Is Oil and Gas Engineering the Same as Petroleum Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the differences between Oil and Gas Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, particularly in the context of academic programs and career prospects. Participants explore the implications of choosing between specializations in Oil and Gas Extraction and Drilling within an Oil and Gas Department.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the distinction between Petroleum Engineering and Oil and Gas Engineering, noting that petroleum typically includes both oil and gas.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice of specialization should be based on the information provided by the university and encourages checking other universities for potentially more aligned programs.
  • There is a suggestion that the first year of study may be similar across both fields, with specializations diverging in later years.
  • Concerns are raised about job prospects, with one participant indicating that the petroleum industry is likely to remain stable and that engineers from various disciplines are hired.
  • A link to a related job posting in the PF Science Jobs forum is shared, although its relevance is uncertain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions or implications of the two engineering fields, and multiple perspectives on the best course of action remain present.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the specific curriculum differences and potential career outcomes associated with each specialization. There is a lack of clarity on how closely Oil and Gas Engineering aligns with traditional Petroleum Engineering.

medwatt
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Hi,
I had come to a university hoping to study Petroleum Engineering but they said what they teach is Oil and Gas Engineering. Really I do not know more about the differences if there is because petroleum implies oil and gas. But, there should be a reason why it is called that way and not PE. Now I have to make a choice into one of the following:

Oil and Gas Department
1) Oil and Gas Extraction
Specialization:
• Development and Exploitation of Oil, Gas and Gas Condensate Fields
• Offshore Oil and Gas Technologies
• Labour Protection in Petroleum Production
2) Drilling

My question is what is the closest to PE and which of the two should I choose to get the chance to easily get a job. Or should I not pursue any because it is not what I am thinking it is.

Thanks . . . I hope to get a quick reply.
 
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Update : Initially I had thought that Petroleum Engineering incooperates both drilling and extraction. So now I need to know what is it that I must choose to ensure a better decision since I had PE in mind.
 
Can't I be enlightened ?
 
medwatt said:
Update : Initially I had thought that Petroleum Engineering incooperates both drilling and extraction. So now I need to know what is it that I must choose to ensure a better decision since I had PE in mind.

Well, it is your choice to make, as to what your speciality will be. You obviously had a preconceived idea as to what Petroleum Engineering entailed and the visit to the university has outlined what they think is important to teach in the Oil and Gas Department of Engineering. If this is a four year course at your university of choice, most likely the first year studies would, or should, be basically the same, and the specialization should branch out from there especially in years 3 and 4. What other information does the Dept. give you for the specializations that could help you to decide? Perhaps you could also check with some other universities giving education directly applicable to the petroleum industry and see if something more favourable to you does apply.

Since the petroleum industry is not going to disappear anytime soon, I would think that acquiring a job after graduation would not be that much trouble. Afteral, they hire engineers from all disciplines.
 
Dont' know if this is any help, but there is a posting in the PF Science Jobs forum that is semi-related:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=636369

.
 

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