Are you interested in advancing your career in quality assurance? One of the best ways to do it is to complete a quality assurance master’s degree program. A Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance can help you find better job opportunities and equip you with updated knowledge and skills to succeed in this field.
If you are looking for the best quality assurance master’s degrees, check out this comprehensive guide. Below, we will show you the best Master’s Degrees in Quality Assurance, both online and on-campus programs, and the best jobs you can land with this qualification.
What Is Quality Assurance?
Quality assurance is a set of procedures for determining if a company’s products or services meet specified standards. Quality assurance is an interdisciplinary profession with numerous job roles in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, services, food industries, and government.
The role of a quality assurance professional is to design, evaluate, supervise, and update the processes that lead to the creation of a product or service to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
The best colleges where you can get a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance are located all across the country as well as online. All of the best places where you can get a quality assurance master’s degree are accredited and offer the best and most current course curricula.
What Schools Offer the Best Quality Assurance Master’s Degrees?
- Florida Institute of Technology
- University of California – Dominguez Hills
- Northeastern University
- Purdue University
- University of Maryland – Baltimore County
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
The admissions requirements for a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance are a bachelor’s degree in a related field, an acceptable GPA, letters of recommendation, and a strong personal essay. All requirements will vary depending on the school and program.
Some schools also require test scores, like those of the GMAT or GRE, during the application process. You can consult an advisor to find out the specific requirements for your selected program.
Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in same or similar field
- 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA
- 2 to 3 letters of recommendation
- Personal essay
- GMAT, GRE, or other standardized test scores
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance
You can get a quality assurance master’s degree by completing all of the required courses and credit hours in a degree program. In order to graduate, you will need to maintain grades of at least C or better throughout the program.
The best way to get a quality assurance master’s degree is to begin preparing in undergraduate school. Earn a Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance and take as many upper-level courses as possible to meet prerequisite and other course requirements for your master’s.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
You need approximately 30 to 40 credits for a Master’s in Quality Assurance. Most programs average around 36 credit hours, but it varies depending on each school’s preferred system and whether they go by semesters or quarters.
Quality Assurance Degree Requirements
- 10 to 13 core credits
- 20 elective credits
- Maintain C or higher grades
- Upper-level course such as Human Factors in Quality Analysis
- Capstone project
Best Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green State University | Master of Technology with a Specialization in Quality Systems | Higher Learning Commission |
| Florida Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Quality Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Framingham State University | Master of Science in Biotechnology with a Concentration in Quality Assurance | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Johns Hopkins University | Master of Science in Food Safety Regulations | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northwestern University | Master of Science in Regulatory Compliance | Higher Learning Commission |
| San Jose State University | Master of Science in Quality Assurance | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Southern Illinois University – Carbondale | Master of Science in Quality Engineering and Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Tarleton State University | Master of Science in Quality and Engineering Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Temple University | Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs and Quality Affairs | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Southern California | Master of Science in Product Quality | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
Best Schools for Quality Assurance: Top Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a quality assurance master’s degree are located all around the country. Every school listed here is accredited and offers a quality assurance program with the best curriculum and faculty.
Earning a quality assurance master’s degree can help you advance your career and secure better-paying positions in the industry of your choice. Read below to learn more about some of the best on-campus quality assurance programs available in the US.
Best Online Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Engineering in Quality, Reliability, and Statistical Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| California State University – Dominguez Hills | Master of Science in Quality Assurance | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| George Washington University | Master of Science in Health Sciences in Healthcare Quality and Regulatory Affairs | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | Master of Science in Nursing with a Healthcare Quality Management Track | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northeastern University | Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs with Specialization in Quality Assurance and Compliance | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Northwestern University | Master of Science in Regulatory Compliance | Higher Learning Commission |
| Oakland City University | Master of Science in Strategic Management: Quality Systems | Higher Learning Commission |
| Purdue University | Master of Science in Quality Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Maryland – Baltimore Country | Master of Science and Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Science | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Colleges for Quality Assurance: Top Online Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
Students can also pursue a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance in an online learning environment from their own homes. The online format allows them to take online programs often at a more flexible pace. Below are some of the best online quality assurance master’s degree programs.
