Department of Petroleum Engineering

4015 Engineering Building, (307) 766‑4258
Web site: www.uwyo.edu/petroleum
Department Head: Dennis Coon, Ph.D., Interim

Professors:

HERTANTO ADIDHARMA, B.Sc. Institute of Technology, Surabaya 1987; Ph.D. Louisiana State University 1999; Professor of Chemical Engineering 2019.

MAOHONG FAN, B.S. Wuhan University of Science and Engineering 1984; M.S. Beijing University of Science and Tech. 1992; Ph.D. Chinese Academy of Sciences 1997; Ph.D. Iowa State University 2000; Ph.D. Osaka University 2003; Professor of Chemical Engineering 2014.

KHALED A.M. GASEM, B.Sc. University of California at Berkley 1976; M.Sc. Colorado School of Mines 1979; Ph.D. Oklahoma State University 1986; Professor of Chemical Engineering 2014.

LAMIA GOUAL, B.Sc. Ecole Nationale Polytechnique 1993; M.Sc. Imperial College, London 1998; Ph.D. 2003; Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2021.

MOHAMMAD PIRI, B.Sc. Azad University, Arak 1995; M.Sc. Azad University, Tehran 1998; M.Sc. Imperial College, London 2000; Ph.D. 2004; Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2018.

Associate Professors:

PEJMAN TAHMASEBI, B.S. Sahand University of Technology 2007; M.Sc. Amirkabir University 2009; Ph.D. University of Southern California/Amirkabir University 2012; Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2021.

MORTEZA DEJAM, B.Sc. Petroleum University of Technology 2007; M.Sc. Sharif University of Technology 2009; Ph.D. University of Calgary 2016; Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2022.

SOHEIL SARAJI, B.S. Petroleum University of Technology 2004; M.Sc. Sharif University of Technology 2007; Ph.D. University of Wyoming 2013; Associate Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2022.

Academic Professionals:

TAWFIK ELSHEHABI, B.Sc. Suez Canal University 2003; M.Sc. 2007; Ph.D. West Virginia University 2017; Senior Lecturer of Petroleum Engineering 2019.

Instructional Professors:

REZA TAHERI, B.Sc. Amirkabir University 1997; M.S. University of Twente, Netherlands 2001; Ph.D. Curtin University 2008; Assistant Instructional Professor of Petroleum Engineering 2020.

Professors of Practice:

DOUGLAS CUTHBERTSON, B.S. University of Wyoming 1985; Professor of Practice in Petroleum Engineering 2016.

BRIAN TOELLE, B.S. Texas A&M University 1978; M.S. Austin State University 1981; Ph.D. West Virginia University 2013; Professor of Practice in Petroleum Engineering 2015.

Professors Emeriti:

Jack Evers
H. Gordon Harris
Norman R. Morrow
Mrityunjai P. Sharma
Brian Towler

Petroleum Engineering trains students for Wyoming’s largest industries, the production of crude oil and gas. With the recognition of the state’s and nation’s vast reserves of natural gas, the curriculum emphasizes the production and processing of this important resource. Because of American predominance in petroleum technology, career opportunities are available throughout most of the world.

The curriculum in petroleum engineering is based upon sound preparation in fundamental sciences, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and geology. The essentials of engineering are added to this foundation: computer programming, statics, dynamics, materials science, hydraulics, and thermodynamics. To aid in developing individuals’ social potential and broaden their educational background, an integrated program in humanities and social sciences is included in the curriculum. Petroleum engineering courses, which are primarily concerned with application of previously acquired knowledge to problems of the oil and gas industry, are concentrated in the junior and senior years.

Petroleum Engineering degree candidates must meet the academic requirements of the college and must have a GPA of 2.000 or greater in Petroleum Engineering (PETE) courses attempted at UW that are applied toward graduation for the B.S. degree from the department. For approved electives, students must have prior approval of their advisor and department head. Elective courses must be chosen from a list provided by the department. Students must complete a minimum of 48 upper division (junior/senior) or graduate-level credit hours for this program.

Program Vision

As a highly respected community of scholars and practitioners, we are committed to providing outstanding petroleum engineering education, conducting internationally recognized research in key focus areas, and improving the well-being of the people of Wyoming and the world through education, technical innovation and economic development.

Program Mission

Provide outstanding, contemporary, ABET-accredited education in petroleum engineering to highly qualified undergraduates who will serve as an economic resource for Wyoming and the world.

