UNDERGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Total Credit Hours: 15
Program Length: As little as 8 months
The Quality Management Certificate affords professionals an opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of quality management. Whether a manager, project leader, healthcare practitioner, service provider, or other professional, participants in this certificate program explore the principles of quality management, the role of and effective use of teams in quality management practice, three of the major quality management approaches in the field, and quality management’s application to their respective professional fields. ISO, Six Sigma, and LEAN are the three quality management approaches explored. Successfully acquiring this knowledge enhances a professional’s ability to make contributions to the success of his or her own organization as well as his or her professional development.
Recently ranked for being one of the Top Accredited Online Colleges, Southwestern College offers quality online degrees to adult learners. With courses taught by expert faculty and access to a variety of student resources, SC learners are provided with the tools and flexibility needed to succeed in their education while preparing for professional advancement.
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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Anyone interested in completing the Certificate in Quality Management may complete a Southwestern College Professional Studies Application for Admission. The five courses comprising the Quality Management Certificate can be completed in eight months or less with no prerequisites.
Individuals completing the Quality Management Certificate at Southwestern College may apply these 15 credit hours earned toward a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Quality Management or as electives in other bachelor degree programs offered by Southwestern College Professional Studies.
The Quality Management Certificate is offered in an online format. Courses are delivered in six-week sessions to allow maximum flexibility for busy professionals.
CORE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
BQM305: Principles of Quality Management
The quality of a service or a product is a high expectation of the customer, and a core value of the organization and its stakeholders. Quality is an integral component the organization’s competitive strategy. Managing for a quality outcome is essential. Learners explore the principles and practices of managing quality within service and manufacturing organizations including ISO standards, quality management systems, and practices such as benchmarking, statistical process control, continuous improvement, and quality audits. Learners also examine such practices within the context of sustainable, ethical, legal, and socially responsible quality management in domestic and global environments. In addition, learners assess the complementary relationship of quality management and risk management.
BQM325: Quality through Effective Teams
Achieving quality outcomes is a cooperative effort and effective teamwork is an essential element for success. Learners explore the organization as a network of interactive teams with emphasis on their respectives roles related to quality initiatives. Best practices and methods for organizing and developing empowered teams, measuring team progress, plotting and recognizing team accomplishments, resolving team performance concerns, and other team management practices are examined.
BQM363: ISO Standards and Applications
The International Standards Organization (ISO) is a global force in setting quality standards. Learners examine ISO standards, quality management systems, such as the ISO 9000 series and AS9100, and the conduct of quality audits, and their respective applications to all types of service and manufacturing organizations. Learners have the opportunity to explore ISO’s application to a type of organization of particular interest in this course. While not a certification preparation course, this course provides foundational knowledge that will be useful if a learner chooses to take ISO certification preparation courses.
BQM365: Six Sigma Principles and Applications
Six Sigma is one of several widely used quality management methods used in service and manufacturing industries. Learners thoroughly examine Six Sigma principles and concepts, such as DMAIC (Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) process, CTQ (Critical to Quality) characteristics, and continuous improvement, and their respective applications. Learners have the opportunity to explore Six Sigma’s application to a type of organization of particular interest in this course. While not a certification preparation course, this course provides foundational knowledge that will be useful if a learner chooses to take Six-Sigma certification preparation courses.
BQM367: LEAN Principles and Applications
LEAN is one of several widely used quality management methods used in service and manufacturing industries, with a specific focus on minimizing waste. Learners thoroughly examine LEAN principles, methodologies, and concepts, such as removal of the seven wastes, Just in Time, value stream mapping, and lean supplier relationships, and their respective applications. In addition, Lean Six Sigma will be explored. Learners have the opportunity to explore LEAN’s application to a type of organization of particular interest in this course. While not a certification preparation course, this course provides foundational knowledge that will be useful if a learner chooses to take LEAN-related certification preparation courses.
*Please note there is limited financial aid eligibility for this certificate program, consult your admissions representative or academic success coach for further information.
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Article: Why Earn an Online Certificate