What Is a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree?
A Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance is a graduate degree typically lasting two years. It teaches students about the quality and regulatory procedures affecting the production and manufacturing processes in a variety of sectors from technology to service industries.
Students learn about the technical and administrative aspects of quality assurance such as quality project management, quality control, process improvement, and benchmarking. A degree in this area prepares students to prevent and correct mistakes in manufactured products and avoid problems when delivering products or services to customers.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
It is very important to have a Master’s in Quality Assurance because many high-paying quality assurance jobs require this degree. Even if your dream job does not require a graduate-level degree, earning one can drastically improve your employability and pay.
The main reasons why a quality assurance master’s degree is important are:
- Employability
- Higher salary potential
- Qualification for jobs
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Quality Assurance?
You can get the following types of Master’s Degrees in Quality Assurance:
- Master’s Degree
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Art (MA)
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Art in Quality Assurance?
It is better to get a Master of Science degree in quality assurance because it will teach you more of the hands-on skills you need to succeed in this field of work. In an MS program, you will learn more about industry skills you will need for quality assurance careers.
The difference between a Master of Science in Quality Assurance and a Master of Art is what and how you learn. In an MS program, the curriculum is focused on hands-on learning via labs and projects. An MA program, on the other hand, puts more emphasis on the theories and concepts behind the hands-on application.
What Is the Difference Between a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree and a Quality Assurance Certificate?
The main difference between a quality assurance master’s degree and a Certificate in Quality Assurance is how long it takes to earn. While a degree program will likely take two to three years to complete, you can typically earn a certificate in just a few weeks or months.
You should get a quality assurance master’s degree instead of a certificate because it will better qualify you for the jobs you are seeking. While you probably can find a good quality assurance job with just a certificate, having a degree will improve your employability and is likely to bring you a higher salary.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
A quality assurance master’s degree costs an average of $19,314 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Public institutions tend to cost less, with the average being $12,171. Private schools may charge as much as $25,929. The overall Master’s in Quality Assurance cost also depends on your living situation, costs of books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses.
There are many financing options available to help you pursue your master’s degree. These options include public and private loans, grants, scholarships, and work and study schemes. Make sure to consult with your school to find out about the best options available for your specific situation.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree?
It takes two to three years to get a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance. The amount of time it takes you to finish depends on how quickly you complete your courses and required credit hours.
If you attend as a full-time student or even take on an extra course each term, you may be able to complete the program in as little as 12 to 18 months. On the other hand, if you attend part-time, most schools will allow you to take up to five years to finish the degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
A Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance is generally easy to get. As long as you study hard, pay attention in class, and work with your advisor to ensure your course schedule is ideal, you should have no issues in earning this degree.
Why Should You Get a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance are:
- Improves employability
- Increases salary
- Provides you with valuable skills
- Qualifies you for many jobs
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Quality Assurance?
The required courses for a quality assurance master’s degree vary from program to program but tend to include much of the same course content. Below are five of the most common course titles and descriptions you will run into while enrolled in a Master’s in Quality Assurance program.
Statistics for Quality Assurance
One of the common quality assurance courses for a master’s degree is Statistics for Quality Assurance. This course helps students build their current knowledge of statistics and learn to apply those skills to quality assurance work.
Quality Systems Design
Another one of the courses for a quality assurance master’s degree is Quality Systems Design. This course focuses on the different ways you can design effective quality assurance systems. You will learn all the common and effective design methods and hopefully will find your preferred system design.
Project Management Processes
Project Management Processes is a common mid-level quality assurance master’s degree course. This course strays a bit from the typical quality assurance coursework and teaches students project management skills and processes that will greatly assist you in quality assurance work.
