MS in Lean Manufacturing
"Don’t let the “Manufacturing” portion of this program mislead you. This program is applicable to all areas of the corporate enterprise. Thanks to this program, I now approach issues and new projects from a Total Systems Engineering perspective. The course work has been challenging, well balanced and immediately applicable. The professors are engaging and backed by real world experience. I highly recommend this degree." –Bob P.
MSLM Overview
The Master of Science in Lean Manufacturing (MSLM) program is truly a unique and relevant manufacturing program. You will focus on lean and agile manufacturing, next-generation production processes & practices, quality systems, and leading-edge global manufacturing methods, among other key topics.
If you work in a manufacturing or production facility, an operations area, or any industry or field where lean concepts are needed, the MSLM delivers. The MSLM degree was selected by one of the world’s largest and leading manufacturing companies as the preferred degree for its employees. Plus the US News & World Report has awarded a #1 ranking for our Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering department for more than ten years. So this program is recognized for its exceptional quality by both academic and industry experts.
You and your company benefit! You'll use your company for class projects by applying productivity improvements, safety advances, quality enhancements, and cost cutting strategies. Companies have verified that the MSLM program has delivered millions of dollars in savings as a direct result of projects from students in this program. As you complete homework towards your masters degree, you'll implement improvements at your job. Although these savings may not apply in your situation, it's good to know how relevant this program is. It doesn’t get any more practical than this! Apply now or request more information.
You may start this program in any term – winter, spring summer or fall. You may take this program on campus or through distance learning. You do not complete a thesis for this degree.
Admission Requirements
A Bachelor degree from a regionally-accredited university or international equivalent is required. The traditional Bachelor's degree in the U.S. is granted after 16 years of formal education. A minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required for full admission into the program; provisional admission may be considered for applicants between 2.5 - 2.99 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
To complete the admission process, students must complete and submit:
- the Kettering University online graduate application;
- two Letters of Recommendation (these forms may be accessed when completing the online application)
- official transcripts from your undergraduate/bachelor's degree. An "official transcript" is an unopened, original transcript that is mailed directly from the degree-granting university to Kettering University.
MSLM Curriculum
The MSLM consists of 10 classes (this includes 7 core classes plus 3 electives in concentration areas to meet your needs) for a total of 40 quarter-credit hours. The MSLM curriculum consists of:
Seven 4-credit Core Classes:
- MFGO 619 Six Sigma for Manufacturing
- MFGO 633 Lean Production Systems
- MFGO 635 Work Analysis for Lean Production Applications
- MFGO 639 Quality Assurance & Reliability
- MFGO 649 Metrics for Lean Production Improvement
- MFGO 659 Integrative Capstone Project
Plus three 4-credit courses in one of these three concentration areas:
Operations Concentration
The Operations Management concentration focuses on the management skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to lead organizations that create goods and services. Students are exposed to and gain an understanding of general business management principles, lean concepts that can be applied in virtually any operations environment, and tools of operations to effectively integrate operations across the organization to satisfy customers and add value to the organization.
Select three courses from the following:
- MGMT 639 Managing People & Organizations
- MGMT 629 Management Science
- MGMT 661 Operations Management
- MGMT 679 Leadership
Supply Chain Management Concentration
The Supply Chain Management concentration is designed to develop skills in the fundamentals of supply chain management with an emphasis on people, systems, and technology to successfully compete in the global marketplace. Supply chain management is an essential strategic area for most organizations. In today's complex global business world, the success of a complany relies on an efficient and effective supply chain. Competitive strength relies on products & services, as well as the processes to provide these to customers. Delivering products and services from point of origin to point of consumption in an efficient way is essential for business success. The Supply Chain Management concentration focuses on the skills, knowledge, and concepts in these areas.
Select three courses from the following:
- MFGO 605 Global Human Resources & Supply Chains
- MGMT 669 Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
- IME 654 Enterprise Resources Planning*
- IME 652 Designing Value in the Supply Chain*
*special approval is needed for students who do not possess a BS in Engineering or equivalent
Manufacturing Concentration
The Manufacturing concentration allows students to tailor their studies to meet their personal and professional goals, and to learn the skills that will equip them to be effective leaders in their manufacturing organization. Students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of lean principles within a manufacturing environment.
Select three courses from any MSLM concentration areas or select other Kettering University graduate classes that will meet your professional needs:
- Students must have a BS in Engineering or equivalent to take courses in the Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other Engineering fields. Elective courses in non-engineering areas do not require a BS in Engineering;
- Students must obtain prior approval when selecting elective courses for the Manufacturing Concentration in the MSLM program;
- Students must meet pre-requisite requirements for selected courses.
