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Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

  • 1.  Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 17 days ago
    Edited by AAPL 17 days ago

    "From Bill Keffer (Texas Tech University School of Law, Professor of Energy Law, Director of Energy Law Programs) -

    Texas Tech University is launching a new degree this Fall - a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy, with courses offered by instructors from the Petroleum Engineering Department, the National Wind Institute, the Energy Commerce Department in the Rawls College of Business, and the School of Law. It is designed primarily for working professionals but is open to all. 

     

    The courses will be offered online, with only one or two in-person weekend visits to the Texas Tech campus during each semester. The degree can be earned in one year. Each semester unit (consisting of three courses) will cost $14,000 for a total degree cost of $42,000, plus a $500 deposit.

     

    The first cohort begins this Fall, and applications are being accepted now. You can find out more information by visiting the website at www.depts.ttu.edu/gradschool/Programs/energy/. Please forward this email and attachment to your friends and colleagues, who might be interested. 


    I am the Program Director and will be teaching the online course on Oil & Gas Law."


    Bill

     

    William R. Keffer

    Janet Scivally and David Copeland Endowed Professor of Energy Law

    Director of Energy Law Programs

    Assistant Director of Bar Preparation Resources

    Texas Tech University School of Law

    3311 18th Street

    Box 40004

    Lubbock, TX 79409-0004

    806/834-3178

    william.keffer@ttu.edu




  • 2.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 15 days ago
    $42,000 for an online degree from a state school is insane.  Considering hardly any company is willing to recognize and reward someone for their attaining CPL with additional consideration and compensation makes this proposal even crazier.

    ------------------------------
    Gary Brannon
    Brannon Resources
    Golden CO
    (970) 819-4437
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 14 days ago
    Hi Gary - 

    This is a new degree and is distinctive in its emphasis on "interdisciplinary" education, in which top-tier professors from the Petroleum Engineering Department, the Rawls College of Business, the National Wind Institute, and the Law School at Texas Tech will be delivering the course work, and students will experience both the flexibility of online instruction and the benefits of in-person meetings over two weekends during each of the three semesters of study. The only analogs currently being offered on the post-graduate market are professional MBAs with an emphasis on energy and Master in Legal Studies (MLS) degrees with an emphasis on energy offered by some law schools. I think you'll find that Texas Tech's tuition for this kind of degree is in line with tuition costs for other such degrees targeting the post-graduate, professional market.

    Bill Keffer
    Texas Tech University



    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 14 days ago
    I'm more concerned with the comment that "hardly any company is willing to recognize and reward someone for their attaining CPL with additional consideration and compensation."

    Is this true?

    I'm registered to sit for the CPL next month, and would love some feedback if any of you care to comment.

    Thanks in advance,

    John





    ------------------------------
    John Scheving
    Diamond Resources, Co.
    Wellington CO
    (970) 685-8122
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 13 days ago
    I strongly believe that a designation reflects knowledgeable, professionalism. Any company I have worked for paid me a higher % as they supported the study, dedication and knowledge to acquire the designation.
    I equate it an engineering designation...you need the degree, experience and then you sit for exams to acquire the PE designation.
    Go for it!

    ------------------------------
    Nancy McDonald CPL
    Energy Advocate
    Energy Advocate
    Goodyear AZ
    (303) 905-6193
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 13 days ago
    John, you can look at the AAPL compensation survey for some numbers on the value of a CPL designation.  Something that doesn't show up is the fact that in an in-house hiring effort for a landman grade position, CPLs almost always get the first set of interviews.  That means that the position is likely to be filled before the non-CPL candidate ever gets a call.  I have discussed this phenomenon with lots of different land managers and VP's of Land and all agree. I realize that is that this is anecdotal and not empirical evidence, and that sometimes an individual non-CPL will have unique experience or qualities that a company is looking for.  However, in most instances, tie goes to the CPL.

    ------------------------------
    Michel Curry CPL
    VP Land & Sr. Counsel
    Henry Resources LLC
    Midland TX
    (432) 638-4787
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 13 days ago
    John

    For me in the area that I've worked for the last 40 years as a field landman, it just never seemed justified. While I never got the CPL, I did continue to further my education however I could. Over the years, I've only worked for 1 company that paid more per diem for the advanced designation and that was a boom in the late 1980s, early 1990s.

