image: Robert Enick, professor and vice chair of research, Swanson School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
Credit: University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh is launching a groundbreaking undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering (GRO), designed to prepare the next generation of engineers to deliver comprehensive energy solutions. By combining traditional oil and gas engineering with renewable systems across the Swanson School of Engineering’s diverse academic and research portfolios in energy, the program ensures graduates can adapt as global energy demands evolve.
“Industry and society are at a pivot point as our energy portfolio adapts to a complex balance of components, whether traditional oil and natural gas to solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric or geothermal,” explained Robert Enick, professor and vice chair of research who led the program design. “We developed a hands-on program that meets current needs while futureproofing our graduates’ careers, enabling them to move seamlessly between industries.”
A Legacy of Leadership in Energy
The new, unique program will be offered through the Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, which created the world’s first petroleum engineering program in 1910. Pitt alumni across the energy industry also contributed to its development, highlighting the urgent need to modernize traditional approaches while expanding renewable energy education. GRO is the first undergraduate petroleum engineering degree program in the country to combine traditional natural gas and oil components with an extensive suite of courses related to renewables.
The curriculum combines core courses in geology, chemistry, drilling, and production with eight required renewable energy courses – by far the most of any program worldwide. Topics include solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, energy storage (e.g. batteries), subsurface decarbonization, hydraulic fracturing, and underground CO2 disposal.
“Students will benefit from Pitt’s 180-year history in energy education while also gaining real-world experience through research, study abroad, and industry internships or co-ops.” said Michele V. Manuel, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering. “The Swanson School is the only engineering program with a legacy of leadership in energy that is ready to introduce such a novel curriculum. This blend of tradition and innovation will make graduates highly competitive in the global job market.”
Strong Career Outlook
Indeed, engineers with these qualifications continue to enjoy high job demand and earning potential, as well as the ability to make a global difference, especially as developing nations seek new energy resources. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of engineers with these qualifications is projected to grow through 2034, with a median annual wage above $141,000.
Swanson School alumnus Mark Papa BSPetE ’68, founder and former chairman and CEO of EOG Resources, brought his industry experience to advise the program development.
“While oil and natural gas remain central to the global energy mix, low- and zero-emission sources are expanding rapidly,” Papa said. “We also are looking at a fast-approaching demand for new talent as Boomers and GenX retire. It’s an honor to support a program that helps future Pitt Engineers fill that gap and lead the transition to a new energy future.”
Looking Ahead
Recruitment begins in 2026, with the first cohort starting next fall. The program will undergo ABET accreditation review for petroleum engineering in 2029 after the first GRO seniors graduate.
“I am excited that GRO builds on Pitt’s historic strength in energy-related engineering. Not only does the program reflect Pitt’s technical expertise, but also our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” noted Joseph McCarthy, Pitt Provost. “GRO will allow our students to gain a foundation in traditional energy systems while equipping them with forward-looking expertise in renewable technologies. This novel combination leverages and improves the usage of traditional resources while bridging seamlessly to the future, making it one of the few programs to offer that – and it positions Pitt graduates to lead the way in building a sustainable energy future and making an impact on a global scale.”
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Industry representatives interested in learning more about the program and opportunities for summer student employment should contact Dr. Robert Enick at rme@pitt.edu.
Curriculum Details
The GRO curriculum covers (based on ABET requirements for the BS in petroleum engineering):
- Geology, geophysics, mathematics, chemistry, thermo, fluid mechanics, ethics, safety and economics
- The properties of porous rocks, natural gas and oil
- The drilling of wells and techniques for releasing oil and gas trapped in the ground
- The study of fluid flow within the underground reservoir of porous rock
- The aspects of fracturing and producing oil or natural gas from “unconventional” formations such as the Marcellus Shale
- Motivating and controlling the flow of oil and gas to up a well to the surface
- The design of the surface equipment for handling, separating and transporting these fluids
- Minimizing leakage of natural gas or oil from production facilities
- A senior design process that entails the development of a subterranean geologic formation into a profitable economic resource
The degree also includes eight core, mandatory renewable energy engineering courses, a required Renewables elective, and a STEM elective that can be a Renewables course or an oil/gas engineering course. This training in Renewables is by far the most of any petroleum engineering program of its kind worldwide:
- Energy Resources: From Hydrocarbons to Renewables
- Environmental, Energetic and Economic Assessment of Energy Systems
- Energy Storage and Chemical Transformations
- Solar Energy Engineering
- Biomass and Biofuels Engineering
- Wind and Hydro Energy Engineering
- Subsurface Technologies for Renewables and Decarbonization
- A Renewables elective such as Electrification, decarbonization, and process intensification
- A STEM elective such as another Renewables course or a Hydraulic Fracturing course
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