Quality Assurance
College of Extended & International Education
Service and Health Care Option
Faculty
William Trappen, Program Coordinator
Program Office: EE 1300, (310) 243-3880
Program Description
Quality Assurance is an interdisciplinary profession practiced by management personnel who are responsible for planning and assuring the quality of products and services. The career opportunities in this rapidly growing field are excellent. Quality Assurance professionals are generally members of a senior corporate team in such areas as product management, design engineering, manufacturing engineering, and materials management.
The degree programs are supported by local members of the American Society for Quality.
Features
Undergraduate
The
B.S. in Quality Assurance (BSQA )and the B.S. in
Quality Assurance with Measurement Sciences option incorporate an
interdisciplinary approach that blends the basic sciences, technologies,
management principles, quality concepts and statistics. Skills and knowledge in these areas are
obtained in the context of a well-rounded learning experience consistent with
the University's mission and the needs of industry. The coursework develops problem-solving
skills with a customer-focus. An ability
to implement continuous improvement of processes, products, and services is a
key goal of the Quality professional.
For students interested in technical areas of Quality and metrics, an
option in Measurement Sciences is offered.
Online
and on-site versions of the degree are designed to serve working adults in
related quality fields who wish to complete a four year degree. The online and on-site BSQA programs are
designed primarily as upper division transfer programs for students who have
completed the majority of their lower division general education courses. On-campus attendance is not required to
complete requirements in the online BSQA and BSQA Measurement Science programs.
Graduate
The Master of Science in Quality Assurance (MSQA) is designed to prepare professionals in quality, engineering, science, and/or management for career advancement. Quality Assurance professionals are generally members of a senior corporate team in such areas as product management, design engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials management, service and health care. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs and interests of the working professional.
The program of study provides theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques, as well as management and communication skills that will enable the student to function in an active, decision-making capacity in the implementation of assurance policies and practices. A unique feature of the MSQA program is that it gives students the ability to customize their program of study to include their areas of interest. During the course of the program students will acquire knowledge and skills in the following areas: managing a quality organization; planning and implementing a quality assurance program; troubleshooting and solving quality problems; incorporating quality concepts and human factors techniques in the design of manufacturing operations; performing vendor surveys and assessing vendor quality; developing and analyzing statistical process control charts; developing and analyzing acceptance sampling plans; design of experiments; design and engineering of reliable products and processes; performing process capability studies; performing quality cost analyses; understanding and working with human behavior in the organization; performing reliability, maintainability, and safety systems reviews; performing quality system audits; and performing statistical studies and analyzing statistical reports.
Online
and on-site versions of the degree are available to serve working adults. The degree program is supported by local
chapters of the American Society for Quality.
Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance
Total Course
Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree
See the "Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree" in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 40 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.
Elective Requirements
Completion of elective courses (beyond the requirements listed below) to reach a total of a minimum of 120 units.
General Education Requirements (55-62
units)
See the "General Education" requirements in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education requirements and course offerings.
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
See
the "Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement" in the University
Catalog.
Minor Requirements
Single field major, no minor required.
