FAQ

1) Will I be required to come to campus?

Online Master of Engineering and Master of Science students are not required to come to campus. All degree requirements can be completed entirely online.

NOTE: Online PhD students may be required to come to campus for the Qualifying Exam.

2) Can I visit campus?

Yes! Online students are welcome to visit campus if they are able. We have a weekly in-person seminar and periodic Society of Petroleum Engineers activities you can participate in.

3) Am I required to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering?

While a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering or other closely related engineering disciplines is preferred, it is not required. Contact our Online Learning Staff for personalized help.

4) Is the GRE required?

The GRE is required of all applicants whose bachelor's degree is not from a U.S. institution.

5) What is required for international applicants to show English proficiency for admission?

Citizens from non-English speaking countries must submit proof of English proficiency to be eligible for admission. All required documentation can be found on the Office of Admissions International Graduate webpage.

Office of Admissions International Graduate webpage

1) How much does an online program cost?

Refer to the Texas A&M Tuition Calculator for the most up-to-date cost estimates for programs.

2) What financial aid is available for online students?

The department does not offer funding to online students. However, many students have their tuition and fees sponsored by their employers. You can also apply for Texas A&M University scholarships or grants, depending on eligibility.

Scholarship opportunities

Grant opportunities

3) What are the admission deadlines?

• Fall semester: apply by Dec. 15 of the previous year
• Summer semester (online learning students only): apply by Nov. 1 of the previous year
• Spring semester: apply by Sept. 1 of the previous year

1) I did not see anything in my email about registration; did I miss it?

Make sure you are on our email Listserv. You can check with Madeline DeStefano to confirm your Listserv status by emailing mdestefano@tamu.edu.

Information about registration is generally sent out mid-semester to the Listserv. Please refer to your Texas A&M Gmail for any departmental communications.

To verify your email settings, navigate to the Aggie Gateway and check the settings under the "Email Settings" tab.

2) What if the class I want is not taught this semester?

Some classes are taught every other year or every two years. Check with your advisor or chair about the best replacement for the class you want, or wait until that course is taught again.

3) Who do I contact if I am having trouble with tuition, reimbursement checks, and billing?

Visit the Student Business Services website for the correct contact person.

1) Where can I find prerequisites for a course? Do I really need to take them?

Prerequisites are listed in the graduate and professional catalog.

You must make sure all course prerequisites are met. If you do not meet the course prerequisites, you may register with the consent of the head of the department in which the course is offered. However, failure to meet course prerequisites will get you dropped from the class.

2) Can I take a break from the Online Learning Program?

You may skip a semester or even two consecutive semesters. However, if you skip two, you must enroll by the next main semester to avoid being withdrawn from Texas A&M University.

For example, if your last course was in a fall semester, you must enroll by the following fall semester or you will be considered "not returning" and go "inactive." If this happens, you must apply to the program again. The graduate committee will then review your application to see if you maintained an academic standing of 3.0 GPA or above, which is required by Texas A&M.

There is no guarantee you will be readmitted. Remember, you only have a set number of years to complete the degree program from your original date of acceptance.

3) How do I apply again?

You can apply to the program again through EngineeringCAS. Before applying, contact the Graduate Programs Office to double-check the required documents. 

4) Is there a limit on the number of years to complete the online programs?

Yes, the master’s programs (M.Eng. and M.S.) must be completed within seven (7) years to avoid the loss of classes already taken. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree must be completed within ten (10) years.

5) Where do I submit my degree plan/petitions/extensions?

Submit your degree plan/extensions/petitions (course changes, committee member add/delete/change, etc.) on the Document Processing Submission system.

6) Where do I get a student ID?

Email the Aggie Card Office at aggiecard@tamu.edu from your official Texas A&M email account requesting the distance education ID card, and they will verify if you are eligible and mail you the ID.

7) I am taking one course but need to drop it. What do I do?

Visit with your instructor first. They can tell you if the coursework becomes more challenging as the semester progresses. They can also suggest study strategies and resources appropriate for their course and give you other helpful advice.

If dropping your class puts you at zero (0) hours, you must take steps for withdrawal. Refer to the withdrawal webpage for procedures. (Note: withdrawing with zero hours will not affect your registration for the following semester.)

For additional information about withdrawing from the university, see Part I, Section 17 of the Texas A&M University Student Rules. Also, review the link on refunds.

8) I am taking two courses but need to drop one. How do I do that?

Talk to your instructor first. They can tell you if the coursework tends to become more challenging as the semester progresses. They can also suggest study strategies appropriate for their course and give you other helpful advice to deal with the situation.

Please confirm Q-drops with our staff. Q-drop requests submitted to the advising office after the deadline will not be processed. Refer to the Q-drop webpage for procedures.

9) The video for my class has bad sound or resolution. Who do I contact?

Please email coe-mediasite-helpdesk@tamu.edu and copy our staff (dl@pe.tamu.edu).

10) What if I am having trouble with my Gmail password?

Contact the HELPDESK.