<p>Three of the top 5 Chemical Engineering undergraduate programs are in California, and Chemical is broader than Petroleum and overlaps with it. You can do fine coming from top California schools (via a ChemE for downstream oil jobs or even MechE for upstream) if your goal is to work in oil exploration or refining. See</p>
<p><a href=“Can a chemical engineer work as a petroleum engineer? - Engineering Majors - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/engineering-majors/1075564-can-a-chemical-engineer-work-as-a-petroleum-engineer.html</a></p>
<p>Alternatively, do a masters in Petroleum engineering after you have finished your ChemE degree.</p>