About the Permian Basin

The Permian Basin is a vast geological and economic region spanning West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Known around the world for energy production, the region is also home to growing communities, diverse industries, and the people and places that give West Texas its unmistakable character.

The University of Texas Permian Basin is proud to call this region home. With campus locations in Odessa and Midland, the University is positioned in two of the communities at the center of West Texas education, business, culture, and energy.

Here, wide-open landscapes meet ambitious ideas. You'll find endless blue skies, welcoming communities, and people who aren't afraid of hard work or big opportunities. If you're looking for room to build your future, you'll find plenty of it in the Permian Basin.

What Is the Permian Basin?

The Permian Basin is a large geological basin spanning parts of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. It includes several major geological features, including the Midland Basin, Delaware Basin, and Central Basin Platform. The region is internationally significant for its oil and natural gas resources and has played an important role in the growth and economy of West Texas.

The name comes from the ancient rock formations beneath the region, not simply from the shape of the landscape. Over hundreds of millions of years, layers of sediment and organic material formed the geological structures that today hold enormous energy resources.

But the Permian Basin is more than its geology. It is a living region of cities, communities, universities, businesses, ranches, industries, and wide-open West Texas landscapes.

Permian Basin at a Glance

86,000+ square miles
Greater Permian Basin geological region

West Texas + New Mexico
The basin spans West Texas and southeastern New Mexico

48% of U.S. crude oil
The Permian region accounted for nearly half of U.S. crude oil production in 2025

6.6 million barrels per day
Average Permian crude oil production in 2025

Midland + Odessa
Home to UTPB's two campus locations

^{Sources: U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Energy Information Administration.}

Why Is the Permian Basin Important?

The Permian Basin is one of the most important energy-producing regions in the United States. In 2025, the region produced an average of 6.6 million barrels of crude oil per day, accounting for 48% of total U.S. crude oil production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The region's energy leadership has been shaped by generations of innovation in geology, engineering, technology, and resource development. Today, that work continues as industry and researchers explore new approaches to efficiency, automation, environmental responsibility, and the future of energy.

Energy also supports a much broader regional economy. Engineering, construction, transportation, professional services, healthcare, education, technology, and other industries help serve the people and organizations that call West Texas home.

Midland and Odessa: At the Heart of West Texas

Midland and Odessa are neighboring West Texas cities at the center of the Permian Basin’s business, education, culture, and energy activity. Together, they form one of the region’s largest population and employment centers and offer students access to opportunities across a growing metropolitan area.

The University of Texas Permian Basin connects both communities. The University’s main campus is in Odessa, while its Midland campus includes the Engineering Building, Center for Energy and Economic Diversification, and Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center.

Whether you’re building a career, continuing your education, attending a performance, or exploring West Texas, Midland and Odessa put opportunity close at hand.

Opportunity Beyond Energy

Energy may be one of the Permian Basin’s best-known industries, but opportunity here extends far beyond the oilfield. Healthcare, education, engineering, technology, construction, transportation, business, public service, and other industries all contribute to the region’s economy and quality of life.

For UT Permian Basin students, that diverse economy creates opportunities to learn where industries are growing and changing. Through academic programs, hands-on experiences, research, internships, and connections with regional employers, students can prepare for careers that make an impact in West Texas and beyond.

Explore West Texas

The Permian Basin puts students in the heart of West Texas, with opportunities to explore the region's distinctive landscapes, communities, culture, and history. Farther south, destinations such as Big Bend National Park offer unforgettable opportunities for hiking, camping, stargazing, and experiencing some of Texas' most dramatic scenery.