Dr. Iraj Ershaghi

Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Iraj Ershaghi. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Iraj Ershaghi is the Omar B. Milligan Professor and Director of the Petroleum Engineering Program at the University of Southern California. His research areas focus on low carbon engineering, greenhouse gas monitoring, test modeling complex reservoirs, and pattern recognition techniques for monitoring water floods in enhanced oil recovery processes. He has a rich background working with industry leaders such as Signal Oil and Gas and has served as a consultant for various U.S. government departments. Throughout his career, Ershaghi has received numerous awards, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers Legion Honor and the Orange County Engineering Council Engineer of the Year Award. His extensive experience also includes serving as Executive Director of CiSoft and directing the Ershaghi Center for Energy Transition Research. He is passionate about advancing innovative technologies in smart oilfield operations and reservoir characterization.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2000-01-01 — Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Current Professor and Director of the Petroleum Engineering Program.

Awards

#2022

Col Edwin L Drake Legendary Oilman Award

2022-01-01
#2018

James E. Ballinger Engineer of the Year Award

2018-01-01
#2017

Society of Petroleum Engineers Legion Honor

2017-01-01
#2014

Senior Researcher Award

2014-01-01
#2014

Member

2014-01-01
#2012

Honorary Member AIME-SPE

2012-01-01
#2010

John Franklin Carll Award

2010-01-01
#2010

Viterbi Service Award

2010-01-01
#2007

Reservoir Description Dynamics Award

2007-01-01
#2006

Technology Transfer Award

2006-01-01
#2005

Western North America Distinguished Service Award

2005-01-01
#2003

Outstanding Educator Award

2003-01-01
#2003

Outstanding Educator Award

2003-01-01
#2002

Fellow

2002-01-01
#1996

Distinguished Member Award

1996-01-01
#1996

Fellow

1996-01-01
#1996

Distinguished Service Award

1996-01-01
#1983

Distinguished Faculty Award

1983-01-01
#1983

Teaching Award

1983-01-01

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.