QA 6600  Methods of Analysis
4-0-4
A study of the analytic processes required to identify, document, define, and measure requirements and limitations for any operating system. Class work will focus on identifying, describing, and measuring existing manufacturing and service systems. Methods available for system improvement will be investigated.

QA 6602  Total Quality
4-0-4
A study of the functions and responsibilities of the quality organization. TQM concepts, quality function deployment, and the tools for continuous improvement are analyzed for sequence of use and application. Emphasis is placed on design and performance aspects of a system wide quality assurance function.

QA 6610  Statistics for Quality Assurance
4-0-4
Descriptive statistics for discrete and continuous variables, probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, elementary control charts for variables and attributes, the design of acceptance sampling plans, analysis of variance, and regression and correlation analysis.

QA 6611  Advanced Statistical Applications
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  A course in statistics, such as MATH 2260 or QA 6610
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 design of experiments. The focus is on statistical process control and related quality technologies.

QA 6612  Advanced Experimental Design
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6611
Analysis of statistical experimental design strategies, and planning of experiments for the best strategy and objectives. The use of existing computer applications packages will be stressed.

QA 6615  Applied Systems Reliability
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6612
Analysis of appropriate probabilistic models for system reliability, including the exponential, Weibull, normal, and lognormal distributions, life prediction techniques, reliability test program plans, failure mode and effect analysis, Markov models, and maintainability concepts.

QA 6620  Inspection Systems Design
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6610
Understanding inspection systems, measurement principles, and limitations. Included are acceptance sampling plans such as ANSI Z1.4,  ANSI Z1.9,  Dodge Romig, and stipulated risk, chain, sequential, and continuous plans.

QA 6630  Technical Training Methods
4-0-4
Adult learning theory, the development and management of training programs, presentation techniques, instructional aids, and assessment will be investigated.

QA 6640  Quality Cost and Supplier Evaluation
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6602
A detailed analysis of cost reductions involved in continuous improvement. Supplier evaluation, including quality audits, is reviewed to establish capability. The concept of partnerships is explored.

QA 6650  Quality Systems Design
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6602
The development of the quality organization, systems, and procedures necessary for effective participation in world markets. Creating and documenting methods and procedures are stressed.

QA 6712  Quality Systems Simulation
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6611
The application of simulation to quality systems. Topics covered include fundamental simulation modeling techniques, random sampling procedures and methods of estimating performance measures from simulation outputs. Emphasis will be upon hands-on simulation of various quality systems using PC based simulation languages.

QA 6722  Human Factors in Quality Assurance
4-0-4
Prerequisite:  QA 6600 or QA 6602
A comprehensive survey of human factors theory, research, and applications which are of particular relevance to quality assurance. Emphasis will be placed on operator constraints in the design of work processes, workplaces, and instrumentation.

QA 6735  Graduate Seminar
4-0-4
Prerequisites:  QA 6602, QA 6611 or consent of the department head
The course is designed to cover various topics within the field of quality assurance which are not taught in other courses. These topics might include acceptance sampling, risk analysis, SPC training methods, and others. Students are expected to make formal presentations in teams.

QA 6763  Software Quality
4-0-4
The Personal Software Process (PSP) is a technology that brings discipline to the practices of individual software engineers, dramatically improving the quality, predictability, and cycle time for software-intensive systems. PSP makes engineers aware of the processes they use to do their work and the performance of those processes. The course covers quality assessment, cost estimation, configuration management, software performance measures, proof of correctness, validation and verification, and management of the total quality environment for software.

QA 6901-6904  Special Topics in Quality
1 to 4 hours
Students may arrange to study and perform independent research on a topic approved by a graduate faculty member. An appropriate research paper will be required and the student may be required to make an oral presentation to faculty, graduate students, and/or quality professionals.

QA 7504  Research in Quality
4-0-4
Prerequisites:  QA 6602, QA 6611 or consent of the department head
This course is designed to guide the student in a thorough and in-depth written examination of one or more topics relevant to the application of quality assurance. Emphasis is placed upon students using both traditional and electronic means to perform the research.

QA 7704  Project
4-0-4
Prerequisites:  QA 6611, QA 6650
The goal of students enrolled in this course is to complete a project under the guidance of an assigned professor. It is the culminating learning experience of the program and includes a significant written and oral report. To meet the standards established by the faculty, the project must demonstrate a rigorous scientific approach, use a clearly documented theoretical framework, and demonstrate application to the quality profession. The project is expected to require two semesters (a minimum of 8 hours) to complete.

QA 7804  Thesis
4-0-4
Students will perform a research project on some aspects of quality assurance. The student's faculty advisor must approve the research. Students are to demonstrate their abilities in problem identification, research, and written presentation in the thesis. This course must be taken in the last two semesters of the student's program.