Petroleum Engineering vs Chemical?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between majoring in Chemical Engineering versus Petroleum Engineering, particularly at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The participant, Nick, expresses a preference for Petroleum Engineering but is concerned about the industry's future. Many contributors highlight that while Petroleum Engineering offers high pay and job opportunities in the short term, Chemical Engineering is perceived as a more stable and safer long-term choice. The consensus suggests pursuing a BSc in Chemical Engineering followed by an MS in Petroleum Engineering to maintain flexibility in career options.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of engineering disciplines, specifically Chemical and Petroleum Engineering.
  • Familiarity with academic pathways in engineering, including BSc and MS degrees.
  • Knowledge of industry trends and job market conditions in the oil sector.
  • Awareness of the University of Texas at Austin's engineering programs and their structure.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the current job market trends in Petroleum Engineering and Chemical Engineering.
  • Explore the curriculum and requirements for the BSc in Chemical Engineering at UT Austin.
  • Investigate the MS in Petroleum Engineering program at UT Austin and its acceptance of non-PE majors.
  • Analyze the long-term forecasts for the oil industry and alternative energy sectors.
USEFUL FOR

Students considering engineering majors, particularly those weighing the benefits of Chemical versus Petroleum Engineering, and individuals interested in understanding the future landscape of the oil industry.

NT123
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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
 
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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.
 
No one goes into Petroleum Engineering anymore, they go into Chemical Engineering.
 
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..
 

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