As consumers have become savvier, and with more options to choose from, there is a strong emphasis on product quality across markets worldwide. As such, quality assurance bachelor’s degree programs make students knowledgeable enough to improve the creation and performance of these products.
The Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Quality Assurance help graduates create reliability that boosts a company’s competitiveness within its market. In this article, you can learn more about the best online and in-person Bachelor’s Degrees in Quality Assurance. We will also talk about the costs and admission requirements associated with the best quality assurance bachelor’s degrees.
What Is Quality Assurance?
Quality assurance (QA) is the process of creating and maintaining the requirements for developing marketable products. QA involves systematic processes that determine if products meet the required standards. The end goal of quality assurance is to improve customer satisfaction by boosting purchasing confidence while also increasing a company’s credibility.
Work efficiency and manufacturing processes are also enhanced to give a company a better position in a competitive market. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is the main body behind quality assurance practices and creating roadmaps for implementing QA.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
You can get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance from Hempster Shire University, Cambridge College Global, and the University of Minnesota. In addition, there are many other bachelor’s degree titles that also cover quality assurance from colleges such as Southern New Hampshire University, Oregon State University, and Michigan State University.
What Schools Offer the Best Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Hempster Shire University
- Cambridge College Global
- University of Minnesota
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Oregon State University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
The minimum requirement for a Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance program is a high school diploma or equivalency. However, the specific Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance admission requirements will differ from one university to the next. Many ask for an essay, application, and letters of recommendation. In addition, some schools may have minimum GPA requirements.
Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Online application form
- Application essay (optional at some schools)
- Letters of recommendation (optional at some schools)
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 – 3.0 (only at some schools)
How to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance
You can get a quality assurance bachelor’s degree by completing a four-year program and adhering to all of the graduation requirements. The best way to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance is to attend a degree program full-time for eight semesters.
If you can avoid interruptions to your education, it will help you stay more engaged with the material and finish your degree faster. Since a bachelor’s degree program starts off with general and foundation knowledge, you do not need any prior quality assurance knowledge. However, you may need to fulfill minimum academic requirements in English and math.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
You need to earn at least 120 credits for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance. Though some programs may require students to complete 130 credits or more, 120 is the minimum for a bachelor’s degree. The 120 required credits are typically comprised of general education classes, electives, and core curriculum requirements.
Quality Assurance Degree Requirements
- Minimum of 120 credits
- Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA
- Pass all core curriculum courses
- Fulfill all general education requirements
- Complete a capstone project or internship
Best Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Michigan State University | Bachelor of Science in Food Science | Higher Learning Commission |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Science in Agricultural and Food Business Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| New York Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Wisconsin – Stout | Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management, Quality Management Minor | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Quality Assurance: Top Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a quality assurance bachelor’s degree offer a sound curriculum and have a variety of student resources. As it can be hard to choose, we have detailed the best schools for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance. Find out more about the costs and admission requirements of the top quality assurance bachelor’s programs in the breakdown below.
Best Online Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge College Global | Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems and Improvement Management | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| DeVry University | Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| Hempster Shire University | Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Management | United States Accreditation Council |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Bachelor of Science in Operations Management | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Minnesota Crookston | Bachelor of Manufacturing in Quality Management | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Quality Assurance: Top Online Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Programs
What Is a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance is a four-year program that blends basic management principles, science and technology, statistical tools, and quality concepts to prepare students to be quality assurance professionals. A quality assurance bachelor’s degree instills knowledge like quality auditing and how to use quality management systems to individuals interested in joining the industry.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance is important because it will teach you both the theoretical and practice knowledge that you need to work professionally in the field. In addition, one of the reasons why a quality assurance bachelor’s degree is important is that it will help employers gain confidence in your abilities.
Getting a quality assurance bachelor’s degree is a great way to demonstrate to employers that you are dedicated to the profession. With that, potential employers will know that you have gone through the necessary training to be effective in a quality assurance position.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Quality Assurance?
The two main types of Bachelor’s Degrees in Quality Assurance include a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Both the quality assurance bachelor’s degree types will help students understand the important processes and methodologies involved in quality assurance.
