Petroleum engineers can earn six figures straight out of college — more than any other major. We asked 4 professors whether the degree will still pay off now that oil markets have collapsed.

Jackson, petroleum engineering senior from Alberta, Canada, also noticed the differences in Norwegian working culture. “I think the country really takes care of its people,” Jackson observed.

And so, the petroleum engineering professorships program (PEPP) was launched in October 2014 to help build research and development (R&D) capabilities and talent for the sector.