To work as a petroleum engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

You must have at least a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering. Many petroleum engineers have a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree. Some petroleum engineers receive their training in closely related programs, such as geophysics or geologic engineering.

Only a few four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in petroleum engineering. A smaller number of schools offer advanced degrees.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. You may work with an experienced engineer for up to a year.

You should consider participating in an engineering internship while you are in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.