Which graduate schools offer petroleum microbiology?

There isn't a dedicated "Petroleum Microbiology" graduate program readily available as a standalone degree. The field is interdisciplinary, drawing from microbiology, geology, and petroleum engineering. Therefore, you'll find relevant coursework and research opportunities within broader programs:

* Microbiology Programs with a focus on environmental microbiology or geomicrobiology: Many strong microbiology programs offer specializations or research opportunities in areas that directly relate to petroleum microbiology. Look for faculty whose research focuses on bioremediation (cleaning up oil spills), microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR), or the microbiology of subsurface environments. You'd then tailor your coursework and research to focus on petroleum-related aspects. Universities with strong environmental microbiology programs are numerous, but you'll need to delve into faculty research profiles to confirm petroleum-related work.

* Geological/Geoscience Programs: Some geology or geoscience departments might have faculty involved in research related to the microbiology of petroleum reservoirs or oil spills. Again, it's crucial to look at individual faculty research interests.

* Petroleum Engineering Programs: While less common, some petroleum engineering programs might offer elective courses or research opportunities involving MEOR (microbial enhanced oil recovery), which directly relates to petroleum microbiology.

To find suitable programs:

1. Search for universities with strong microbiology, geology, or petroleum engineering departments. Look at the faculty profiles on their websites. Keywords to search for in faculty profiles include: "bioremediation," "microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR)," "geomicrobiology," "subsurface microbiology," "oil spill biodegradation," "petroleum reservoir microbiology."

2. Look for graduate students' research topics. Graduate student projects often reflect the research areas of their advisors. Scanning these can give you clues about the presence of petroleum microbiology-related work.

3. Contact professors whose research interests align with your goals. Emailing professors directly is an excellent way to learn about specific research opportunities and the feasibility of tailoring a program to your interests.

In short, there's no single "Petroleum Microbiology" degree, but many programs offer the necessary foundation and research opportunities. The key is careful research into faculty expertise within broader programs.