A degree in Process Plant Technology provides opportunities for a rewarding and high paying career in the chemical processing industries. Rapid expansion in the energy industry, both in the Rocky Mountain area and across the country, has created high demand for skilled workers. Careers in this field are highly sought-after due to their challenging and rewarding nature, high pay, and opportunities for advancement. See our website at www.msubillings.edu/careers for graduate placement data.
Process Plant Technology graduates will find career opportunities in a variety of industries including petroleum refining, natural gas processing, oil and gas production, biofuels, food processing, chemical manufacturing, power generation, water treatment, and paper manufacturing.
Process Plant Technicians monitor and control chemical processes that upgrade raw materials into higher-value finished products. Finished products include a wide range of materials such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, crude oil, ethanol, biodiesel, sugar, plastics, electricity, drinking water, and paper.
Process Plant Technology students learn technical, mechanical, and safety details of process plant operations during this four semester program. Topics covered in detail include equipment function and operation; process plant safety; communications, including reading and creating process diagrams; electrical and power systems; process control; environmental protection; chemical principles; boiler operation; advance process operations; troubleshooting; and quality control. Students receive hazardous materials training at the technician level as part of the safety training.
A significant part of the program is dedicated to hands-on training in the Process Plant lab where students operate pilot plant scale processes. Plant simulators give students a realistic understanding of industrial control room activities. The program is complemented with an internship where students experience process plant manufacturing large scale and first hand.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Perform mathematical calculations applicable to process operations.
- Use appropriate verbal and written communication skills in process environment.
- Identify process equipment and state the purpose of the equipment.
- Analyze process conditions / scenarios using process technology concepts and theories.
- Apply knowledge of advanced process operations to specific areas of refineries and chemical plants.
Required Courses
Students should check the course descriptions for required prerequisites.
