<p>Which is better in the long run? I know they aren't popular fields, but the average petroleum engineer makes like $122,000 a year. That's a lot, especially for an engineer.</p>
<p>bump</p>
<p>12345</p>
<p>Both fields have many similarities. Both tend to attract people who are more adventurous and outdoorsy than the average engineer, both require knowledge of geology, both are increasingly focused on overseas projects, both go through pronounced boom-and-bust cycles, and both are generally hot right now due to high commodity prices.</p>
<p>No one has a crystal ball, so no one can tell you which field will make for a better career in the long run. Your best bet is to focus on the one you find most interesting. Note that relatively few schools offer programs in either field.</p>
<p>Your physics coursework may help you decide which field is better for you. Mining engineering is generally about extracting solids (coal or metal ore) from underground. Petroleum engineering is generally about extracting fluids (oil or natural gas) from underground. If you've studied the physics of both solids and fluids, you will likely find that one is more appealing to you than the other.</p>
<p>A little offtopic, but is petroleum really that safe?I mean with the whole focus on a cleaner world, Gore etc..</p>
<p>PetE would be great to enter into 4 years ago. Deciding to enter into it now is a bit risky. Oil companies having been adding new recruits heavily for the past 2 years and probably will for 2 more years. I'd do ME and try to get Oil-centric internships. Much less risk if the bottom falls out of the oil industry hiring binge.</p>