May 09, 2024  
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog 
    
PUBLISHED 2024-2025 Credit Catalog

Bachelor of Applied Technology - Petroleum Engineering

Location(s): In Person (Main Campus), Online


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The Bachelor of Applied Technology in Petroleum Engineering is for individuals with an existing technical degree or diploma who want to rise to the next level in the petroleum industry.

This program is an essential stepping stone to a fulfilling career within the upstream petroleum sector, including gas process engineering and facilities design.

You will explore the core segments of the petroleum industry and gain a thorough grounding in: 

  • oil and gas exploration, including the techniques and challenges involved in discovering new petroleum reservoirs
  • drilling engineering, acquiring skills in drilling mechanics and operations, understanding the complexities of building wells
  • the behaviour of oil and gas reservoirs and how to maximize resource extraction
  • the phases of production, from wellbore to surface operations, ensuring efficiency and sustainability
  • oil and gas facilities design and operation, engaging in the design, build and operation of facilities with an emphasis on safety and environmental considerations
  • upgrading and refining operations, including the processes involved in converting crude oil into usable products, enhancing product value
  • the tools for cost estimation, risk assessment and financial forecasting essential in the petroleum industry.

Customized learning pathways

Acknowledging that each student’s interests and career goals are unique, our Bachelor of Applied Technology in Petroleum Engineering offers the flexibility to tailor your educational journey. You can select from various courses that align with your career goals. 

As a graduate, you will be well-equipped to leverage your degree and prior technical background to tackle the challenges of the petroleum industry in Alberta and elsewhere. 

You will be prepared for roles that demand strong technical and analytical skills. Whether you’re aiming for technical leadership or innovation in engineering practices, this program is your launchpad into the diverse and dynamic field of petroleum engineering. 

Traits, skills and aptitudes


Those in the petroleum engineering field tend to be objective, innovative, and directive. 

You need:

  • an aptitude for math, chemistry and physics
  • organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
  • the ability to work alone and with a team. 

You should be comfortable analyzing data, creative problem-solving, working with tools and instruments to perform your work with precision, and be at ease taking charge. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities


You’ll participate in a practicum and capstone project. 

During your practicum, you’ll gain at least 750 hours of work experience in a paid position in the petroleum industry. Your capstone project will then focus on creating a major technical report based on the experience and data gathered on the job.

You will be responsible for finding your work position, but SAIT advisors assist you as much as possible.

Accreditations, designations or certifications


Graduates of this program may be considered for accreditation with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), provided you meet the established criteria and are successful in the assessment process. 

Credential


After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Bachelor of Applied Technology Petroleum Engineering degree.

Program length


2 years

Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible


This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options). 

International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies. 

Not eligible for CAJG


This program is not eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant

Related careers


Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

  • Engineering managers (20010)
  • Petroleum engineers (21332)
  • Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (22101)
  • Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction (73402)
  • Supervisors, mining and quarrying (82020)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada


Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet one of the following requirements or equivalents:

  • a two-year SAIT diploma with a grade point average of 2.5 or better in:
    • Petroleum Engineering Technology
    • Chemical Engineering Technology
    • Mechanical Engineering Technology
    • Instrumentation Engineering Technology
    • Civil Engineering Technology
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • or similar engineering technology program, or
  • a relevant science (mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, or geophysics) or engineering degree. Additional courses may be required before starting the program.

Applicants with other qualifications may be considered upon submission of certified background information. 

Registration in a Canadian Professional Engineering or a Certified Technologist organization can be substituted for the WES or SAIT assessments, subject to academic chair approval.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada


All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Program outline


The Bachelor of Applied Petroleum Engineering Technology requires 57 credits for completion. 

The program consists of:

  • Petroleum engineering core courses - 13.5 credits
  • Elective courses - 27 credits
  • Work experience - 30 credits

Required courses


You must take all of the following courses to complete this program.

Required courses - Work experience


Elective courses


You will choose courses from the following lists to earn 27 credits.

Elective courses - Core elective (choose two to four)


Progression


You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies


Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Energy program advising


For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our MacPhail School of Energy.

Phone: 403.284.8451
Email: macphail.students@sait.ca 

Program outcomes


  1. Research, critically analyze, prepare, document, submit and defend a Technology Report.
  2. Apply the knowledge of algebra, matrix manipulation and introductory calculus to resolve applied science/engineering technology problems.
  3. Apply the knowledge of best statistical processes to resolve applied science/engineering technology problems.
  4. Apply the current practices of project management to applied science and engineering technology projects consistent with the discipline requirements.
  5. Apply the principles of physical and natural science, applicable to a discipline, to the solution of applied  science/engineering technology problems.
  6. Apply knowledge of management principles, ethics, sustainability, contract law, codes and standards.

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