While most people talk about gas prices, petroleum engineers do something about it. Petroleum engineers drill for oil and gas. Once they find them, they estimate how much is there and how to get it out of the ground in the most efficient and environmentally sensitive way. It's high-tech, high-energy, and exciting.

What's different about it?

The course load is demanding and you have to know a little about a lot of things (geology, chemistry, physics, engineering, economics, and more). So why major in petroleum engineering?

First, it's important to the standard of living throughout the world. Second, you can work in any part of the world in some of the most challenging conditions there are. Third, the job market is good and graduates can earn top salaries. Fourth, saying you're a Mines petroleum engineer will tell people you've already done something and want to do more.

What can I do with it?

Mines petroleum engineers work for every major energy company in the world, as well as for many smaller local and regional companies. And they are attorneys, businesspeople, and consulting engineers. They also work all over the world in some of the most exotic, adventuresome places you can imagine.