Program Structure
The Six Sigma Black Belt Boot Camp program is an in‐depth, interactive learning experience. Our Six Sigma program is based on a case study approach so that participants apply training directly to a real‐world example. Entry into the Black Belt program requires completion of Six Sigma training to the Green Belt level, or instructor waiver.
Online Format
Meets Monday - Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Six Sigma Black Belt program is an in-depth, interactive learning experience that combines self-paced modules with live online sessions. Our program is based on a case study approach, so participants apply training directly to real-world examples. Our program includes a total of 80 hours of online education with 40 hours of self-paced learning and 40 hours of live instructor-led online sessions. Instructor-led sessions are conveniently scheduled during evening hours to fit easily into your busy professional schedule. You will also complete an independent project, improving a process within your own organization.
- Weeks 1 & 2: 15-30 hours of self-paced online modules
- Weeks 3 & 4: 20 hours of instructor led online class sessions
- Weeks 5 & 6: 15-30 hours of self-paced online modules
- Weeks 7 & 8: 20 hours of instructor led online class sessions
The final examination and project completion determine whether or not students have mastered the topics necessary to receive their Six Sigma Black Belt certificate.
Six Sigma Black Belt Course Outline*
Online Modules
- Introduction to Lean Six Sigma
- Define I ‐ Starting a project and leading teams
- Define II ‐ Voice of the customer
- Define III ‐ Mapping the process
- Measure I ‐ Measurements and basic statistics
- Measure II ‐ Measurement system analysis
- Measure III ‐ Charting process behavior
- Analyze I ‐ Potential root causes
Instructor Led Online
- Review of GB: processes, systems, improvement methodologies and data based decisions
- Understanding data and variation – advanced topics in probability distributions and variation
- FOV review and VOC identification
- Attribute and variable MSA
- Advanced topics in SPC
- Advanced topics in capability: distribution identification
- Introduction to statistical testing
- Identifying relationships ‐ making inferences based on data
- The hypothesis testing methodology: testing shape, spread, and center
Online Modules
- Analyze II ‐ Hypothesis testing
- Analyze III ‐ Design of experiments
- Improve
- Control
Instructor Led Online
- Identifying relationships ‐ making inferences based on data: proportions and Chi-Square
- Identifying relationships ‐ making inferences based on data: correlation and regression
- Full data based simulation part 1: planning the study
- Full data based simulation part 2: identifying relationships
- Full data based simulation part 3: defining direction
- Exploiting system relationships ‐ experimenting on the system: fundamentals of Design of Experiments (DOE)
- Summary and close
*For your convenience, this agenda is flexible. The instructor led modules may shift as necessary based on your class needs and focus. Self‐paced modules are typically completed in about 10 to 15 hours per week, however, students times will vary based on skill level. Modules underlined in bold are required for all students. All other online modules are recommended as preparatory to the instructor led training. If a student has previous training or experience, they may attempt the end‐of‐session quizzes without going through the modules if desired. Instructor‐led modules will go into significantly greater depth in the complex topics than the self‐paced modules. Attendance in the instructor‐led sessions is required.
Classroom Format
Meets Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The Six Sigma Black Belt Bootcamp offers students the opportunity to complete their training in a fully interactive and engaging classroom setting. The Bootcamp includes 8 days of live classroom instruction, 36 hours per week, with two 4-day weeks spread out over the course of one month.
What You'll be Equipped to Accomplish
As a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, you will directly impact your organization's bottom line. A Six Sigma Black Belt certificate from the University of South Carolina demonstrates to an employer that you are trained in advanced problem solving skills and the statistical tools needed to effectively lead process improvement projects.
Marshall Nauck was an excellent instructor. His impressive background teaching Six Sigma and Project Management was the main reason I enrolled in USC’s program.
- Summer 2024 participant
Registration and Fees
Please note: Space is limited, and your seat in the course is not confirmed until payment is received. Additionally, payment must be received at least seven days before the start of the course by Noon EST on the seventh day.
Continuing Education and Conferences (CEC) is committed to supporting learning and engagement for all program participants by providing appropriate accommodations. If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, please contact the ADA Coordinator at accessibility@sc.edu.
| Dates / Sessions | Times | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate - Online 06/01/2026 - 07/24/2026 Monday - Thursday 20 Sessions Register Online Notes: Course orientation information will be emailed approximately one week before the course starts. |
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | $5,400.00 |
| Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate - Classroom 10/05/2026 - 10/08/2026 & 11/16/2026 - 11/19/2026 Monday - Thursday 8 Sessions Register Online Notes: Course orientation information will be emailed approximately one week before the course starts. |
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | $5,400.00 |
Expectations of a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt
- Implement Six Sigma philosophies and principles, including related systems and tools, and describe their impact on various organizational business processes
- Recognize organization roadblocks and use change management techniques to manage organizational change
- Define benchmarking and utilize various financial and other business performance measures
- Identify customer requirements and describe the impact that Six Sigma projects can have on various types of customers
- Demonstrate fundamental understanding of the components and techniques used in managing teams, including time management, planning and decision-making tools, team formation, and performance evaluation and reward
- Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of a project charter and use various tools to track project progress
- Demonstrate basic understanding of data collection techniques, process elements, and process analysis tools
- Analyze the results of correlation and regression analyses
- Interpret multi-vari study results and interpret attributes data to find sources of variation
- Perform hypothesis testing and analyze their results
- Identify and interpret the 7 classic wastes
- Plan design of experiments and analyze their results
- Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of an improved process implementation and how to analyze and interpret risk studies
- Develop control plans and use various tools to maintain and sustain improvements