Abstract:

The Six Sigma methodology is an approach to business management that blends many elements of quality management principles. Since the inception of Six Sigma over 20 years ago, it has become popular among business and industry as a method to compete in the global economy. Six Sigma brings innovation to quality management through specified leadership and job functions with regard to the methodology. Higher education currently lags in developing students in this area and are just now adopting curriculum for educating students in the Six Sigma methodology. To better prepare students for the marketplace, a certificate program has been developed that incorporates the primary areas of the Six Sigma body of knowledge. The certificate was designed to utilize coursework and an applied project for completion. The demographics of students participating in the certificate program at this date are primarily nontraditional and initial results of the certificate will be presented.

Keywords:

Six Sigma, Leadership, Training, Certification.