Usually, Six Sigma programs are an amalgam of coursework and on-the-job implementation. Most Six Sigma degrees require students to identify a real-world problem, provide a solution for it by applying the Six Sigma strategies and keep track of results for several months to see if the issue has been resolved effectively. Numerous institutes in the US offer a vast range of programs in Six Sigma. For instance, the Georgia State University offers an accredited Green and Black Belt program in Lean Six Sigma. Whereas, DeSales University and Rutgers Business School offer an MBA with Lean Six Sigma.
What Is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma Professional Training Program offered by the College of Technology at the University of Houston defines Lean Six Sigma as a business philosophy. It was actually a breakthrough in terms of improving the overall efficiency of business processes as it combines the philosophies of Lean with the methodology of Six Sigma. Therefore, using Lean Six Sigma helps businesses ensure their total quality management and control with zero defects.
What Can You Do with a Six Sigma Degree?
With the rapid advancement in the business industry, people with Lean Six Sigma degrees are professionals who are highly sought after. With a Lean Six Sigma certification or MBA, you can work in any of the following positions. The salary data of these careers was reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Industrial Production Managers
Industrial Production Managers are required to plan, direct, and coordinate all activities and resources related to the manufacturing of products. Their job is to use six sigma principles and reduce production costs and errors while maintaining quality standards.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $105,480 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 1% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $115,110 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 20,770 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Hampshire | $137,300 |
Industrial Engineers
Industrial Engineers are tasked with design, creation, tests, and evaluation of integrated systems that are used to manage industrial production processes. These processes include quality & inventory control, cost analysis, logistics, material flow, and production coordination, etc.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $88,020 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 8% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $92,660 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | Michigan | 29,470 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Washington | $109,200 |
Operations Research Analysts
Operations Research Analysts solve complex issues by using mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods. They develop and interpret information that helps the management of organizations in policy formulation, decision making, and other managerial functions. They also investigate, provide, and help in the implementation of cost, optimal time, and logistics networks of products and services.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $84,810 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 26% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $90,600 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 10,000 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | New Jersey | $110,320 |
What to Expect from a Six Sigma Degree?
The curriculum of Lean Six Sigma degrees typically follows the DMAIC Methodology which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. The Master of Business Administration in Six Sigma offered by the Global Association for Quality Management includes the following courses in its curriculum,
- Lean Process Improvement
- Six Sigma and Organizational Goals
- Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) in the organization
- Project Management Basics and so on.
How to Choose a Six Sigma Degree?
While enrolling in a Six Sigma degree at any institution, the most important thing to check for is whether the program is ACBSP & ACE accredited or not. Moreover, you should check for;
- The ranking or reputation of the institution
- The accreditation of the program
- The suitability and diversity of curriculum
- The faculty’s achievements
- The graduation & admission requirements etc.
For example, the Master of Business Administration in Six Sigma offered by the Global Association for Quality Management requires the students to complete 52 credit hours to graduate.
Six Sigma Degree Admission Requirements
The admission requirements are set by each institution and typically vary. For example, the admission criteria for the MBA in Lean Six Sigma offered by the DeSales University requires prospective candidates to submit,
- A complete online application with;
- current CV/Resume
- 3 professional recommendation letters
- A personal statement
- Official transcripts from the undergraduate institution(s) with a GPA of a 3.0 or higher
- GMAT may be also required
For further details, please visit the official website of your chosen institution.