Methods of Analysis
One of the higher-level courses required for a quality assurance master’s degree is Methods of Analysis. In this course, you will study the various methods used for analysis of products and systems. These methods of analysis aid in assuring quality.
Human Factors in Quality Assurance
Finally, one of the more niche classes required for a quality assurance major for a master’s degree is Human Factors in Quality Assurance. This is a more unique course that allows you to study the human aspect of quality assurance and how people can impact the process.
Continuing Education Paths for Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a quality assurance master’s degree is straight into your career. While there are doctoral degrees in quality assurance, most jobs in this field will not even require a master’s degree, so a doctoral degree is not necessary. However, if you want to earn one for other reasons, it is important to become established in your career first and then pursue it.
Related Quality Assurance Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Programs
The best quality assurance master’s degree programs have accreditation, good course curricula, and established faculty. You can expect an engaging and easily applicable education from a good quality assurance master’s degree program. Below are five things to consider when choosing a Master’s in Quality Assurance program.
Accreditation
College and program accreditation is the proof that a college meets educational standards predetermined by an acrediting institution. This is important because it ensures your program will meet educational standards accepted by employers and other educational institutions.
Faculty Credentials
Faculty credentials are the proof that a program’s faculty know what they’re teaching. Typically, faculty with good credentials have graduate-level degrees in the field they teach as well as experience working in said field. This is important in ensuring you receive the most up-to-date and knowledgeable education possible.
Curricular Content
Curricular content encompasses everything taught during the program. Ensuring your chosen program has a good curricular content is crucial to your education. You want to find a program with regularly updated course curriculum that follows modern industry expectations.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
The student-to-faculty ratio is how many students there are for each individual faculty member in your program. Having a low student-to-faculty ratio allows you to have more one-on-one learning opportunities with your instructors, which can make for a great educational experience.
Accelerated Options
Accelerated options are ways you can shorten the time it takes to earn your degree. While an accelerated program is not something everyone is interested in, having the option to accelerate your degree will allow you to jump into the workforce and kickstart your career much sooner than with a typical degree program length.
What Is the Most Affordable Quality Assurance Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Master’s Degrees in Quality Assurance are:
- San Jose State University’s Master of Science in Quality Engineering and Management
- California State University – Doinguez Hills’ Master of Science in Quality Assurance
- Framingham State University’s Master of Science in Biotechnology, Concentration in Quality Assurance
- Southern Illinois University – Carbondale’s Master of Science in Quality Engineering and Management
- Tarleton State University’s Master of Science in Quality and Engineering Management
Salary and Job Outlook for Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Graduates
In this section, we will dive into quality assurance master’s degree jobs and common Master’s in Quality Assurance salaries. We will discuss the possible difficulties of getting a job with this degree, what the average salary is, and some of the best jobs you can get with a Master’s in Quality Assurance.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree?
It is easy to get a job with a quality assurance master’s degree because the field is growing faster than normal. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, quality assurance analyst jobs will grow by 22 percent between 2020 and 2030. This means there will be over 400,000 new jobs in that time.
What’s the Average Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Master’s in Quality Assurance is $89,000 per year, according to PayScale. The salary you earn is dependent on many things, including your job title, experience, and location.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a quality assurance master’s degree are quality assurance manager, quality engineer, supplier quality manager, and more. With a master’s degree, you can get almost any quality assurance job you want in the field, as most only require a bachelor’s degree.
Quality Assurance Degree Jobs
- Quality Assurance Manager
- Director of Quality
- Quality Engineer
- Supplier Quality Manager
- Quality Control Supervisor
Potential Careers With a Quality Assurance Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
You can make between $50,000 and $156,000 with a Master’s in Quality Assurance. To earn the highest salary possible, ensure you find a job with the right job title and location and gain as much experience as possible before beginning your career.
