Skip to Content
Course

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

BUSA-41006


Discover More at a Free LIVE Information Session! Register Now.

Improve Performance, Enhance Quality, Reduce Costs


 

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) offers a systematic approach to enhancing business performance by minimizing variation and optimizing operations for increased productivity and profitability. Different colored Belts denote varying levels of LSS expertise. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt holder plays a pivotal role in driving process improvement initiatives, helping to solve specific business challenges within their area, and they can significantly contribute to overall operational excellence.

As a member or leader of a high-performing LSS project team, Green Belts are involved in project selection, defining objectives, data collection, basic statistical analysis, and implementing changes. Green Belts are equipped to apply fundamental LSS concepts, tools, and methodologies across diverse scenarios to drive impactful results. This hands-on course is tailored for individuals aspiring to achieve Green Belt level.

Program Benefits

 
  • Gain experience and apply the established LSS principles to a real-life project.

  • Receive guided coaching and mentorship from a Master Black Belt, and know how to best apply the proven techniques and strategies.

  • Content aligns with the American Society for Quality's Body of Knowledge.

  • Earn PDU's and submit to the Project Management Institute (PMI); maintain your PMP certification.

  • Graduates receive a verifiable digital credential, and are prepared to progress into the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt course.

Green-Belt-Digital-Badge-Copy.png

Who Should Attend?

 

Any team or individual responsible for managing or participating significantly in any business process activities including managers, professionals, and line staff. Any process. Any industry. 
 

Project-Based Training

 

Applying the tools you learn to a real project is critical for effective learning. As part of this training, every student will improve a real business process by completing a project. Learn by Doing.

You can either bring a project from your workplace, collaborate with fellow students on a group project, team up with a local non-profit, or offer an internship service to an organization you’d like to engage with.

    Note: Group projects are only allowed in the Live Online or In-Class formats (unless students already work together).


Benefits to Completing a Project-Based Course:

  • Prove that you can deliver results.
  • Studies show that people retain roughly 90% of what they learn when they actively apply the knowledge, compared to only 10% when they just read about it.
  • Completing a real-world project provides a significant return on investment. Projects are expected to save a minimum of $40,000 in projected annual savings—demonstrate your capabilities with real results!

    For more details about projects, please refer to the FAQs below.
e FAQs below.

What are Graduates Saying?

 
  • "I really appreciated the instructor's professional experience in the content of the course. Their knowledge really came through. Both are great instructors as well, how they interact with students, give meaningful feedback, and structure the course."

  •  "I really liked that this class involves actually improving a process! It made implementing a lean six sigma project a lot easier since we could ask the instructor questions over the span of the project!"

  • "I liked that the Instructor was with us every step of the way. It seemed daunting at the beginning what we were to achieve, but with her guidance it became easier and easier."

  • "I enjoyed this course very much and the materials provided were excellent. Easy to follow and implement."

In a recent Alumni Survey, 95% of graduates confirmed that UC San Diego's Lean Six Sigma training has helped them improve their work performance and/or the efficiency of their team.


Questions?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is dedicated to ensuring you have all the information you need to make an informed decision about your education.
 

Contact Your Program Manager, Angela Miller

📅 Schedule a Phone Appointment or email: ProcessPrograms@ucsd.edu

Angela-3-LinkedIn-Headshot.jpg
 

Learning Formats -


 
business icon


In-Person

 
  • 6 Days of In-Person training hosted at San Diego facility.


Live Online

 
  •  Seven 3-Hour virtual class meetings, hosted live through the Zoom platform.

  
 Online Asychronous

 
  • Fully online instructor-led training
  • Participate anytime, 24/7
  • Includes 3 live project coaching sessions, hosted via Zoom

No Interest Payment Plan

 

Our no-interest payment plan divides tuition into manageable monthly payments. An initial payment is required for registration processing, with subsequent payments due on the 15th of each month. Click here to request a: No-Interest Payment Plan.

 

Join the next LIVE Lean Six Sigma Information Workshop

  • Meet the instructors
  • Learn about the course structure and format
  • Discover how you can bring a real project from your organization
  • Ask questions and get immediate answers

Register HERE to secure your spot in the upcoming live workshop.

Watch Anytime

Click HERE to watch a recording of a recent Lean Six Sigma Information Session. Get a comprehensive overview of the program, understand the benefits, and hear success stories from past students.

Course Information

In-Person
Online
Live Online
4.00 units
$2,695.00

Course sessions

Add To Cart

Section ID:

186823

Class type:

Online Asynchronous.

This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.

