Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering at METU is an undergraduate program designed to train engineers with the knowledge and skills to explore, produce, and manage hydrocarbon resources — including oil and natural gas. The curriculum combines core scientific courses in mathematics, physics, and geosciences with specialized engineering courses in reservoir engineering, drilling and production, petrophysics, fluid flow in porous media, pipeline and production systems, petroleum geology, natural gas processing, and environmental/safety considerations. Through theoretical training, laboratory work, simulation, and practical projects, students develop the technical competence required to meet the challenges of modern oil and gas industry, from exploration and extraction to processing and transport.
Located in Ankara within METU’s engineering faculty, the program provides a strong academic foundation along with applied engineering training. Students benefit from interdisciplinary courses covering geology, reservoir mechanics, fluid dynamics, production systems and environmental safety, preparing them for careers in energy sector, resource management, exploration and production companies, pipeline & gas distribution systems, and related industries. The program also prepares graduates for advanced studies in petroleum engineering, energy systems, or resource management.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, English-medium)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Reservoir Engineering, Drilling & Production Systems, Fluid Flow in Porous Media, Petroleum Geology, Natural Gas Engineering, Pipeline & Transport Systems, Hydrocarbon Processing, Environmental & Safety Engineering
- Admission modus: Regular undergraduate admissions
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Science & Engineering Basics
- Calculus I / Mathematics for Engineers
- General Physics I
- Introduction to Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering / Engineering Basics
- General Chemistry or Geosciences Foundations
- Academic English & Foundation Courses
Semester 2 – Core Mathematics, Physics & Basic Geosciences
- Calculus II / Mathematics II
- General Physics II
- Geology I / Introduction to Earth & Hydrocarbon Resources
- Basic Fluid Mechanics or Mechanics for Engineers
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 3 – Reservoir Basics & Petroleum Geology
- Petrophysics / Rock & Fluid Properties
- Petroleum Geology / Sedimentology & Reservoir Geology
- Fluid Mechanics for Porous Media / Flow in Porous Media I
- Differential Equations / Mathematics for Engineers
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 4 – Drilling, Production & Fluid Flow
- Drilling Engineering & Well Design Fundamentals
- Reservoir Engineering I / Reservoir Behavior & Simulation Basics
- Fluid Flow in Porous Media II / Reservoir Fluid Mechanics
- Thermodynamics or Applied Geoscience Chemistry (as related)
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 5 – Production Systems & Hydrocarbon Processing
- Production Engineering / Well Testing & Production Systems
- Natural Gas Processing & Gas Engineering Fundamentals
- Petroleum Fluid Properties & Phase Behavior
- Pipeline and Transport Systems / Flow Assurance
- Elective / Supporting Courses
Semester 6 – Advanced Petroleum Engineering & System Design
- Reservoir Engineering II / Enhanced Recovery & Reservoir Management
- Petroleum Project Management & Economics / Energy Economics
- Environmental, Safety & Risk Management in Oil & Gas Industry
- Technical Electives (e.g. offshore, unconventional resources, energy systems)
Semester 7 – Applied Projects & Industry Practice
- Petroleum Engineering Design Project I / Well & Reservoir Design
- Internship or Industry Practice (if available)
- Elective Courses (specialization: gas, reservoir, production, pipeline, energy systems)
- Supporting / Elective Courses
Semester 8 – Capstone Project & Graduation Preparation
- Petroleum Engineering Design Project II (Capstone Project / Final Design)
- Final Technical Electives or Specialization Courses
- Graduation preparation, professional readiness or planning for graduate studies
Career Opportunities
Graduates are eligible for careers in upstream and downstream oil & gas companies, exploration & production firms, natural gas distribution and processing companies, pipeline and transport systems, energy sector consulting, environmental and safety management in energy industry, oilfield services firms, or continue with graduate studies (M.Sc. / Ph.D.) in petroleum engineering, energy systems, environmental engineering or resource engineering.
Why Choose This Program
The program’s interdisciplinary nature, applied engineering training, and focus on real-world challenges in energy make it ideal for those interested in resource extraction, energy production, and sustainable energy sector careers.
With strong academic foundation, practical design and fieldwork emphasis, and broad industry applicability, the program prepares graduates to contribute to energy production, resource management or energy-related research and innovation — both nationally and globally.
Contact Information
Middle East Technical University – Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Dumlupınar Boulevard No:1
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 4000
Email: pnge@metu.edu.tr
Student Affairs Office – Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering Program
Faculty of Engineering, METU
06800 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 4001
Email: pnge-undergrad@metu.edu.tr
International Office – Middle East Technical University
METU Campus
06800 Çankaya, Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 312 210 1060
Email: ico@metu.edu.tr
