Online Quality Engineering Degree Programs

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Is an Online Quality Engineering Program Right for Me?

Before deciding on an online quality engineering program, it is important to consider various factors for determining whether or not it is the best option.

Firstly, anyone considering enrolling in an online quality engineering degree program must have a complete understanding of the program’s campus visitation requirements. Some schools ask that you attend an on-campus orientation. Others ask that you attend an on-campus intensive at a regular interval, like once per semester, or once per year. Still, others may ask that you present your capstone project on-campus.

Online programs can be a highly attractive option for those who do not have the time to attend lectures, or who do not live close enough to the campus to make travel practical. Others, however, may find it difficult to excel in such a program, particularly students who do not perform well without support from professors or their peers inside the classroom, or outside the classroom in group study sessions.

Featured Online Quality Engineering Degree Programs

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online master’s degree in quality, reliability, and statistical engineering which trains students to pursue quality, reliability, and meaningful results for a variety of applications in modern business settings.

This 30-credit program includes coursework in advanced quality control; design engineering experiments; regression analysis; reliability engineering; quality management; advanced simulating stochastic systems; applied deterministic operations research models; and applied stochastic operations research models. Students have the opportunity to design a program of study that includes Six Sigma Black Belt professional certification in addition to their graduate degree.

Engineering coursework comprises one-half of the courses and the other half is dedicated to leadership and specialization. The degree culminates in a final written or oral examination or the completion of a final report based on a practice-oriented project. Specialization in cross-disciplinary fields can be pursued in addition to the compulsory curriculum for the master’s degree program.

Graduates from this online master’s degree program go on to pursue careers as robotics technicians, validation engineers, computer systems architects, and industrial engineering technologists. To be considered for admission, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, software engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution, a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of the bachelor’s degree, and submit an application, official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency.

  • Location: Tempe, AZ
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months (full and part-time options available)
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,021 per credit

Purdue University - College of Engineering

Purdue University’s College of Engineering offers interdisciplinary 30-credit master’s of science in engineering (MSE) and master’s of science (MS) programs. Concentrations are available in related fields of cross-disciplinary study.

The quality engineering concentration is a 30-credit master’s degree program focussing heavily on quality engineering topics and technical knowledge. The faculty of the program are the same who teach on campus. As part of the program, students can expect to take courses in quality control; industrial applications of statistics; the design and control of production and manufacturing systems; and product and process design. Students in this program conclude their studies with a capstone project that can be completed individually or as part of a team. Six Sigma certification is offered as a separate certificate training program in lean engineering.

Applicants to the program must hold an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or its equivalent. Application requirements include a completed application, statement of purpose, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and TOEFL scores for international students.

  • Location: West Lafayette, IN
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months (full and part-time options available)
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,139 per credit (residents); $1,459 per credit (non-residents)

Southern Illinois University–Carbondale

The College of Engineering at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale offers a fully online master of science degree in quality engineering and management. This 30-credit program aims to develop engineering and management professionals who can increase productivity, optimize resources, and improve product quality.

This program includes courses such as quality assurance; six sigma black belt II; lean manufacturing II; reliability analysis; service quality; project leadership; energy management systems; and human safety and risk management; among others.

Before applying to this program, applicants must first be accepted by the graduate school which requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher. Graduates from this program are employed in a wide variety of manufacturing, service, and healthcare positions.

  • Location: Carbondale, IL
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $542 per credit

California State University - Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)

The online master’s of science in quality assurance (QA) program at CSUDH synthesizes the disciplines of engineering, science, and management to prepare its graduates for work as quality engineers in the healthcare, government, and service industries. A balanced focus on technical and administrative educational principles gives graduates the management foundations needed to improve operational performance and implement service-based outcomes.

Topics covered in the program include Six Sigma, total quality management, ISO 9000, benchmarking, reliability, quality control, process improvement, measurement and testing techniques, human factors in quality assurance (QA), and customer satisfaction. Students are prepared to take a variety of certification exams offered through CSUDH after graduating from this program. The program comprises 30 credits.

Admission requirements for the program include a four-year baccalaureate degree in a technical field from an accredited institution, a grade point average of 2.5, a background that includes preparation in both college-level mathematics and computer concepts, and TOEFL scores for international students.

