This advanced-level graduate certificate program provides individuals with the knowledge and techniques to improve the delivery and quality of manufactured goods and services. The material that is taught in this program can be applied within any area of an organization and the focus is on the achievement of performance excellence in manufacturing and business processes through the use of modern quality improvement methods. The program develops the skills required to perform process quality roles in a broad range of organizations. The program content maps favourably into the American Society of Quality's Bodies of Knowledge for Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Manager of Quality, Certified Quality Technician, Certified Six Sigma Green and Black Belt, and Certified Quality Auditor. This program is non-industry specific. Although the program includes skills training that recognizes the needs of the traditional manufacturing base it also provides the proficiencies demanded by many of the newer technology focused industries.

On completion of the program, the graduate will understand the role of modern quality techniques in creating value in an organization and will be able to apply the proper techniques and procedures to solve problems and enhance the quality of goods and services, to eliminate waste and to reduce the incidence of defects. Many of the graduates from the PQE program have found opportunities in various manufacturing/service sectors such as: aerospace and defence, automotive, custom manufacturing, high volume processing (e.g., dairy industry), capital goods manufacturing, and green energy (wind turbine manufacturing).