Major
Requirements (74-81 units)
Degree Requirements (74 units)
A. Lower Division Requirements (31 units)
BIO 120. Principles of Biology (4)
CHE 110. General Chemistry I (5)
MAT 131. Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)
MAT 191. Calculus I (5)
PHY 120. Elements of Physics I (4)
PHY 122. Elements of Physics II (4)
QAS 200. Fundamentals of Quality (3)
QAS 220. Fundamentals of Measurement (3)
B. Upper Division Requirements (43 units)
PHY 333. Analog Electronics (3)
QAS 312. Interpretation of Technical Documentation (3)
QAS 325. Technical Communications (4)
QAS 330. Statistical Quality Control and Inspection (3)
QAS 331. Manufacturing Processes (3)
QAS 335. Quality Auditing (3)
QAS 355. Safety and Reliability (3)
QAS 360. Lean Manufacturing (3)
QAS 427. Quality Improvement (3)
QAS 445. System Failure Analysis (3)
QAS 450. Value Based Quality (3)
QAS 496. Internship (3) or
QAS 498. Directed
Research (3)
QAS 499. Senior Project (3)
QMS 428. Purchasing and Procurement (3)
Measurement Science Option (81 units)
A. Lower Division Requirements (38 units)
BIO 120. Principles of Biology (4)
CHE 110. General Chemistry I (5)
MAT 131. Elementary Statistics and Probability (3)
MAT 191. Calculus I (5)
MAT 193. Calculus II (5)
PHY 130. General Physics I (5)
PHY 132. General Physics II (5)
QAS 200. Fundamentals of Quality (3)
QAS 220. Fundamentals of Measurement (3)
B. Upper Division Requirements (43 units)
PHY 333. Analog Electronics (3)
QAS 312. Interpretation of Technical Documentation (3)
QAS 325. Technical Communications (4)
QAS 330. Statistical Quality Control and Inspection (3)
QAS 332. Electrical Metrology (3)
QAS 340. Measurement Uncertainty (3)
QAS 347. Dimensional Metrology (3)
QAS 350. Physical Metrology (3)
QAS 427. Quality Improvement (3)
QAS 445. System Failure Analysis (3)
QAS 450. Value Based Quality (3)
QAS 496. Internship (3) or
QAS 498. Directed
Research (3)
QAS 499. Senior Project (3)
QMS 428. Purchasing and Procurement (3)
Master of Science in Quality Assurance (33 units)
Admission
Requirements
To be admitted into the Master of Science in Quality Assurance Program, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Meet all CSU Dominguez Hills graduate admission requirements.
2. A baccalaureate degree in an engineering discipline, or engineering-related field from an accredited institution.
3. The baccalaureate degree should have included the following:
Semester Units
Calculus (integral and differential) 6
Chemistry (general) 3
Physics 3
Mathematical Statistics & Theories of 6 Probability (upper division)
Principles of Computer Technology 3
4. A grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester units of upper division course work attempted.
5. Good standing at the last institution attended.
6. Meet all other university admission requirements.
NOTE: Individuals from other undergraduate disciplines who demonstrate exceptional promise may be admitted to the program, pending completion of additional undergraduate prerequisite coursework or other demonstrations of competence as determined by the Quality Assurance Academic Program Committee. All special admissions are subject to approval by the Quality Assurance Academic Program Committee.
Degree Requirements
1. Complete 33 semester units of approved graduate work.
2. Complete at least 24 semester units in residence.
3. Successfully complete the major courses listed below.
4. Complete all coursework with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (B).
5. Complete a culminating project or thesis.
6. Successfully complete the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).
7. In addition to the major requirements, students must meet all university requirements for the master’s degree. Students should consult the section of the University Catalog entitled “Requirements for the Master’s Degree.”
MSQA students choose from one of the following two programs. Each student should contact the MSQA coordinator prior to taking classes.
Manufacturing (33 units)
A. Required Courses (30 units)
QAS 510. Advanced Probability and Statistics (3)
QAS 511. Quality Project Management and Total Quality Management (3)
QAS 512. Reliability (3)
QAS 513. Statistical Quality Control and Sampling (3)
QAS 514. Advanced Experimental Design (3)
QAS 515. Human Factors in Quality Assurance (3)
QAS 516. Measurement and Testing Techniques (3)
QAS 518. Quality Administration and Productivity (3)
QAS 598. Directed Research (3)
QAS 599. Project (3)
Electives: Select 3 additional units with the assistance of an advisor.
Service and Health Care (33 units)
B. Required Courses (24 units)
QAS 511. Quality Project Management and Total Quality Management (3)
QAS 515. Human Factors in Quality Assurance (3)
QAS 518. Quality Administration and Productivity (3)
QAS 530. Statistical Quality Control for Service Professionals (3)
QAS 531. Customer Satisfaction and Quality Assurance (3)
QAS 532. Quality Assurance for the Service Delivery Process (3)
QAS 598. Directed Research (3)
QAS 599. Project (3)
Electives: Select 9 additional units with the assistance of an advisor.
C. Electives
QAS 521. Process Control and Capability (3)
QAS 522. Applied Systems Reliability, Maintainability and Safety (3)
QAS 523. Software Reliability (3)
QAS 525. ISO 9000 and the Audit Function (3)
QAS 526. Supplier Quality Assurance (3)
QAS 527. Quality Measurement (3)
QAS 594. Independent Study (1-4)
QAS 595. Special Topics by Directed Study: Quality Assurance Applications (3)
Course Offerings
The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. For more information on the specific terms in which these courses may be offered, please visit the College of Extended & International Education website at www.csudh.edu/extendeded.
