Bismarck State College

I just graduated from BSC in May with an A.A.S with my major being Process Plant. First off I want to rebuke someone else's comment about how this program is just for people who are already working in the field and about how they will not help you if you are not. Have to say the is not the case. I returned to school 20 years exactly after I graduated high school, and I had zero experience in the field. The staff at BSC did everything they could to help and encourage me. I had mainly been a carpenter for the 20 years between high school and starting the program. I am currently not working as of yet, I had C4 and C5 fused about 7 months ago and haven't gotten the ok from the surgeon yet. That being said, if you are taking the program online be prepared to learn a good portion of the material on your own. But unlike others I have had nothing but good experiences with staff from the instructors on down. Hope this helps someone out.

I actually enrolled in the Petroleum Production Technology program... Overall, I'd have to say that the program is good and does provide the student with the necessary information to begin gainful employment within the industry, however it does have its drawbacks. The program does a good job of introducing students to a variety of topics within the drilling, completions and productions operations spectrum but does not delve deep enough into some of the content. As someone that was working within the industry while enrolled in the course I felt like the program could have done a better job of explaining in more detail how some of the operations are conducted- but really is that practical outside of physically being on location and performing milling of plugs, running production tubing, or drilling a well- all of which I've done. In terms of the Prod Petro program, at first I was annoyed by all of the production classes as I started off in coiled tubing and then became a Field Specialist where I performed managed pressure and underbalanced drilling operations (which the programs covers-but not in detail). But, when I ended up working for a company that specializes in natural gas compression and production systems, I was happy to have that background from my studies. Finally, as someone that obtained my first bachelors degree through a traditional "brick and mortar" university / program (Bismarck fits the above as well), I realize that you will not know everything nor will you be an expert when you complete your studies. You'll have a platform or knowledge base from which to draw from or possibly seek additional information. Further, you'll have to learn more when you begin your job. One last thing :)... Bismarck State is a great school that has a great tradition and community that stands behind it. No, I do not work for the school (for the conspiracy theorists) but I am proud to have been affiliated with this institution. They're respected within the energy industry and your credentials will aid you-provided you meet other requirements- in helping you advance or start your career.

More vastness in information is required from basics.