Missouri S&T and Northeast Petroleum University have created a degree completion program for NEPU students.

In December, officials from NEPU visited S&T for a two-day stay during which they signed an articulation agreement to formalize the program.

The universities want to increase access to higher education and help students succeed throughout their university experience. The program will assist students in transferring from NEPU to S&T so they can seamlessly continue the pursuit of bachelor of art or bachelor of science degrees.

“NEPU is in the city of Daqing, where the largest oilfield in China is located,” says Dr. Baojun Bai, associate professor of geological sciences and engineering. Bai earned his bachelor’s degree from the university.

“Daqing oilfield has the largest application of Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technologies in the world, “Bai says. “Currently only one third [of the] oil can be produced using conventional methods, but it is well accepted that EOR technologies, like chemical EOR methods, can produce another third of oil from existing reservoirs.”

The program will allow students the opportunity to begin coursework at NEPU and complete a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree at S&T. All college-level NEPU credits that meet the program requirements will be accepted by S&T.

“I am gratified that the office of international affairs has facilitated the partnership with NEPU,” says Dr. Jeanie Hofer, director of international and cultural affairs. “The NEPU program will contribute substantially to the continued globalization of the S&T campus.”

“Collaborating with the university, we can further enhance our strength in the area of enhanced oil recovery,” adds Bai.

There are currently five NEPU students enrolled at S&T who are working toward undergraduate petroleum engineering degrees.