Outline:
A Unique Course Combines Hollywood and Real-World Energy Careers
Texas Christian University (TCU) has introduced a new course that is capturing the attention of students, blending the excitement of a popular TV series with practical career preparation in the energy sector. Offered through TCU’s Neeley School of Business, the class focuses on the role of landmen—professionals who negotiate land and mineral rights for energy companies. Rather than relying on traditional textbooks, the course uses Taylor Sheridan’s hit TV series "Landman," starring Billy Bob Thornton, as a foundation for learning.
The show has brought renewed attention to the profession of landmen, but Dr. Tom Seng, an assistant professor of professional practice and energy finance at TCU, acknowledges that it also takes creative liberties for dramatic effect.
"Initially, it was almost a wait-a-minute, timeout," Seng said. "Let’s explain to the young people here at TCU what you obviously really like. No cartel fighting. No planes blowing up."
Seng designed the eight-week course to help students distinguish between the fictional portrayal of landmen in the show and the realities of the job. By using scenes from the series, he sparks discussions about the actual responsibilities of landmen, such as negotiating leases, understanding land rights, and grasping the business side of energy development.
He emphasized that the goal of the course is to provide practical preparation for students entering the workforce.
"I think coming through a course like this, they would be able to impress an oil and gas company in an interview," Seng said. "They would walk into an internship understanding what they’re going to be asked to do."
Interest in the class has surged with the filming of "Landman" season two on TCU’s campus. Student Natalia Delgadillo shared how seeing familiar campus landmarks on screen made the class even more appealing.
"Seeing the name of TCU, the football stadium, all of it, it’s pretty cool," Delgadillo said.
As a marketing major, Delgadillo admitted she was initially intimidated by the class, which had a predominantly male student body. However, her perspective changed after seeing women working in the field.
"When I walked in, I was a little intimidated," she said. "I saw a bunch of guys. But now that I know there are women in this industry, it makes me more excited to learn about it."
The course is primarily taught by members of the American Association of Professional Landmen, which is based in Fort Worth. Seng explained that the mission of the course is clear: to prepare the next generation of professionals to step into the oil patch as experienced workers retire.
"Obviously, without the series, I don’t think there would be this level of interest," Seng said. "But at the entry-level land positions, there is demand for young people to step in and carry this forward."
From Hollywood inspiration to hands-on opportunities, the class is giving students a closer look at a career built around Texas’ most famous export: black gold.
Key Takeaways from the Course
- The course uses the TV series "Landman" as a starting point to explore the real-world responsibilities of landmen.
- Students learn about negotiating leases, navigating land rights, and understanding the business side of energy development.
- The course is designed to prepare students for interviews and internships in the energy industry.
- The American Association of Professional Landmen plays a key role in teaching the course.
- There is a growing need for young professionals to enter the field as experienced workers retire.
Benefits for Students
- Exposure to the energy industry through real-world examples.
- Understanding the differences between fiction and reality in the portrayal of landmen.
- Opportunities to interact with professionals in the field.
- Preparation for potential careers in the oil and gas sector.
Future Prospects
As the energy industry continues to evolve, courses like this one at TCU are helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application. With the increasing visibility of the profession through media, more students are showing interest in pursuing careers in land management and energy development.