Process design is only part of the study of process engineering as students learn decomposition, chemical reactions and energy recovery in classes formulated to introduce design and structure. The course may also introduce project development, raw material properties and working with high pressures.

A bachelor's degree is given to students who fulfill the necessary requirements given by the college or university they are attending. The requirements include three to seven years of focus on a subject, typically referred to as a major or concentration.

Part time learning allows one to obtain part-time degrees even if one cannot attend school on a full-time basis. One can learn at his or own pace, gradually accumulating credits which count towards final qualification.