In fall 2026, Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering will launch a new undergraduate degree in Natural Gas, Renewables and Oil Engineering (GRO).  

The program will combine traditional oil and gas engineering with renewable systems across the Swanson School’s diverse academic and research portfolios in energy.

“Industry and society are at a pivot point as our energy portfolio adapts to a complex balance of components, whether traditional oil and natural gas to solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric or geothermal,” Robert Enick, professor and vice chair of research who led the program design, said in a news release. “We developed a hands-on program that meets current needs while futureproofing our graduates’ careers, enabling them to move seamlessly between industries.”

The new program will be offered through the Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, which created the world’s first petroleum engineering program in 1910. This is the first undergraduate petroleum engineering degree program in the country to combine traditional natural gas and oil components with an extensive suite of courses related to renewables.Pitt alumni across the energy industry also contributed to its development. 

The curriculum combines core courses in geology, chemistry, drilling and production with eight required renewable energy courses. Topics include solar, wind, hydro, biofuels, energy storage (e.g. batteries), subsurface decarbonization, hydraulic fracturing, and underground CO2 disposal. 

“Students will benefit from Pitt’s 180-year history in energy education while also gaining real-world experience through research, study abroad, and industry internships or co-ops.” said Dean Michele Manuel. “The Swanson School is the only engineering program with a legacy of leadership in energy that is ready to introduce such a novel curriculum. This blend of tradition and innovation will make graduates highly competitive in the global job market.” 

Recruitment begins in 2026, with the first cohort starting next fall. The program will undergo ABET accreditation review for petroleum engineering in 2029 after the first cohort graduates.