Petroleum Engineering Technology

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Petroleum engineering technologists 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 or with a team.

You should be comfortable analyzing data. You should like working with tools and instruments at precision tasks. You should enjoy creative problem-solving and be at ease taking charge. 

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

In your final semester, you’ll complete a capstone project in partnership with an industry mentor and overseen by an instructor. This project will involve a real-world example of the type of work you’ll perform once you enter the workforce. 

Accreditations, designations or certifications

Graduates are eligible for membership in The Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals in Alberta (ASET.) 

This program is nationally accredited by the Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) at the technologist level. 

Credential

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Petroleum Engineering Technology diploma.

Program length

2 years

Accepts international applicants - not-PGWP eligible

This program is open to international applicants; however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program. 

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):

• Petroleum engineers (21332)
• Geological and mineral technologists and technicians (22101)
• Drillers and blasters - surface mining, quarrying and construction (73402)
• Supervisors, mining and quarrying (82020)
• Underground production and development miners (83100)
• Underground mine service and support workers (84100)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 60% in Math 30-1 or 75% in Math 30-2, and
• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, and
• at least 60% in Chemistry 30, and
• at least 60% in Physics 20.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

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 Petroleum Engineering Technology diploma requires 60 credits (24 courses) to complete.

The program spans two years, with two semesters each year.

Required courses

• CHEM 232 - Petroleum Engineering Chemistry 1.5 Credits
• COMM 256 - Professional Communications and Presentation Skills 3 Credits
• COMP 254 - Petroleum Computer Applications 1.5 Credits
• DRLG 266 - Fundamentals of Drilling 3 Credits
• DRLG 304 - Advanced Well Design 3 Credits
• DRLG 356 - Well Programming and Operations Monitoring 3 Credits
• ENVS 363 - HS & E for Petroleum Operations 3 Credits
• GEOL 246 - Physical Geology 3 Credits
• GEOL 256 - Petroleum Geology 1.5 Credits
• GEOL 366 - Advanced Petroleum Geology 1.5 Credits
• MATH 238 - Math for Engineering & Tech I 3 Credits
• MATH 288 - Mathematics for Engineering & Technology ll 3 Credits
• PETR 215 - Applied Petroleum Fluid Mechanics 3 Credits
• PETR 315 - Petroleum Engineering Mechanics 1.5 Credits
• PROJ 310 - Petroleum Industry Project 1.5 Credits
• PROJ 336 - Petroleum Management 1.5 Credits
• PTPR 207 - Fundamentals of Petroleum Operations 3 Credits
• PTPR 250 - Surface Production Operations 1.5 Credits
• PTPR 322 - Sub-Surface Production Operations 3 Credits
• PTPR 360 - Well Completions and Stimulations 3 Credits
• RESR 252 - Fundamentals of Reservoir Engineering Technology 3 Credits
• RESR 335 - Intermediate Reservoir Engineering Technology 3 Credits
• RESR 350 - Advanced Reservoir Engineering Technology 3 Credits
• STAT 245 - Statistics for Engineering and Technology I 3 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

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 $1,500 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.

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.

Required equipment/tools

You’ll require a scientific calculator capable of performing linear regression.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

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

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. Apply an understanding of oil and gas operation principles to subsurface and surface production.
2. Apply geological concepts to analyze and interpret geological data.
3. Collect, organize and analyze reservoir data in order to evaluate and predict reservoir performance.
4. Apply basic formation evaluation theory and techniques to analyze and interpret well logs.
5. Design drilling, completion and well intervention programs using current industry standards.
6. Evaluate and compare the economic viability and risk of petroleum projects in order to recommend places of action.
7. Interpret surveys, maps, land divisions, and acquisition procedures.
8. Use recognized project management practices for petroleum projects.
9. Use software to analyze and solve problems in the petroleum industry.
10. Develop and evaluate petroleum engineering projects adhering to regulatory, environmental, legal, ethical, and safety requirements.
11. Communicate technical information in written and verbal formats targeted to specific audiences in the petroleum industry.
12. Demonstrate professional attitudes, behaviors and skills according to the legal and ethical requirements of ASET (or equivalent) in individual and/or team environments.
13. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and solve problems.