Lower Division
QAS 200 Fundamentals of Quality (3).
A
study of the fundamentals of Quality with an emphasis on the current
international standards, planning, organizations, methods and tools. Emphases the works of leading international Quality theorists,
especially Juran and Deming.
QAS 220 Fundamentals of Measurement Science (3).
Prerequisites: MAT 131
Introductory
overview of the fundamentals of measurement with emphasis on application of
measurement science concepts to quality management.
Upper Division
QAS 312 Interpretation of Technical Documentation (3).
Prerequisites: MAT 153, QAS 200, QAS 220.
Interpretation
of basic engineering drawing concepts, including all related common symbolism
and formatting. Emphasis on dimensions,
tolerances, and configuration management. Introduction to Military and Federal
Specifications/Handbooks, ANSI, IEC, and ISO documents, specifications and
recommended practices issued by private organizations.
QAS 325 Technical Communications (4).
Prerequisites: ENG 110, THE 120
Technical
communications, written and oral, and how they differ from non-technical
writing and speech. Emphasizes
methods for the positive and unambiguous transfer of technical ideas so that
they can be clearly understood by the reader or listener.
QAS 330 Statistical Quality Control and Inspection (3).
Prerequisites: MAT 131, QAS 200, QAS 220.
Introduction
to the application of statistical methodologies to the analysis and solution of
quality and management problems (including probability concepts, control
charts, and sampling). Focus will be on application of these tools
to the inspection process.
QAS 331 The Manufacturing Process (3).
Prerequisites: QAS 312
Introduction
to the fundamentals of manufacturing, where the conversion of raw materials and
sub-assemblies into more useful entities adds value to the converted materials
in the most efficient manner, using the least amount of time, money, space and
manpower.
QAS 332 Electrical Metrology (3).
Prerequisites: MAT 131, PHY 132, PHY 333, QAS 200, QAS 220
Electrical
measurement concepts, circuits and devices; applications to DC and AC
measurements. Theory of coupled circuits
in magnetic and capacitive environments, and electrical laboratory practices,
with analysis, construction, and troubleshooting of circuits. Documentary control
procedures for calibrations and other measurements.
Prerequisites: QAS 200
The
fundamental principles for preparing and planning, conducting, reporting and
closing quality audits. Quality audit tools and techniques are
introduced, with an emphasis on generally-accepted quality audit practices that
support business performance.
QAS 340 Measurement uncertainty (3).
Prerequisites: MAT 131, MAT 193, QAS 200, QAS 220.
Theoretical
versus actual measurements. Probability and statistical
concepts to define accuracy, precision, error, uncertainty, and bias. Differences between measurement accuracy and
measurement error; random and systematic error; uncertainty interval; tolerance
limits; accuracy ratio; relative errors; and propagation of measurement errors.
QAS 347 Dimensional Metrology (3).
Prerequisites: PHY 132, QAS 200, QAS 220.
Measurement
of length, angularity, relative position, flatness, parallelism, concentricity,
squareness, and threads. Lasers and
optical tooling in large-scale measurements; also gauges, comparitors,
and measurement machines. Measurement uncertainties pertinent to dimensional metrology;
sources of error; the effect of the measurement environment.
QAS 350 Physical Metrology (3).
Prerequisites: PHY 132, QAS 200, QAS 220
Theoretical and
practical applications of measurement principles as applied to various physical
properties. Measurement
of pressure, mass, force, torque, temperature, humidity, flow, and rotational
motion. Identifying sources of
error, techniques to minimize errors and maintaining measurement traceability.
QAS 355 Safety and Reliability (3).
Prerequisites: MAT 131, MAT 191, QAS 200, QAS 220
Reliability,
maintainability, and safety technology with practical industrial applications. Basic models; metrics; testing; methods of implementing
improvements; accelerated life testing.
Failure mechanisms for chemical, electro chemical,
electronics, electro-mechanical and opto-electronics
systems. Introduction
to software reliability. Focus on
qualification for ISO 9000.