Textbooks:

All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 1/27/2025

Note:

Students must bring in a real project from their organization. Students who do not have a project can participate in the Live Online or In-Class format, which allows for group projects. To determine which format is right for you, please contact processprograms@ucsd.edu. Instructional training will take place from 1/21 -4/4; students will have 6 weeks to work on their projects outside of class. Final project presentations will then take place on 5/16/2025.

Schedule:

No information available at this time.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Sabine Rentschar

Sabine Rentschar
Sabine is a Senior Consultant with a demonstrated history of implementing performance improvement programs in manufacturing and optical industries throughout her 20+ year career. She is a skilled Lean Six Sigma trainer and mentor, as well as a facilitator of improvement activities and programs, with a strong background in project management.
 
Starting her 20+ year long career in the Automotive Industry in Germany, Sabine was exposed to and worked with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Principles from the very beginning. She has worked for a small start-up in High Performance Drive Technologies and Control Systems as well as in large corporations in the Optical Industry being responsible for Operations Technology, Development, Application and Optimization of Processes and Equipment. She was part owner of an Optical Wholesale Manufacturing Lab and has led and managed many teams and businesses. Throughout her career Sabine has successfully implemented numerous Continuous Improvement and Quality Programs and Projects with a constant focus on Process and Performance Improvement.
An Industrial Mechanic by trade with a Masters of Engineering in Mechatronics /  Systems Engineering,  Sabine is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, a certified PMP and is an active board member of her local ASQ Section in Southern California and two other not-for-profit organizations.
 
Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

185366

Class type:

Synchronous web-based class meetings that are scheduled to meet online at published times (time/date).

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 2/6/2025

Note:

Live Online Training (meetings hosted via Zoom) will occur on Fridays, 9:00am - 12:00 pm PT on 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21 & 2/28, 3/7; final presentations: 5/16/25. Students receive top-tier coaching and mentorship on a work-based project, to improve a real process and work towards achieving a savings of $40k in projected annual savings. Contact angelamiller@ucsd.edu to learn more.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End
1/31/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
2/7/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
2/14/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
2/21/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
2/28/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
3/7/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
5/16/2025 Fri 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Add To Cart

Instructor: Tracy Orourke Salguero, MBA, MBB

Tracy Orourke Salguero, MBA, MBB

Managing Partner, Integris Performance Advisors

Tracy O'Rourke, MBA, MBB, is a Managing Partner of Integris Performance Advisors, a firm with a mission to help organizations take holistic approaches to building Lean culture. Tracy got her start in process improvement as a Black Belt at GE Appliances in the late 90’s. Now, Tracy advises organizations in diverse industries on many aspects of cultural change, leadership development, strategic alignment, and process improvement including Lean and Six Sigma. She has trained over 1000 people, mentored 400+ people and has helped complete 400+ projects with results that range between $50,000 and $8 million dollars in savings.

Full Bio
Add To Cart

Section ID:

185367

Class type:

This is a traditional classroom setting.

All class meetings held in-person according to published location, dates and times. Students may be expected to engage with course content online during the published course dates.

Textbooks:

No textbook required.

Policies:

  • No refunds after: 5/7/2025

Note:

Training will occur in class at our University City Center location on Thursdays, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15, 5/22 5/29; 9:00am - 3:00pm. Final Project Presentations will occur on August 7. Students will have access to supplemental online classwork outside of class, which they can complete at their preferred times.

Schedule:

Date Day Start End Location
5/1/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego
5/8/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego
5/15/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego
5/22/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego
5/29/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego
8/7/2025 Thu 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. UCSD Division of Extended Studies University City Center, 6256 Greenwich Drive, San Diego
Add To Cart

Instructor: Tracy Orourke Salguero, MBA, MBB

Tracy Orourke Salguero, MBA, MBB

Managing Partner, Integris Performance Advisors

Tracy O'Rourke, MBA, MBB, is a Managing Partner of Integris Performance Advisors, a firm with a mission to help organizations take holistic approaches to building Lean culture. Tracy got her start in process improvement as a Black Belt at GE Appliances in the late 90’s. Now, Tracy advises organizations in diverse industries on many aspects of cultural change, leadership development, strategic alignment, and process improvement including Lean and Six Sigma. She has trained over 1000 people, mentored 400+ people and has helped complete 400+ projects with results that range between $50,000 and $8 million dollars in savings.

Full Bio

FAQs

Lean and Six Sigma (LSS) are a blend of two of the most powerful process improvement tools. The methodologies provide a systematic way to improve performance efficiencies and reduce variations in all business operations to achieve productivity and profitability gains. UCSD Extended Studies LSS courses develop practitioners who are prepared to apply the process improvement methedologies and deliver significant results. Student projects are expected to achieve $40 - $100k in cost savings.
UC San Diego is continuously rated as a top-tier University. In 2023, Forbes ranked UC San Diego third among hte nation’s top public colleges. Widely praised for its award-winning faculty and alumni, academic performance and impactful research!

