Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Hi, I was wondering about the differences between chemical and petroleum engineering? Also, would I be ill-advised in pursuing a BS in ChE, and then going to graduate school for a MS/PhD in PE? I feel like they are similar enough that it is not too disconnecting to pursue both, but as I research about this, what I'm getting is that they are not much alike. The longer the response post, the better, I would really appreciate everything anyone knows about this. BUT, no speculation please, because I don't want to confuse myself with the truth and what seems like it could be the truth but isn't). I do know that a BS in mechanical engineering would be the wisest choice as a solid foundation for heading into petroleum, but I don't think I want to go for an ME degree.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance!</p>

2

<p>Petroleum engineering normally deals with the upstream aspect of petroleum production. This is closely related to drilling for oil, figuring out where the oil is and estimating how much there is. Alot of Geology is involved.</p>

<p>On the other hand Petro-Chemical Engineering deals with the refining of crude oil into petroleum and other Petrobased products such as Plastics, on a mass scale. (Downstream)</p>

<p>Chemical engineers design processes and mechanism/machines in factories and refineries that can efficiently convert crude into use able petrol on a mass scale.</p>

<p>Personally I am studying Petroleum Engineering because I am more interested in Locating and extracting the oil rather than figuring out how to refine it.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t recommend pursue a degree in CE and then an MS in PE because they relatively different from each other.</p>

<p>It comes down to which sector of the Oil industry you want to work for.
(Upstream or Downstream)
If you want to work for the Upstream then I highly recommend you dive straight into Petroleum engineering by pursuing a BS in PE.</p>

<p>A good complementary degree to PE would be a Masters in Geophysics or Petroleum Geology. </p>

<p>Unfortunately I cannot help you with the downstream aspect because I am unfamiliar with it.</p>

<p>If you have any more questions feel free to ask.</p>

3

<p>A Bachelors in Petroleum Engineering will normally have a much higher starting salary than any other Engineering degree whether it be Mechanical or Chemical.</p>

<p>Petroleum Engineers have it tough though. They usually work in remote locations such as in the Middle of the desert, the middle of the ocean, or the middle of the Arctic. lol</p>

<p>Depending on where you work you also get paid more or less.
Texas - 75,000 Entry.<br>
Alaska - 85,000 Entry (approximately)
And Bonuses/HealthCare/Company Car…</p>

<p>Within 10 years you could no doubt be making more than $150,000 if you get into more managerial positions.</p>

<p>Luckily they also normally have shifts. 3 weeks on and 3 weeks off.
When you are off and relaxing on your couch for the 3 week break you still get your salary paid like normal.</p>

<p>Some good Colleges to look at are:</p>

<p>Texas A&M
Colorado School of Mines
Alaska, Fairbanks</p>

<p>From what I understand PE is easier to study than CE. But the work is tough but worth it because of all the added benefits. (Pay/Vacation)</p>

<p>Of coarse the most important thing is that you ENJOY what you are doing.</p>

<p>Watch this VIDEO:</p>

<p>A day in the life of a Petroleum Engineer:</p>

<p>[YouTube</a> - Petroleum Engineers](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nJEVIGk9Mc]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nJEVIGk9Mc)</p>

<p>If you want some introductory lessons on Petroleum Extraction and Production and whats in involved with it.
Watch this guys lectures. ( Overview of Petroleum Industry)</p>

<p>[YouTube</a> - Overview Chapter 1 part 1](<a href=“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN1RUC7C420]YouTube”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN1RUC7C420)</p>

<p>Petroleum Engineering: Must understand the Physics of Petroleum and how it behaves under the surface of Earth.</p>

<p>Petrochemical engineering: Must understand chemistry of Petroleum and its compounds.</p>

<p>If you have any more questions feel free to ask.</p>

4

<p>A bit related to OP, what about a BS in ChE, and then a graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering? Is that a feasible pathway, or are they also too unrelated? I would like to know about this.</p>

5

<p>alchemist007, I see u have a lot of knowledge in the petroleum industry.i really do need your advice, Im from Cameroon (west Africa) I came to the US with bachelor in mechanical engineering, I got admitted at WVU PNGE masters program and at OU petroleum engineering (bachelor program). Im confuse if I should go for the masters program at WVU (as im concern with the reputation of WVU in the oil industry, like what companies are hiring at WVU) or should I go for a second Bachelor degree at OU. (I know OU is a great school in PE). what do u think? thanks in advance.</p>

6

<p>

It is most definitely feasible! With ChemE, you have material sciences, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and plenty of other applicable skills to BME.</p>