What Does a Landman Do? Learn in This TCU Course Inspired by a Popular TV Show

What exactly is a landman, you might be wondering? Well, inspired by the hit TV show Landman, Texas Christian University (TCU) is offering a new course that will dive into this intriguing profession. In the show, lead character Tommy Norris finds himself in some intense situations involving cartels and explosions, but in reality, being a landman is a bit different.

Tom Seng, an assistant professor at TCU, will be leading the course called “Land Management and Land Administration.” This eight-week seminar will give 25 undergraduate students a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a landman. While the show may be entertaining, Seng wants to make sure students are prepared for real-life situations.

Throughout his career in the natural gas industry, Seng encountered many landmen and noticed how the profession has evolved over the years. Gone are the days of the stereotypical old-school landman with a Cadillac adorned with longhorns. Nowadays, the profession includes negotiating deals for wind and solar farms in addition to oil and gas pipelines.

As Seng prepares these students for the profession, he hopes to debunk some myths and give them a true understanding of what it means to be a landman. And for those interested, TCU was actually a filming spot for Seasons 1 and 2 of Landman, with new episodes dropping on Sundays on Paramount+.

With a growing interest in the field, both from students and employers, the course is expected to be a hit among undergraduates. By the end of the course, students will have a solid grasp of what it truly means to be a landman, beyond the TV series.