Student Organizations
Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many student organizations and programs within the UT PGE department and the Cockrell School of Engineering. The benefits of joining include:
- Access to industry representatives, which can lead to an internship or full-time position
- Opportunities to attend or present research at industry conferences
- A broader learning experience of petroleum engineering
- Relationship building with fellow classmates
- Leadership opportunities and community building
Check out the variety of organizations and programs and get involved with those that best fit your needs and interests as a UT PGE student:
American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA): UT Austin's ARMA chapter facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration, fosters scientific research, advances the science of geomechanics/rock mechanics, develops leadership experience and group interaction skills, educates students on career opportunities, and takes part in national chapter activities and events.
Equal Opportunity in Engineering Program (EOE): The EOE program invites students to become part of an exciting community that focuses on academic success and personal growth. EOE initiatives such as the Fall Kick-Off, First Year Interest Groups and Engineering Peer Leaders help students establish a strong academic foundation and promote the formation of a peer support network.
Graduate Engineering Council (GEC):The purpose of GEC is to serve the needs of the Engineering Graduate Students at The University of Texas at Austin by representing students to the Student Senate and the Dean's Office.
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC): Currently in the planning stages, UT Austin's IADC chapter will focus on drilling operations, oil and gas, and renewable energy. Members will participate in hands-on activities like attending educational conferences and exciting field trips, participating in workshops and symposiums, and much more.
Petroleum Graduate Student Association (PGSA): The PGSA aims to connect graduate students in petroleum engineering with each other as well as with those working in the oil and gas industry. The organization organizes student and company technical seminars, graduate socials, externships, software workshops as well as intramural sports teams.
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): UT SPE is an organization committed to helping students learn more about the industry by offering the opportunity to network with company representatives, encouraging the exchange of ideas with others, and providing experience in the field through a variety of educational trips taken throughout the year.
Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log Analysts (SPWLA): SPWLA’s Austin chapter is a professional group, focused on education, to promote the petrophysical knowledge of young students and professionals, to fill the gap between students and professionals and to increase SPWLA membership.
UT Geophysical Society (affiliated with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists) collaborates with the Longhorn AAPG (American Association of Petroleum Geologists) chapter to promote pathways and connections to the petroleum and geophysical engineering industry, as well as ways to deepen understanding of geophysics and exploration through research and interdisciplinary connections.
Women in Engineering Program (WEP): UT Austin's WEP organization helps women in the Cockrell School get connected, develop as engineering leaders and graduate with skills for life. Established in 1991, WEP strives torecruit and retain female engineering students, increase the percentage of female engineering graduates, and provide a supportive structure that encourages the success of women in the Cockrell School of Engineering.
