Information on Master of Science (MS) Degree Programs in Quality Control
Majors Overview September 8, 2015This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Quality Control and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Degree Programs in Quality Control
Quality control focuses on ensuring the satisfaction of the highest possible standards for the benefit of the consumer. Individuals trained in the field can seek jobs in various industries, including the healthcare, automotive, food handling, pharmaceutical, aerospace and child product safety industries. While few schools, if any, offer a Master of Science (M.S.) degree program in Quality Control, individuals keen on careers in this field can enroll into an MS in Quality Assurance. The curriculum typically incorporates directed research and research projects. Quality control professionals can pursue various credentials.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in any major, in addition to submitting transcripts that reflect a minimum grade point average.
Coursework
Program graduates become adept at assisting organizations in maintaining quality standards. Students are taught about running tests on products, measuring data, performing system audits and analyzing results. Coursework incorporates classes in risk management, industrial quality control, quality management, manufacturing practices, and reliability. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Measurement techniques
•Quality management
•Statistical quality control
•Probability and statistics
•Experiments design
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek to become industrial production managers among other advanced management positions in quality control, or choose to become independent consultants. They may choose from possible job titles such as:
•Product reliability specialist
•Control Auditor
•Government regulatory inspector
•Quality testing engineer
Job and Wage Outlook
In May 2012, industrial production managers, who oversee quality control programs in manufacturing and related industries, brought in an average annual wage of $89,190 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, these professionals are expected to see a decline of two percent in job growth (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates seeking continuing education may pursue a Ph.D. degree program in Quality Systems, Operations Research, or Research and Measurement. They may also seek professional certification offered through organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) that has 17 certification exams, including Certified Quality Manager, Certified Reliability Engineer, and Certified Quality Inspector.