Provide excellent, research-based graduate educations at the master’s and doctoral levels in petroleum engineering to top students who will drive technical and economic innovation for Wyoming and the world.

Conduct internationally recognized research in key focus areas that leads to new technologies while also enhancing economic development for Wyoming and the world.

Program Educational Objectives

Three to six years after graduation, graduates who choose to practice in Petroleum Engineering should:

(PETE-OB1) Successfully practice the profession/field of petroleum engineering or related discipline.
(PETE-OB2) Demonstrate successful career accomplishment and civic engagement.

Program Outcomes

During the course of study in Petroleum Engineering, the student should develop:

An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgements, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgement to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Undergraduate “Major Only” Courses

Upper division PETE core courses are restricted to petroleum engineering majors only.

Technical Electives Policy

The technical electives in the petroleum engineering curriculum can be used to complete a curriculum emphasis option or a minor. The number of credits of upper division courses must be satisfied, therefore, 13 elective credits must be 3000-level courses or higher.

Note: Technical Electives must be selected with your advisor’s documented approval.

Transfer Credit Limit

To graduate with a degree in Petroleum Engineering from UW, students must successfully complete at least 20 credit hours of required PETE courses at UW.

Once a student has transferred to UW’s Department of Petroleum Engineering from another institution, they may transfer no more than 9 additional credits from other institutions.
Non-transfer students may transfer up to 18 credits from other institutions.

Repeating a Course

Students who fail a PETE class three times can no longer enroll in that class.

Academic Suspension

Students who have been academically suspended from UW twice are no longer eligible to enroll in PETE courses.

Curriculum Emphases

The Department of Petroleum Engineering has established curriculum emphases that could shape your interest further or acquire useful transferable skills. A curriculum emphasis is not a minor or concentration and will not be stated on your diploma. If you choose to follow a curriculum emphasis option, you should discuss it with your academic advisor so they can assist you in planning your courses.

Petroleum Engineering offers the following curriculum emphasis options:

Unconventional Reservoirs
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Graduate School Preparation

BS/MS Quick Start Program

The BS/MS Quick Start program in Petroleum Engineering (PETE) is designed to present highly qualified UW students with the opportunity to begin graduate study while they complete their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Petroleum Engineering. These students may apply for admission to the Quick Start program during the first or second semester of their junior year or before starting their senior year.

This program allows for early planning of the graduate portion of a student’s education and provides more flexibility in the number of required courses and the order in which they are taken. The more efficient and better planned use of time should result in reduction of the time required for obtaining the Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering degree. Students who enter the Quick Start program must accept primary responsibility for actively planning their Programs of Study to assure timely completion of their course work and research programs.

The Quick Start program contains two essential elements:

Qualified students may receive provisional admission to the Petroleum Engineering graduate program by submitting a quick start application through the online graduate application system. This provisional admission will permit students to make their long-term educational plans earlier in their studies and before graduating the B.S. program, thus providing enhanced opportunities for course selection and involvement in research.
Students in the program may apply up to 6 credit hours of graduate-level courses toward both the B.S. and M.S. degree programs. By successfully completing up to 6 credit hours of graduate classes during their senior year, these students will have demonstrated their ability to do graduate-level course work as undergraduates, easing their transition to the Petroleum Engineering graduate program.

For additional information, visit our website for admissions information http://www.uwyo.edu/petroleum/undergraduate/current-students/quickstart.html or contact our graduate admissions coordinator at pete-info@uwyo.edu.

Graduate Study

The Department of Petroleum Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in petroleum engineering. The M.S. degree is offered with Plan A and Plan B options.

In addition, the Department offers an M.B.A./M.S. in Petroleum Engineering Dual Degree Program, in conjunction with the College of Business M.B.A. Program. Students pursuing this option must apply to and be offered admission from both programs.

Admission Process and Requirements

Graduate admission is open to students with at least a B.S. degree in petroleum engineering or closely related field and who meet the minimum requirements as shown below. Please note that test scores must be dated within the previous two years to be considered valid.

A GPA of 3.000, or equivalent;
A GRE score;
A TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 80 (Internet based) or an IELTS score of 6.5 in each category for international applicants. We are also accepting the DuoLingo exam with a minimum score of 110 required.

