The Energy Resources Engineering curriculum provides a sound background in basic sciences and their application to practical problems to address the complex and changing nature of the field. Course work includes the fundamentals of chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, geophysics, mathematics, and physics. Applied courses cover aspects of energy resources engineering in fields like oil and gas frecovery, geothermal engineering, carbon sequestration, clean coal and renewable energy. The curriculum emphasizes the fundamental aspects of fluid flow in the subsurface of the Earth. These principles apply to optimizing oil recovery from petroleum reservoirs and remediating contaminated groundwater systems. The program also has a strong interest in renewable energy, global climate change, and CO2 sequestration.

Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in research projects. Graduate programs lead to the degrees of Master of Science (M.S.), Engineer, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in either Petroleum Engineering or Energy Resources Engineering.

Degree Structure

The Department of Energy Resources Engineering awards the following degrees:

Bachelor of Science in Energy Resources Engineering
Master of Science, Engineer, and Doctor of Philosophy in Energy Resources Engineering
Master of Science, Engineer, and Doctor of Philosophy in Petroleum Engineering

The Department does not award undergraduate degrees in Petroleum Engineering, only in Energy Resources Engineering.

Students who are at the early stages of their M.S., Engineer or Ph.D. degree programs may, if they wish, be able to interchange between a degree in Energy Resources Engineering and one in Petroleum Engineering. Please consult the ERE curricula to determine the specific requirements for your particular case. For the graduate program, changing your degree track can be discussed with Jef Caers (Graduate Director), Ms. Joanna Sun (Student Services Manager), or your advisor.

Undergraduate Program

The four-year program leading to the B.S. degree provides a foundation for careers in many facets of the energy industry. The curriculum includes basic science and engineering courses that provide sufficient depth for a wide spectrum of careers in the energy and environmental industries.

One of the goals of the program is to provide experience integrating the skills developed in individual courses to address a significant design problem. In ENERGY 199, taken in the senior year, student teams design facilities for an energy recovery system to meet specific technical and management objectives.

Learn more about the undergraduate degree program

Graduate Programs

The Energy Resources Engineering department offers two distinct degree programs at both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels. One program leads to the degrees of M.S. or Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering, and the other leads to the degrees of M.S. or Ph.D. in Energy Resources Engineering. The Engineer degree, which may be earned in either Petroleum Engineering or Energy Resources Engineering, is an extended form of the M.S. degree with additional coursework and research.

Learn more about the graduate degree programs