<p>I was set on majoring in Mining engineering , but it seems like Petroleum engineering is the degree to be getting these days. I found out the average starting salary is about $90k for Petroleum versus $65K-$70k for Mining engineers. I am also worried about the job market for mining engineers because the mining industry is hurting right now.</p>
<p>Should I switch to Petroleum Engineering?</p>
<p>Any ideas?</p>
<p>Didn’t you declare Petroleum Engineering dead?</p>
<p>I guess I’m not really sure what your question is. You gave us three background sentences and then asked if you should completely change careers.</p>
<p>If you have specific questions about petroleum engineering, I would be glad to answer them. I can’t tell you what you should do though.</p>
<p>@kidat1 - I’m just trying to get some information on the petroleum engineering and mining engineering job markets. I have been struggling to get honest, up-to-date information on the job market for either of these majors.</p>
<p>All of the petroleum engineering departments I have talked to (outside TAMU, Texas, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Colorado) say petroleum is a great field to get into and that there is a ton of demand. However, all of the students I have talked outside the premier programs say it’s got super competitive to get internships/jobs at these non-premier petroleum engineering schools.</p>
<p>Basically, I don’t know whether I should believe the Petro department heads or the students about the job prospects for people just entering petroleum engineering programs.</p>
<p>I think I am going to do mining engineering, but I have am having a hard time getting any information on the job prospects for that major too (since it is very niche). The only information I have been able to get is 100% placement at most departments (ala petro 3 years ago). However, I know there has been quite a downturn in the mining industry and I don’t know if these 100% placement rates will continue for students attending non-premier programs (CSM, VT, UA).</p>
<p>If anybody can shine some light on the outlook on the job prospects for either of these majors it would be greatly appreciated. I also don’t have connections in either of these industries going into my freshmen year, so my research suggests I need to enter a field with a strong job outlook to get hired. I am confident I will be a successful but not amazing student (3.5-3.8), but I don’t want to enter into a major were the job market is going to tank.</p>
<p>I am probably going to attend New Mexico Tech since it is in-state (a non-premier program) and I am trying to determine if I can get internships and a job in either petroleum or mining engineering. </p>