Monday, 28 May 2012

Online Degrees in Oil and Gas Management: Program Overviews

Online degrees in oil and gas management are rare. Most programs are offered through on-campus coursework. A hybrid online Master of Science degree program enables students to learn through a combination of online and on-site classes in business management, engineering and environmental issues.

Overview of an Online Master of Science in Oil and Gas Management Program

Online master's degree programs include a mix of engineering and management courses. Students gain technical knowledge in oil and gas processes, and they study environmental and safety issues. Online programs teach specialized knowledge for leading oil and gas companies, management skills and problem-solving skills to understand issues facing the industry. Online curricula also incorporate in-person training for students earning a master's degree in oil and gas management. Entry into the master's level usually requires an undergraduate degree in energy; students with a non-energy bachelor's degree can apply if they have work experience in the oil and gas field.

Program Information and Requirements

Online master's programs use a hybrid approach that includes quarterly on-campus visits. Courses offered online can be viewed through live streaming or video. The department may provide students with USB drives containing assignments and program details. An oil and gas management graduate program can be completed in 18 months.

List of Common Online Courses in Oil and Gas Management

Management-focused online programs offer classes in financial management and leadership. Programs that require mostly on-campus study offer basic courses online, focusing on engineering and supply chain management in the oil and gas industry.

Natural Gas Engineering Course

Coursework covers global supply and demand, oil and gas regulations and exploration. Online students study natural gas properties, condensate systems and drilling in addition to safety issues and environmental concerns. Advanced engineering courses are usually available only through on-campus delivery.

Oil and Gas Management Course

Students study world energy markets, sustainable work practices and marketing. Students gain leadership skills and take ethics courses. They learn to work with management teams and boards of directors. Targeted management courses are not included in all online degree programs.

Storage and Transportation Course

Students learn to address supply chain issues and handle project disruptions that arose due to problems in the transportation and storage of oil and gas. Online team projects and individual assignments are included.

Environmental Issues Course

Coursework focuses on the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry. Students study climate change and pollution; they learn about alternative and renewable forms of energy. National and global energy laws and confidentiality issues are also discussed.

Career Information for Graduates

Careers for degree holders in the field of oil and gas management are varied. Careers can be found in oil and gas exploration and in the natural gas industry. Salary data differ based on the type of career pursued. According to 2010 salary data listed at Salary.com, executives in the oil and gas exploration field can earn up to $274,000 and pipeline executives can earn $176,000-$306,000. According to the Independent Petroleum Association of America (www.ipaa.org), 40% of trained professionals in the oil and gas industry are at or near retirement age. This statistic points to growth in job opportunities for graduates entering the job market.

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