Lean Six Sigma FAQs

Lean Six Sigma is a set of proven, time-tested tools that have helped companies navigate, survive and succeed, even through periods of market uncertainty.

Very generally, Lean focuses on ways to reduce waste in workflows, while Six Sigma refines processes to be more efficient.
Together, Lean Six Sigma is used to solve complicated organizational problems as well as guide continuous improvement.

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Getting started Current GSM students in good academic standing can register for this course at any time throughout their program(s). Alumni (up to one year after completed degree program) will have the opportunity to register as well. For example, if you graduate fall 2025, you will have until Fall 2026 to register.

How do I register?

Registration typically closes 4 weeks prior to the start date, so plan accordingly. The registration form has important registration deadlines.

How do I know I’ve registered?

 You will receive an email confirmation once the form is completed. This will complete your registration process.

What is the enrollment process?

You will receive an instructional email from Executive Education 2 weeks prior to the start of the course. All students will require an active UC Davis email account to access Canvas. Recent graduates may need to work with IT and the GSM to reactivate their accounts. This process will be outlined in your email. All students will be invited to the course on Canvas on the start date of the course. Students can begin their course work immediately as it is self-paced.

How much does it cost?

This is a FREE learning opportunity to all current student and recent alumni (up to one year post grad). For the public the cost is $2,195.

Can I withdrawal or defer once I register?

If the timing of the course doesn’t work with your schedule, you will have two weeks to withdrawal. What does this mean? You will be removed from the course (please email us) and will have one more opportunity to defer. We ask that you fill out the web form to register again. Students that fail to log into Canvas will automatically be removed at the two-week mark and be considered withdrawals/no shows.

When can I take it?

This course is currently offered 4 times a calendar year.
The course can be taken at any time during your GSM program, and up to one year for alumni.

 

Can I withdrawal or defer once I register?

If the timing of the course doesn’t work with your schedule, you will have two weeks to withdrawal. What does this mean? You will be removed from the course (please email us) and will have one more opportunity to defer. We ask that you fill out the web form to register again. Students that fail to log into Canvas will automatically be removed at the two-week mark and be considered withdrawals/no shows.

 

How is the course taught?

This course is taught through a series of online videos, practice quizzes, homework assignments, a mid-term and final. Assignments are graded for completion and a passing grade of 75% or higher is required to receive a certificate of completion. In each module, you will learn important LSS tools and techniques from expert instructors, then reinforce the concepts through hands-on activities, real business cases, bite-sized videos and even interactive games.

What is the curriculum?

For a complete review of the curriculum please visit this link: https://leansixsigma.ucdavis.edu/curriculum/

What kind of certificate do I receive?

You will receive a certificate of completion from the Graduate School of Management. A digital certificate will be sent via Parchment (our digital certificate distributor) 2-4 weeks after completion of the course work.

Do I receive credit for this course?

This is a non-credit course and does not fulfill any course credits. This course will never show up on a transcript or affect your overall GPA. This course is considered professional development.

Who teaches this course?

Meet your instructors here: https://leansixsigma.ucdavis.edu/instructors/

What other LSS opportunities are there after? Can I use this course to take the Green Belt exam?

Opportunities will be discussed during the course with your professor.

This course gives you a base understanding of lean six sigma and enables you to use the methodologies and frameworks to deliver business insights, value and results quickly. It however, does not address the deeper knowledge necessary to pass the ASQ Green Belt exam as it doesn't go deep into the statistical theory or quality measures or math that is needed to pass the exam. This would require much more studying and coaching from a black belt to fully understand and be prepared for the exam.

 

More questions about our Lean Six Sigma program?

Please contact GSM Executive Education gsm-execeducation@ucdavis.edu with further questions.