Oil is one of our planet's most important resources. It's a major energy source and helps drive the world economy. That's why petroleum engineers are so important and in such high demand right now. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the demand for petroleum engineers will increase by 26 percent from 2012 to 2022 - that's way higher than the 11 percent growth expected from all occupations. Students interested in majoring in petroleum engineering should have a strong background in math and science, and be prepared for vigorous coursework throughout their time studying. A bachelor's degree is the minimum degree required to secure a job in petroleum engineering, but a master's degree may be preferred by top employers. Some universities may accommodate this by offering a dual five-year bachelor's/master's degree option. Petroleum engineering students learn to develop, design, and operate the systems used to locate and extract crude petroleum and natural gas. They spend their careers searching for oil reserves and using science and math to figure out how to efficiently extract it without damaging the surrounding environment. Some may eventually leave the petroleum industry to work for lobbying groups, the government, or other energy companies.
Stanford University is a research institution located in the California town of the same name. The more than 8,000-acre campus features seven schools, the largest of which is the School of Humanities and Sciences, and 80 residential facilities. With...
The sheer diversity of classes is amazing and the quarter system means that you have the opportunity to take a lot of them without overloading youself
” – Charlene from Sandy, UT
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...
Penn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in...
” – Eric from Winburne, PA
Opening its doors on October 4, 1876, Texas A&M University’s College Station campus was the first institution of higher education in Texas. A&M is home to 17 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 133 undergraduate degree...
I'm a chemical engineering major, which in my opinion is the hardest major at school not only because of the homework but because it challenges you to think in a completely new way. While other schools might emphasize by-the-book engineering, you're...
” – Bryn from Dallas, TX
A Public Ivy and space-grant institution, the University of Texas at Austin is one of nine academic universities in the UT system, and also the first. Founded in 1883 and home to 18 schools and colleges, it is one of the largest schools in the US but...
I know you are hearing all about how big UT is and how big the classes are and how big campus is. All this might be a little intimidating and even scary for you! But no worries! There will certainly be one or two classes that you will have that are...
” – Lila from Houston, TX
The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...
University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...
” – Thomas from Houston, TX
The University of Houston is a public research institution and the third-largest university in Texas. UH is home to 16 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in 108 fields of study. A diverse campus, UH has been designated an Hispanic-...
No matter what major you'll get into, you'll definitely learn a lot. There a many professors who care if you're actually learning or not and they will try to engage you as best as they can with the amount of students they have. I'm in the Honors...
” – Gregory from Houston, TX
Founded in 1787 as the Pittsburgh academy, the University of Pittsburgh is a 4-year state-related research institution. Pitt is composed of 16 colleges and universities granting undergraduate degrees in numerous academic majors and minors. The Pitt...
The professors are great, but in order to take advantage of all they have to offer, you have to GO to class!! Also, create a relationship with them - it may come in handy for research or internship opportunities.
” – Lauren from Harrison City, PA
The Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, more commonly known as Louisiana State, is the most comprehensive university in the state. This public university is located in Baton Rouge and is a designated land-, space-, and...
Because LSU does have rigorous academics, I would advise, if possible, to take dual-credit courses during high school to help prepare you for the teaching styles, and hard classes that you will have to take here at LSU.
” – Jordann from Humble, TX
The University of Kansas is a public research institution. The main campus is located in Lawrence, Kansas, and is one of five in the University of Kansas system. KU offers more than 200 undergraduate majors in one of the largest college towns in the...
As with other colleges, freshman year generally means class sizes in the hundreds. However, the professors and teaching assistants do a relatively good job on relaying information to classes of these sizes. Most of my classes used PowerPoint slides...
” – Nik from Kansas City
A real college experience — Big 12 athletics, R1 research, space-and-land grant opportunities packed into a tight-knit, welcoming community. Bring us your dreams, your determination, your sense of adventure. And we’ll help you turn your passions into...
WVU is a big school; however, I have not met a professor who is not willing to help students outside of class. Even though there can be classrooms filled with 200 students at a time, it is very easy to get to know the professor and to work with them...
