Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering
The Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO) program is designed to equip the next generation of engineers with a foundation in comprehensive global energy solutions.
This undergraduate engineering program is for students interested in a career focused on extracting and transforming oil and/or natural gas into energy and other resources while preparing the student for the transition to renewables.
The curriculum includes the fundamentals of geology, chemistry, drilling, and production alongside seven core renewable energy courses — the most of any program of its kind worldwide.
Curriculum Details
- Geology, mathematics, chemistry, ethics, and economics
- The drilling of wells and techniques for releasing oil and gas trapped in the ground
- The control of oil and gas flow to the surface
- The design of the surface equipment for transportation of these materials
The degree also requires seven core, mandatory renewable energy engineering courses, the most of any program of its kind worldwide:
- Energy Resources: From Hydrocarbons to Renewables
- Environmental, Energetic and Economic Assessment of Energy Systems
- Energy Storage and Chemical Transformations
- Solar Energy Engineering
- Biomass and Biofuels Engineering
- Wind and Hydro Energy Engineering
- Subsurface Technologies for Renewables and Decarbonization
- Introduction to Solar Cells and Nanotechnology
Outside the classroom, students gain hands-on experience in campus laboratories, participating in petroleum and natural gas-related experiments. In their senior year, students will work in teams to complete a capstone project in which they will explore the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of producing oil from a specific underground rock formation. Companies will also be identified for co-op and internship opportunities.
Strong Career Outlook
Chemical engineers continue to enjoy high job demand and earning potential, as well as the ability to make a global difference, especially as developing nations seek new energy resources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow steadily through 2034, with a median annual wage above $121,000.