UC San Diego also embraces a Lean Six Sigma culture.  To date, over 6,000 staff members have pursued process improvement training. This has empowered and enabled us to identify, assess, and solve issues with a customer-centric balance of efficiency and effectiveness.  We invite you to join the community, and apply process improvement at your organization! 

Click here to watch a short video: UCSD’s Lean Journey
  • A trusted name in Lean Six Sigma, with robust certificate programs for 25+ years. 
  • World Class Instructors:  Trainings are conducted by a team of skilled LSS Master Black Belts and Lean experts, including Tracy O’Rourke, Jim Athon, Sabine Rentschar, Brion Hurley, Luis Socconini, Phaniendra Somraj, Pete Thurman, Elisabeth Swan, and Mike Osterling. 
  • Small Classrooms: Classes are limited to 16 - 22 students, to allow for ample coaching and project mentorship. As such, space is limited and registering early is recommended. 
  • Project Application: We exemplify the model of Learn By Doing.  To earn a Green and Black Belt, all students must improve a real business process as part of the training. 
  • Project Coaching and Mentorship: Students have the opportunity to apply the Lean Six Sigma tools and concepts under the guidance of an experienced Master Black Belt. All trainings are comprehensivec, collaborative, and instructor led. 
  • Earn a verifiable digital credential, which can be shared on social media, and with colleagues and employers to recognize your achievement.
  • Trusted by some of San Diego’s leading organizations, including Dexcom, SHARP, Costco, Illumina, UCSD Health, to name a few. We also focus on training fellow educational institutions, including a variety of University of California campus’ and University’s across the country.
Graduates earn a verifiable digital credential, which can be shared on social media, and with colleagues and employers to recognize your achievement.

Students can also access their final grades and print out a transcript in their student portal. 
Those who complete both the Green and Black Belt will also receive a specialized certificate, mailed to them directly. 
  1. Measurable: Either the data needed for the project already exists or may be readily gathered. That is, there is a clearly identifiable unit, and you can quantify what makes that unit defective
  2. Existing Process:  DMAIC assumes an existing process that has one or more deficiencies or inefficiencies that need to be addressed.  It is not optimal for new process development.
  3. Incremental Improvement:  DMAIC is designed to diagnose and address only one (or a few) issues at one time and is not intended for wholesale re-design of a process.
  4. Financial Results: You can clearly demonstrate the financial (or other genuine business) benefits of improving the process.
  5. Unknown Root Cause:  If you are sure you know what is causing the variation in your process, fix it!  DMAIC assumes we don’t know exactly where the process is broken, or why.
  6. Unknown Solution:  If we know what to do to fix the problem, and it is cost-beneficial, fix it! DMAIC assumes we don’t yet know how to fix it, especially since we don’t know where it is broken!
Note: Do not attempt to work on a project that has a known solution, or that has already been predetermined

The more advanced Black Belt project accounts for 53% over the final grade. The Black Belt Project must show projected cost savings of at least $100,000 annualized hard savings. The final project presentation must Show use of Tools, Actions taken to modify a process, quantifiable Results, and Controls to assure process sustains improvement.  The presentation must include the application of Lean Six Sigma tools and concepts, and include the following:
  1. Project Charter 
  2. SIPOC 
  3. Process Map (basic, swim lane, VSM, etc. as appropriate) 
  4. 5 Why’s matrix 
  5. Other tools as appropriate to your project type 
  6. Hypothesis testing using SPC XL to determine root cause(s) 
  7. Hypothesis test to verify quantifiable results on Primary Metric 
  8. Primary Metric that demonstrates improvement 
  9. Control Plan 
Below are real project outcomes from the class: 
  • HUMAN RESOURCES: Improve and simplify the employee onboarding process. Students saved 2,000 hours/year and reduced email handling by 60%. 
  • MANUFACTURING: 60% reduction in remakes and reworks, saving $150k a year. 
  • BIOTECH: 50% reduction in leakage of bioreactor product, resulting in $80k saved each year. 
  • EDUCATION: Reduced the training preparation time by 72%, from 7 to 2 hours. 
  • EVENT PLANNING: Streamlined the event registration process, and reduced activity planning lead time by 81% (38 steps to 7). 
  • FINANCE: Reduced the time to prepare quarterly reports by 72%, from 16 - 4.5 days. 
  • SUPPLY MANAGEMENT: Reduced warehouse transportation time, resulting in an annal savings of $60k. 
Generally speaking  you should look at a process that you can impact and measure within a few months.
You should consider a “problem” with the process (errors, customer complaints, delays, etc.). Don’t focus on how you are going to fix the problem because the intent to learn the Lean Six Sigma methodologies and apply the tools to identify and continuously improve your process.

