What is QUEST?

Program Information

Since 1993, Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams (QUEST) has been providing a reality-based learning experience for University of Maryland undergraduates. QUEST students participate in a challenging course of study that focuses on innovation, quality systems management and teamwork. Additionally, students participate in Integrating QUEST (IQ) events, which enhance classroom education and provide a greater forum for professional development and community building.

QUEST is a three-year multidisciplinary academic honors program comprised of undergraduate business, engineering and computer, mathematical and physical science majors. Students graduate with a citation and reality-based learning experiences including completion of a real-time consulting project for a client. QUEST accepts 75 students each year.

QUEST collaborates with partners representing organizational settings of all kinds: private, public, educational, healthcare, profit and not-for-profit. This enables student interaction with real-world application of the quality approaches, tools and methods that they learn through QUEST. Organizations who partner with QUEST have the benefit of working closely with highly skilled, knowledgeable and innovative student teams that offer insight and new solutions to operational challenges.

The QUEST Learning Community includes current students, faculty and staff, alumni and professional partners. This dynamic combination provides a broad field of shared learning experiences, networks, sponsorship and project opportunities and a unique program structure.

QUEST Curriculum Information

3 Required Courses 2 Upper Level Electives   Choose from this list:
BMGT/ENES 190H :: Introduction to Design and        Quality
BMGT 498X :: Systems Thinking for Managerial Decision Making
BMGT/ENES 490H :: The Total Quality Practicum
ARHU 390H :: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Quality
BMGT 332 :: Operations Research for Management Decisions
BMGT 385 :: Operations Management
BMGT 434 :: Introduction to Optimization
BMGT 485 :: Project Management
BMGT 486 :: Total Quality Management
BMGT 487 :: Six Sigma Strategy and Methods
ENME 445:: Applied Reliability Engineering
ENME 489B ::  Lean Six Sigma
ENME 489J :: Production Management
ENME 489Q :: Managing for Innovation and Quality

To view course descriptions, visit the University of Maryland's Testudo Web site.

Integrating QUEST (IQ)

Integrating QUEST Events or IQ Events enhance classroom learning and provide a forum for professional development programs, guest speakers, specialized trainings, intellectual dialogue sessions and community building activities. QUEST students are expected to attend IQ events each semester. Click here for more information about upcoming IQ Events.