Petroleum Engineering

Program Description

Students interested in KU’s Engineering programs need to work closely with advisors at both JCCC and KU. This helps students stay on track and not prolong the time it takes to earn an engineering bachelor’s degree from KU. Students are advised to complete the Kansas Systemwide General Education requirements, and the prerequisite courses listed on the transfer guide. Students are also encouraged to use the Reverse Transfer option (if eligible) after transferring to KU.  Reverse Transfer allows students to earn their associate degree from JCCC while working towards their bachelor’s degree at KU. 

Petroleum engineers search the world for reservoirs containing oil and natural gas. Once these resources are discovered, petroleum engineers work to understand the geologic formation and properties of the rock containing the reservoir, determine the drilling methods to be used, and monitor drilling and production operations. They design equipment and processes to achieve the maximum profitable recovery of oil and gas. Petroleum engineers typically work for major oil companies, independent oil exploration, and production and service companies. 

Admissions Requirements

• Admission to The University of Kansas is required, along with the following, for admission to the KU School of Engineering as a transfer student:
  • 2.5+ cumulative college GPA
  • “C” or better in MATH 125 Calculus I, or its direct equivalent (MATH 241 Calculus I* at JCCC)
  • “C” or better in all math, science and engineering coursework
• The School of Engineering recommends that students apply for transfer admission to KU by May 1 for summer and fall; December 1 for spring.
• Admission is selective. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Timely completion of prerequisite courses is imperative due to tight sequencing of major courses. Consult KU catalog and seek KU advising early.
• The B.S. in Petroleum Engineering is an ABET accredited program.
• A total of 128 credit hours is required for the B.S. in Petroleum Engineering.
• A maximum of 75 hours may be transferred to KU from community colleges. Students should be aware that 45 junior/senior credit hours are required for completion of the bachelor’s degree; the last 30 hours of course work must be at KU; and community college courses do not transfer as junior/senior hours.
• Transfer students will have their applications to the School of Engineering evaluated on a case-by-case basis and must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered.
• Transfer credits must have a grade of “C” or higher to be applied toward the degree.
• For petroleum engineering majors, courses used to fulfill the KU Core 34 in English, Communications, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Arts & Humanities, U.S. Culture, and Global Culture accept Credit/No Credit.
• Students transferring to KU, that complete the General Education requirements required for the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from JCCC will be considered to have satisfied KU’s Core 34 general education curriculum.
• Students who transfer to KU, without completing the General Education requirements required for the Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree will have courses evaluated on a course-by-course basis toward meeting KU requirements. To learn more about courses that satisfy KU Core 34 Requirements and KU CredTran.
• Visit the KU Core 34 General Education guide for JCCC equivalents.