However, there is a difference between a BS and BA degree. One difference is that a Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance degree will focus much more on STEM courses than a Bachelor of Arts program will. Depending on what aspect of quality assurance you want to work in, one quality assurance degree type may be better than the other.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Quality Assurance?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Science Degree in Quality Assurance because you will learn the science and math-based technical skills that will help you in your career. However, when deciding which is better, a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Quality Assurance, it is important to consider your desired career path.
If you want to get a job in a technical industry, it will be especially important to attend a Bachelor of Science program. With that, it will be much easier to find a suitable Bachelor of Science program because they are much more common than Bachelor of Arts in Quality Assurance programs.
What Is the Difference Between a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree and a Quality Assurance Certificate?
The main difference between a quality assurance bachelor’s degree and a certificate in quality assurance is that a bachelor’s degree has much stricter requirements and offers a more robust education. As such, Bachelor’s Degrees in Quality Assurance are much more respected by employers and within the professional world as a whole.
However, there may be times when opting for a quality assurance certificate vs a degree may make sense. For example, if you already started your professional career but would like to enhance your skills, getting a quality assurance certificate can be a good option to increase your employability without excessive time or financial commitments.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
A quality assurance bachelor’s degree costs around $16,647 every year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This estimate is based on the average cost for all four-year institutions.
However, public universities are the best option for students who are after a more affordable option since they charge less for in-state residents. The average Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance cost for a public university is just $9,349 per year. Meanwhile, the average cost of a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance while attending a private institution is $32,769 per year.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to complete a quality assurance bachelor’s degree. However, this time estimate is for students who take at least 15 credits a semester for eight consecutive semesters. The actual Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance length will depend on whether you choose to follow courses on a full-time or part-time schedule.
In addition, some colleges offer accelerated programs that allow you to earn a quality assurance degree in significantly less time. One example of this is the bachelor’s degree program from DeVry University, which can be completed in just two years and eight months.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
It is not hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance as compared to other bachelor’s degrees. However, getting a quality assurance bachelor’s degree is harder than getting an associate degree or a certificate.
A quality assurance bachelor’s program will require students to study technical and complex topics for four years. In addition, students will need to maintain a minimum GPA in order to earn their degrees. Though it is not necessarily difficult to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance, it will require a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication.
Why Should You Get a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance are that you gain the necessary skills as well as the credibility needed to enter the professional world. A quality assurance bachelor’s degree program will help you to develop a comprehensive set of skills that will allow you to excel professionally both in quality assurance at within the workforce at large.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Quality Assurance?
The required courses in a Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance program will include a mix of general education, management, and specific quality assurance classes. In addition, students will be able to choose from a variety of Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance courses to take as electives.
To learn more about the various topics covered in a typical Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance course list, read through the example courses below. Though every program will have its own requirements, these topics will be covered, in some form, in all quality assurance bachelor’s degree programs.
Managerial Accounting
In this course, students will learn what costs they need to be aware of, how to consider different costs, and how to properly carry out managerial accounting responsibilities. Students will develop an understanding of cost analysis and how to properly balance operational costs. In addition, the course may cover helpful management and accounting tools.
Modern Regulatory Issues
With a focus on regulations and enforcement agencies, students in this course will learn about regulatory compliance and how to evaluate regulatory standards. Through this course, students will also gain an understanding of the history and reasoning behind prominent regulations and why they are important for society.
Data Analysis and Measurement
Students will experiment with a variety of methodologies and software tools to gain a deep understanding of how to measure and analyze data. They will learn how to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, how to interpret data, what data points are more important in quality assurance, and more.
Business Ethics
In this course, students will be able to explore the ethics and moral issues involved in modern business. Topics covered may include the morality of marketing, mergers, investors, production, and more. This class will help students understand to balance quality assurance efforts with both the laws and ethics that govern society.
Principles of Management
Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the complex strategies and processes that managers rely on in order to achieve organizational goals. Students will learn how to implement management practices in order to influence processes, employees, and organizations toward the end goal.
