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.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.