Get Ready for Six Sigma
- $637 per credit for 12 credits
- Earn credit for prior learning
- Boost your career in project management
- Upskill for the job you want
- Apply certificate courses to an MS in Project Management
- Prepare for the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam
Graduate Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate Program Overview
Pursue a coveted certification in the world of quality improvement. The Six Sigma Black Belt Graduate Certificate online program was designed to help you prepare for the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam.
If you're ready to become a change agent improving an organization's efficiency through project leadership, this program could be a good choice for you. Through a thorough study of Six Sigma principles and to define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) model, this program can help you in gaining the knowledge needed to become a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
The Six Sigma online graduate certificate program is especially beneficial to individuals working in manufacturing and production-oriented industries, as well as consumer-facing roles. This program is also appropriate for individuals with bachelor's degrees in different fields—like STEM or another area of business—looking to specialize in Six Sigma. QSO 625 also helps students to prepare for the Six Sigma certification exam.
Learn how to:
- Apply basic lean enterprise concepts and be a leader in agency of change
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of the define measure, analyze, improve and control phases of project management
- Assign team member roles and responsibilities in context of team dynamics
- Ensure efficient processes, implementation and analysis
Receive Credit for Prior Learning
You've earned it. Now take advantage of it. If you already have the following certifications, you may be eligible to waive certain courses, helping you save time and tuition.
- Active Six Sigma Black Belt Certification for QSO-625: Six Sigma for Black Belt Certification
Career Outlook
Six Sigma is one of the most commonly used quality management methods in the modern business world, and Black Belt certification is a way to show off your expertise. Our online Six Sigma Black Belt graduate certificate program provides the educational knowledge that can help you prepare for Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
In the Six Sigma Black Belt Graduate Certificate program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to help you establish process improvements in quality assurance, systems and process engineering, logistics, supply chain management, operations management and procurement.
These skills are highly sought after by businesses and supply chains and are especially beneficial to professionals in manufacturing, engineering, operations and executive positions. After completing the program, you might explore positions like:
- General/operations manager. Be in charge of the planning, strategies and policies that help organizations reach their goals in an efficient manner. You'll oversee large strategic initiatives and direct daily business operations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $122,860 for this role in 2022.1
- Industrial production manager. Want to work in manufacturing? Coordinate, plan and direct production operations within an organization. You'll put your knowledge of scheduling, budgeting and data analysis to work to streamline the production process. According to the BLS, industrial production managers made a median annual salary of $107,560 in 2022.1
- Management analyst. Find ways to increase efficiency in an organization. You'll analyze data to advise managers on how they can improve their businesses by reducing costs and increasing revenue. BLS reports a median annual wage of $95,290 for management analysts in 2022.1
Finishing your graduate certificate and earning the distinction as a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt could help give you a competitive advantage in the job market. Not only do these accomplishments qualify your expertise, but they could also signal to employers that you're a hard worker who's serious about professional development.
This program is designed to help you prepare for the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam. However, it neither guarantees to help satisfy the eligibility requirements for taking a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam nor ensures a passing grade on a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam.
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate
Why SNHU For Your Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. You can also craft your educational pathway to fit your life and career. Some of our certificate programs, for example, can stack into an associate, bachelor’s or master’s program — helping you build the skills and credentials you need to succeed.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
You could also earn college credit for previous work experience or professional credentials — saving you time and money.
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Walk through the application process with an admission counselor
Courses & Curriculum
This graduate certificate can help you become effective in using the DMAIC approach to identify the root causes of process inefficiencies and eliminate them. Your study of this approach to quality management and process improvements can help you develop skills in:
- Determining the cause of process problems and issues
- Using statistical tools to measure and analyze deviations from effective processes
- Taking corrective steps to eliminate issues and improve processes
- Controlling process deviations to ensure an efficient process and quality outcomes
If you're ready to pursue Six Sigma certification, this graduate certificate program is a great step. Enhance and update your project management skills in these 4 courses:
- Applied Statistics for Managers. Learn how to use the statistical tools and techniques that can help you make an impact on business process. Using real-world business examples, you'll analyze a multitude of cases in order to prepare you to apply your knowledge in your career.
- Six Sigma Quality Management. Design and implement quality control and improvement systems. You'll be introduced to modern methods of quality management, statistical quality control and quality improvement techniques. You'll also discuss international standards on quality management. Using computer technology, you'll complete case studies.
- Six Sigma for Black Belt Certification. Designed to help you prepare for the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam, this course will introduce advanced concepts in Six Sigma and gain a command for lean project management tools. You'll learn about team management, waste elimination, the DMAIC phases and the Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) approach. Note: This course alone doesn't guarantee to satisfy eligibility requirements for taking a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam, nor does it ensure success on a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam.
- Project Management. Study the concepts, tools and practices of project management. You'll learn the managerial process approach to project management, which consists of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing projects. Dive into subjects like scope, time, cost, quality, risk, resources, communications and how to manage projects effectively.
These courses were designed to give you an in-depth understanding of Six Sigma processes in order to help you prepare for Six Sigma certification. Each certification provider has specific requirements to sit for the exam that may not be covered by this program alone. SNHU does not guarantee a passing grade on the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam as a result of completing this program.
Because the certificate is a deep dive into process improvement, you may need to take a foundation course – MBA-501 Mathematics and Statistics for Business – if you didn't cover the curriculum in your undergraduate program.