QAS 360 Fundamentals of Lean Manufacturing (3).
Prerequisites: QAS 200, QAS 220.
Deals with the
strategies and practices of lean production, as well assess with areas of
waste, interrelationships among the various components of a system, theories of
leadership and management of people, and process variation.
QAS 427 Quality Improvement (3).
Prerequisites: QAS 330, QAS 335
Quality factors
involving customer satisfaction, demonstrating that meeting quality needs
requires and active role by all the major sectors of an organization. Operational and statistical techniques most
often used to monitor, control, and improve the quality of products or
services.
QAS 445 Systems Failure Analysis (3).
Prerequisites: QAS 340.
Integrates Quality,
Manufacturing and Procurement efforts to identify and eliminate the root causes
of failures in systems, sub-systems and components, emphasizing fault tree and
Pareto analyses. Hardware and
statistical analysis, design of experiments, and technical data package
evaluations.
QAS 450 Value Based Quality (3).
Prerequisites: QAS 200, QAS 220 and consent of instructor.
Used value received,
as perceived by the customer, as the primary measure of quality in the
development of cohesive enterprise-wide quality management systems. A systemic approach to
establishing the correct things to do and a measurement -based process for
implementation.
QAS 494 Independent Study (1-3).
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Independent
study of a particular problem under the direction of a member of the Quality
Assurance Department. Repeatable course.
QAS 495 Selected Topics in Quality Assurance (1-4).
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
An
intensive study of an issue, concept, or theory in Quality Assurance that is of
special interest to both the faculty member and the students. Repeatable course.
Three hours of lecture per week.
QAS 496 Internship in Quality Assurance (3).
Prerequisites: Completion of all 300 level courses in the major.
Assignment
in an off-campus internship with a cooperating organization, to be selected in
consultation with the program coordinator. Emphasis
on the role of professionalism and ethics in the life of the quality
professional.
QAS 498 Directed Research in Quality Assurance (3).
Prerequisites: Completion of all 300 level courses in the major.
Directed
research on one or more topics to be selected in consultation with the program
coordinator. Emphasis on the role of
professionalism and ethics in the life of the Quality professional.
Prerequisites: QAS 496 or QAS 498.
A
capstone project focusing on the role of leadership in relation to
professionalism and ethical standards in the field of Quality.
Graduate
Graduate standing and consent of the graduate program coordinator is prerequisite to enrollment in graduate (500 level) courses.
QAS 510 Advanced Probability and Statistics (3).
Prerequisites: undergraduate calculus, Probability and statistics.
A
study of measures of central tendency and dispersion, important discrete and
continuous probability distributions, sampling theory, hypothesis testing and
estimation. Linear regression and correlation will also
be covered. The uses of statistics in
testing, inspection, and production will be identified.
QAS 511 Quality Function Management and TQM (3).
A
study of the functions and responsibilities of the quality organization. TQM concepts,
quality functions deployment, and the tools for continuous improvement are
analyzed for sequence of use and development.
Prerequisite: QAS 510.
Overview
of reliability engineering. Use of mathematical models
of predictions, confidence assessment, and systems reliability. Emphasis on practical
applications for product or system design.
QAS 513 Statistical Quality Control and Sampling (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 510.
The application of
advanced statistical methodologies to the analysis and solution of quality and
management problems, including probability theory, control charts,
sampling, regression analysis and the design of experiments. Focus on statistical process control and
related quality technologies.
QAS 514 Advanced Experimental Design (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 510.
Analysis
of statistical experimental design strategies. Planning of experiments for the best strategy and objectives.
QAS 515 Human Factors in Quality Assurance (3).
A
comprehensive survey of human factors engineering theory, research and
applications which are of particular relevance to quality assurance. A systems
framework will be utilized, emphasizing feedback and interrelations among
system components, including the human operator. Emphasis will be placed on operator
constraints in the design of work processes, workplaces and instrumentation.
QAS 516 Measurement and Testing Techniques (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 510 or consent of instructor.
In-depth
discussion of equipment, principles and techniques of measurement assurance.
QAS 518 Quality Project Management and Productivity (3).
