Which engineering degree is better: chemical or petroleum engineering?
For reader who’s landed on this page were surely having trouble in differentiating between the two-engineering degree. While choosing the right engineering degree or university to study may have a major impact on your career pathway. Although both are engineering related jobs or course, the differences are much greater than the similarities. For example, chemical engineering covers a broad area including biomedicine, food, electronics, and the environment. One graduate with chemical engineering could work in many industries. Whereas, petroleum engineering is more direct, which deals primarily with the extraction of oil and gas. Therefore, a petroleum engineering graduate will be more likely to venture into the oil and gas industry. This also indicates that both degrees offer different syllabus.
Chemical Engineer
A Chemical Engineer can work in various industries that use material substances. This is because, they solve problems by applying chemistry, biology, physics and math on the production or use of chemicals and other materials. Moreover, they also troubleshoot problems with the manufacturing line and develop new method of production or design equipment for large-scale manufacturing. Besides that, a chemical engineer will need to plan and test production method to ensure a safe procedure for those working with hazardous chemicals before launching the operations.
Chemical Engineer Day To Day Duties:
- Develop new and improved manufacturing processes
- Establish safety procedures for those working with dangerous chemicals
- Develop separation process for liquids and gases components, or for generating electrical current
- Design the layout of equipment
- Analyse production performance
- Manufacturing processes troubleshooting
- Ensure equipment or production are compliance with safety and environmental regulations
- Estimate production cost for management
The Working Environment of Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers work mostly in offices and laboratories. Nearly all chemical engineers work full time as they are required to spend time at industrial plants, refineries, and other locations to monitor, direct operations or solve onsite problems.
Career Path for Chemical Engineering Graduate
- Chemical Engineer
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Chemists and Materials Scientists
- Nuclear Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Cost Engineer
Chemical Engineering Salaries
Employment of chemical engineers is estimated to grow 8% from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for chemical engineers’ services depends largely on the grow of various manufacturing industries. The median annual wage for chemical engineers is RM 46,508. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10% (per cent) earned about RM 23,000, and the highest 10% (per cent) earned more than RM 95,500.
Where To Study Chemical Engineering in Malaysia
The profession requires a minimum bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, which is more commonly called chemical and biomolecular engineering. A professional engineer’s license may also enhance job prospects.
Universities | Course | Duration | Course fee per year |
Monash Malaysia | BA (Hons) Chemical Engineering | 4 years | RM 45,700 |
Curtin Malaysia | BA (Hons) Chemical Engineering | 4 years | RM 29,696 |
SEGI University | BA (Hons) Chemical Engineering | 4 years | RM 20,238 |
Taylor’s University | BA (Hons) Chemical Engineering | 4 years | RM 33,300 |
UCSI University | BA (Hons) Chemical Engineering | 4 years | RM 19,403 |
The program listed are provided as a general guide only, the course fees were captured base on the publicly available information on the internet. Please consult with our education advisor for further assessment.
Petroleum Engineering
Petroleum engineers find more efficient and profitable ways to extract oil and gas from older wells. They develop new method or design new equipment to drill in oil and gas fields to test the wells. They often work with geoscientists and other earth science specialists to understand how geologic formation affects rocks that contain oil reserves.
Petroleum Engineers Day To Day Duties:
- Discovering reservoirs and petroleum deposits
- Study and examine the geological formation, nature of rock containing the reservoir (with the help of geologist)
- Develop new method to drill in oil and gas fields
- Design extraction equipment from onshore and offshore reserves deep underground
- Develop ways to inject gases, water, steam or chemical into an oil reserve to force out more oil or gas
- Ensure that oilfield equipment is properly installed, operated and maintained
- Evaluate the production of wells through surveys, testing and analysis
The Working Environment of Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers generally work at drilling and well sites or sometimes in the offices. Moreover, large oil and gas companies do set up operation around the world. Therefore, travelling overseas or within a country is required for site visit purposes or meeting with other engineers, oilfield workers, and customers.
Career Path for Petroleum Engineering Graduate
- Petroleum geologist
- Completion engineers
- Drilling engineers
- Production engineers
- Reservoir engineers
Petroleum Engineer Job Outlook and Salaries
Employment of petroleum engineers is estimated to grow 15 % from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Oil prices will be a major determinant of employment growth. Higher prices can cause oil and gas companies to increase capital investment in new facilities and expand existing production operations, along with exploration. The median annual wage for petroleum engineers is RM 98,794. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. The lowest 10% (per cent) earned about RM 31,122, and the highest 10% (per cent) earned more than RM 405,000.
Where to study Petroleum Engineering in Malaysia
A bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering is sufficient for entry-level jobs. However, a master’s degree allows work as an instructor in some universities, or in research and development. Practical experience, such as from an internship or summer jobs, is also desirable for graduates.
Universities | Course | Duration | Course fee per year |
APU University | B.Eng (Hons) Oil and gas engineering | 4 years | RM 23,750 |
Curtin Malaysia | B.Eng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering | 4 years | RM 29,696 |
Heriot-Watt University | B.Eng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering | 4 years | RM 43,280 |
MSc in Petroleum Engineering | 2 Years | RM 73,000 | |
UCSI University | B.Eng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering | 4 years | RM 19,793 |
The program listed are provided as a general guide only, the course fees were captured base on the publicly available information on the internet. Please consult with our education advisor for further assessment.
Differences Between Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Degree Type | Petroleum Engineering | Chemical Engineering |
Career Industry | Various Industries | Oil and gas Only |
Career Opportunity |
|
|
Job Outlook | 8% growth | 15% growth |
Median Salaries | RM 46,508 | RM 98,794 |
Conclusion
Although both are high paying jobs, petroleum engineers could make on average RM 52,000 more each year than chemical engineering. In general, both branches are good, it only depends on what you want to do and most importantly what interest you the most.
Scholarship Opportunity
There are many scholarships, grants, and bursaries which can help support you financially with your studies in Malaysia. Some are offered by the Malaysia Government, education institutions, and a number of other public and private sectors. To know more: Click here Malaysia Scholarships list 2019.
Apply Now (Free Consultation) | |
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About Post Author
Tham Jing An is a writer by day and a bedroom singer by night. He is still a full-time student pursuing his Bachelor (Honours) in Finance with the University of Hertfordshire, UK under INTI International College Kuala Lumpur campus.