University of Tulsa

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework with original research leading to a written dissertation and oral defence. Typical progression includes advanced core and elective classes, a qualifying examination, proposal and candidacy milestones, and a sustained period of supervised research under a faculty advisor.

Core topics and typical modules

• Advanced Reservoir Engineering: multi-phase flow, material balance, and reservoir performance analysis
• Numerical Reservoir Simulation: finite-difference/finite-volume methods, commercial simulator workflows and history matching
• Enhanced Oil Recovery and EOR Processes: chemical, thermal and miscible methods; screening and design
• Well Testing and Production Engineering: well test interpretation, production optimisation and artificial lift methods
• Drilling and Well Construction: drilling mechanics, wellbore hydraulics and completion design
• Petrophysics and Reservoir Characterisation: core analysis, well logs, rock physics and heterogeneity quantification
• Porous Media Flow and Geomechanics: coupled flow–mechanics problems, subsidence and wellbore stability
• Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Subsurface Engineering: data-driven modelling, uncertainty quantification and optimisation
• Research Methods and Technical Communication: experimental design, modelling validation and scientific writing

Structure

Students normally complete a set of graduate-level coursework to establish breadth and depth in the discipline, pass a qualifying examination to enter candidacy, present and defend a research proposal, and then undertake original research culminating in a dissertation. The programme emphasises close mentorship with faculty, opportunities for teaching and research assistantships, and collaboration with industry partners on applied research projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a relevant master's degree (typically an MSc or equivalent) in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, geological engineering, or a closely related discipline. Exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and demonstrated research experience may be considered.

• A strong academic record in engineering or the physical sciences
• Evidence of research ability such as a master’s thesis, publications or technical reports
• Statement of research interests outlining proposed area(s) of study and potential faculty supervisors
• Two or three academic or professional references that can speak to research potential
• For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency where required (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS)
• Some applicants may be asked for GRE scores, depending on faculty and admissions guidance

Admission is typically competitive and may also depend on the availability of faculty willing to supervise the proposed research and on funding opportunities such as research assistantships or fellowships.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Petroleum Engineering pursue a variety of careers in both industry and academia. Typical pathways include:

• Reservoir engineer or senior technical specialist in oil and gas operators and national oil companies
• R&D and technology development roles in service companies and equipment manufacturers
• Consultancy and engineering advisory services focused on reservoir management, EOR, and production optimisation
• Research scientist or principal investigator in national laboratories and government research institutions
• Academic careers as university faculty and educators in petroleum and energy engineering
• Positions in adjacent subsurface sectors such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS), geothermal energy and subsurface energy storage, where expertise in reservoir behaviour and flow in porous media is directly applicable

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers a research-intensive environment with strong links to the regional energy industry, providing students with access to applied projects, internships and professional networks in an energy-focused city. Small cohort sizes and close faculty supervision allow personalised mentorship and rapid development of research skills.

Students benefit from laboratory facilities, computational resources and opportunities to collaborate with industry partners on field-relevant challenges. The programme emphasises both fundamental science and practical problem solving, preparing graduates to contribute to traditional oil and gas developments as well as emerging subsurface energy technologies.