We find that the best kind of project (or process) to select is something that is a measurable problem that needs to be solved and can be broken down (or walked through) and analyzed. For example, reducing defects or improving speed.  A project that focuses on communication, for example, can be a challenge as it’s hard to determine whether the communication is better.

Consider how you would measure the before and after, and outcomes of improving a process. 

By the end of the class, the project may not be completed, but there must be controls put in place so that you can evaluate the projected annual savings.
Yes! Project coaching is an essential aspect of this program. Outside of the classroom, candidates schedule 1-3 one-on-one project coaching sessions with the Master Black Belt Instructor. The majority of sessions are 30 minutes in length. You will also collaborate via email as project questions arise. Students are encouraged to collaborate and review their questions with fellow students during the LIVE classroom portions, or within the online discussion boards.

Classes are limited to 16 - 20 students, to allow for ample coaching and project mentorship. As such, space is limited and registering early is recommended. 
 
Students taking the Green and Black Belt (combo) must work on an individual project. If you are unsure of whether you can locate or work on an individual project, you are welcome to start with the LSS Green Belt. Students taking either the Live Online or In-person Green Belt are permitted to work on team projects. Therefore, in the Green Belt you can team up with a fellow student who has brought in a workplace project and collaborate with them to apply the tools and save an estimated $40k, projected annually. 

Note that the Black Belt level project is much larger in scope, and students must achieve a cost savings of $100k, projected annually.
Yes! You are encouraged to get involved with UC San Diego’s vast process improvement community in the following ways:
  1. Join UCSD’s Business Excellence community of faculty and staff dedicated to continuous improvement at UC San Diego. Check out the calendar of events for networking opportunities, webinars, conferences, and other events that appeal to colleagues interested in continuous improvement. These events are great opportunities to sharpen your continuous improvement skills, share and learn best practices, and broaden your network. FREE to join. 
  2. Attend UC San Diego’s yearly continuous improvement celebration, Process Palooza. Process Palooza is a high-energy collaborative experience celebrating the power of continuous improvement. Engage with others as you share, learn, begin, or advance, your continuous improvement journey. Learn more and join this unique event
  3. Lean Six Sigma graduates are invited to attend a yearly in-person LSS Alumni Mixer.  Contact processprograms@ucsd.edu to learn about the next Mixer. 
  4. Lean Six Sigma graduates are invited to join a LinkedIn LSS Alumni group, with 600+ members. 
Yes, those wanting to participate in asychronous online training, meaning that the coursework can be completed anytime 24/7, must select Pathway 2. 

In Pathway 2, students complete the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt separately in two courses. 
 
We offer two fully remote learning formats, as follows:
  • Live Online -  interactive, instructor-led, and real-time. Class sessions take place LIVE via Zoom, simulating the in-person experience. 
  • Asynchronous Online – login and complete class work anytime 24/7. All courses use Canvas, an online learning management system that allows you to complete assignments, share documents, and take tests and quizzes remotely. You will also have the option to schedule LIVE individual or group project coaching sessions with the instructor, hosted via Zoom. 
Regardless of which format you select, you will have weekly assignments and quizzes that are due on specific dates.
A Green Belt project aims to save $40k projected annually, whereas a Black Belt project aims to save $100k projected annually. Try not to worry too much about exactly how much savings you might achieve. Remember that your improvements will not be discovered until you are in the class. Instead, consider the data you do have regarding the current state of the process. Consider the bullets below when thinking about savings potential:
  • How many times each month/year is the process used?
  • How long the process takes each time it is used?
  • What defects/errors arise along the way and how often do these occur?
  • What are the material costs involved in the process?
  • What are the impacts if we do not find a better way to move through this process?
  • Are there any glaring areas of waste or rework?
Outside of the classroom time you will schedule 1 - 3 one-on-one LIVE project coaching sessions with the Master Black Belt Instructor. The majority of sessions are 30 minutes in length. You will also collaborate via email as project questions arise. We also encourage students to collaborate and review project needs with fellow students, either during the LIVE meetings or via the discussion boards.
Yes, our Lean Six Sigma courses may be used to earn the Project Management Institute’s Professional Development Units (PDUs). One hour of classroom instruction equals one contact hour. The LSS Green Belt, as an example, provides 40 instructional hours, and therefore equates to 40 PDU’s. To claim PDU’s, simply print out your UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies transcript or course history document, accessible through MyExtension, and provide to PMI. 

