Lean Six Sigma Programs
Next Session Start: March 9
- CERTIFICATE OR SINGLE COURSES
- 100% ONLINE
- ENROLLING MONTHLY
- 225 MILITARY CLOCK HOURS
Lead Measurable Impact with Lean Six Sigma Education
Lean Six Sigma provides organizations with a disciplined approach to improving how work gets done. It helps teams reduce inefficiency, strengthen quality and make smarter decisions using data, not assumptions. The methodology is widely applicable across industries because the work is universal: clarify a problem, identify root causes, improve the process and sustain results.
Villanova University offers multiple paths to build the Lean Six Sigma capability level that fits your role today and the impact you want to lead next.
- Lean Six Sigma Certificate: Designed for professionals who are new to Lean and Six Sigma or applying process improvement alongside another role. You’ll build practitioner-level skills you can put to work immediately to streamline workflows, reduce delays and improve performance in your day-to-day responsibilities.
- Lean Six Sigma Expert Certificate: Built for professionals progressing from Green Belt to Black Belt to Master Black Belt. This path is ideal if continuous improvement is a core part of your career direction and you want to lead larger initiatives, guide cross-functional teams and drive enterprise-level performance.
Villanova’s Lean Six Sigma programsare developed by industry experts and taught by faculty practitioners with deep, real-world experience. Wherever you are in your career, you’ll gain the practical skills in process optimization and continuous improvement to deliver measurable results and lasting value.
Villanova also offers standalone certifications in Lean Sensei, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Learn more about certification.
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Want to Enroll a Team or Group?
Save on tuition when you enroll 5 or more students.
9.8%
salary premium for U.S. professionals with Six Sigma training1
$146,000
average base salary for Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt2
2x
$2 in direct savings for every $1 invested in Six Sigma by an organization3
According to ASQ Survey1, Payscale2 , and ASQ3
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
Lean Six Sigma Certificate Program 3 courses | 6 weeks per course 12.5 hours per week Fast Track |
15% savings |
|
Lean Six Sigma: Expert Certificate Program 3 courses | 6 weeks per course 12.5 hours per week Fast Track |
15% savings |
|
Single Course Each single course is made up of a Principles asynchronous micro-course and a Practice live virtual micro-course. Fast or Flex Track Options |
10% savings See courses to enroll. |
|
Micro-course You must complete the Principles micro-course if you choose to enroll in the corresponding Practice micro-course. 6 weeks per course | 12.5 hours per week |
Principles | $800 Practice | $1,295 See courses to enroll. |
*The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt and Master Black Belt courses have a higher cost than other course options, which may affect certificate program cost. Please click on the course details button below for more information.
Fast Track:
6 weeks | 12.5 hours per week
Flex Track:
12 weeks | 6.25 hours per week
LEAN SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATE COURSES
Complete the required courses plus one elective.
REQUIRED
Enhance operational efficiency, reduce waste and drive continuous improvement with Lean Enterprise. This hands-on course equips you with practical Lean tools like value stream mapping, process flow optimization and Kaizen events to streamline processes and create value-driven operations. Gain the expertise to lead enterprise-wide Lean transformation in industries like operations, manufacturing, healthcare and services.
This course teaches essential methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce defects and drive process improvements using the DMAIC methodology. Designed for beginners, this course equips you with tools like process mapping, root cause analysis and performance metrics to lead impactful projects and optimize business processes. Led by experienced practitioners, it prepares you for Lean Six Sigma certification and provides the skills to create measurable, sustainable improvements in any industry.
ELECTIVES
The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course equips professionals with advanced skills to lead high-impact projects using the DMAIC methodology. Focusing on process improvement, it covers advanced statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS). You'll learn to eliminate waste, reduce defects and mentor Green Belts while driving data-driven solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This course prepares you for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification and to lead enterprise-wide change.
Prerequisites: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
This course empowers professionals to become visionary leaders who drive organizational success. You’ll learn to apply strategic leadership theories, analyze external factors impacting your organization, and craft data-driven strategies. Through reflection, storytelling, and strategic frameworks, you’ll develop a personalized plan to enhance your leadership style and achieve your goals. Ideal for those looking to refine their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.
