Overview

The Petroleum Geology programme at the University of Oklahoma offers a rigorous academic foundation for students aiming to excel in the global energy sector. This curriculum integrates advanced geosciences with practical applications to address the origin, distribution, and extraction of vital oil and natural gas resources.

Students explore the complex analysis of organic-rich source rocks and the geological structures that form subsurface traps and seals. The course provides hands-on experience with industry-standard data, including rock cores from wells, 3D seismic images, and well logs to develop sophisticated subsurface models.

The learning environment encourages the development of quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.

Why Petroleum Geology at the University of Oklahoma?

The university holds a prestigious global reputation, having founded the world’s first school dedicated to this field over a century ago. It remains a leader in exploration seismology and geosciences research, providing students with access to exceptional faculty and facilities.

Located in the heart of a major petroleum province, the institution benefits from strong industry partnerships and a high level of alumni support. Between 15 and 30 leading energy companies recruit on campus annually, offering students unparalleled networking opportunities and professional connections.

The curriculum emphasises active learning through extensive laboratory work and field-based experiences. Students can also participate in specialised study abroad programmes in locations such as Colombia, Bolivia, Romania, Spain, and Brazil to gain a global perspective on energy engineering.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34414 per year
National fee: USD 23490 per year
Local fee: USD 5370 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Mineral Sciences
Sedimentary Petrology and Sedimentology
Structural Geology
Depositional Systems and Stratigraphy
Field Geology - Capstone
Petroleum Geology
Subsurface Methods
Seismic Exploration

Careers with Petroleum Geology

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within the petroleum industry, government agencies, and academic institutions. Many find success as exploration geologists, reservoir geologists, or seismic interpreters, while others focus on petrophysics and geochemistry.

Entry-level opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree include roles as geoscience technicians, mudloggers, or geosteering geologists. These positions involve analysing drilling data and rock cuttings to guide horizontal well operations and ensure efficient resource extraction.

Advanced degree holders often pursue careers as research scientists or university professors. The skills acquired are also highly transferable to emerging sectors such as carbon sequestration and hydrology, ensuring long-term career flexibility in a changing global energy landscape.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Sedimentary Petrology and Sedimentology

Structural Geology

Depositional Systems and Stratigraphy

Field Geology - Capstone

Petroleum Geology

Subsurface Methods

Seismic Exploration

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

122 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Norman, United States

Disciplines

Chemistry Geography Geology View 453 other Bachelors in Geography in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Submit either the OU Application, Common Application, or Coalition Application. This includes a $40, non-refundable application fee for domestic applicants.

Official high school transcript that reflects at least six semesters of work completed and includes your GPA computed on an unweighted 4.0 scale and your class rank

Official test scores to us through ACT and/or The College Board. Your test scores may also be included on your official high school transcript

Letter of recommendation

Official copies of any AP or CLEP test scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34414 USD / year

≈ 34414 USD / year
Out-of-State

23490 USD / year

≈ 23490 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

5370 USD / year

≈ 5370 USD / year

Living costs

Norman

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Petroleum Geology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Norman

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners