<p>I've always been interested in being a n engineer, and was thinking of being a mechanical engineer, but I like the salary of the petroleum engineer. So my question is should I get BS in Petroleum and be locked in the that discipline or should I get my BS in MechEng. A third option would be to get my BS in Mech and my MS in PetEng. Which do you guys think is best for me thanks.</p>
<p>Salary is should not be the sole reason you do anything. If you are most interested in mechanical engineering, then do mechanical engineering. You can always go work in oil and gas as a mechanical engineer anyway.</p>
<p>If everyone selected their major based on what salary is the highest TODAY, then four years from now, that field could just as easily have the lowest salary because the market is flooded with those majors. Don’t think it doesn’t happen to some degree, it does and I’ve seen it happen over the years.</p>
<p>Choose what you like to do. A happy engineer is a good engineer and good engineers are always paid the best. </p>
<p>Also, don’t confuse an engineering field with an industry. As stated above, a mechanical engineer can always work in the petroleum industry if so desired. I graduated with a degree in civil engineering, specializing in structural analysis. My first job and my whole career was spent as a structural engineer in aerospace (with time out for a stint in management).</p>
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<p>But not everyone does that. A lot of people put job satisfaction over salary. </p>
<p>If you’re close to indifferent as far as you can tell between two majors or two career paths when considering all factors excluding money, but you believe that in 4 years the money for one will be much higher than the money for the other, it seems to make sense to me to follow the money.</p>
<p>^ It was a hypothetical. </p>
<p>I would say not to base your career off of salary. Who is to say that you will make that amount? You could have a part time job on top of that. You could have special koalafications that make you more valuable. You could maybe not even be a run-of-the-mill petroleum (or mechanical…) engineer. It all varies. </p>
<p>Focus on something that you will enjoy. Something that is versatile. Something that can make you a better person. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Of course my comment was hypothetical. But the point was valid. Most people’s crystal balls are a bit cloudy trying to predict what the job market is going to be like four or more years out.</p>
<p>Go with what you like and what you think you will do well at.</p>
<p>I like all types of engineering. I chose petroleum because of the good salary. I just wanted to know if I could become a petroleum engineer with a Mech Eng degree. Also just so I dont have to start another thread does UCLA, University of Texas , and Berkley accept transfer credits from an Associates earned at a community college.</p>