Quality and Reliability - Technology Systems

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About Quality & Reliability

At Utah State University, we prioritize quality and reliability in everything we do. That's why we offer a specialized emphasis area as part of our bachelor's degree program in technology systems. But we don't stop there – this emphasis area is also available as an institutional certificate of proficiency that any degree-seeking student can pursue. And for those who prefer a non-credit option, our continuing education program offers the required courses as well. Whether you're a current student or a working professional looking to expand your skill set, we have the resources to help you succeed.

What You Will Learn

Throughout the five upper-division courses in this program, students will gain a solid foundation in quality principles and practices. The program covers key topics including quality management fundamentals, lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis techniques, and statistical process control methods. By completing this program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance quality and efficiency in various industries. Whether pursuing the program as a degree-seeking student or as a continuing education credit (CEU), students will benefit from online instruction, enabling them to engage with the course content from anywhere in the country with internet access.

What Will it Be Like?


Pick Your Path

Regardless of the path chosen, all students will have access to the same curriculum and faculty expertise and will gain valuable skills and knowledge in quality principles.

Degree Seeking Student: Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in technology systems at Utah State University can choose to take the quality and reliability emphasis area, which consists of five upper-division courses covering quality principles, lean manufacturing, root cause analysis, and statistical process control.

Institutional Certificate of Proficiency: Expand your skill set by pursuing the institutional certificate of proficiency in quality and reliability. This certificate program is open to all USU degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students and provides a solid foundation in quality principles and practices, which can differentiate you in the job market. Completing this program will equip you with valuable expertise in quality and reliability, making you a more capable and well-rounded professional.

Continuing Education: Individuals who are not currently seeking a degree but want to enhance their skills and knowledge in quality principles can pursue the program as a continuing education student. This path consists of five upper-division courses, taught fully online, providing flexibility and convenience. Individuals will receive a departmental certificate. Learn more by visiting Continuing Adult Professional Education.

In less than 30 seconds you can request information about Quality and Reliability at USU!

 

Job Options for Graduates

  • Quality Control Inspector: $28,000 - $63,000 per year*
    A Quality Control Inspector is responsible for ensuring that the products or services meet the required standards by conducting tests, inspections, and checks.
  • Quality Assurance Analyst: $42,000 - $94,000 per year*
    A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for evaluating and testing products or services to ensure they meet the required quality standards.
  • Quality Manager: $75,000 - $140,000 per year*
    A Quality Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of quality management systems, policies, and procedures to ensure products or services meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
  • Process Improvement Specialist: $57,000 - $115,000 per year*
    A Process Improvement Specialist is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and improving business processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
  • Lean Manufacturing Specialist: $63,000 - $130,000 per year*
    A Lean Manufacturing Specialist is responsible for identifying and eliminating waste in manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining quality standards.
  • Supplier Quality Engineer: $75,000 - $120,000 per year*
    A Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that the products or services supplied by vendors or suppliers meet the required quality standards and specifications.
  • Continuous Improvement Manager: $83,000 - $153,000 per year*
    A Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for identifying and implementing process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain quality standards.
  • *Estimated salary ranges for the following careers in Utah based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and salary data from Indeed.com as of April 2023.

What Our Students are Saying

Dallin Shield

Dallin Shields

Technology Systems: Quality & Reliability Student

"The Quality and Reliability program is so beneficial because you are working with professionals from the field of quality, hearing about personal experiences, learning about current things in the field, and building a network of quality professionals. My favorite thing about the program is the culture of learning and teaching in the quality field. With many guest lectures and professionals teaching the courses the students are encouraged to first learn the information, develop their own skills and qualifications, and then teach others that they encounter."

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Meet Your Advisor

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a minor and an institutional certificate of proficiency?

Certificates can be pursued concurrently with a degree, or independently from a degree, while minors must be concurrent with a bachelor's degree.

What looks better, a minor or a certificate?

Though minors seem more familiar and traditional, a certificate may be a wise choice if you are preparing to do something specific, such as receive a promotion or obtain a certain skill set.

Where do I go to register for Continuing Education Credit (CEU)?

To register for CEU courses, you will go to the CEU Website. You can apply, register and pay for coursework through this site.