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Is it better to gain a degree that is non-specific such as Chemical Engineering rather than a specialized degree such as Petroleum Engineering?

I am curious whether if it is in my best interest to leave my options open when obtaining a degree so I have more options when obtaining a career or gain a specific degree for a career. #chemical-engineering #petroleum-engineering #petroleum-industry

Thank you comment icon Is your primary goal/one of your goals to go into the Oil and Gas industry? Jayavignesh Arivalagan
Thank you comment icon My goal is currently the oil and gas industry, however, I have been told by many of peers that chemical engineering is a better degree to get than petroleum engineering. Thus I have found the right answer for me. Bradley

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Daniel’s Answer

I believe it’s good to leave your options wide, you could study chemical engineering and then get a job un the petroleum industry, if you still like it and see as a career option then you can study a masters or diploma course in petroleum engineering. If you don’t like it or later in your life want to look for another option then you have your chem eng degree that will allow you to work in many other industries as well
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Colleen’s Answer

Hi Bradley! I had the same question when I was in college! So I completely understand. I ended up majoring in Chemical Engineering because there seemed to be the broadest number of career opportunities available to Chemical Engineers plus the university I was attending did not specifically offer Petroleum Engineering (many don't) as a major. Many of the ChemE students that I graduated with went directly into the Oil & Gas industry, and I've been working in a large chemical manufacturing facility for the past few years since I've always been passionate about specialty/commodity chemical production processes and am now transitioning into a a role with an Oil & Gas/Energy company simply because it's located closer to where I live in Houston. My point is that, in my opinion, unless the job you are looking for specifically requires a degree in Petroleum Engineering (which some do) you will be able to graduate with a Chemical Engineering degree and go directly into the Petrochemical/Oil/Gas realm as long as you remain academically competitive in college.

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