Online Master of Science in Lean Systems

Graduates from the M.S. in Lean Systems program learn skills applicable to a variety of management and consulting positions, including problem-solving, data analysis, collaboration, and continuous improvement competencies. The demand for these skills and expertise in Lean systems makes graduates a good choice for management roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 1.2 million job openings per year for managers over the next decade.

While Lean is most frequently associated with manufacturing, careers for those with Lean systems expertise are available in many industries, including aerospace, agriculture, apparel, automotive, construction, consumer products, forestry, healthcare, government, sports, retail, service, and technology. Jobs for those who graduate with a master’s in Lean systems include:

• Continuous Improvement Specialist
• Lean Consultant
• Operations Manager
• Process Improvement Manager
• Project Manager

As a Kettering University graduate, you join a network of alumni who work at many notable organizations, including General Motors, Bosch, Boeing, Fisher-Price, Whirlpool, GE, and NASA.

As a student in the Lean systems master’s program, you can also earn a second graduate degree with only five additional courses. The options for a second degree include Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Operations Management, or Master of Science in Engineering Management.

MFGO 610 | Foundations of Lean Organizations

Through reviewing a list of curated resources, actively participating in discussion questions, and completing assignments, learners deepen their knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma to eliminate waste, drive efficiency, ensure quality, initiate continuous improvement, and spark innovation in various organizational settings.

MFGO 619 | Six Sigma: Introduction to DMAIC

This course examines techniques to maximize production efficiency and maintain control over each step in the process. The structured problem-solving methodology DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) provides the framework for the course.

MFGO 633 | Lean Production Systems

The course starts from the discussion of the evolution of production systems, from craft to mass and Lean production. Principles of systems thinking and business dynamics applied to production systems are also studied. Contemporary Lean thinking principles, Lean enterprise development, and value stream mapping are studied and used in student projects.

MFGO 635 | Work Analysis for Lean Production Applications

This course covers work analysis of the application of process analysis, methods improvement, work measurement, and ergonomic techniques to meet the competitive goals of a manufacturing company or office environment. The intent of this course is to survey the basic techniques of methods design, work measurement, business process analysis, and ergonomics.

MFGO 639 | Quality Assurance and Reliability

This course covers topics in quality assurance, including an introduction to quality and quality philosophy, statistical methods of quality improvement, the concept of variation and its reduction, statistical process control, and acceptance sampling. Statistical software such as MINITAB is used throughout the course.

MFGO 649 | Metrics for Lean Production Applications

The course covers basic financial accounting, activity-based metrics, links to strategy, trend analysis, and decision-making. Student teams operate simulated companies in competition.

MFGO 669 | Integrative Capstone Project

The course provides the opportunity to work on a team-based Lean systems project. This project focuses specifically on an issue in a non-manufacturing organization, business, or service process that would benefit from the application of Lean principles, tools, and techniques.

The Kettering University admissions team offers the guidance you need throughout the admissions process. Contact us, and we can answer your questions and make your experience in the M.S. in Lean Systems program as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Domestic Admissions Requirements

• An undergraduate degree with 3.0 on a 4.0 grading system, or the international equivalent (85 overall grade point average on a 100-grade-point scale).  A 2.5-2.99 GPA will be considered on a provisional basis.
• Résumé.
• Statement of Purpose - Indicate your reason(s) for pursuing a graduate degree at Kettering University.
• Three professional letters of recommendation (one must be from a supervisor).
• Official transcripts from a regionally accredited U.S. university or an international equivalent.
• Up to eight hours of transfer credits may be available.
• No GRE or GMAT is required.

International Admissions Requirements

In addition to the domestic requirements, international students also require:

• International students are required to submit educational documentation to an evaluation service such as Educational Perspectives, which is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). This will be at the expense of the student. Kettering University undergraduate students need not submit their Kettering transcripts but are required to submit transcripts from any other university.
• International applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Our minimum score requirements are:

• TOEFL
  • Paper-based: 550
  • Computer-based: 213
  • Internet-based: 79
• IELTS: Minimum Band score of 6.0

Kettering University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. These demonstrate that our programs meet the highest standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. Our experienced faculty and staff deliver a rigorous, well-structured program that supports student learning and success.