” – Mary from Chapel Hill, NC
The University of Utah is a public research instititution situated in Salt Lake City that offers more than 100 undergraduate majors. The U is home to three professional arts organizations to complement the College of Fine Arts, and even features a 3...
I'm very impressed with the way the professors are so willing to help students. I have had several instances in classes where I have not understood the material given, and I'm pleased to say that I have felt totally comfortable in going to my...
” – Katie from Sandy, UT
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a 4-year public institution in central Oklahoma. OU offers bachelor’s degrees in 170 academic fields of study. In addition to classroom space, the OU campus hosts the National Weather Center featuring a...
OU professors really teach you to think for yourself, especially your English professors. OU professor also teach you different research skills. You really do have to study a lot to make the grade but it is worth it. There are so many diverse...
” – Jayla from Tulsa, OK
Texas Tech University is a 4-year public research university and the flagship campus of the TTU System. Texas Tech encompasses 12 colleges and schools and is the only Texas college to feature an undergraduate university, law school, and medical...
The professors that teach here are wonderful! They are understanding, compassionate and encouraging. They are always open to questions and outside-class time you may need to fully understand the concept.
” – Samantha from Katy, TX
Originally founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi, Mississippi State University is a 4-year public university in eastern Mississippi. MSU is home to eight colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees...
This school involves so much more beyond the classroom. You learn not only what your intended major requires but you also learn valuable life skills. Furthermore, you learn to react with a variety of different people and races which will also help...
” – Marco from Mississippi State, MS
Oklahoma State University is a public institution with university establishments in all 77 of Oklahoma’s counties. The school is a designated land-grant university and one of six US universities with a designated sun-grant. OSU's campus is home to...
While classes can be big at any University, Oklahoma State is freshman friendly. As a freshman, you're bound to have some classes getting as big as 300 students and as small as 10-25, but despite the large difference, every single one of my...
” – Adam from Tulsa, OK
Located on the high Laramie plains near the Snowy Range Mountains, the University of Wyoming is a land-grant institution and the state’s flagship institution. UW encompasses nine colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees in over 80 areas of...
I am a sophomore level engineering student and have learned a great deal through my classes at the University. Professors go out of the way to make sure concepts are understood and are more than willing to put in time outside of class and office...
” – Margaret from Lakewood, CO
Founded six years before North Dakota achieved statehood, the University of North Dakota is a 4-year public university in eastern North Dakota and the state’s largest institution of higher learning. UND offers undergraduate degrees in over 225...
Right now I am taking general classes, some are the same that I took in high school like psych, chemistry, and precalculus but the teachers cover the material in much greater detail.
” – Cassondra from Ham Lake, MN
The Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, Colorado. Established in 1873, Mines has been focusing on the sciences and engineering for more than 130 years, expanding its focus to include understanding the Earth, harnessing energy, and...
For the first year at the Colorado School of Mines, the majority of the required classes are classes that many honor students have already taken in high school. The classes include calculus 1, chemistry 1 and 2, and physics 1. Granted, these classes...
” – Krista from Colorado Springs, CO
The second largest university in Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a 4-year public school and part of the UL system. Louisiana Lafayette is home to nine colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in 80 academic majors...
Rarely I have had classes where I felt the relation between professor and class would lack.
” – Jonathan from Brusly, LA
Founded in 1894, The University of Tulsa is a 4-year private research institution in northeast Oklahoma. Tulsa is home to six colleges conferring degrees in 67 academic majors and its campus is noteworthy for its Collegiate Gothic buildings. Tulsa is...
I love the University of Tulsa's curriculum. All students have to take certain classes, and it helps to break up your classes that are all focused on your major. Also, all liberal arts majors are required to have a minor (and science majors are...
” – Faith from Tulsa, OK
The University of New South Wales is an Australian public university in the Sydney metro area. UNSW is home to nine academic faculties conferring undergraduate degrees and is a member of the Australian coalition of research universities known as...
Originally founded as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public school and flagship campus of the U of A System. The oldest institution of higher-learning in the state, UAF is home to nine...