    Now that said... as a young man starting out, I would do it. In the market we are going to be in with the return of Oil & Gas, it will be very competitive and you will need that edge or even just to level the playing field to get a good company job and to keep it. Education is always a good answer. Designations not so much but they prove you did the work and should know your stuff.

    Wish I had a better and sure fire answer for you but it is one that you have to weigh the options for you personally.

    ------------------------------
    Donald Riley
    Riley Land Service
    Laurel MS
    (601) 498-0925 Ext glenn
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 13 days ago
    John,

    I have not found that to be the case. Many companies recognize the CPL with a higher rate and some jobs will only hire a CPL. Personally if it was my asset I would be happy to pay a bit extra to get CPLs looking at it versus the broker's brother in law who is a "landman".

    As to the original sentiment that spending that kind of money on a professional degree while working in land would not see a return I certainly agree with that. Would only pursue if company is paying for it and that seems pretty unlikely in the current market. Universities are a business and they are trying to pay their bills like anybody and I'm sure you would learn a lot obtaining that degree but from a financial perspective its a bad deal.

    ------------------------------
    Chris O'Connor CPL
    Oconnor Land Services, Inc.
    Houston TX
    (979) 574-6211
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 13 days ago
    John,

    Get your CPL, it does make a difference.  Bottom line is that AAPL accreditation is the only bellwether out there for a Landman and many of the Majors respect it & require it as they have no other means to evaluate a potential candidate to hire, in-house or contract.

    Just do it....
     
    Peter F. Lockhart, CPL

    1135 Shady Lane
    Ashland, Ohio 44805
    (419) 651-0105




    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 13 days ago
    While you might not get paid more, for having your CPL, from my personal experience I can say you will more likely get work than a Landman without a CPL designation.

    ------------------------------
    Rick Heinzmann
    Landman
    Charon Land & Title Services Ltd
    Fort Collins CO
    (989) 619-4544
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 14 days ago
    That's a little steep I would never do that, but my CPL has brought lots of work to me since 2011

    William F. Elrod, CPL
    Black Gold Land Services, Inc.
    8610 E. 98th Place, Tulsa, OK 74133
    Cell 918.760.4844 Fax 866.567.4819



    CONFIDENTIAL NOTICE: This electronic transmission and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information, which is intended only for the named recipient(s). If you have received this e-mail in error, please do not read, copy, disclose or distribute any of the information or attachments contained in this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately, either by e-mail or by telephone. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication by anyone other than the named recipient(s) is strictly prohibited.



    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 11 days ago
    I wanted to thank all of you that took the time to reach out to me either publicly or privately regarding my inquiry of sitting for the CPL.  You all raised excellent points, and gave me much to think about moving forward.

    -John

    --

    John Scheving

    Landman

    Three-Two Change, Inc.

    3759 Sunrose St.
    Wellington, CO 80549

    (970)685-8122 (cell)




    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 9 days ago
    I have never had the CPL designation and have worked very successfully in this industry for over 40 years, both as an independent and as a company landman & Land Manager.

    My success, I believe, is tied to my quality of work, my work ethic, and my many business relationships, within this industry.

    I don't think having the CPL designation is necessarily a bad thing, I'm just not sure it opens as many doors as one might think.

    High quality work, a superior work ethic and cultivating ALL of your business relationships, will get you where you want to be.

    Just my 2 cents worth.  Hope this helps.  Good luck to you,

    J. Joel Neeley
    Land Consultant

    GK Energy Consulting, Inc.
    2222 Spring Creek Parkway, Suite 105
    Plano, TX  75023
    972-839-7526



    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 8 days ago
    Well Said J. Neely - My experience has been the same !!!


    --
    WILLIAM B. STRICKLAND,
    Professional Landman, AAPL
    PH     713-823-9988
     
    WARNING: This message, including any attachments, contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.



    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 8 days ago
    Touche'!

