PBIOS - October 2021 - 135

" I feel really confident coming out of
UTPB as an engineer, " says Nolan Hines,
a recent college of engineering graduate.
" I think every one of my professors knows
me by my first name. I can have conversations
with any of them, whether it is
about school or not. "
Many engineers find the opportunity
to expand their skill sets with a graduate
certificate in engineering project management.
The credential is designed for
those who have completed a bachelor's
degree in engineering, computer science
or business. It is structured to develop
advanced skills for managing and leading
engineering projects from initiation to
completion. Classes include essentials of
engineering project management, advanced
engineering economics, and quality and
risk management.
Relevant To Industry Needs
UTPB is committed to serving the region,
and that means developing programs
that are relevant to industry needs. When
leaders expressed concern about a shortage
of landmen in the area, the college of
business responded with a uniquely developed
bachelor of business administration
in energy land management. The
goal is simple: prepare graduates to work
in the energy business and the landman
profession. The faculty, along with business
leaders who advise the college, believe
an understanding of business management,
the energy industry and law related to
the energy industry are essential for professionals
in the industry.
The BBA in energy land management
is perfect for students interested in careers
managing property, mineral and water
rights in the petroleum, solar or wind energy
industries or in real estate.
The master of business administration
and master of professional accountancy
(MPA) programs produce leaders in all industry
sectors. UTPB's MBA has tracks in
accounting, finance and marketing, plus a
graduate certificate in energy business that
is popular with managers in the Permian.
This 12-hour program can be taken as a
stand-alone graduate certificate (most anyone
holding an undergraduate degree can pursue),
or as part of the MBA or MPA curriculum.
" The faculty in the college of business
at UTPB are there to help you grow as a
student and as a professional. They provide
you with all the necessary tools to succeed, "
says UTPB MBA graduate, Oscar
Gonzalez Foreseck. " The professors are
extremely knowledgeable and have reallife
experience in the topics that they
teach as well as extensive research in
their fields of study. "
A critical need for energy exploration
and development includes geological expertise.
UTPB offers both bachelor's in geology
and chemistry and master's in geology
with a graduate certificate available in
geospatial/geographic information systems.
These programs prepare students for careers
in petroleum, mining, water resources, environmental
management, environmental
geology, governmental agencies, engineering
geology, geochemistry, geophysics and natural
resources.
Students are well trained in the UTPB
Natural Resource Center, which collaborates
with industry on real-world geologic
and chemical solutions. Many graduates
of UTPB's geology and chemistry programs
go on to work in the energy industry.
They often take jobs in exploration, laboratory,
well site operations and field
services.
Other highly sought-after educational
paths include chemistry, cyber security
and computer science. With bachelor's
and master's degree opportunities, interested
students can choose a track in environmental
chemistry, environmental geology, data
science and software development-all critical
components to modern oil and gas
exploration, development and production.
UTPB also offers opportunities specifically
for students who are already actively
working in the oil and gas industry. The
industrial technology programs include
a certificate in petroleum technology with
courses on drilling technology, wireline,
mud logging and core analysis. Students
use their associate's or bachelor's degrees
to get the training and credentials they
need to move up in their companies. The
university also offers a bachelor of arts
in applied science (BAAS) for students
who come in with an AAS degree. Many
UTPB business students add an energy
business certificate, preparing them to
UTPB offers a variety of bachelor- and master-level academic degrees, with an emphasis
on real-world educational curriculum. In this photo, a group of students studying energy
finance at UTPB are engaged in a living laboratory exercise at the Permian Basin
Petroleum Museum, led by local oilman Morris Burns, a former president of the Permian
Basin Petroleum Association.
OCTOBER PBIOS 2021 135
PBIOS - October 2021

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