An indepth examination of current theory and techniques in
human resource management as it applies to quality assurance. Emphasis is placed on design and performance
aspects of a system-wide quality assurance function. Topics include descriptions of human resource
management techniques as well as procedures for evaluating their overall
effectiveness and contribution to production quality. Issues and techniques pertaining to effective
recruitment, selection, training, motivation and
performance evaluation of quality assurance personnel will be consideration.
QAS 521 Process Control and Capability (3).
Prerequisites: QAS 513 and QAS 514.
Detailed
study of procedures and methods for performing machine and process capability
studies, trouble shooting production and test problems, and maintaining
continuous production and process evaluation in manufacturing operations.
QAS 522 Applied Systems Reliability, Maintainability and Safety (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 512.
Advanced and detailed
analysis of appropriate reliability models, life-cycle reliability prediction
and assessment, accelerated test models and techniques, test parameter
variation studies, test tailoring and
program plans for various reliability test types, maintainability concepts,
prediction and assessment techniques, and safety programs.
QAS 523 Software Reliability (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 512.
A
study of the theory and applications of reliability concepts as they relate to
software design and implementation.
QAS 525 ISO 9000 and the Audit Function (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 511 is recommended.
A
study of the ISO 9000 series of quality system standards with emphasis on
manufacturing and service industry applications. The studies
address the standards interpretation, documentation and implementation
including preparation for and creation of internal and external audits.
QAS 526 Supplier Quality Assurance (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 511.
Encompasses
a study of the fundamental quality requirements attendant to the successful
procurement and delivery of end item products or services. It includes
the basic supplier issues of specifications, site inspection, selection,
rating, certification, and related quality audits.
QAS 527 Quality Measurement (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 511.
Study
of Quality Metrics and their application throughout the life cycle of a product
or service in a business entity. The study includes Quality Standards,
Customer Satisfaction, Quality Tools, Continuous
Improvement, Cost of Quality, Supplier and System auditing.
QAS 530 Statistical Quality Control (SQC) for Service Professionals (3).
Techniques
for applying Statistical Quality Control (SQC) in controlling processes and delivering
customer services. Examines methods for
establishing and maintaining SPC, QC auditing and sampling and continuous
improvement in various service industries. Offered through self
support only.
QAS 531 Customer Satisfaction and Quality Assurance (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 530.
In-depth
study of current methods for obtaining customer satisfaction. Examines techniques of determining customer needs and development
of customer service strategy Quality Control criteria. Offered through self
support only.
QAS 532 Quality Assurance of the Service Delivery Process (3).
Prerequisite: QAS 531.
Analyze processes
used to deliver service and methods used to assure satisfaction. Examines the relationship
of Strategic Quality Planning, the Delivery process, and the usage of TQC and
Quality Assurance to achieve strategic goals.
Offered through self support only.
QAS 594 Independent Study (1-4).
Prerequisites: Instructor and Program Coordinator approval; QAS 510, QAS 511 and a minimum of five QAS courses recommended.
Independent
research or special project to be conducted in consultation with an instructor.
QAS 595 Special Topics by Directed Study: Quality Assurance Applications (3).
Prerequisites: Completion of 18 units toward degree.
A course of study
designed cooperatively by student and instructor, and approved by the Program
coordinator, in which students apply quality assurance theory and principles to
a particular occupational setting relevant to their professional interests and
aspirations. Examples include the
following: food manufacturing and
processing, chemical and pharmaceutical products, aerospace industries,
consumer-commercial products, service Industries, and software industries.
Additional topics can be developed to meet student needs.
QAS 598 Directed Research (3).
Prerequisites: Completion of 18 units toward degree.
Directed reading and
research, designed cooperatively by student and instructor and approved by the
program coordinator, emphasizing application of Quality Assurance theory and
principles to a particular occupational setting.
Prerequisites: Completion of all other coursework in the degree program.
The goal of all
students enrolled in this culminating experience course is to complete a
project under the guidance of an assigned instructor. It is the culminating learning experience of
the program, and includes a significant written report. To meet the standards established by the
faculty, the project must demonstrate a rigorous scientific approach to the
quality profession. CR/NC
grading.
QAS 600 Graduate Continuation Course (0).
Graduate students who
have completed their coursework but not their thesis, project, or comprehensive
examination, or who may have other requirements remaining for completion of
their degree, may maintain continuous attendance by enrolling in this
course. Signature of graduate program
director required.