The Petroleum Services Associates degree curriculum emphasizes teamwork, project planning, technical applications, organization, leadership and safety. Students gain technical problem-solving skills and develop a strong foundation in oral and written communication.
Petroleum Services Associate Graduates will demonstrate the knowledge, skill and abilities to perform the following competencies directly related to the oil and gas industry and beyond:
I. Research federal and state regulations, consensus standards and industry best practices pertaining to the oil and gas business or operation using appropriate tools and references (e.g., world wide web; industry software; and API references) to obtain data.
II. Understand the common terminology used in all phases of the petroleum industry and the business segments that make-up the petroleum industry including the physical and historical geologic origins of petroleum, exploration methods, legal mineral lease arrangements, drilling and completion, production, transportation, refining and marketing.
III. Describe the various methods used in locating possible petroleum deposits through the use of maps, well logs, and seismic techniques.
IV. Explain the various types of Mobil Offshore Drilling Units, (MODU), their advantages and limitations, common tools, components and various methods to affect the rate of penetration as related to rotary drilling equipment.
V. Identify and explain the composition and physical properties of natural gas and oil and the different types of well producing and conditioning equipment used in processing hydrocarbons which include the glycol dehydration system, natural gas compression equipment, and various measurement and correction factors.
VI. Describe the components and processes required for safe production, storage and transportation of hydrocarbons taking into consideration the chemical and physical variables which include pressure, temperature, volume and flow of hydrocarbons.
VII. Assess procedures used in drilling activities related to lost circulation, high pressure zones, fishing operations, coring operations, drill-stem testing, and directional drilling.
VIII. Conduct technical calculations using a scientific calculator to determine computations in reservoir studies, oil production, gas production and drilling operations performed by petroleum industry personnel.
IX. Demonstrate an understanding of common drilling and completion reporting systems and documentation.
X. Describe various well stimulation treatments (i.e., acidizing, water flooding and fracturing) and interventions used to maintain and improve production rates in existing oil and gas wells.
XI. Understand the organizational roles and responsibilities for the petroleum industry within managerial, supervisory and technical levels.
XII. Effectively work in a team setting, groups and be able to communicate technical information through oral and written means.