Quality Assurance Certification and Certificate Program Information
Learn about certificates in quality assurance. Get information on undergraduate and graduate degrees, program requirements and career prospects to make an informed decision about your education.
Undergraduate Certificate Programs in Quality Assurance
Certificate programs in quality assurance (QA) are offered by many community colleges and vocational schools. These certificate programs focus on the manufacturing, software and service industries and prepare students for entry-level careers as quality inspectors or control technicians, or for taking a certification exam. In order to enter an undergraduate certificate program, an individual must typically have a high school diploma or a GED.
Course Topics
Coursework for undergraduate quality assurance programs can vary based on the program's focus. For example, some quality assurance programs may address it as a general area of study, while others may focus on a specific field, such as industrial technology. Some common courses at the undergraduate level may include:
- Statistics
- Measurement science
- Auditing
- Quality planning
- Engineering technology
- Manufacturing
Popular Career Options
Certificate programs in quality assurance can prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the field and for professional certifications. This can include positions in manufacturing industries, including auto parts, electronic components, aerospace products and health and safety. Some possible job titles include:
- Quality assurance technician
- Industrial technology technician
- Quality control inspector
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Quality control inspectors may not need any formal education beyond a high school diploma, but higher education might be useful for advancing into positions working with more advanced technology. Associate degree programs in quality control management are available at community and vocational colleges.
With only an undergraduate certificate in quality assurance, a graduate can be qualified to sit for certification through the American Society for Quality. This organization offers the title of Certified Quality Technician, which could help individuals demonstrate competency in the field to potential employers.
Graduate Certificate Programs in Quality Assurance
At the graduate level, programs in quality assurance can be offered in conjunction with the field of regulatory affairs. Some of these programs may be offered as regulatory affairs with quality assurance included in the field of study. While quality assurance programs at the undergraduate level may be focused on the specific, technical aspects of an organization, graduate programs may focus on broader areas, such as general day-to-day operations. Before entering a graduate program covering quality assurance, an individual will need at least a bachelor's degree.
Course Topics
At the graduate level, certificates may be short and coursework may be limited to about 9-12 credit hours. Coursework will build on areas of study available at the undergraduate level and introduce more advanced concepts. Some courses can include:
- Regulatory affairs
- Total quality studies
- Engineering statistics
- Quality management
- Pharmaceutical quality management
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
From 2010-2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated that quality control analysts would see employment increase 10 - 19%, which is average growth for that time period. In May 2011, the BLS stated that quality control analysts earned a median annual salary of about $43,120.
Continuing Education Information
After completing a graduate certificate program, a student may transfer into a master's degree program in quality assurance. Such a program could build on previous coursework and could lead to career advancement. Additionally, they may consider the same certification programs as individuals completing undergraduate certificates.
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3 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
School locations:
- Online Learning
Distance Learning Programs
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Non-Degree
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- AS in Engineering Technology
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- Certificate in Holistic Planet
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Masters degree applicants must have a Bachelors degree
- Doctorate degree applicants must have a Masters degree
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
- Oregon (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
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Bachelor
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- Bachelor in Industrial Automation Engineering Technology
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Other Schools:
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Surveying
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School locations:
- Kentucky (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Eastern Kentucky University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Post Master's Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Math
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School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Eastern Michigan University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering Physics
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Indiana University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Purdue University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
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School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Materials Engineering
- Surveying
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School locations:
- California (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at San Jose State University include:
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- Graduate: Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
- Engineering
- Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality Control Technologies
- Materials Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