Have you been considering earning a full graduate degree in project management or operations, but aren't sure? This master's-level certificate program can be completed in 6 months, and you can apply the 12 credits toward our master's in project management if you decide to continue your education further.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma Black Belt |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate Six Sigma Black Belt | ||
| QSO 530 | Applied Statistics for Managers | This course will provide the students with statistical tools and techniques that will enable them to make an immediate impact in their careers. This course will be realistically oriented and numerous business examples and cases will be analyzed. |
| QSO 620 | Six Sigma Quality Management | This course is designed to provide an understanding of the design and implementation of quality control and improvement systems. It is an introduction to current quality management approaches, statistical quality control and quality improvement techniques. ISO-9000 also will be discussed. Case studies and the use of computer technology will be integral to the course. |
| QSO 625 | Six Sigma for Black Belt Certification | This course teaches advanced concepts in Six Sigma while incorporating Lean Management tools. Students learn waste elimination, value stream mapping, Six Sigma roles and responsibilities, team management, and the various elements of the Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control (DMAIC) phases of a Six Sigma project. The Design for Six Sigma (SFSS) approach to design a new process is also reviewed. The course is designed to help students prepare for a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam. However, it neither guarantees to help satisfy the eligibility requirements for taking a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam nor ensures success on a Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam. |
| QSO 640 | Project Management | This course includes the study of concepts, tools, and practices of project management. The course adopts a managerial process approach to Project Management, which consists of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the project. Major topics will include project scope, project time, project cost, project quality, project risk, project resources, project communications and how to be an effective project manager. Cases are utilized to integrate the learning in the course and provide decision- making experience for the student. |
| Total Credits: 12 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
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Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
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Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
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Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
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Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
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Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible, by making it more affordable.
Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. U.S. service members, both full and part time, as well as the spouses of those on active duty are also eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Six Sigma certification?
Multiple organizations administer Six Sigma certification exams. If you're looking to become a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB), ASQ – the American Society for Quality – is a well-known organization with global recognition.
To receive your Six Sigma Black Belt certification from ASQ, you'll have to first meet some requirements:
- 3 years of full-time employment that demonstrates on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the CSSBB Body of Knowledge
- 1 completed Six Sigma project with a signed affidavit
If you do not have 3 years of work experience, you can opt to submit signed affidavits for 2 Six Sigma projects you've completed instead.
Before sitting for the exam, you'll want to study. Depending on your years of experience and how much time you can allot for studying each week, this could take you a month, a year or anywhere in between.
SNHU's graduate certificate in Six Sigma Black Belt can help you master the competencies outlined in the CSSBB Body of Knowledge. This 4-course master's-level program is completely online, giving you the flexibility to complete it while working full time.
Finally, you'll then take the multiple-choice exam online. This 165-question exam tests your awareness of the CSSBB Body of Knowledge. By taking the exam for Six Sigma certification online, you'll receive your pass/fail results immediately.
Can you get a Six Sigma Black Belt online?
Yes, you can take the exam for Six Sigma Black Belt certification online after meeting all of the criteria to sit for the exam. Since there is no single authorizing agency that lists a body of knowledge, requirements for Six Sigma Black Belt certification are unique to each certifying body.
ASQ – the American Society for Quality – is recognized as a leader in Six Sigma. ASQ provides an online version of the CSSBB exam. This computer-based test is a scheduled 4.5-hour exam made up of 165 multiple-choice questions.
ASQ has requirements for sitting for its Six Sigma Black Belt exam. These requirements include 3 years of relevant full-time employment and completion of a Six Sigma project.
How long does it take to get Six Sigma certified?
Becoming Six Sigma certified could take you anywhere from a few months to 3 years depending on your experience, which Six Sigma certification you want and the organization you take the exam with.
One of the most recognized Six Sigma certifications is the Six Sigma Black Belt certification. The American Society for Quality (ASQ) – a respected community of quality professionals – requires 3 years of full-time professional experience and a completed Six Sigma project. If you have met these requirements, you'll want to study and apply to take the exam.
You might want to take a course or program that specializes in Six Sigma Black Belt certification. Southern New Hampshire University provides a 4-course master's-level certificate in Six Sigma Black Belt to help you prepare for the certification exam. This program provides in-depth information on the Six Sigma Body of Knowledge, helping you build the skills you'll need to pass the Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam.
Even better? SNHU boasts some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation, and the graduate certificate program can be completed entirely online. This makes the Graduate Certificate in Six Sigma Black Belt from SNHU a great choice in preparing for your Six Sigma certification exam.
Is Six Sigma training worth it?
Whether it's Six Sigma education, training or formal certification, it's something worth adding to your resume – especially if you work in environments like manufacturing and supply chain management.
Since its rise in the 1990s, Six Sigma has remained a tried-and-true process in the industry. Having a background in Six Sigma principles, processes and tools could help your career path as it is useful across many industries – not to mention in demand by employers.
Ultimately, the worth of Six Sigma training depends on your goals. There are a few different levels of certification in Six Sigma, including Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt and Master Black Belt.
Becoming a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt is an impressive feat that qualifies your skills and knowledge in areas such as cost reduction, increasing revenue, streamlining business processes and improving employee buy-in. If you need more education and training before taking your exam, you'll want to look into reputable programs.
Southern New Hampshire University offers the Six Sigma Black Belt Graduate Certificate, an online, 4-course master's-level program designed to help you in preparing for Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification exams. You'll study topics that help you effectively implement the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) approach to identify the root causes of process inefficiencies and eliminate them.
This training can help you two-fold. First, by earning a graduate certificate, you'll have evidence of formal education that helps qualify your expertise. And, if you go on to earn your Six Sigma Black Belt, you'll have a professional certification widely recognized in the world of quality improvement.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2023)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (viewed Nov. 2, 2023)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.