Unlock your potential with Six Sigma Certification

Are you ready to elevate your career? Penn State's Six Sigma program provides a prestigious certification recognized by top global organizations, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. With a hands-on, flexible approach that incorporates diverse analytical methods and has already led to multimillion-dollar savings and significant efficiency gains, this program equips professionals with the expertise to drive impactful change in their industries.

Why choose our Six Sigma Certificate?

  • Student-driven approach: Penn State's Six Sigma program differentiates itself through an interactive, real-world application. This program uniquely integrates qualitative and mixed-method analysis alongside quantitative approaches, whereas most other programs rely solely on quantitative methods.
  • Meaningful change: Students gain the skills to implement lasting improvements in their companies by identifying and addressing recurring issues at their root cause. This program emphasizes sustainable solutions that resolve persistent challenges and ensure they do not resurface, creating meaningful and measurable organizational change.
  • Flexible learning options: Our hybrid classes are built to fit your schedule and learning preferences offering the benefits of live instruction and engagement with other professionals while allowing you to join a Zoom class from work or home.
  • Hands-on projects: Gain practical experience through hands-on, real-world Six Sigma projects that have previously led to a 70% reduction in company electronic communication traffic, saved over $15 million, and eliminated more than 10,000 labor hours, demonstrating the tangible impact of these methodologies in various industries.
  • Globally recognized certification: Earn a globally recognized Six Sigma certification valued by international Six Sigma organizations, the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Department of Education, and DAWIA, as well as highly regarded by Fortune 500 companies for career advancement opportunities.

Who should enroll?

  • Professionals seeking to reduce stress at work and improve work/life balance.
  • Companies that encounter the reappearing issues after a problem has been "solved."
  • Managers and team leaders looking to drive operational excellence within their teams.
  • Individuals aiming to boost their resumes and stand out in a competitive job market.

Transform your career and advance your organization. Register today!

Certificate Requirements

A Penn State certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the two required courses, maintaining at least a “C” average. A practice exam will be given at the end of each module.

If you elect to earn your Green Belt, you’ll conduct an ongoing Lean Six Sigma project which should be sponsored through your place of work, unless otherwise authorized by our instructors. Projects must be scoped for a minimum of three months and directly impact your organization.

Career Potential

Graduates of Penn State's Six Sigma program can advance into leadership roles in process improvement, quality management, and operational excellence across various industries. With a globally recognized certification and expertise in data-driven decision-making, they are well-positioned for career growth in Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and highly regulated sectors.

The Six Sigma program leverages cutting-edge 21st-century techniques, methodologies, and leadership strategies to tackle modern organizational challenges. These advanced approaches are applied to some of the world's most highly regulated industries, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and sustainable improvements in complex operational environments.

The program employs a holistic research approach that integrates qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to drive comprehensive organizational improvements. By focusing on generating financial returns, reducing labor hours and defects, and enhancing work-life balance, the program ensures sustainable efficiency gains and measurable business success.

Each course offers in-depth training on the tangible and sustainable impact it delivers across industries by equipping professionals with the skills to implement data-driven, long-term solutions. Graduates of the program drive measurable financial returns, reduce inefficiencies, minimize defects, and enhance work-life balance, all while applying cutting-edge methodologies to some of the most highly regulated sectors in the world.

Meet the Instructor

Dr. Kyle Hanlan is a senior consultant at LLMC Partners, where he provides advisory services to companies and organizations to guide them on leadership and organizational culture. He holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, PMP, and is an MBTI Master Practitioner as well as graduate degrees in engineering, administration, law, and psychology. His professional experience ranges from management consulting for Fortune 500 companies to public service in the federal government. He has created and implemented strategies, policies, and procedures for multinational organizations. Dr. Hanlan has taught in both the graduate professional programs and undergraduate programs at Penn State. These programs include risk management, leadership development, Lean Six Sigma, supply chain management, organizational psychology, and organizational change management.  

Course Offerings

Six Sigma Yellow Belt

To earn the Yellow Belt, there are two required courses that must be taken in order. 

Theory & Application (SYSEN 5606)

This course provides an overview of Lean Six Sigma principles and their impact on process improvement. Students will explore how organizations can enhance efficiency and quality by progressing from one sigma to six sigma performance levels. Key philosophies from industry experts such as Deming and Crosby will be introduced, along with essential methodologies, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Various toolsets such as visual management, value stream mapping, Kaizen, and Kanban will be demonstrated to show how to reduce waste. Facilitation and alignment methods are included to support the Charter development of the students' projects.

Continuous Process Improvement (SYSEN 5605)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies for continuous process improvement, integrating quantitative analysis, qualitative reasoning, and mixed-method research approaches. Students will develop skills in data collection, integration, and statistical analysis to identify inefficiencies, minimize potential failures, and enhance process effectiveness. Through structured learning in the DMAIC, DMADV, DFSS, and Lean frameworks, students will engage in workshops, peer collaboration, and applied projects to refine problem-solving strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the analytical and practical tools necessary to drive data-informed, sustainable improvements in various organizational contexts. Prerequisite: Theory & Application (SYSEN 5606)

Six Sigma Green Belt

To earn the Green Belt, there are two required courses that must be taken in order, plus the addition of an industry-sponsored project.

Theory & Application (SYSEN 5606)

This course provides an overview of Lean Six Sigma principles and their impact on process improvement. Students will explore how organizations can enhance efficiency and quality by progressing from one sigma to six sigma performance levels. Key philosophies from industry experts such as Deming and Crosby will be introduced, along with essential methodologies, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act). Various toolsets such as visual management, value stream mapping, Kaizen, and Kanban will be demonstrated to show how to reduce waste. Facilitation and alignment methods are included to support the Charter development of the students' projects.

Continuous Process Improvement (SYSEN 5605)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodologies for continuous process improvement, integrating quantitative analysis, qualitative reasoning, and mixed-method research approaches. Students will develop skills in data collection, integration, and statistical analysis to identify inefficiencies, minimize potential failures, and enhance process effectiveness. Through structured learning in the DMAIC, DMADV, DFSS, and Lean frameworks, students will engage in workshops, peer collaboration, and applied projects to refine problem-solving strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the analytical and practical tools necessary to drive data-informed, sustainable improvements in various organizational contexts. Prerequisite: Theory & Application (SYSEN 5606)