Q. Who do I contact for more information?
A. Department of Applied Sciences
Nicholls State University
P.O. Box 2148
Thibodaux, LA 70310
Phone: 985.448.4692
Fax: 985.448.4475
E-mail: doas@nicholls.edu
Q. What salary can I expect upon graduating with a two- or four-year degree?
A. A petroleum services degree prevents what many have found, which is that after only eight years of experience they reach a ceiling where advancement is very difficult. A college degree is now required for many promotions.
Q. Do I need an offshore job to enroll in the program?
A. No, however, all students are expected to locate such a job eventually in their college career.
Q. Will my employer reimburse me for tuition?
A.Some employers reimburse their employees and do so on a sliding scale reflective of the grade received in courses. Some that do reimburse are Devon Energy, Ensco Offshore, Tetra, Shell, Parkway Machine, Barker Energy, Air Logistics, Halliburton and Hilcorp Energy. In a survey conducted in October 2006, these employers did not reimburse: Grey Wolf Drilling, Danos & Curole, Blake Offshore, Pride, Transocean, Edison Chouest, Axxis, EPS, C&D Production and McDermott International.
Q. Can I get a degree while working on a 14/14 day rotational basis?
A. The program is best suited for the 7/7 worker who crew changes on Wednesday. The 14/14 worker can be accommodated but the student must be diligent and work far ahead on assignments.
Q. What is the best day for scheduling my crew change?
A. Wednesday. We almost never have Wednesday classes.
Q. I’m from out of state. Can I qualify to pay the reduced in-state tuition?
A.Students from other states can attend Nicholls and pay resident fees by qualifying
- through the Academic Common Market (Learn more at www.sreb.org.) or
- through receiving an out-of-state fee waiver (To qualify, students must either transfer to Nicholls with at least 12 hours, a 2.5 GPA and no developmental classes needed or be a first-time freshman with a composite ACT score of 21, no developmental classes needed and a 2.25 high school GPA. Learn more at www.nicholls.edu/admission.)
Q. What job can I expect upon graduation?
A. Historically, we train the leaders of the offshore environment. As such, typical jobs are rig superintendent, offshore installation manager, safety supervisor and field foreman.
Q. Can I see a detailed course outline before I proceed with enrollment?
A. Yes. You can view the degree plan for each of the programs by following the appropriate link below.
Petroleum Services – Bachelor of Science
Petroleum Services – Associate of Science
Safety Technology – Associate of Science
Q. How can I find out how much it will cost to go to school and get a degree in Petroleum Services or Safety Technology?
A. Contact the Fee Collection Center
Q. If I am on a 7/7 schedule, how long will it take me to graduate?
A. The program is designed so that a student can finish the Associate degree in 2 years and the Bachelor degree in 4 years.
Q. I am currently a student at Nicholls State University and I am thinking about changing my major but I don’t know what to do. Can you help me figure out if changing is a good idea and what steps I need to take to make the change?
A. Advisers are available to counsel students on the necessary steps to change their major. However, the student has to make the decision as to what degree is best for them.
Q. Do I have to work a 7/7 or 14/14 rotation in order to enroll in the program?
A. No.
Q. I went to college a few years ago and I have already taken some General Education classes. Will those credits transfer toward a degree in Petroleum Services or Safety Technology at Nicholls State University?
A. Yes. Credit for General Education courses from a properly accredited college or university can be used to satisfy the General Education requirements for the Associate and Bachelor programs in Petroleum Services and Safety Technology.
Q. I already have a degree from another university, will those credits transfer to a Petroleum Services or Safety Technology degree at Nicholls State University?
A. Yes, it is possible. However, previously credits will have to be evaluated on a course by course basis.
Q. I don’t live in Louisiana, are there any other Nicholls State University campus locations in any other city or state that I could attend?
A. There is only one Nicholls State University campus located in Thibodaux, LA. However, out of state students can enroll in the online courses and commute once a week for 7/7 classes once they are accepted to the university.
Q. Can I take all online classes to earn my degree?
A. No. About 90% of our General Education courses and about 50% or our Petroleum and Safety courses are available online. The other half of the Petroleum and Safety classes are only offered on campus.
Q. What is the first thing I need to do before beginning classes?
A. Contact the Office of Admissions and apply to the university.
Q. Do the Petroleum Services and Safety Technology programs accommodate 7/14, 21/21, or 28/28 rotations?
A. The program is designed for students working a 7/7 rotation. It is possible but is more difficult working a 14/14 rotation. There have been students who have completed the program while working a longer rotation schedule but it is not encouraged.
Q. Can I apply for scholarships before I enroll?
A. Yes, a student can apply for any scholarship for which the student qualifies.
Q. Are there any night or weekend classes offered for the Petroleum Services or Safety Technology programs?
A. Not at this time. However, several online courses are available for the convenience of our students.
Q. Are there any summer classes in the Petroleum Services or Safety Technology programs?
A. Yes, Offerings vary from summer to summer.
Q. How soon after I start the program can I expect to get a job?
A. That depends on several factors such as the job market, the student’s grade point average, and the economy. However, many students have been hired to start work immediately after they finish their degree.
Q. Can you send information about the programs via “snail mail”?
A. Yes. Contact the Department of Applied Sciences at 985.448.4692 or doas@nicholls.edu. Please leave your name, mailing address, email address and phone number when requesting an information packet.
Q. Can any of the courses required for the Petroleum Services and Safety Technology degrees be taken through the LSU Independent Study Program?
A. LSU Independent Study Program offers several college level courses. Go to http://www.is.lsu.edu/ for more information.
Q. I am interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Services. I am currently cross-enrolled at Nicholls State University through Fletcher. Do I need to speak with an adviser in Applied Sciences about what classes to take?
A. Yes.
Q. I have been admitted to Nicholls State University and I want to major in Petroleum Services but I’m not sure what classes I need to take or how to register for classes. Where do I need to go for directions?
A. Contact the Department of Applied Sciences at 985.448.4692 to schedule an appointment with an adviser.
Q. Do I have to have experience in the oilfield to enroll in the Petroleum Services and Safety Technology programs?
A. No.