Petroleum Engineering programs prepare individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems for locating, extracting, processing and refining crude petroleum and natural gas, including prospecting instruments and equipment, mining and drilling systems, processing and refining systems and facilities, storage facilities, transportation systems, and related environmental and safety systems.
For all the 1,232 degrees granted in Petroleum Engineering annually, the majority of them are Bachelors degree. Of the 830 students earning degrees at the Bachelors degree level across the US, 83% percent identify as men and 17% percent identify as women. While students at schools all over the US study Petroleum Engineering, Texas has the most graduates. The average starting salary for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering is $96,700.
If you’re thinking about majoring in Petroleum Engineering, then you should look at these top colleges, including Colorado School of Mines, The University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University-College Station. Colorado School of Mines is our top ranked institution for a degree in Petroleum Engineering with 64 students graduating with this major annually at the Bachelors degree level. Learn more about college options in the table below.
Sort By:
Majoring in Petroleum Engineering, your experience is applicable to different careers. Petroleum Engineering majors go on to find jobs including Architectural and Engineering Managers and Petroleum Engineers which are in high demand. Some of the top paying jobs for Petroleum Engineering majors include Architectural and Engineering Managers, Petroleum Engineers and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary.