Petroleum Engineering

Why study Petroleum Engineering at UAF?

Specialized training for Alaska and the Arctic

We prepare our students for the unique challenges of working in harsh, cold climate, permafrost and remote locations - which makes our graduates highly sought after by employers throughout the region.

Hands-on learning with access to top notch facilities

Our labs provide hands-on experience with software and equipment used by industry professionals available in our Petroleum Development Laboratory.

Network and learn outside the classroom

We have very active student chapters of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE). These offer industry speaker seminars and other networking events that take your learning experience beyond the classroom. You can also take part in field trips to oil and gas production facilities and participate in student paper and other competitive events that are held as part of SPE and AADE. The award-winning SPE student chapter is SPE student chapter a is one of the oldest SPE student chapters in the world and achieved the gold standard in 2018.

Highly sought after by employers

We have a long and successful track record of preparing leaders in the industry. More than 98% of our bachelor’s in petroleum engineering graduates find permanent positions in the oil industry or other industries/state agencies.