Online Six Sigma Degrees
Ask a Question
Six Sigma is a widely employed business management strategy. Six Sigma practitioners seek long-lasting solutions and use problem-solving methodologies, such as the DMAIC approach to eliminate defects in production processes.
- D: Define a problem or improvement opportunity.
- M: Measure the current process.
- A: Analyze the process to determine root causes of poor performance and develop workable solutions.
- I: Improve the process by dealing with root causes.
- C: Control the improved process to sustain gains.
Quality improvement is the driving philosophy of the Six Sigma strategy. More emphasis is placed on defect prevention over defect detection. Through the reduction of variation and waste, the Six Sigma philosophy drives customer satisfaction and bottom-line results. The Six Sigma philosophy is a data-driven, results-oriented, quality improvement process that strives to engage all employees in statistical thinking. Those in managerial or leadership positions must be trained more extensively in advanced statistics and project management.
Six Sigma is also viewed as a set of tools that are used to drive the quality improvement process to yield breakthrough results. These tools include both qualitative and quantitative techniques such as control charts, failure mode and effects analysis, flow-charting, and statistical process control (SPC). The Six Sigma approach can be successfully applied in various organizations. Whether manufacturing, government, hospital or non-profit set-up, all organizations can benefit from a disciplined, systematic approach to problem-solving.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Six Sigma Degrees
- All
- Master's
- Certification
Learn more about Villanova University Online
Career Specializations
Industrial Production Managers: they plan and coordinate the activities of people and equipment operations in manufacturing processes. Industrial production managers must work within the allocated budget to ensure that quality goals aren't compromised during production. They must consistently monitor production to keep it on schedule and correct any emergent problems. (BLS)
Operations Research Analysts: they make use of statistical methods, computation skills, analytical and mathematical techniques to solve problems. Using their expertise, they assist managers to strategize, plan and forecast. Operations research analysts are found in various industries. This is because their skills enable management to take and implement better decisions, improve efficiency and reduce wastage of resources. (BLS)
Quality Control Specialists: they ensure that production output is of high quality standards. Every stage of the production process involves quality control workers, who make use of various tools and processes to identify the root causes of defects during production. (BLS)
Available Degree Levels
Associate's Degree: 2 years to complete
Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
Master's Degree: 1 ½ to 2 years to complete
Doctoral Degree: 4 to 5 years to complete
Education and Certification Requirements
A high school diploma is usually sufficient for simple quality control jobs as many employers train quality control inspectors on the job. However, post-secondary training programs in computer-aided design and industrial trades can improve chances of employment. An associate's degree in quality control management also gives students a higher level of skills and competency in managing sophisticated equipment and usage of software applications.
Individuals with a bachelor's degree and some experience in production operations usually have better job prospects in the field of industrial production. Suitable degree programs include business administration, industrial engineering, industrial technology and management. Master's and doctorate degree holders usually qualify for managerial positions which come with greater responsibilities. In some cases, individuals with advanced degrees may enter the field soon after college graduation. Employers normally require these individuals to undergo a few months of training in the firm's production process and company policies.
Operations research analysts with bachelor's degrees in operations research, management science, business, information systems, computer science, engineering, or a similar field, will qualify for various entry-level positions in the field. However, those with master's and doctorate degrees have better employment prospects as many positions in specialized sectors require advanced educational qualifications. (BLS)
The Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) is awarded to professionals who demonstrate competency in application of the Six Sigma philosophies, principles, supporting systems and tools. The CSSBB exam is administered by the American Society for Quality and is offered on various dates throughout the US. Individuals must recertify their CSSBB credential every 3 years in order to maintain the certification integrity. Recertification helps to ascertain that individuals have the same level of knowledge as when tested 3 years earlier.
The Six Sigma Green Belt (SSGB) credential is a lifetime certification awarded to individuals who wish to demonstrate knowledge of the Sigma tools and processes. Individuals must have at least 3 years professional experience. A professional with the SSGB credential is involved in quality improvement projects and operates under the supervision of a CSSBB. (American Society for Quality)
Salary Information
Compensation for Six Sigma professionals varies from one specialty to the next. Wages also tend to vary amongst the various sectors. For quality control specialists, annual mean wages are about $35,500 for those working in industries that produce widely used products. However, those with college degrees have better job prospects. Graduate programs help to prepare individuals for specialized jobs in top paying industries where the annual mean wages ranges from $49,540 to $55,840.
Median annual wages for industrial production managers are about $83,300. Those with advanced college degrees in business administration, industrial engineering, industrial management, industrial technology or other related fields usually qualify for upper management positions. Mean annual wages for those with advanced college degrees in specialized sectors range from about $122,000 to $128,000.
Operations research analysts earn about $69,000. However, median annual wages for those working in management, scientific and technical consulting sectors is about $80,300. Operations research analysts working in the Federal Government earn about $107,000. Many operations research analysts receive the usual benefits accorded to professional employees. These include medical and life insurance as well as retirement plans (BLS).
Job Outlook
A moderate reduction in job availability is expected for industrial production managers through 2018. This is linked to the decline in overall employment within the manufacturing sector. The increasingly automated nature of the manufacturing process is also expected to contribute to the decline in employment. However, occupational transfers and retirees are expected to generate more job opportunities. Those with significant work experience and advanced college degrees are expected to enjoy better job prospects.
Employment is expected to decline slowly for quality control specialists as management increasingly transfers some quality-control duties to production workers. The increasing use of automated methods of inspection in the manufacturing sector is also likely to contribute to employment decline. The relocation of manufacturing activities to offshore sites by companies is also expected to contribute to the employment decline.
Employment for operations research analysts is expected to grow through 2018. This is related to technological advances and an increasing focus on efficiency in companies. Operations research analysts will play a key role in guiding management on how best to apply new technologies in the marketplace. Businesses and organizations are expected to consult more extensively with operations research analysts to enhance productivity, reduce costs and maximize profits.
Related Careers
Management Analysts: also referred to as management consultants, management analysts guide businesses and organizations on how best to improve efficiency. They identify problems that hinder efficiency and apply their expertise in various areas of a business or organizational structure to enhance efficiency. (BLS)
Project Managers: these professionals are also referred to as project engineers or, in some industries, construction managers. They coordinate and supervise the development of various projects according to the outlined schedule and within the allocated budget. Project managers must ensure that all logistical and regulatory aspects of the project are in place to ensure project completion. Although they work with other professionals in project development, project managers largely play a supervisory role. (BLS)
Other Sources:
