Petroleum and natural gas engineering is a broad‐based discipline primarily concerned
with the development, exploration, and conservation of oil and gas resources. Petroleum
and natural gas engineers plan and supervise drilling and well‐completion programs,
design and select drilling and production equipment, optimize the production of oil
and natural gas, estimate reserves, and manage oil and gas properties.
The oil and gas industry is a progressive and highly technical business, which offers
opportunities to young engineers, both in the United States and abroad. A petroleum
and natural gas engineering graduate may obtain a responsible position with an oil
company, establish a consulting business, or become an independent oil producer.
Program Educational Objectives
Our graduates will use their highly competitive skills in a range of engineering career
paths to become leaders in the energy industry.
Our graduates will seek out continuing education opportunities, striving for technical
excellence.
Our graduates will leverage evolving technology through collaborative engagement in
both industry workshops and professional societies.
Student Outcomes
Engineering programs must demonstrate that their students attain the following outcomes:
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying
principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. an ability to apply engineering
design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public
health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and
economic factors
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations
and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions
in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership,
create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and
meet objectives
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret
data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning
strategies
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning
strategies
SPE Program Criteria
The program must demonstrate that graduates have the ability to apply:
SPE1. Mathematics through differential equations, probability and statistics, fluid mechanics,
strength of materials, and thermodynamics to petroleum engineering problems; and competency in the:
SPE2. Design and analysis of well systems and procedures for drilling and completing wells;
SPE3. Characterization and evaluation of subsurface geological formation and their resources
using geoscientific and engineering methods;
SPE4. Design and analysis of systems for producing, injecting, and handling fluids;
SPE5. Application of reservoir engineering principles and practices for optimizing resource
development and management; and
SPE6. Use of project economics and resource valuation methods for design and decision making
under conditions of risk and uncertainty.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department requires students to complete
two semesters of Senior Design for graduation. Students work in teams on projects
that have real-world application in the oil fields. These projects are often sponsored
by small oil producers in New Mexico.
Petroleum Engineering Minor
New Mexico Tech awards minors for your secondary field of study. While the number
of credits required for a minor vary from department to department, a minimum of 18
credit hours is required. Students cannot earn a minor with either the Associate of
General Studies or Bachelor of General Studies.
You must declare a minor and be assigned a minor advisor prior to completing the coursework
for the minor.