This course teaches leaders how to manage diverse teams in traditional, virtual and hybrid settings. You'll apply Tuckman’s Model for team development, develop strategies to foster trust and collaboration and use CliftonStrengths to optimize team performance. Key topics include managing conflict, creating team charters and coaching for success. Ideal for leaders seeking to enhance team dynamics, motivate members and drive high performance aligned with organizational goals.
Gain the financial acumen needed to make informed business decisions. This course equips non-financial managers with the skills to interpret financial statements, analyze business performance and confidently engage in strategic financial discussions. Through a hands-on approach, you'll learn key concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, capital budgeting and risk assessment, empowering you to contribute meaningfully to financial planning and business strategy.
This course explores the intersection of systems thinking, design thinking, and interactive design to solve complex organizational problems. You will learn to analyze adaptive systems, understand interdependencies and apply human-centered design to create innovative solutions that drive change. Topics include systems thinking and design thinking methodologies, stakeholder engagement, securing buy-in and fostering cross-functional collaboration. By the end, you'll have the tools to solve complex problems, influence change and enhance your leadership in dynamic business environments.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to project management, equipping you with essential tools, methodologies and leadership skills to successfully plan, execute and manage projects across industries. Learn the role of a project manager, the importance of PMP® and CAPM® certification and how to apply key project management tools, stakeholder communication strategies and emotional intelligence to lead teams effectively. Explore the role of a Project Management Office (PMO) in driving efficiency, governance and strategic alignment.
This course builds on foundational project management skills, exploring how leadership, team dynamics and soft skills enhance project management core competencies and overall project performance. You’ll learn to align project goals with organizational strategy, apply hybrid methodologies like Agile and Waterfall, and leverage AI tools, emotional intelligence and data analytics. The course prepares you to manage dynamic projects, enhance stakeholder communication and advance your PMP® or CAPM® certification readiness.
This practical foundation in Agile and Scrum methodologies equips professionals to manage projects in today’s fast-paced market. It is applicable across industries and covers Agile values, Scrum roles, iterative planning, stakeholder engagement and value-driven delivery. Key topics include Agile estimating and scaling Agile with Kanban. Through real-world case studies and hands-on learning, participants will gain the skills to implement Agile frameworks within their organization.
LEAN SIX SIGMA: EXPERT CERTIFICATE COURSES
Complete the three required courses to complete the certificate.
REQUIRED
This course teaches essential methodologies to improve efficiency, reduce defects and drive process improvements using the DMAIC methodology. Designed for beginners, this course equips you with tools like process mapping, root cause analysis and performance metrics to lead impactful projects and optimize business processes. Led by experienced practitioners, it prepares you for Lean Six Sigma certification and provides the skills to create measurable, sustainable improvements in any industry.
The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course equips professionals with advanced skills to lead high-impact projects using the DMAIC methodology. Focusing on process improvement, it covers advanced statistical analysis, hypothesis testing and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS). You'll learn to eliminate waste, reduce defects and mentor Green Belts while driving data-driven solutions and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This course prepares you for Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification and to lead enterprise-wide change.
Prerequisites: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
Be at the forefront of driving organizational transformation through continued process improvement. You will learn the advanced tools and techniques to lead complex improvement initiatives and successfully mentor teams while delivering significant cost savings and revenue growth.
Prerequisites: Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
LEAN SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATION OPTIONS
Successful completion of Lean Six Sigma courses makes you eligible to take Villanova-administered certification exams. These exams are 100% online, timed and feature randomly selected questions.
Certifications include:
- Lean Sensei
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Learn more about Lean Six Sigma Certification.
For certifications issued by Villanova University, recertification is required every three years to ensure that individuals maintain the same level of knowledge originally demonstrated on their first exam. View information about recertification at Villanova.
RELATED PROGRAMS
FLEXIBLE BY DESIGN
Our programs are built for busy adult learners. Each course requires a one-hour live session one evening per week. Additional coursework can be done whenever is most convenient for you. You'll follow a structured weekly rhythm, supported by a learning experience that blends faculty-led guidance, peer engagement and applied work to help you connect concepts to your professional context. In addition, career management resources are available to support goal-setting, professional materials and next-step planning.
