Petroleum Engineering Master’s in Bismarck, ND

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North Dakota: Petroleum engineering master's degree Bismarck North Dakota
Discover our petroleum engineering master's degree in Bismarck, North Dakota. Gain expertise in the oil industry with our specialized program. Apply now!

North Dakota is one of the largest oil-producing states in the country, driven by the Bakken Formation in the western part of the state. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that Bakken production averaged about 1.2 million barrels of oil per day in 2024.

The University of North Dakota offers graduate degrees in petroleum engineering, including a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering. According to UND, the M.Eng. is a 30-credit, course-based program suited to students from other engineering backgrounds, while the M.S. runs 30 to 32 credits and includes a thesis or research project.

Both programs focus on practical problems in the oil field. Graduate research at UND covers hydraulic fracturing, reservoir studies, and data-driven modeling of unconventional reservoirs. The university recommends that applicants connect with the Department of Petroleum Engineering before choosing between the two tracks.

Wages for petroleum engineers in North Dakota are strong. State labor-market data reported an average annual wage of $126,390 for petroleum engineers in 2023.

Students in Bismarck can also consider Bismarck State College, which offers an Associate of Applied Science in Petroleum Production Technology, a technician-level program delivered online and on campus. It is not a master’s degree, but it can be a starting point for work in oil and gas operations.

Prospective students should check current admission deadlines and requirements on each school’s official site. Related reading includes petroleum engineering programs abroad, career coaching for master’s holders, and internship resources for entering the industry.

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