Drilling Engineers


Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics > Drilling Engineers > Preparation
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Drilling Engineers

Drilling Engineers - Preparation

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.

Source: Illinois Career Information System (CIS) brought to you by Illinois Department of Employment Security.