PRINCIPLES + PRACTICE LEARNING MODEL
Principles serves as the foundation for each course, providing essential knowledge to help you expand your skill set and deepen your expertise. Through independently paced online coursework, you’ll watch videos and complete weekly assignments on your schedule. This flexible format ensures you can build your expertise at a pace that works for you.
Practice builds upon Principles through collaboration and real-world application. Weekly, live faculty-led sessions further enhance learning by fostering open dialogue and connecting you with peers across multiple industries. These interactive sessions provide opportunities to discuss workplace challenges, share insights and receive valuable feedback.
“ I learned how to identify waste as a concept, but the real value from this course was that I was able to take that concept and implement it in my organization for resolution. ”
- Ryan, Lean Six Sigma Student
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
- Professionals in any industry who routinely analyze process or performance metrics.
- Quality professionals, including engineers, plant managers, analysts and specialists.
- Process improvement professionals, including those in operations, distribution and manufacturing.
- Individuals seeking to transform organizational efficiency.
- Operations professionals in all industries, including, but not limited to, manufacturing, healthcare, supply chain logistics, purchasing and procurement, aerospace and information systems and technologies. Any industry can benefit from using these tools.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
- Process Improvement
- Change Management
- Poka-Yoke
- Process Mapping
- 5S
- Kanban
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Value Stream Mapping
- 7M Tools
- DMAIC
- Waste Reduction
- Data Measurement and Interpretation
LEARNING THAT ADAPTS TO YOU
No two professionals learn the same way, and your experience shouldn’t feel one-size-fits-all. At Villanova, we offer multiple paths to mastery, so you can lean into the learning methods that work best for you while still benefiting from live faculty guidance and a collaborative cohort. The result is a learning experience that meets you where you are and helps you translate new knowledge into impact at work.
Engage in discussion boards that turn course concepts into real-world dialogue and shared perspectives.
Leverage the vast resources of the Falvey Library online to explore readings, optional resources and additional materials that let you go deeper on your own schedule.
Join weekly faculty office hours to ask questions, workshop ideas and connect course content to your work.
Apply what you're learning through practical projects, with optional or expanded project opportunities when you want to stretch further.
THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
At Villanova, we believe where you've been is just the beginning.
Pursue the Next You.™
FUNDING YOUR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
EdAssist by Bright Horizons
Villanova University has partnered with EdAssist by Bright Horizons to help you take the next step in your education journey. Employees of participating organizations receive 15% in tuition savings and waived application fees on eligible Villanova programs.
Employee Tuition Reimbursement
Many organizations offer tuition reimbursement for professional education programs. Check with your employer to learn about available opportunities. To support your request, you can also reference our library of supervisor request letters.
Please consult with your employer to determine eligibility and specific reimbursement procedures, including any required documentation.
Military service members and veterans may be eligible for tuition payment/assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® or other benefits.
Resources available to help you navigate your military and veteran benefits:
- Villanova Military Savings: active-duty, veterans and military-connected spouses and dependents are eligible to receive 15% savings per professional education certificate course.
- Military Tuition Assistance
- VA Education Benefits (including GI Bill®)
Please visit the Office of Veterans and Military Service Members' webpage for more information.
Villanova supports the continued education and professional development of Boeing's employees. Learn more about education benefits and tuition savings information for Boeing employees.
CPS students enrolled in a non-credit program and/or any individual non-credit course may participate in a payment plan.
Payment plans are offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce and students are encouraged to reach out to Nelnet directly through the NCC website.
Please note:
- Payment plans are available for fall, spring and summer.
- Payments must be made over the course of 2-5 months, depending on when you enroll in the plan.
- There is an additional $45 payment plan fee for each semester.
Personal Loans
Students may use any loan provider they prefer. One option is Salle Mae's Career Training Loan, a credit-based loan that offers flexible repayment plans.
Deferred payment for professional education is available. Please contact a member of the enrollment team to learn more about deferment and to coordinate a plan.
Learn more about Villanova University's professional education enrollment terms and conditions.
CONTACT US
Our enrollment counselors are happy to answer any questions you have about our certificate programs.
Our hours are M-Th. 9 am - 7 pm | Fri. 9 am - 5 pm
profedenrollment@villanova.edu
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