Panola College gets Green Light for Petroleum Technology Degree

With the stamp of approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Panola College will begin offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in petroleum technology.  Classes will be scheduled on the main campus in Carthage and at the Shelby Regional Training Center in Center, Texas.  Panola College is gearing up for its role in a business venture that could pump millions of dollars into the State’s economy.  The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board gave the green light to begin offering the Associate of Applied Science Degree beginning in the fall semester 2007. 

“Panola College received approval from the State Board beginning in January 2007 to offer Certificates of Proficiency in Petroleum Technology, and the enrollments have exceeded our expectations,” said Dr. Joe F. Shannon, Dean of Instruction for Panola College. “The Panola College Board of Trustees approved expanding the Petroleum Technology program from its off-campus site in Shelby County to the main campus in Carthage, Texas beginning in the fall semester 2007. 

 “The driving force of the success of the Petroleum Technology program at Panola College has been the Petroleum Technology Advisory Board.  These key individuals meet monthly to offer guidance in curriculum development, internships, and fundraising opportunities,” Shannon continued. “A good example is our curriculum which was developed in consultation with representatives from the oil and gas industry including J-W Power Company, Samson Lonestar L.P., Hanover, Valerus Compression, Devon Energy, Chevron, BP, and Universal Compression.” 

The Associate of Applied Science degree in petroleum technology will consist of 72 credit hours, including 15 hours of general education courses and 57 hours of technical courses.  One exciting aspect of the program is the opportunity for students to complete a summer internship with one of the various oil and gas industry partners.  For students to be eligible to participate they must have attended and completed two semesters of the Petroleum Technology program and be recommended by their professors.  A special career fair will provide students an opportunity to interview with representatives from each company.  As an end result companies offer students internships and the students choose which company they want to work with over the next ten weeks. 

Petroleum and technical courses required for the degree include Introduction to the Petroleum Industry, Drilling Operations, Completion Operations, Production Operations, Health and Safety, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Introduction to Digital Systems, Motors and System Controls, and Welding Safety and Equipment.

Panola College is also in the process of developing short-term, non-credit courses for current employees working in the field that include health, safety, and environmental training for new employees and basic knowledge and skills training related to drilling operations.

Personnel that will benefit from the formal training program include roustabouts, field operators, foremen, compressor and measurement technicians, floor hands, drillers, and rig managers. Salaries for these positions range from $27,000 up to $92,500 annually.

Plans for the petroleum technology degree began when Panola College was approached by representatives of the oil and gas industry regarding the development of credit and non-credit training to prepare students for the employment wave expected to accompany expanding gas exploration and drilling. The surge in oil exploration and drilling operations will not only create a host of new jobs but should also expand educational opportunities throughout the area. Employment needs in the area are projected to range from 200 to 300 initially with a continuing need for additionally trained employees within the next several years.

Mr. Gary Hughes, Division Director of Applied Studies said, “The positive collaboration between the College and representatives of the oil and gas industry is creating a synergy that should lead to significant economic growth for the area. The College is proud to be part of an endeavor that will have tremendous benefits for the citizens of East Texas.”

Applications are now being accepted for Panola College’s Petroleum Technology program. To apply or to learn more about the program call 936-591-9075 and ask for Dr. Joe Shannon or contact Mr. Gary Hughes at 903-693-4650.