About this Program
Lean Six Sigma Black Belts are professional problem solvers. These experienced practitioners know how to implement, perform, interpret and apply Lean Six Sigma — a combination of Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma methodologies — at an advanced level of proficiency.
This certificate program builds on the principles, tools and methodology of Lean Six Sigma Green Belt to position you to lead project teams and manage process improvement initiatives. You’ll learn leadership skills, team dynamics, and how to successfully assign roles and responsibilities to project team members. You’ll explore real-world business challenges and develop strategies for addressing process improvements within your own organization.
▸ Related Article: Project Management and Lean Six Sigma: What's the Difference?
Designed For
Business professionals who have completed a Lean Six Sigma: Green Belt or similar program who want to achieve a higher level of Lean Six Sigma expertise and develop their management skills.
See Requirements
Admission Requirements
To apply, you must have ONE of the following:
- Completion of a Lean Six Sigma: Green Belt program such the UW Lean Six Sigma: Green Belt course
- Equivalent 40-hour process improvement training and experience with the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) methodology
Time Commitment
Including time in class, you should expect to spend about eight to 10 hours per week on coursework. In addition to this, you will need to spend time completing your final project (estimated at 30 hours of work total).
English Proficiency
If English is not your native language, you should have at least intermediate English skills to enroll. To see if you qualify, make sure you are at the B2 level on the CEFR self-assessment grid. To learn more, see English Language Proficiency Requirements – Noncredit Programs.
International Students
Because this offering is 100% online, no visa is required and international students are welcome to apply. For more information, see Admission Requirements for International Students.
Technology Requirements
You must have access to a computer, and we recommend a high-speed internet connection.
Earning the Certificate
You earn a certificate of completion by successfully completing all required courses. For more information, see Earning the Certificate.
What You'll Learn
- How to identify, scope and implement Lean Six Sigma process improvement projects at multiple levels and complexities within an organization
- Methods for coaching employees to eliminate waste in their daily work
- How to analyze data to develop and present recommendations or initiatives and build a business case
- How to foster a Lean Six Sigma culture and apply leadership and communication skills when working with process improvement teams and sponsors
- How to develop new Green Belt practitioners and conduct team trainings for small and large groups involved in process improvement projects
Get Hands-On Experience
You’ll individually plan and execute a Lean Six Sigma project within your organization.
Career Stats
23.8%
Projected job growth for management analysts in Washington state (2024-2034)
$108,701
Median salary for management analysts in Washington state (2023)
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
You may be eligible to apply for a UW Certificate Scholarship or Rotary Scholarship to cover most of the costs of this program. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and the potential of the program to positively impact your career. For more information, see the Scholarships page.
OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP
Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.
This program is intended for professional development and is not designed to meet educational requirements for professional licensure or certification.