Online Principles of Lean Certificate

Expand Your Knowledge of Process Improvement

What would your projects look like if you knew how to identify and eliminate defects, waste and process inefficiencies? How would your customers respond if you delivered quality products faster and cheaper than your competitors?

Gain the knowledge to simplify and continually improve your processes with an online Principles of Lean certificate through SMU Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE).


Enroll Now for June 1 Session

Complete and submit the form below to receive your Principles of Lean program guide.

Program Expectations

This self-paced certificate program will introduce you to essential tools and concepts associated with Lean methodology and teach you how to apply these techniques to make quick and impactful changes. You will have access to your classroom for 26 weeks to complete all of your work*. Upon your successful completion of the Principles of Lean program, you will be able to:

  • Define the principles and philosophy of Lean
  • Describe the value stream mapping technique
  • Plan and participate in a Kaizen event
  • Identify the eight types of waste in a process
  • Spot value vs. non-value-added activities

What You Will Learn

Learn how to make processes more effective and efficient by developing a Lean improvement mindset. You will be taught how to:

  • Interpret the purpose and applicability of core Lean tools and methods
  • Define and describe the five principles of Lean
  • Recognize the eight types of waste
  • Complete a value stream map
  • Apply an A3 form to a real-world process
  • Determine customer needs and requirements
Certificate Overview

Self-paced*
CEUs: 3.0
Continuing Education Units
PDUs: 30
Professional Development Units
$695

Meet Your Instructor


Slavisa "Sal" Cvorak

Lean Manufacturing Expert,
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
and Certified Kaizen instructor

Brian Galli

Production Manager
and Master Black Belt

Melinda Hollingshed

Senior Process Engineer
and Master Black Belt

Glenn Johnson

Process Improvement Manager
and Master Black Belt

Joe Kausek

Business Improvement Expert
and Master Black Belt

Hank Rogers

Production Manager
and Master Black Belt

About the Instructor

Sal Cvorak is a Lean Six Sigma deployment professional with a history of leading high-producing teams and using Lean Six Sigma methods to reduce cost, increase process efficiencies and enhance customer satisfaction. He is recognized for his application of Lean Manufacturing methods at large and medium sized organizations including Jabil Circuit, Conmed Corporation, BIC Graphic, and Brunswick Corporation. In addition to his B.S. in Business Management, he is a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Kaizen Instructor. In the last 10 years, he has facilitated more than 100 Lean Six Sigma projects and spent more than 100 hours teaching Lean Six Sigma at the corporate level.

GI Bill®️ Approved*

The Lean and Lean Six Sigma certificate programs are GI Bill®️ Approved*. Active military, spouses and veterans will receive a 10% tuition reduction** and may also be able to use their eligible Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, upon verification of status.




Who Should Enroll?

There are no prerequisites for the Principles of Lean program.

This program is designed for working professionals across all industries and job roles who want to improve operational performance by eliminating and preventing defects and waste in products, processes and services.

Interested in learning how Lean intersects with Six Sigma methodology? Explore our online Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program.

 SMU alumni are eligible for a 10% tuition reduction.

Expand Your Skills in Lean Six Sigma

Other Lean Six Sigma certificates offered online through SMU CAPE include the following:


Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Learn the essential components of Lean and Six Sigma methodology to support process improvement projects in your organization.


Lean Continuous Improvement

Learn the core concepts of Lean methodology to determine customer requirements and needs and identify the eight types of waste.


Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Learn how to manage Lean Six Sigma on a larger scale and to successfully lead a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt project.


Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Learn how to manage Lean Six Sigma on a larger scale and to successfully lead a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt project.


Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Learn how to manage Lean Six Sigma on a larger scale and to successfully lead a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt project.


Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Learn how to manage Lean Six Sigma on a larger scale and to successfully lead a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt project.


Why SMU?

  • SMU Continuing and Professional Education has offered noncredit learning programs since 1953.
  • SMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
  • Lean Six Sigma programs are taught by industry practitioners who have at least a Black Belt certification designation.
  • Students who successfully complete the program will be issued a digital Principles of Lean badge and certificate through Credly and will earn a lifetime credential through SMU Continuing and Professional Education.