Continuing Education Paths for Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a quality assurance bachelor’s degree when it comes to continuing education is to move on to a Master’s Degree in Quality Assurance. Getting an advanced degree in quality assurance will allow you to dive deeper into the research and best practices that are relevant to the field.
Further, having a master’s degree vs just a bachelor’s degree opens up a wider range of career opportunities, and it also often comes with a higher pay scale. As such, moving on to a master’s degree program after graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance can be a great way to further advance your career.
Related Quality Assurance Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best quality assurance bachelor’s degree programs have a comprehensive curriculum, affordable tuition rates, and flexible learning options. When considering what to look for in a college for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance, there are many factors to consider.
To help you understand how to choose a quality assurance bachelor’s degree program, we have detailed five key factors below. Each of these factors should be considered and evaluated before you select the program you will attend.
Cost
As mentioned above, the cost of tuition is one of the main factors to consider when selecting a higher education program. Bachelor’s degrees can be considerably expensive at some institutions, but the inflated price is not always justified. It is important to consider the cost of a program’s tuition against its reputation and the benefits it offers.
Accreditation
Attending a program that is duly accredited is essential. If a program or school is accredited, this means that it has been evaluated by a third party and was proven to meet educational standards. If you get a degree from an unaccredited institution, there is a high likelihood that it will not be well regarded by potential employers.
Specialization and Concentration Options
Though quality assurance is an important professional field, there are not many specific quality assurance degree programs. Though degrees that focus on management and supply chain systems can teach students important quality assurance skills, it is beneficial to check out the concentrations or specializations available in these programs.
For example, you may be able to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering with a concentration in quality assurance. In addition, some specializations may help you further hone your skills for the specific industry you want to work in.
Career Services
Though getting a bachelor’s degree can be challenging, the real work begins after you graduate. In a competitive job market, finding a job takes a specific set of skills. As such, it is important to look into what support and career services your prospective institution offers so that you can start off on the right foot.
Flexibility
With society’s increased reliance on technology, flexible learning formats are becoming more common in higher education. If you want to work while you study, or perhaps prefer to follow classes online, you should look for a program with flexible learning options. Hybrid, online, evening, and self-paced classes are all non-traditional options that accommodate a wide range of learners.
What Is the Most Affordable Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance is the online self-paced degree from Hempster Shire University which costs just $14,400 for the entire program. In addition, students can complete this program in as little as two years.
Other affordable quality assurance bachelor’s programs include those from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Though much more expensive than Hempster Shire University, the SNHU and UW – Stout programs both cost less than $10,000 per year for in-state students.
Salary and Job Outlook for Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Once you have graduated from a program, there are a variety of quality assurance bachelor’s degree jobs that you can apply for. In this section, we will go over the best jobs for quality assurance bachelor’s degree holders. In addition, we will also cover the typical Bachelor’s in Quality Assurance salary.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree?
It is not difficult to get a job with a quality assurance bachelor’s degree as the industry is growing rapidly. However, the professional field of quality assurance is both competitive and technical. As such, candidates still need to put effort into making sure that they stand out amongst other applications. One way to do this is to seek additional training and certifications within the specific industry in which you are applying for jobs.
What’s the Average Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
According to PayScale, the average salary for professionals with a Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance is $92,000 per year. However, many factors influence wages, including location, experience, and the company or organization of employment. As such, you may find that your own earnings fall well above or below the average salary for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree?
The types of jobs you can get with a quality assurance bachelor’s degree include working as a quality assurance analyst, a quality auditor, and a quality manager. The highest paying quality assurance jobs for bachelor’s degree holders typically require professionals to oversee large operations or highly technical production processes.
Quality Assurance Degree Jobs
- Quality assurance analyst
- Quality auditor
- Head of manufacturing
- Quality assurance industrial engineer
- Quality manager
Potential Careers With a Quality Assurance Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance?
You can make between $30,000 and $120,000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance. However, the average money that quality assurance majors make out of college is influenced by a multitude of factors including the location they work, the type of company they work for, and the level of responsibility they have in their role.