Applications must include the following documents uploaded with the online application:

Complete official transcripts of all prior college-level coursework,
Current resume or curriculum vitae,
Recommendations from at least three academic or professional references,
A statement of purpose, and
Unofficial test score certificates for both GRE and English proficiency exams.

Applications will not be reviewed or accepted until all required documents have been submitted.

The deadlines to submit applications are February 1 each year (to be considered for Fall semester), and September 15 each year (to be considered for Spring semester).

For additional information, visit our website for admissions information http://www.uwyo.edu/petroleum/graduate/prospective/index.html or contact our graduate admissions coordinator at pete-info@uwyo.edu.

Graduate Courses of Study

Incoming graduate students, not preselected by a faculty member, must meet with Petroleum faculty members to obtain information regarding research areas and current availability. The student must formally request a Petroleum faculty member of their choosing to oversee their degree study program.

Masters Program

1. All Petroleum M.S. students with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from an accredited program must take the following courses:

Required Courses Hrs.
PETE 5355……………………………………………3
PETE 5890……………………………………………2

At least three Core Courses from the
following:
PETE 5010……………………………………………3
PETE 5020……………………………………………3
PETE 5060……………………………………………3
PETE 5080……………………………………………3
PETE 5310……………………………………………3
PETE 5350……………………………………………3

Plan A Thesis Additional Course
Requirements:
4000-level or above approved electives………12
PETE 5960……………………………………………4
Total Credits 30

Plan B Non-Thesis Additional Course
Requirements:
4000-level or above approved electives………14
PETE 5970……………………………………………2
Total Credits 30

2. All Petroleum M.S. students with a B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program must take the following courses:

Required Courses Hrs.
PETE 5055 ……………………………………………3
PETE 5340 ……………………………………………3
PETE 5355 ……………………………………………3
PETE 5715 ……………………………………………3
PETE 5890 ……………………………………………2

At least four Core Courses from the
following:
PETE 5010…………………………………………….3
PETE 5020…………………………………………….3
PETE 5060…………………………………………….3
PETE 5080…………………………………………….3
PETE 5310…………………………………………….3
PETE 5350…………………………………………….3

Plan A Thesis Additional Course
Requirements:
4000-level or above approved electives…………7
GEOL 5190……………………………………………3
PETE 5960…………………………………………….4
Total Credits 40

Plan B Non-Thesis Additional Course
Requirements:
4000-level or above approved electives…………7
GEOL 5190……………………………………………3
PETE 5970…………………………………………….4
Total Credits 40

Dual Degree Program - M.B.A./M.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering

3. All Dual Degree M.S. students with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from an accredited program must take the following required courses:

Required Courses Hrs.
PETE 5355…………………………………………….3
PETE 5890…………………………………………….2

At least three Core Courses from the
following:
PETE 5010…………………………………………….3
PETE 5020…………………………………………….3
PETE 5060…………………………………………….3
PETE 5080…………………………………………….3
PETE 5310…………………………………………….3
PETE 5350…………………………………………….3

Plan A Thesis Additional Course
Requirements:
4000-level or above approved electives…………3
M.B.A. approved electives:
MBAM 5XXX, MBAM 5301, MBAM 5305………….9
PETE 5960…………………………………………….4
Total Credits 30

Plan B Non-Thesis Additional Course
Requirements:
4000-level or above approved electives…………5
M.B.A. approved electives:
MBAM 5XXX, MBAM 5301, MBAM 5305………….9
PETE 5970…………………………………………….2
Total Credits 30

4. All Dual Degree students with a B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering from an accredited program must take the following required courses:

Note: For a student with a B.S. in another discipline, upon acceptance into the M.S. program, the Graduate Program Committee will develop a plan of study with the consent of the advisor.

