How do you get into the field of petroleum engineering?

BP oil spill wrote:

I'm interested in petroleum engineering but there are no programs in my state sadly. Should I attempt to venture out of state if I am serious about becoming a petroleum engineer, or is there a next best option like chemical engineering?

If you are serious LSU has a decent program. Their running is still clearly in a state of slavery, but, if you want to the PE, their school is worth a look.

Depends how serious you are? http://www.kfupm.edu.sa/

If you're really serious, the best way would be to go to a school with a good program and industry connections - OU, Texas A&M, Texas, Tulsa, etc.

The majors used to hire mechanical engineers, etc. out of school and retrain them according to the company's own philosophy, but I don't think there's much of that going on anymore. I think chemical engineering would get you into the refining end rather than the petroleum engineering (production) end of the business.

Another option in an unlikely location is Montana Tech in Butte. It's a great location for outdoor recreation, and the school has near 100% placement for grads. The cross country program is in its infancy.

Identify some companies you would like to work for, and contact them to ask who they hire. The more informed your question (about your specific career interest), the better they will be able to advise you.

Some of the Field Engineer positions sound incredibly interesting - for the right person. Huge autonomy and responsibility in your early 20s.

try marietta college (ncaa 3) in ohio

Chemical engineering is similiar and you can narrow your focus in grad school if thats what you want, but University of Delaware has a great ChemE program with a lot of financing from DuPont. I think theyre top 5 in the country?

Not being an idiot would help.

Check out the Schlumberger Field Engineer job:

http://careers.slb.com/recentgraduates.aspx

What about double majoring in geology and chem E? Many more options there.

You are welcome to apply to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. In addition, you could join the Aramco Runners racing club, and race every week.

We have a great program here. All courses at the University are in English. You will find the fees very reasonable compared to the U.S. Visiting scholars from the Ivy League regularly visit the campus and lecture here. Highly recommended school.

KFUPM University is ranked the best in the Middle East, and receives good funding. Apply today.

Ghost in Saudi.

www.kfupm.edu.sa

U of Illinois

I was offered a field engineering job with schlumbeger out of undergrad that I didn't end up taking. Mechanical engineering from georgia tech. Are you more interested in drilling or refining? If drilling, mechanical engg should be fine. Processing then chem engg should work as petroleum engg programs are rare. Pick a school with good industry connections.