Working for a larger company is one way to make sure that you can access the higher end of the pay scale. In addition, once you work and build experience and confidence in your abilities, you will be eligible for better, higher-paying quality assurance roles.
Highest-Paying Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Quality assurance director | $116,974 |
| Quality assurance analyst | $110,140 |
| Head of manufacturing | $103,150 |
| Medical and health services manager | $101,340 |
| Quality assurance engineer | $72,355 |
Best Jobs for Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for quality assurance bachelor’s degree grads are those that offer benefits, competitive salaries, and allow graduates to use the whole scope of their professional skills. To learn more about the best jobs for a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance as well as the job outlook and highest-paying states, read through the list below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Quality Assurance Bootcamp vs Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree: Which is Better?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance is better compared to a quality assurance bootcamp because they are traditionally more respected by employers. Choosing a quality assurance degree vs a bootcamp may be more expensive, but you will also receive a more well-rounded comprehensive education.
A quality assurance bootcamp is an intensive, short-term educational program. It does not have the prestige of a bachelor’s degree but offers students a chance to learn valuable skills at a lower price. Bootcamps have a more focused curriculum, covering mainly the specific technology used today and what employers want from their workforce.
Benefits of a Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree
- Extensive learning materials. Students can access a wide range of material when learning through bachelor’s degree programs. Such material is available in the school library, electronic sources, and journal databases.
- Access to advanced degrees. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance, students can decide whether they want to further their career by pursuing a master’s degree. These further qualifications open up great job opportunities and higher earnings.
- Networking. There are more networking opportunities when you study with your fellow students in a college setting. You can attend job fairs, conferences, and seminars relating to your job description organized by your school. You can prepare for interview questions with help from career services.
- Remote learning. Many bachelor’s programs are now offered fully online, letting you study from anywhere with Internet access.
- More job opportunities. When you have a bachelor’s degree, you study a wide range of topics that give you more employment opportunities after graduation. Some schools also guide you in finding better employment opportunities by offering resume-building services and linking you with job postings.
Benefits of a Quality Assurance Bootcamp
- Affordability. At a bootcamp, you learn the essential aspects of your future career at a lower price, without going through many course modules and books. Your annual fee could even be lower than what you would pay for a semester at a university.
- Career services. Mentorship and guidance are offered by qualified individuals who have experience working in the industry. They teach using a hands-on approach that directly relates to the industry requirements.
- Job guarantee. Bootcamp grads can seamlessly enter their respective fields since most bootcamps have partnerships with established companies. Once students complete their course, they can work with these companies as they build their careers.
- Flexibility. Bootcamps are easily accessible since they are based in nearly every state and are often available online. This makes it easy for students to study as they work.
- Project-based learning. Learning in a bootcamp will take you through a practical experience rather than the theories taught in universities and two-year institutions. Therefore, you will be a step ahead when working with the respective systems in your professional career.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance is worth it because quality assurance is a fast-growing industry, and this means that professionals with the necessary skills are in demand. Many people choose this career path, and while some companies rely on a small team, the field is still growing.
With ample job opportunities, a quality assurance bachelor’s degree is worth it and will help you access high-paying quality assurance roles. In addition, a bachelor’s degree program is an important step in gaining the necessary technical skills to have a successful career.
Additional Reading About Quality Assurance
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Quality Assurance Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
While both fields are related, quality control mainly focuses on the result, while quality assurance is more concerned with improving and enhancing manufacturing and creating processes. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance, students can manufacture products that meet the required consumer standards.
The basic entry-level classes for a quality assurance program include science, mathematics, and statistics. The other crucial topics that need to be covered include improvement tools, quality standards, and analysis of system failures.
The role of a quality assurance inspector is to ensure that the products and services a company provides are the best in the market and of high quality. They work in conjunction with quality assurance engineers, analysts, and testers to ensure smooth operations.
According to PayScale, you can make $92,000 on average with a Bachelor’s Degree in Quality Assurance. Degree holders in any field have a higher earning power than those who do not have one. However, your earning potential will still depend on what state you work in and what company employs you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
