Petroleum Engineering vs Chemical?

[NT123]

Hi All,

I'm currently deciding on what to major in - my top 2 choices are chemical and petroleum engineering. I slightly favor petroleum engineering, but I am not sure whether it would be a good idea to go into it at this stage since I am uncertain about the future of the oil industry.

I am considering doing a BSc in chemical engineering followed by an MS in petroleum engineering, which would allow me to become a petroleum engineer but have what I believe to be the more stable chemical engineering to fall back on if the oil industry began to suffer. This would be possible at my university (UT Austin), since the petroleum graduate program covers the basics of petroleum engineering in the program itself, since it accepts a lot of people from non PE majors. However, I would like to hear people's opinions on whether this is a good idea.

Also, I would be like to hear anyone in the petroleum industry's opinion on how the industry will look over the next few decades.

Thanks in advance, Nick

 

[DDTea]

A few decades from now is hard to forecast. In the near term, though, Petroleum industry is a great place to work and you wouldn't go wrong (unless you're like me and you hate the smell of crude oil). The pay is top-notch, lots of vacation, etc.

 

[Kevin_Axion]

No one goes into Petroleum Engineering anymore, they go into Chemical Engineering.

 

[Ashuron]

Chemical Engineering will be a safer bet..
Since we can not predict the future of Oil industry..
Current condition of finding job from oil company, however, is quite good..

 

[rezeew]

I cannot give you a definitive answer on which engineering major to choose. Both chemical and petroleum engineering have their own unique strengths and applications in various industries. It ultimately depends on your personal interests and career goals.

However, I can provide some insights on the differences between the two fields in terms of job outlook and industry trends. The oil industry has been facing challenges in recent years due to the shift towards renewable energy sources and increasing government regulations. This may affect job opportunities in the petroleum engineering field, but it is difficult to predict the exact impact on the industry in the coming decades.

On the other hand, chemical engineering has a broader range of applications in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and environmental engineering. This may provide more stability in terms of job opportunities.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the oil industry, it may be beneficial to have a background in both chemical and petroleum engineering. This will give you a diverse skill set and make you more marketable to potential employers. Additionally, obtaining a MS in petroleum engineering after a BSc in chemical engineering may give you a better understanding of the industry and help you make a more informed decision about your career path.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your interests, strengths, and career goals when choosing a major. Both chemical and petroleum engineering offer valuable skills and opportunities, and it is up to you to decide which path aligns best with your aspirations. I would also recommend reaching out to professionals in both fields to gain more insight and advice on your decision. Best of luck to you in your academic and career pursuits.