The best way to ensure you are making a decent amount of money with your quality assurance master’s degree is to research your dream job title. Find the highest-paying states for that job and determine what experience and how much of it you need to boost your pay.
Highest-Paying Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Vice President of Quality | $155,773 |
| Director of Quality | $117,037 |
| Senior Quality Manager | $111,456 |
| Quality Analyst | $110,140 |
| Supplier Quality Manager | $93,205 |
| Quality Assurance Manager | $82,681 |
| Quality Engineer | $72,432 |
| Quality Coordinator | $53,341 |
| Quality Assurance Tester | $52,978 |
| Quality Control Supervisor | $51,232 |
Best Jobs for Quality Assurance Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for quality assurance master’s degree grads are high-paying and come with great job satisfaction. Below, we dive into the facts about the top ten jobs for Master’s in Quality Assurance graduates.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Quality Assurance Bootcamp vs Quality Assurance Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
A quality assurance master’s degree is better than a bootcamp if you want to get high-paying jobs in the field. In general, the answer to this question depends on your educational preferences, learning style, and desired outcome. Quality assurance bootcamps offer short and intensive programs that aim to equip students with the necessary job-ready skills to begin their careers, particularly in the tech sector.
A quality assurance master’s degree, on the other hand, teaches advanced quality assurance concepts with a more interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for advanced roles in a variety of fields. Read below to find out about the benefits of each path.
Benefits of a Quality Assurance Master’s Degree
- Competitive Edge. It is becoming more important for quality assurance professionals to earn a master’s degree so they can remain competitive in the labor market.
- Specialized Knowledge. A master’s degree learning experience helps students to gain specialized knowledge in quality assurance. This can help them succeed in whatever aspect of quality assurance best fits their interests.
- Career Advancement. A master’s degree makes it easier to attain leadership positions in the field. Many organizations prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree.
- Increased Salary. A master’s degree opens career pathways to more lucrative job roles. An employee with a master’s degree stands to earn higher pay than an undergraduate degree holder.
- Larger Professional Network. A master’s degree program offers networking opportunities. It allows you to connect with fellow students who are professionals from different backgrounds. Students also learn under the guidance of renowned experts.
Benefits of a Quality Assurance Bootcamp
- Exact Skills. Quality assurance bootcamps equip students with essential skills to become technical professionals and open career opportunities in the tech world.
- Self-Paced Courses. Many quality assurance bootcamps offer courses that are scheduled based on the time availability and learning pace of the students.
- Career Services. Even after graduation, students often benefit from career services that help them to land jobs and strategically position themselves in the industry. These services might include mock interviews, career fairs, and resume assistance.
- Different Financing Options. Quality assurance bootcamps offer innovative financing options such as income share agreements, deferred tuition, and private loans to help students pay for their education.
Is a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance is worth it if you are interested in working in upper-level quality assurance positions. A master’s degree can be the catalyst to accelerate your career growth and connect with new opportunities.
By earning a quality assurance master’s degree, you can gain practical skills, apply for more advanced job roles, and become a valuable asset in any organization. This is one degree that is definitely worth pursuing.
Additional Reading About Quality Assurance
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Quality Assurance Master’s Degree FAQ
MSQA is an acronym for Master of Science in Quality Assurance. This advanced degree prepares students for quality management job roles in engineering, health care, management, and more.
To become a quality assurance manager, candidates typically need to have a minimum of a four-year degree with a focus on quality management or other related subjects. However, most employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree and years of experience in the industry.
To start a career in quality assurance, you should start by earning a quality assurance bachelor’s degree. Once you’ve acquired some practical experience, a master’s degree can help you access better opportunities and acquire more specialized knowledge. A combination of experience and the right program of study will help you get far in your career.
The difference between quality assurance and quality control is that quality assurance involves creating procedures and regulatory standards to create a product that meets set requirements. Quality control, on the other hand, refers to activities that check if the product is in compliance with the requirements.
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