Education Resources for Students and Student Chapters

AAPG and its partners provide a multitude of online resources to students, educators and professionals alike to help expand the science of geology and advance the world of petroleum geoscience.

AAPG Resources

AAPG offers a variety of resources to assist you in professional development.

Online Training

AAPG offers online training to AAPG Student Members at a discounted rate. There is limited number of reserved student seating in each training course. Spaces are allotted on a first come, first served basis. You must email the directly to apply for a registration slot as a Student Member and/or Student Chapter.

Certificate Courses

Certificate courses are designed to equip earth scientists with knowledge to enable them to take the lead in integrated energy projects and programs. This is the equivalent of a semester-long graduate-level course, and you will be expected to read, analyze, synthesize information, and conduct research. You will write four brief papers, which includes a final project. If you are seeking a less intensive experience, please investigate our e-symposia and our new micro-learning interactive video-based courses (listed below).

e-Symposia

The e-Symposia program offers one-hour interactive instruction on a variety of vital and cutting-edge topics. Initially given as live events, e-Symposia are subsequently archived as digital files so others can benefit from the training even if they weren't able to attend the live event. All participants receive one day's worth of independent study materials.

Traditional Courses

These courses vary in length from a few days to a full semester. Interaction with instructor is included, and daily or weekly assignments may be included as well. See course descriptions for actual start dates for these courses.

Programs for Student Chapters

Student Chapters are encouraged to take advantage of the two exclusive speaking programs offered by AAPG: Distinguished Lecture and Visiting Geoscientist programs.

Distinguished Lecture Program

AAPG’s Distinguished Lecture program continues to be AAPG’s oldest and most prestigious program. The program offers outstanding lectures by speakers who are respected scientific leaders in their disciplines of petroleum geology. Distinguished Lecturers are selected by the AAPG Distinguished Lecture Committee and tour during selected times for one year. Anyone can attend the lectures, which are hosted by AAPG affiliated geological societies or university departments. To find out more on how to host a Distinguished Lecturer, visit the AAPG website or email an

Visiting Geoscientist Program

AAPG’s Visiting Geoscientist Program offers students and student chapters the opportunity to speak with industry experts who are excited to share their professional experience in classrooms across the globe. Speakers are available to talk on many petroleum geology and geoscience topics including: environmental geology, energy minerals, hydrogeology, oil and gas, unconventional resources and climate change, as well as many other industry-related topics. To view the list of available VGs, request a VG visit, or to find out more about the Visiting Geoscientist Program, go to the AAPG website or email an .

Career Center

The AAPG Career Center offers professional services to help you build and manage your career for maximum potential for success. The Career Center has a job board for job seekers and employers and provides customized learning content in the Career Learning Center, reference checks, résumé writing guidance and career coaching.

Online Webinars

“Geology and Geophysics in the Petroleum Industry” by Fred Schroeder
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS)

Join Visiting Geoscientist Fred Schroeder as he unveils the basics of geology and geophysics in the petroleum industry in his webinar series. Schroeder is an independent consultant with more than 35 years of industry experience. His work experience ranges from 3D survey design to horizon/fault interpretation to analyzing potential reservoirs, sources and seals. Schroeder has designed, developed and delivered numerous in-house training classes from introductory to advanced levels. As indicated on the IRIS website, the intended audience is junior and senior level undergraduate geoscience students, but graduate-level students may also benefit from the materials. To watch the webinar series, visit the IRIS website.

“Avoiding Dry Holes” by Bob Shoup
Subsurface Consultants and Associates (SCA)

Robert “Bob” Shoup, chief geologist at SCA, has put together an informative and engaging webinar on sub-commercial wells and dry holes. Shoup has a multi-decade history with AAPG. He has served AAPG in various roles, most notably: member, Student Chapter Committee (1983-90), president of the Division of Professional Affairs (2003-04), member, Visiting Geoscientists Program (2007-10), House of Delegates (chair, 2015-16), and Advisory Council (2016-17). Visit the AAPG website for more information about him and his AAPG involvement. To watch the webinar series, go to the SCA website.

American Geosciences Institute
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) programs host and publish free webinars on a variety of topics, including: career development, education and outreach, policy and critical issues, and geoscience and society. Visit the AGI website for more information and resources.

Policy and Critical Issues: https://www.americangeosciences.org/policy-critical-issues/webinars

Workforce: https://www.americangeosciences.org/workforce/workforce-webinars-0

Geoscience Online Learning Initiative (GOLI)

This cooperative program of AGI and the American Institute of Professional Geologists shared geoscience knowledge on technical and professional issues. Some courses require an active account, but others are available with free guest access. To see the full list of courses, visit http://goli.agiweb.org/.