Students during this program will learn to manage a quality organization, plan and implement a quality assurance program, troubleshoot and solve quality problems, perform quality cost analysis, and perform quality system audits.

  • Location: Carson, CA
  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 32 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $396 per credit

Tarleton State University

The 30-credit master’s of science in quality and engineering management program at Tarleton State University provides students with technical and non-technical backgrounds with a solid foundational knowledge necessary to lead in the administrative field of manufacturing. The program is delivered entirely online and students can choose to attend full or part-time. Emphasizing leadership and how it applies in a manufacturing context, students in this program can expect to learn skills that will help them qualify for opportunities in satisfying and lucrative careers in manufacturing administration.

This program is tailored for working professionals who want to level up their knowledge in this cross-disciplinary field of engineering. Students have the option of adding additional Six Sigma and statistics coursework to the degree program or a capstone project dealing with relevant, real-life industrial projects.

Students in this program will have the option to take classes in one of the two concentration areas: operations and project management and will then be able to choose the thesis or non-thesis track. Consisting of 30 credits, the program includes courses such as six sigma and design of experiments; manufacturing planning; manufacturing systems management; supply chain management; and quality management.

On successful completion of the program, graduates can take up roles such as purchasing manager, project manager, manufacturing engineer, global quality director, production supervisor, operations manager, and supply chain manager, among others.

  • Location: Stephenville, TX
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 18 or more months
  • Estimated Tuition: $509.27 per credit (residents); $775.37 per credit (non-residents)

Florida Institute of Technology

The master’s of science in engineering management program at Florida Tech was developed by a major aerospace engineering company and aims to provide relevant operational and managerial courses and experience for today’s engineering leadership professionals. Students in this program are taught by professors with extensive industry experience. Graduates are prepared with knowledge in project management, quality engineering, and ethical practices germane to the private and public sectors of engineering industries.

Students in this program can expect to learn in small class sizes and develop an extensive professional network with their classmates and professors. The program is offered completely online for the convenience of working professionals. For admission to the program, students will be required to have a bachelor’s degree.

The program comprises 33 credits. Some of the topics students will explore include quality engineering, supply chain management, production, project engineering, operations management, and reliability, availability, and maintainability.

  • Location: Melbourne, FL
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,270 per credit

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers a master’s of science in engineering management with a quality management track as a fully online degree program. This program is a partnership between the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology and the Coles College of Business. Through a quantitative and comprehensive curriculum, this program addresses the complex industry issues of today by combining management, business, and engineering, aspects.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have an undergraduate degree in engineering technology, engineering, physical science, computer science, or another technically oriented major from an accredited college or university, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, and official GRE scores (having an aggregate undergraduate GPA of 3.5, or a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience, or successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam can waive off the GRE requirement), among others.

This 30-credit program includes courses such as statistical process control; total quality; human factors engineering; regression analysis; managing and leading work behavior; quality systems management; and project management processes.

  • Location: Kennesaw, GA
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $296 per credit (residents); $1,066 per credit (non-residents)

Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University’s School of Engineering offers an online master of science in quality management program which is an ideal fit for working professionals providing maximum flexibility. The program prepares students for quality-related roles in any organization.

Consisting of 30 to 36 credits, this master’s degree includes courses such as total quality management; tools for continuous improvement; design of experiments; quality planning; cost of quality; quality auditing; lean service quality; and measuring customer satisfaction, among others.

The major admission requirements for the program include a baccalaureate degree in business, technology, engineering, science, or services, a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 2.7, a personal statement, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.

The program opens up opportunities in manufacturing, education, healthcare, food service, social service, public utilities, information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and more for graduates. The school of engineering also offers an 18-credit graduate certificate in quality assurance.

  • Location: Ypsilanti, MI
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 36 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $11,702 per year (residents); $20,278 per year (non-residents)

Florida International University

The quality engineering and management track in the master of science in engineering management program offered by Florida International University provide students with the analytical skills and managerial knowledge needed for identifying and meeting customer needs, improving systems and processes, and assuring a high-quality service or product.

Made up of 30 credits, this online master of science in engineering management program (quality engineering and management track) includes courses such as total quality management for engineers; advanced engineering project management; business law and intellectual property for engineers and entrepreneurs; advanced quality management for engineers; enterprise engineering; design of production systems; and regulatory aspects of engineering.

