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Master's of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies)

The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies) is a new unique degree offered only through the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. This degree program was created based upon industry’s request to train existing staff and new hires with skills related to the operation of smart fields. The new USC Center for Interactive Smart Oilfield Technologies (CiSoft), sponsored by Chevron, will provide facilities for research and training in these technologies, offering cutting-edge course content for this degree.

Available On-Campus and Online
In addition to our traditional on-campus classroom environment, this program is also available via online delivery through the Viterbi School’s Distance Education Network (DEN). This flexible option is ideal for engineering professionals who choose to pursue an advanced degree while employed. Visit our 'Getting Started' section to find out if DEN is right for you.


Application Criteria & Materials
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Application Criteria

An undergraduate degree in Petroleum Engineering (or other engineering, math, or hard science with assigned deficiencies) from a regionally accredited college or university.

Satisfactory cumulative undergraduate GPA (grade point average)

Satisfactory GRE and TOEFL test scores. All scores must be officially reported to the university directly by ETS.

Satisfactory performance in previous coursework related to the intended major.

Apply Online: www.usc.edu/admission/graduate/apply


Application Materials
All Applicants
 
International Applicants

USC Online Application: All applicants must complete and submit the USC Online Application.

Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, sealed by the institution.

Mail transcripts to:

USC Graduate Office of Admission
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

If via private carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.):

University of Southern California Office of Admission & Financial Aid
3601 South Flower Street
Tyler 1
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

GRE General Test: Satisfactory scores less than five years old. Official scores must be reported from ETS directly to USC using ETS school code 4852. A department code is not required.

Letters of Recommendation (three required): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. They should be written on official letterhead.

Resume (required)

Statement of Purpose (required): The statement of purpose 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.

 

TOEFL: The TOEFL is not required for admission to USC, however, we strongly encourage all international students to submit a TOEFL score. USC administers an English placement (ISE) exam during orientation for all international students to determine if additional courses in English are needed. Students can place out of the exam with a score of at least:

  • 100 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL (with a minimum score of 20 in each section)
  • 250 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL
  • 600 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL

Students whose native language is English and/or obtained their bachelor's degree from a U.S. college or university are also exempted from this requirement.

The TOEFL must have been taken within the last two years to be valid.



Completion Requirements
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A minimum of 34 units is required to earn the MS in Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies) degree.

  • Required core courses: 30 units
  • Elective courses: 4 units
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation.


Program Details and Course Offerings
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Click on these icons next to a course name for more information:
Available Online through the Distance Education Network. Visit our 'Getting Started' section to find out more information.

Please note that the courses listed below are those typically available. Students should always consult with the USC Schedule of Classes and USC Catalogue for the most updated and official information. If you have any questions about these courses, please contact our office directly.

Deficiency Course Descriptions
Notes
Students without a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering must complete the prerequisite courses listed below before beginning the M.S. program. Units from these courses cannot be applied towards the degree. Other prerequisite courses are to be decided on a case-by-case basis upon consultation with the Department Advisor.
PTE 411 | Introduction to Transport Processes in Porous Media   Available Online
PTE 412x | Petroleum Reservoir Engineering   Available Online
PTE 461 | Formation Evaluation   Available Online
PTE 466 | Petroleum Geology   Available Online


Required Courses (30 Units)
Notes
PTE 507 | Engineering and Economic Evaluation of Subsurface Reservoirs   Available Online
PTE 508 | Numerical Simulation of Subsurface Flow and Transport Processes   Available Online
PTE 517 | Testing of Wells and Aquifers   Available Online
PTE 531 | Enhanced Oil Recovery   Available Online
PTE 555 | Well Completion, Stimulation, and Damage Control   Available Online
PTE 582 | Fluid Flow and Transport Processes in Porous Media   Available Online
PTE 586 | Intelligent and Collaborative Oilfield Systems Characterization and Management   Available Online
PTE 587 | Smart Completions, Oilfield Sensors and Sensor Technology   Available Online
PTE 588 | Smart Oilfield Data Mining   Available Online
PTE 589 | Advanced Oilfield Operations with Remote Immersive Visualization and Control   Available Online


Electives (4 Units)
Notes
PTE 502 | Advanced Reservoir Characterization   Available Online
PTE 511 | Advanced Phase Behavior of Petroleum Reservoir Fluids   Available Online
PTE 514 | Drilling Engineering   Available Online
PTE 542 | Carbonate Rocks   Available Online
PTE 545 | Corrosion Control in Petroleum Production   Available Online
PTE 572 | Engineering Geostatistics   Available Online
PTE 578 | Advanced Production Engineering   Available Online
PTE 581 | Environmental Technology in the Petroleum Industry   Available Online


Master's Thesis
Notes
A student may be permitted to elect the program without thesis upon approval from the department. Master's Thesis option is not available online via DEN.
PTE 594abz | Master's Thesis    

 


Contact Information
All General Questions
Please contact our office for all general questions about this program, including courses through DEN.
Ph: 213-740-4488
Toll Free (in the U.S.): 877-740-1336
Fax: 213-821-0851
Contact Us Electronically


The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Clean energy studies; degree programs in chemical and petroleum engineering; dynamics of chemical reactions; polymers; molecular thermodynamics; ceramics; composites for high-temperature applications; compound semiconductor growth; optical studies of quantum well structures; green technology for corrosion control; development of new materials for information technology and biotechnology development.

http://chems.usc.edu/


USC Viterbi School of Engineering

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