I am a current student at UAF studying Chemistry Forensics. While I have only taken my general requirement classes, I feel that a majority of the classes are very well planned out and teach new information. Some of the classes are easy to pass with...
” – Rianna from Fairbanks, AK
Founded in 1847, Saint Francis University is a Catholic liberal arts institution in western Pennsylvania and is the oldest Franciscan Catholic university in the United States. Saint Francis confers undergraduate degrees in 50+ academic fields of...
Saint Francis University has been great in transitioning me from living at home, to living away from family members. The environment is very welcoming and all of the faculty and staff are more than willing to help any student in need. Saint Francis...
” – Jordan from Pittsburgh, PA
Marietta College is a small, private liberal arts college that was founded in 1835. All first-year students are required to take a College Life and Leadership Laboratory course as well as a first-year seminar. Students can compete for places in the...
Professors are professors for a reason, and the ones at Marietta are by and large very good teachers as well. Knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter, the only thing stopping an ambitious student from learning from them is laziness or...
” – Thomas from Falls Church, VA
Missouri University of Science and Technology, Missouri S&T, is a 4-year institution that was founded in 1870. The Rolla-located university houses two colleges, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Business, as well as the College of Engineering and...
The Professors really push you to the hardest extent. They expect you to do your homework the first time and take school very seriously. However, if you finish your homework and work at it you will learn more than you expected and the way most...
” – Julie from Camdenton, MO
Montana Technological University, more commonly known as Montana Tech, is a special-focus 4-year institution located in Butte, MT. Since its founding in 1900, Montana Tech has grown to encompass four schools and colleges offering numerous associate’s...
A School for motivated Students who want an excellent education, especially in engineering Fields. Small campus and class size leading to a closer working relationship with professors and other students. Beautiful area and nice people with plenty of...
” – Steven from Butte, MT
Chartered in 1917, Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a 4-year public school and the oldest institution of higher learning in south Texas. Texas A&M Kingsville is home to six colleges granting undergraduate degrees. In addition to classroom space...
All the professors here know how to teach students very well and keep learning interesting. I have a really awesome professor for History 1302, who I chose again for enjoying his 1301 class last semester, who constantly challenges us and keeps us...
” – Preston from Portland, TX
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is a 4-year public school in west Texas and a campus of the UT system as well as the only university in the country to be named for a geological formation. UT Permian Basin is home to five colleges...
The Professors have office hours and are widely and readily available. They will help you out with any problems you may have in their class. The University also has a Math and Science Center, and a STEM, and Mentor program. These programs hire tutors...
” – Tiana from El Paso, TX
Founded in 1889, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public institution in western Pennsylvania and a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. With campus nestled in the rolling hills of the region, Slippery Rock...
Upon coming here in the fall of 2009, I never anticipated learning as much as I am now. One nice thing about this school is that all of your courses relate in some way. I found myself learning the same concepts, from different perspectives which...
” – Lindsay from Mc Kees Rocks, PA
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a doctoral-level university that focuses on STEM disciplines, including information technology, computer science, physics and civil engineering. The campus is situated in the Rio Grande Valley...
The answer Is definitely. This school is Strongly thrives on the academic status of its students, so of course they provide the tools and resources for student success. the classes are not as big as a regular college I am only a second semester...
” – Andres from Socorro, NM
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is a public institution located in suburban Erie, PA. PSB is a residential college and has one of the largest campuses in the Penn State System. Mechanical engineering, e-commerce, and...
Although what you learn depends mostly on you the teachers also have a part in how a student learns. At Penn State the teachers take extra time out of their day to assist you along with most of the other staff. Everyone is willing to help and be...
” – Danielle from Erie, PAPerched atop a hillside, Penn State York is a commonwealth campus of Penn State University located in southern Pennsylvania. Penn State York offers 11 bachelor’s degrees and five associate degree programs available entirely on campus as well as the...
Best priced penn state branch there is! :)
” – Taylor from Dallastown, PA
Imperial is one of the world’s 10 top universities (QS World University Rankings 2024), in one of its most iconic cities – London, UK. With students from more than 140 countries (including a growing number of US students), and a specialist community...
