Online Master of Science in Lean Manufacturing

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 17,100 job openings per year over the next decade for industrial production managers — one of many jobs where earning an online M.S. in Lean Manufacturing can boost your career. The median annual salary in this position reached $116,970 in May 2023.

But that is just one example among many. An online master’s in Lean manufacturing is not specific to any one industry. By becoming an expert in the use of Six Sigma and Lean, you gain skills valued in many sectors, including aerospace, agriculture, apparel, automotive, construction, consumer products, forestry, healthcare, government, sports, retail, service, and technology.

The competencies learned in a Lean manufacturing online master’s program also prepare you for many jobs within those industries, including:

• Automotive Plant Manager
• Chief Operating Officer
• Chief Technology Officer
• Corporate/Executive Management
• Hospital Administrator
• Lean/Continuous Improvement Manager
• R&D/Product Development Manager
• Retail District Manager
• Vice President or Director of Manufacturing/Production/Supply Chain
• Vice President or Director of Purchasing/Procurement/Sourcing

In addition to the master’s in Lean manufacturing, you can earn a second master’s degree with only five additional courses. There are three degree options: Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Operations Management, or Master of Science in Engineering Management.

MFGO 601 | Globally Integrated Manufacturing Company

This course is an introduction and integrated overview of contemporary global manufacturing operations. The focus is on the importance of agility and the introduction of Lean concepts in business and manufacturing. Instruction will emphasize the application of attitudes, skills, and knowledge required of managers, supervisors, team leaders, and manufacturing professionals in a cross-functional and cross-cultural manufacturing environment. Topics include a brief historical overview of global manufacturing and a strong emphasis on process re-engineering. Students are required to use the concepts from the class to analyze their own work environment.

MFGO 619 | Introduction of 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 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 635 | Work Analysis for Lean Production Applications

This course focuses on 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 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 659 | Integrative Capstone Project

Students should take this course as one of their last two core courses. The core of this course is on a business-focused, project-oriented perspective applicable to the integrated operating environment. Project management tools and techniques, recognized as part of the body of knowledge by the Project Management Institute, are examined in detail. The final project is designed to enable students to apply project management concepts and techniques to ensure the application of Lean principles to a process or service.

The Kettering University admissions team offers personalized assistance and advice for you throughout the admissions process. We’re ready to answer your questions, provide guidance, and make your journey throughout the online M.S. in Lean Manufacturing program smooth and stress-free.

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 a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. These designations signify that our programs meet high standards of academic quality and institutional integrity. Our experienced faculty and staff are dedicated to delivering a rigorous, well-structured program that supports student learning and success.