To get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in STEM, business, or a closely related field from a regionally accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and should be in good standing with all universities and colleges previously attended. GRE scores are not required for admission.

Graduates of the program can go on to take up roles such as quality manager, quality engineer, process engineer, firmware engineer, and project engineer, to name a few.

  • Location: Miami, FL
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
  • Estimated Tuition: $25,000

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers an online graduate certificate in engineering sustainability and resistance providing students with the mathematical and conceptual foundations of the techniques and tools used in the field of quality engineering. This certificate is ideal for professionals who wish to enhance their skill-set and for degree-seeking students looking to develop a concentration that gives them an edge in their career path.

This nine-credit graduate certificate program includes courses such as statistical methods; advanced quality engineering; and introduction to lean manufacturing. Students learn about concepts of lean manufacturing, prepare statistical reports, techniques, and principles, and solve real-world process, quality, and product-related problems.

Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, a statement of purpose, a personal statement, official transcripts, and TOEFL scores for international students.

  • Location: Houghton, MI
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Expected Time to Completion: Two to three semesters
  • Estimated Tuition: $1,228 per credit

Professors to Know in Quality Engineering Programs

Bill Bailey, PhD - Kennesaw State University

Dr. Bill Bailey is the coordinator for all graduate programs in the systems and industrial engineering department at Kennesaw State University, including the quality assurance master’s degree. He has taught courses such as quality systems design, quality cost and supplier evaluation, methods of analysis, quality assessment of the organization, and total quality.

Before joining Kennesaw State University, Dr. Bailey worked in manufacturing, where he began as a toolmaker He became involved in training for lean implementation, quality assurance, and other process improvement approaches. He completed his PhD at Indiana State University, MS at North Carolina A&T State University, and BA at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Rochelle Cook, PhD - California State University, Dominguez Hills

Dr. Rochelle Cook brings 20 years of experience in project management and engineering roles in healthcare and manufacturing to her appointment as a faculty member at California State University at Dominguez Hills. She currently mentors and coaches students with their thesis projects and teaches a course in quality function management.

Dr. Cook’s subject matter expertise includes process improvement, team facilitation, scholarly writing review, and Six Sigma certification training. She holds a PhD in leadership studies from North Carolina A&T State University, a BS in textile management & technology from Auburn University, an MS in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University, and she is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

Peter Filip, PhD - Southern Illinois University

Dr. Peter Filip is a professor in the mechanical engineering and energy processes program at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He has taught for more than 25 years at universities and supervised more than 60 master’s degree graduates and 21 PhD candidates. His research areas of interest include friction wear-and-tear testing procedures for composite materials and he studies the relationship between the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, and composite materials.

Dr. Filip’s work has led to breakthroughs in the development and optimization of brake linings. He has published more than 200 articles in scientific journals and three books. He also holds seven patents and has served as a principal investigator for 12 international and national grant awards. Professor Filip has a PhD and MS from the Technical University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic.

Herman Tang, PhD, MBA - Eastern Michigan University

Dr. Herman Tang is an associate professor of engineering at Eastern Michigan University. He has taught courses such as industrial quality control, total quality management, quality planning, advanced statistical process control, technical Six Sigma, and lean service quality.

Dr. Tang’s areas of expertise include quality management, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing applications, manufacturing system development, and project management. He has published in journals such as the Journal of Multidisciplinary Engineering Science and Technology, the International Journal of Vehicle Design, and the Welding Journal. He earned his PhD from the University of Michigan, an MBA from Baker College, and a master’s and bachelor’s from Tianjin University.

Radheshyam Tewari, PhD - Michigan Technological University

Dr. Radheshyam Tewari is a senior lecturer of mechanical engineering and engineering mechanics at Michigan Tech. His teaching interests include quality engineering, production planning, mechanics of materials, product realization, semiconductor fabrication, and nanotechnology to name a few. His research efforts are focused on nanotechnology, microsystem development, medical devices, engineering education, and additive manufacturing.

Dr. Tewari has published his research in prominent journals such as the Journal of Medical Devices and the Journal of Microsystem Technologies. He holds his PhD and MS from Michigan Technological University and a BS from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, India.