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 recovery, 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.

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.

Master of Science

A total of 45 units is required for the M.S. program. There is a research and a non-research option. All students supported by the department, and students who plan to do a Ph.D. must complete the research option. Most students complete the M.S. degree in six quarters or fewer. Learn more about our MS Program.

Doctor of Philosophy

Students without an M.S. (or equivalent) are required to complete an M.S. at Stanford before entering the Ph.D. program. The degree requires 90 units of course work and research beyond a master's degree and usually takes three to four years. The Ph.D. is awarded primarily on the basis of completion of significant, original research. Learn more about our Ph.D. Program.

The University’s basic requirements for M.S., and Ph.D. degrees are discussed in the "Graduate Degrees" section of the Stanford Bulletin.