Online Quality Management Degrees

<p>There are a handful of schools that offer both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in quality assurance and quality management. If you are seeking online programs in quality management, you are likely to find a handful of bachelor's degree programs offered entirely over the Internet. These programs are designed to train and provide foundational knowledge in areas like quality improvement, statistical quality control and inspection, measurement science, technical documentation and systems failure analysis. </p> <p>If you are already a professional seeking advanced quality management credentials, a master degree program will offer training in topics like regulation management, quality systems and statistical process control. Online graduate-level programs are less common, though some of the program's curriculum may be completed over the Internet. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td>Bachelor's programs can be completed online; some courses of graduate programs could be completed online</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Technology Requirements</b></td><td>Broadband Internet connection, updated browser, additional software may be required</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Quality auditing, managerial finance, management science, product safety, economics of quality</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$40,460 (for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>-17% (for inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoOnlineProgramsWork">How Do Online Programs Work?</h3> <p>If you are interested in completing your quality management degree program online, you'll need to have a broadband Internet connection and updated browser, like Firefox or Internet Explorer. Additionally, many schools utilize Blackboard software to manage their course materials, provide access to lectures and assignments, as well as a way to interact with classmates and your instructor. In addition to media you can download, some schools also broadcast streaming lectures over the Internet. Some programs may require you to have additional software, such as Microsoft Office or Windows Media Viewer. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfCoursesWillITake">What Kind of Courses Will I Take?</h3> <p>The curriculum of a bachelor's degree program in quality management will likely include classes such as quality problem solving, quality auditing, process control and capability and the economics of quality. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to take business electives, like managerial finance, business statistics and management science. A master's degree program will offer more advanced courses in specific areas, like surface texture tolerancing, design of experiments, product safety and reliability and lean production. Most schools will also require you to complete independent research and write a master's thesis to obtain your degree. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsTheCareerOutlookForQualityManagers">What Is The Career Outlook For Quality Managers?</h3> <p>Once you complete your degree in quality management, you may be qualified to work as a professional quality control inspector, among other quality assurance positions. According to a 2020 study conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>), inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers earned a median annual salary of around $40,460. Earnings largely depend on the industry in which you are employed.</p>