Petroleum Engineering - Smart Oilfield Technologies

Program Description [back to top]

The Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies) is a new unique degree offered only through the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. This degree program was created based upon industry’s request to train existing staff and new hires with skills related to the operation of smart fields. The new USC Center for Interactive Smart Oilfield Technologies (CiSoft), sponsored by Chevron, will provide facilities for research and training in these technologies, offering cutting-edge course content for this degree.

In addition, the general Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering can also be earned via DEN.

CLICK HERE to watch a video clip about this unique specialization!
(Internet Explorer recommended)

Application Criteria [back to top]

• Bachelor of Science in petroleum engineering (or other engineering, math or science with assigned deficiencies) from a regionally-accredited university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  
  
• Satisfactory scores on the general GRE are required (minimum combined score of 1000 quantitative and verbal). 
  
  
• Statement of Purpose
  
  
• Two Letters of Recommendation
  
  
• International students whose native language is not English must earn a satisfactory score on the TOEFL (600 on the paper-based test; 250 on the computer-based test) or take the on-campus International Student English Examination (ISE) prior to initial registration.
  
  

Deficiency Courses

Students without a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering must complete the prerequisite courses listed below before beginning the M.S. program. Units from these courses cannot be applied towards the degree. Other prerequisite courses are to be decided on a case-by-case basis upon consultation with the Program Director. 

Graduation Requirements [back to top]

A minimum of 34 units is required for the M.S. in Petroleum Engineering (Smart Oilfield Technologies) degree.

• Required courses: 30 units
  
  
• Elective courses: 4 units
  
  
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for graduation.  
  

Course Descriptions [back to top]

How To Apply [back to top]

In order to evaluate any application for admission, application materials must be submitted by the deadlines listed:

June 15th Fall admission
October 1st Spring admission

Please complete the application and submit the following to the USC Office of Graduate Admission via the online application system by clicking here.

• Statement of Purpose
  • The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.




• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. They should be written on official letterhead.

Please arrange to have the following sent to the USC Office of Admission as a hard copy (USC Graduate Office of Admission, University Park Campus, Los Angeles, CA  90089-0915):

• Official Transcript(s) from all post-secondary schools you have attended, and official translations if they are not in English.
  
  
• General GRE scores (no older than 5 years). Official scores must be sent through ETS to the University of Southern California, ETS code 4852)
  
  
• TOEFL scores (required for international students)

NOTE:  If you meet our minimum qualifications, you can get started BEFORE you are formally admitted to USC, as a "LIMITED" student! Click here for more information.

Contact Information [back to top]

For the USC Petroleum Engineering Department:

Dr. Iraj Ershaghi
USC PTE Program Director, Professor, Director of PTTC,
Executive Director of USC CiSOFT
Tel: (213) 740-0321
Fax: (213) 740-0324
Email: ershaghi@usc.edu

For the USC Distance Education Network (DEN):

Ray Fujioka
Master's and Professional Programs [MAPP]
Tel: (213) 740-4488
Fax: (213) 821-0851
Email: info@den.usc.edu