Process Technology

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Our Process Technology program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares you for careers in the petrochemical, refining, and other manufacturing industries. Gain relevant industry experience through state-of-the-art software, labs, and experienced instructors. . The program offers both an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree and a level-one certificate in process technology.

Program Details

Learn more about our Process Technology program and find course descriptions in the WCJC Catalog.

The Process Technology program readies you for careers in the processing industry to include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, power generation, petrochemical and refining operations. Learn about theory, gain hands-on experience, and acquire academic and technical competencies to meet industry demands. This program is available at our Bay City and Richmond campuses.

After completing the program, you will have a strong foundation in process operations and safety, and can work in various industry settings. Entry level positions in this field include ...

  • Process Operator Trainee
  • Industrial Engineering Technologist
  • Technician
  • Chemical Operator
Find more information, including wages and education requirements, on Career Coach!

Learn Inside Tricks from the Experts

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Find out what distinguishes our Process Technology program from other colleges.

Meet the Faculty

If you have specific questions, contact one of our program’s faculty members.

Mr. Myles has a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Alcorn State University and a Master’s Degree in Science Technology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. He also holds a Research Certification from Brookhaven National Laboratory. He worked for the Dow Chemical Company, North America, for 30 years, with experience in various corporate industry roles, including development research chemist, safety and health coordinator, global quality leader, and more. In addition, he served as a Dow Chemical training instructor and taught process chemistry, statistical quality control, and team performance enhancement. Mr. Myles has also authored/received two United States patents for the DOW Chemical Company. 

OfficeBay City Campus, 104
Phone: (979) 318-7356
Email: mylesw@wcjc.edu

With an Associate of Applied Science degree in Process Technology from WCJC,  Mr. Casteneda has 36 years of experience working with Phillips 66, Conoco Phillips and Chevron Phillips in refinery processes.  He also serves as a part-time instructor in the Process Technology program, teaching courses such as Introduction to Process Technology, Safety, Health and Environment, Process Technology I-Equipment, Instrumentation I & II, and Petrochemical Processes. 

Office: Bay City Campus, 106
Phone: (979) 318-7368
Email: castenedae@wcjc.edu

Ms. Hunt has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University and worked in the natural gas and petrochemical industries for over 31 years. She was involved in the drilling and work-over of underground storage wells, reservoirs, and operation of gas compressor stations with Natural Gas Pipeline of America. She worked with Union Carbide as an environmental engineer, public affairs leader, and site learning leader. During this time, she served on the industry steering committee that established the Process Technology Advisory Committee. After retiring in 2009, she obtained teaching certificates and taught at Industrial High School.  

Office: Bay City Campus, 106
Phone: (979) 318-7368
Email: huntk@wcjc.edu

Mr. Jen is a veteran, retired army infantry Sec. Lieut. in Taiwan. He received his BS in Chemical Engineering from Chinese Culture University (Taiwan) in 1983 and MS in Chemical Engineering University of Houston in 1994. He is a specialist in gas technology. He is author, recognized and invited to present gas plant accident investigation by Houston petroleum association. His technology is verified and recognized list from Energy & Environmental Research. He is the author/recipient, on the behalf of his own company. His technology and his own company are recognized by US embassy and list in embassy’s database.  Mr. Jen has been an Adjunct Instructor of Process Technology at WCJC since 2015.

Office: Richmond Campus, 104B
Phone: (281) 239-1678
Email: jend@wcjc.edu

Mr. Lovett received his B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Physics from Sam Houston University. He worked as a certified electronics technician, industrial electrician and worked as a senior analytical and instrumentation specialist for the Dow Chemical Company and the Philips Petroleum Company. He has been an Adjunct Instructor of Process Technology at WCJC since 2016.

Office: Richmond Campus, 104B
Phone: (281) 239-1678
Email: LovettT@wcjc.edu

Mr. Schooler studied Engineering at WCJC and worked 36 years at Phillips Petroleum Company. He has held various roles, including operating on different units such as Alkylation, Hydrogenation, Isomerization, Fractionation, Sulfur, MTBE and FCC/HOC Cat Cracker units. Additionally, he worked as an Operations Trainer Specialist. He developed job models for various operator duties such as General Operator Soft Skills, Operate/Maintain Process Instrumentation, and Turnaround Process Knowledge/Skills. Mr. Schooler currently serves as a Process Consultant for Phillips 66 Company and is highly regarded as an industry expert in process technology. 

Office: Richmond Campus, 225A
Phone: (281) 239-1553
Email: schoolerr@wcjc.edu

Mr. Pena has 35 years of experience in the petrochemical industry. He retired from the LyondellBasell Company as a site trainer of operators for the Matagorda plant and Chocolate Bayou plant. 

Office: Bay City Campus, 106
Phone: (979) 318-7368
Email: ernestp@wcjc.edu

Mr. Theobald received both his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1979 and his M.S. from the University of Kentucky in 1981. He worked for over 35 years in the petrochemical industry in process development and holds several patents for his work. He has been an Adjunct Instructor of Process Technology at WCJC since 2015.

Office: Richmond Campus, 104B
Phone: (281) 239-1678
Email: TheobaldE@wcjc.edu

Additional Program Information

  • Mitch Abshier OQ Chemicals, Bay City, TX
  • Jay Berson Training Specialist/Coordinator, LyondellBasell, Bay City, TX
  • Donald Berthelot Celanese Chemical, Bay City, TX
  • Mark Bookmyer LyondellBasell, Bay City, TX
  • Raymond Brooker Celanese Chemical, Bay City, TX
  • Danielle Brunner Phillips 66, Sweeny, TX
  • Stuart Hightower Celanese Chemical, Bay City, TX
  • Kathy Hunt Victoria Community Development, Victoria, TX
  • David Kline OQ Chemicals, Bay City, TX
  • Mason Nichols Phillips 66, Sweeny, TX
  • David Parsley Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Sweeny, TX
  • Kevin Schroaeder Ethos Energy, Wharton, TX
  • Chris Sexton LyondellBasell, Bay City, TX
  • James Rozner OQ Chemicals, Bay City, TX

AAS Degree - Process Technology:

  • Tuition/Fees In-District:  $8,550
  • Tuition/Fees Out-District: $12,216

Level I Certificate - Process Technology: 

  • Tuition/Fees In-District:  $3,539
  • Tuition/Fees Out-District: $4,942