Doctoral Program

1. All Petroleum Ph.D. students with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering must take the following required courses:

Required Courses Hrs.
PETE 5090……………………………………………3
PETE 5355……………………………………………3
PETE 5890……………………………………………6

At least four Core Courses* from the following:
PETE 5010……………………………………………3
PETE 5020……………………………………………3
PETE 5060……………………………………………3
PETE 5080……………………………………………3
PETE 5255……………………………………………3
PETE 5310……………………………………………3
PETE 5350……………………………………………3

Electives**
4000-level or above approved electives………18

Research
PETE 5980………………………………………… 30
Total Credits 72

2. All Petroleum Ph.D. students with an B.S. in Other Majors must take the following required courses:

Required Courses Hrs.
PETE 5090……………………………………………3
PETE 5355……………………………………………3
PETE 5890……………………………………………6

At least five Core Courses* from the following:
PETE 5010……………………………………………3
PETE 5020……………………………………………3
PETE 5060……………………………………………3
PETE 5080……………………………………………3
PETE 5255……………………………………………3
PETE 5310……………………………………………3
PETE 5350……………………………………………3

Electives**
4000-level or above approved electives………15

Research
PETE 5980………………………………………… 30
Total Credits 72

_{*Transferable from MS degree if applicable.

**Up to 14 credits of electives transferable from MS degree if applicable.}

Graduate Seminar Requirements

All petroleum engineering graduate students must enroll in PETE 5890, Petroleum Engineering Seminar, every semester. All seminars, including the required presentations described below, must be scheduled by the seminar coordinator. Graduate students enrolled in continuous registration are exempt from having to enroll in PETE 5890 in their final semester.

Graduate Teaching Requirement

All Petroleum Engineering graduate students must complete at least one semester as a teaching assistant within the Petroleum Engineering curriculum. Students receiving a state-funded graduate assistantship will be required to serve as a teaching assistant every semester of their award. Students funded by any source other than state funds will work with their supervisor or faculty mentor to determine an appropriate time to complete this requirement.

Program of Study Requirement

All Petroleum Engineering graduate students must complete their Program of Study worksheet at the beginning of their second academic year of study or 3rd semester of enrollment, and PhD students must submit it prior to their preliminary examination.

Ph.D. Preliminary Examination

Candidacy in the doctorate occurs upon certification of successful completion of the preliminary examination. The preliminary examination will be held at least 15 weeks prior to the final examination. The preliminary examination may not be given before: (a) the research tool requirements, if any, have been met and certification approved; (b) at least 30 hours of coursework have been completed; and (c) the doctoral program of study has been approved.

The goal of the preliminary exam is for the student to present the research proposition that is being investigated and will lead to the final dissertation, and demonstrate progress to-date. The preliminary exam consists of three components:

a written document provided to each member of the student’s graduate committee at least three weeks prior to the oral presentation;
a public oral presentation; and
a private examination by the student’s graduate committee immediately following the oral presentation.

The written document may be in any format but must concisely provide a survey of the relevant literature, a summary of the student’s progress to-date, and a clear, detailed plan for the successful completion of the proposed work. The preliminary exam oral presentation should be consistent with the written document. It should provide an appropriate literature background, demonstrate proficiency with proposed experimental/computational techniques, identify details of the experiments to be performed, and provide a timeline to final defense.

The student’s committee will pass or fail the student on the strength of the preliminary examination, with an option to conditionally pass the student while requiring an interim committee meeting prior to the final Ph.D. examination. The Report on Preliminary Examination for Admission to Candidacy form sent to the Office of the Registrar reports the results of the examination.

M.S. and Ph.D. Final Examination (Thesis or Dissertation Defense)

All M.S. and Ph.D. students must orally defend their final report, thesis, or dissertation at a public final examination. If, for any reason, a student’s Ph.D. research goals are substantially changed after successful completion of the preliminary examination, the student must arrange a subsequent meeting to provide their committee with an accurate and current overview of their proposed work. The final examination consists of a public defense in oral presentation format. At least three weeks before the examination, the student must provide each member of the graduate committee with a copy of the written thesis or dissertation and provide the department an announcement of their defense for public advertisement. The results of the defense are reported by the committee on the Report of Final Examination form. Often, graduate committee members request changes in the final thesis or dissertation, and they may postpone signing this form until they are satisfied that those changes have been made.

Publication of Thesis or Dissertation

After the defense, an electronic copy (in PDF format) of the thesis or dissertation must be uploaded in accordance with the directions provided on the Registrar’s web site. This copy will be rejected if the format standards specified by the Thesis or Dissertation Format Guide are not met. This guide allows for a publication-ready format. An electronic copy must also be submitted to the department for the departmental library. Most students will want copies for their own use. Students should consult with their chair to determine if they also want a copy of the final paper or other research documentation.

Programs

Major

Petroleum Engineering, B.S.

Graduate

QuickStart Program

Petroleum Engineering Quick Start, B.S./M.S.