<p>I specialize in power systems engineering and I was wondering if it was possible for me to get into the MS petroleum engineering program. I cannot see any PE specialization that correlates with EE. Based upon my reading and some consent with fellow PE, Petrophysics, Geophysics and well-logging are some areas with roots in electrical. I would love to hear from someone who has made a transition from EE to PE or knows possible academic tracks in PE that can accommodate EE skills. Thanks.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.eng.lsu.edu/file/students/flowcharts/flowcharts2011/EE_2012-2013_revision_2013.pdf[/url]”>http://www.eng.lsu.edu/file/students/flowcharts/flowcharts2011/EE_2012-2013_revision_2013.pdf</a></p>
<p><a href=“http://www.eng.lsu.edu/file/students/flowcharts/flowcharts2012/PETE12-13.pdf[/url]”>http://www.eng.lsu.edu/file/students/flowcharts/flowcharts2012/PETE12-13.pdf</a></p>
<p>I don’t know if it helps but use these two flowcharts for a comparison between the programs. The important thing to realize is that the petroleum engineers aren’t the ones who develop the technology that does the Petrolphysics, Geophysics, and Well logging. Petroleum Engineers interpret the well logs, plan wells, design wells, and analyze potential hydrocarbon reserves along with estimating production rates. All the technology to do that will be developed by there service companies like Baker, Halliburton, etc. The MEs, EEs, etc. will be doing all of that. I don’t know where the cross over is if there is one. </p>
<p>The closest programs to Petroleum are fluids based, like Mech E, Civ E, Chem E. My buddy graduated in the fall of last year in petroleum engineering at LSU. He showed me quite a bit of the work he had to do. Most of his stuff had to do with fluids. For example, he showed me a problem where he had to calculate the porosity and permeability of rocks. Calculated in millidarcys. Doesn’t seem to electrical to me. Also the program doesn’t even require Calculus 3, just up to calc 2 and then diff eq. I know they take statics, fluids, thermo, and dynamics, and like I said a lot of the stuff in the actual petrol courses is based around fluid flow. </p>
<p>However, there is a professor at LSU who has a bachelors in EE from UT, Dr. John Smith. He got hired on as a drilling engineer for Amoco back in the day if I remember correctly. I also remember him telling me about his time roustabouting on drilling rigs during the summer to pay for school. I would start contacting departments if I were you.</p>