    Brian T. Kenney
    337-257-2435

      





    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 8 days ago
    I can sure vouch for Mr. Neeley!  I've worked for and with him in the past and he is one of the sharpest and most qualified landman/land manager you could ever know.  Ironically, it was because of Joel that I got my CPL many years ago.  He was studying to take the exam and it inspired me to do so.  If I recall correctly he became very busy and never got back around to it.

    In my case, having the CPL got me work I otherwise may not have retained.  Work I did for a large E&P and banks didn't technically require I have the designation but they each had a pay scale that actually paid a higher rate to CPL's.  My primary activity now is as an expert witness/consultant and having the CPL is all but required.

    So while I agree wholeheartedly with Joel, I do think having the CPL after your name can give an you edge over someone who doesn't...g

    ------------------------------
    Greg Jessup, CPL
    CEO
    Jessup Energy Land, LLC
    Roanoke, Texas
    972-571-8198
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 8 days ago
    As to the subject of CPL, I know plenty of landmen that have worked for decades (generally off and on) and never pursued further education. Interestingly, when the industry hits the skids, as in 1986, 1998, 2008 etc. and most landmen find oil companies reducing their budgets, cutting exploration and then focusing on in-house land work only, therefore forcing many to work in other industries to find work. The first thing that happens when one is moving into another industry is such a person needs guidance and degrees / certifications to simply find a decent paying job.  If a landman wants to get into real estate, then a license and certification is required by law. Continuing education credits are also required for that real estate license. Obviously, the same applies in the legal profession. You see where I am going and there is a more practical reason to further one's education and awareness of new legal cases that directly affects what landmen need to accomplish. Obtaining a CPL certification takes time and pretty hard study, as it should. The only other courses that one can find relevant training for our industry is Law School, which is also why we have so many lawyers as landmen.  The fact is that to obtain a lease one must gain the trust of the lessors as every dang sentence in our leases have mountains of litigation affecting the meaning, so why should we expect any lessor to understand such? Old landmen with decades of experience know this fact inherently and usually do a good job. However, there are times when it is appropriate to be current on the state of court cases affecting issues arising in modern leases, particularly horizontal lease issues. Texas is a giant case study and old lease concepts, such as npri, are evolving rapidly and changing what old time landmen have understood as known and accepted concepts and if the landman or woman gets into a pickle by not being able to answer questions properly a sophisticated lessor may ask is fundamentally bad practice and embarrassing. Personally, when I have a job out of state and need a landman, the first thing I look up is who are the local CPLs in the area. The CPL shows that one cares about the industry enough to know that the more one knows the more you don't know. 

    Stephen T. Harris, CPL



    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 8 days ago
    Mr. Harris
    I totally understand what your meaning and intent was and I mostly agree with you on this but I think you took it a little to far with implying that older landman may not be up on all of the new terms, computers, negotiations and forms. That may be true in some situations (I don't disagree with that statement) but again it all depends on the person and why you are hiring him. I do not have the CPL designation. I could have grandfathered in or obtained it many times over my 40+ year career but for a field landman, the expense may not justify the expense, as in my case. I do have an engineering degree, a minor in geology, started law school, a Real Estate Brokerage with 7 agents and a number of lifetime designations, just not the CPL. I do believe in education and as I field landman, I can hold my own with anybody. Some of us old folks do keep up with things, just a designations doesn't tell you anything about the person other than that they can pass a test and set for a class. A good landman can do it all, just some things better than others. We have a motto here in my office... Get UP, Dress UP and Show UP. A lot of landman could benefit from that more than a CPL designation.  Respectfully.

    ------------------------------
    Donald Riley
    Riley Land Service
    Laurel MS
    (601) 498-0925 Ext glenn
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Texas Tech University - Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (MSIS) in Energy Degree

    Posted 7 days ago
    I worked as a Landman for more than 30 years before retiring, both as a field Landman and an in-house Landman.  I did acquire the CPL designation and was very happy to have it.  But I never felt that It opened many doors for me.  For some I think it is really helpful.  Each case is different.  I was blessed to have a great career, but like Joel, I believe my success was based on a good work ethic and a high quality work product.  A major key to success is establishing great relationships in the industry and never burning bridges.

    ------------------------------
    Larry Legg CPL
    Retired
    Newcastle OK
    (330) 224-2240
    ------------------------------

    Original Message