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Visit the School of Computing and EngineeringThe Six Sigma Black Belt certificate program builds on the Green Belt teachings as students acquire extensive knowledge of Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including supporting systems and tools. Job candidates with this training and certification are in demand as industry leaders.
Six Sigma is a set of management techniques used in the business world to improve processes by greatly reducing the probability that an error or defect will occur. It is based on statistical analysis rather than guesswork. This certificate program, offered through the School of Engineering, is designed to acknowledge the effort students make to learn and apply the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) phases of Six Sigma through a comprehensive, real-life project that extends over two semesters.
Students in any undergraduate program who are interested and who can successfully complete the coursework and the project are eligible to earn the certificate. You will learn to formulate system analysis tools; analyze different production systems to determine performance measures to be considered; distinguish between value-added and non-value-added steps of a process; and use Lean techniques to eliminate waste and to improve efficiency.
The Department of Homeland Security has determined that this program meets the requirements for STEM designation.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) graduates are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be over 1.12 million jobs in STEM occupations in the next 10 years. The Department of Defense also estimates that more than 80% of jobs will require STEM skills over the next decade.
In addition, STEM-designated programs allow certain international graduates to remain and work in the United States for an additional 24 months after graduation on top of the standard Optional Practical Training period (up to 12 months) in order to receive additional training through their work experience.
There are two tracks to receive the certificate. Track 1 is for industrial engineering students and Track 2 is for all others.
Selective topics related to the Six Sigma Black Belt from Track 1 courses are covered in IER 492 and IER 497 in Track 2. IER 492 and IER 497 in Track 2 and IER 491 and IER 498 in Track 1 should all be completed with a grade of B- or better in their respective tracks. In addition, the remaining below-mentioned track courses should be completed with a grade of D or better to be qualified for receiving the Six Sigma Black Belt certificate.
The two ways to receive the Six Sigma Black Belt:
Track 1. Completion of the below-mentioned eight courses (21 credits) (for BS in Industrial Engineering students) are required.
Track 2. Completion of the below-mentioned two courses (6 credits) that can be applied in any field of study.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Track 1 Coursework Requirements | ||
| IER 230 | Lean Systems Engineering (MER 235) | 3 |
| IER 240 | Physical Human Factors and the Workplace (MER 245) | 1 |
| IER 265 | Cognitive Human Factors and the Workplace (MER 265) | 2 |
| IER 280 | Data Analytics I | 3 |
| IER 310 | Operations Research I (MER 315) | 3 |
| IER 375 | Statistical Process Control | 3 |
| IER 491 | Capstone Project I | 3 |
| IER 498 | Capstone Project II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 21 | |
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Track 2 Coursework Requirements | ||
| IER 492 | Six Sigma - Black Belt Project Exp I (*) | 3 |
| IER 497 | Six Sigma - Black Belt Project Experience II (Track 2 coursework requirements) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
IER students cannot take IER 492 because of the duplication of the content from Track 1 courses.
Current students interested in adding this certificate to their record must first complete the Certificate Declaration Form.
After completing the form, current students can register for certificate courses using the Self-Service Platform.
Our undergraduate admissions counselors are here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the application process.