroleum and its products in everyday life.
This makes it an indispensable product at present. It is also a multi-billion dollar industry.
So a degree in oil and gas wouldn’t hurt. We listed the 20 best degrees for the oil and gas industry to help you start your career.
