Earn Your Master Black Belt at University of Michigan

WHAT IS A MASTER BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SIX SIGMA CERTIFICATIONS?

Six Sigma is a system of concepts and theories for process improvement in organizations. Green Belt and Black Belt certifications prepare you to effectively problem solve, collect and analyze data, and lead change. Earning a Master Black Belt in Operational Excellence is the next step for those who want to be continuous improvement leaders.

This certification signifies extensive training in Six Sigma concepts and experience leading continuous improvement projects. With this certification, you can lead company-wide continuous improvement initiatives and teach Six Sigma to others in your organization. 

If you have earned your Green Belt and Black Belt certifications and want to expand your knowledge even further, the Master Black Belt program may be the right option for you.

WHY SHOULD YOU EARN YOUR MASTER BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN?  

Six Sigma lead instructor Dr. Patrick Hammett says, “There are many great programs out there. But what makes us unique is our ability to take applications from our instructors and past students and blend them together to create meaningful examples that help us figure out how best to apply the tools covered in the course.” 

The internationally recognized Master Black Belt in Operational Excellence program will provide you with the core skills in program management and technical problem-solving to become an effective Master Black Belt instructor and continuous improvement leader. This program continuously updates the content based on the experiences of the students to present the most relevant and current information. Dr. Hammett adds, “We can relate to the audience with great examples. Everything we cover in our program are concepts that I have used in industry or have coached students in applying. Everything we teach has a place and has proven results.” 

Dr. Hammett continues, “In this program, we focus on the tools that are utilized by our instructors and students.  We teach you how to use these tools effectively. We keep using this method to grow the program. Over time it leads to better and better applications.” This program teaches you the essential tools to drive change and innovation in your organization.

WHAT TYPE OF LEARNER SHOULD EARN A MASTER BLACK BELT CERTIFICATION? 

This certification program is a great opportunity for professionals in managerial roles to build upon their Black Belt knowledge and guide others toward success. 

Dr. Hammett shares, “As a Six Sigma instructor, people will ask you questions that are beyond the slides. Students will ask you, ‘What happens if the data looks like this? How do I solve this problem based on this data?’ You have to know these answers. Master Black Belt will take you deeper into the methodology so that you are comfortable answering the questions.” 

A Master Black Belt candidate is familiar with Lean practices and governance within their organization but they are now seeking to take on a leadership role in a significant innovation project. Dr. Hammett says, “A person who transitions into a Master Black Belt role wants to lead a continuous improvement program. This person wants to develop support structures to help the organization continuously build and replenish their talent. A Master Black Belt is not only interested in the advanced skill set that a black belt should have but also in the deployment in a company.”

This program is for professionals who have mastered the advanced Black Belt analysis tools and want to begin teaching them. Dr. Hammett states, “A great aspect of Master Black Belt training is that this is where the future teachers come from. As a master black belt, you are expected to teach and train others.”

HOW CAN MASTER BLACK BELT KNOWLEDGE BENEFIT PROFESSIONALS AND ORGANIZATIONS?

Essentially, the Master Black Belt program equips professionals with the tools to become data-driven problem solvers in their respective organizations. The program provides the analytical and statistical knowledge to drive change and improve your processes. 

Dr. Hammett shares, “In general, everyone is inundated with data. And most people who have large amounts of data quickly discover they have more data than meaningful information to make impactful decisions t. The major benefit of Master Black Belt training is learning how to effectively solve problems in your organization with the data you collect. To use data effectively, we need to continuously expand and upskill our tool set.”

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM THE MASTER BLACK BELT PROGRAM?

When you join the Master Black Belt Program at the University of Michigan, you should expect a rigorous learning experience. You will be expected to contribute to conversations and give feedback on in-class topics. The instructors require students to have significant work experience in industry to teach analysis tools and concepts. 

In addition to lectures and applications, you must complete 8 online modules with exercises. The road to Master Black Belt is intensive. You will begin the certification process when you demonstrate your teaching skills with a final presentation. Upon successful completion of this session, you must take a certification exam. You will then have six months to develop and present a portfolio for final certification.

This program strategically challenges your current knowledge and teaches you to think critically to solve problems. The curriculum will equip you with the ability to become a strong Six Sigma leader in your industry.

Dr. Hammett gives his insights on the value of teaching: “I would argue that after all these years one of the reasons I’m so confident in problem-solving is because I teach it. Teaching has forced me to articulate things in a way that helps people understand better. It has forced me to think about all these crazy what-if scenarios and go deeper than I would have by just attending a lecture. The idea of becoming a teacher in this area forces you to take your skills to the next level.”

WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY?

To enroll in the Master Black Belt certification program you must meet the following requirements:

• Certified Black Belt from a recognized institution (including but not limited to accredited university programs or independent professional training providers) 
• Worked as a Black Belt in an organization for at least 2 years
• Completed at least 3 significant DMAIC projects 
• Signed letter from your supervisor indicating you have at least 2 years of Black Belt work experience and completed 3 significant improvement projects
• Copy of your current resume or CV

To apply, visit the Master Black Belt program page and click Apply Now. Fill out the application with the requirements above and submit it. Approved University of Michigan instructors will review your application and you will be notified of the admissions decision within 10 business days.