Please note that you’ll need to manually enter the course details rather than select from the pre-populated drop down menus. If you click on the ? mark symbol by each field it explains this. This will allow you to enter the provider name, course title, etc.
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies has several financial resources to assist students. Please visit our Financial Resources page for information about staff and faculty discounts, programs for the unemployed or underemployed, private student loans, and more.

If you are a veteran who served in our armed forces, you may be eligible to use your veteran education benefits to cover some or all of your program tuition. Please review our Veterans Education Benefits page for details. You are also welcome to reach out to the Extended Studies Veteran’s team by contacting unex-veterans@ucsd.edu

Additional Discount or Scholarship Opportunities: 
  • San Diego Project Management Institute (PMI-SD) chapter members may be eligible to receive discounts on LSS courses, and up to 20% tuition discount on select Project Management courses. Click here for details, and submit a discount request. 
  • UCSD Lean Six Sigma Staff Scholarship - Visit OSI.UCSD.EDU for details. 
  • UCSD Health staff may be eligible to pursue Lean Healthcare Training, which is provided at no cost.
Lastly, everyone is welcome to request a no-interest payment plan, to divide the tuition into equal monthly portions. To request a payment plan please complete the No-Interest Payment Plan Request Form.
 
  • Focus on "customer": Identify your customers, whether that is clients, vendors, patrons, other departments, etc.  Once you have your customers identified, gather their input on their goals and pain points.  As your project moves forward, involve your customers in the discussions, along with your Subject Matter Experts.
  • Don't jump to improve: Strive to address a root cause.  Leverage data to validate ideas, and pilot changes to check for downstream considerations.  This will drive you towards averting fires, rather than frantically extinguishing them.
  • Empower staff at all levels: Process knowledge and ideas should be generated from the staff who perform the work.  The Lean Practitioner facilitates discussions and manages the project, but the teams provide and implement solutions.  Not only does this secure creative and effective ideas, but it also facilitates change management and longevity of your outcomes.
  • Explore assumptions and ask ‘Why’: Dig deeper to clear obstacles we have created for ourselves over time. For example, if you hear "There's a policy which drives that step," then consider whether the policy has changed, or whether other comparable departments have interpreted and implemented the policy differently.  If you hear "We've always done it that way" then prompt your team to consider whether it has to be done that way. 
The study time commitment varies significantly based on a students’ familiarity and experience with process improvement. On average, instructors estimate that students spend approximately 10 hours per week on course and project work. This estimate varies throughtout the training, also, as the time allocated may increase as the project nears completion. 
As part of the Black Belt level training, you will learn statistical tools to measure and analyze your results. The Black Belt training includes customized, easy-to-understand, electronic files to conduct statistical portions. It’s important to note that the Black Belt material places a much larger focus on the statistical portions (vs Green Belt). 

While the training material is software-neutral, students are welcome to utilize their organization's desired software. 

If requested, we can also provide training materials specific to Minitab. 

Statistical tools are not provided for the Green Belt level. 
Your program advisor is the best source of information regarding course and program information. Email the Lean Six Sigma program manager, Angela Miller, at processprograms@ucsd.edu or click here to schedule a phone appointment
 
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies has a number of financial resources to assist students. Please visit our Financial Resources page for information about staff and faculty discounts, programs for the unemployed or underemployed, private student loans and more.

If you are a veteran who served in our armed forces, you may be eligible to use your veteran education benefits to cover some or all of your program tuition. Please review our Veterans Education Benefits page for details.

Are you a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Project Management Institute? If so, you are eligible for a 20% tuition discount on select Project Management courses. To request your discount, please complete this required request form at https://forms.gle/CEAjJFENq6NNZja37
 

If you are paying for a course with a purchase order, you must submit your purchase order on company letterhead:

  • By email to unex-cashiering@ucsd.edu
  • By fax: (858) 822-2243, attn: Financial & Business Services
  • By mail to: UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, attn: Financial & Business Services, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0170F, La Jolla, CA 92093-0170.

Payment is due upon receipt of your invoice. We require the following information on all purchase orders:

  • Company’s complete name and address
  • Purchase order number
  • Invoicing address and telephone number
  • Point of contact (name, email, and telephone number)
  • Student’s name, email, telephone number and mailing address
  • Section ID number, course title, course dates and course fee amount
  • Authorizing signature(s)

If you have any questions about purchase orders, please call us at (858) 534-3117.