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How to Apply

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2009 Details will be posted in Spring Program location: Online Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Download a program overview >>

• Admission Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Application Process
• Registration and Enrollment
• Fees and Tuition
• Earning the Certificate

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from a four-year, accredited institution, or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education or training, combined with two years of work experience.
2. Individuals do not need to be accepted to the UW Graduate School to pursue the Certificate in Emergency Management.
3. Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) status is not required for students who wish to participate in this program. However, for individuals who anticipate that they may want to apply course credits from SPCI 501 or SPCI 506 toward a graduate degree in the future, establishing GNM status is a critical consideration. For graduate course credits to be applied toward a graduate degree, GNM status must be established prior to enrolling. To find out more about establishing GNM status, contact the UW Department of Urban Design and Planning or visit Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastuctures GNM Status
.

English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. For details, see English Language Guidelines.

International Students: This program does not qualify as full-time study, and therefore does not meet requirements for an F-1 visa. However, if you are an F-1 student currently enrolled full-time in another program, OR you are in the U.S. on some other type of visa (not F-1), you may be eligible to take a certificate program or course. For complete details, or to contact an adviser, see Visa Information.

Applying Course Credits Toward a Graduate Degree

Students earn three undergraduate credits for each of the five courses in the Critical Infrastructures Protection Certificate Program; all of the courses also qualify for graduate-level credits if a student has first established "Graduate Nonmatriculated Status" (GNM) with the UW. GNM status provides access to graduate courses for those who are not currently seeking a graduate degree, but who may later want to apply these credits (up to 12) toward a UW graduate program. A bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA in your last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours is required for GNM status. You will be asked to submit a current résumé and two sets of official transcripts with your GNM application.

If you decide to apply for GNM status, download the GNM application and submit it with two copies of your transcripts and a current résumé directly to the Department of Urban Design and Planning; please indicate if you have applied to the Critical Infrastructures Protection Certificate Program.

The UW Graduate School will notify you when your GNM status is approved. (This may take two to three weeks.) Once you have GNM status, you will then be ready to register for class through UW Extension.

Acceptance as a GNM student confers no guarantee or priority for later admission to the Graduate School for pursuit of a degree program.

Technology Requirements for Online Learning Format

Our online courses are designed to be viewed with Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, Netscape 6.2 and above, and Firefox 1.0 and above, using Windows or Macintosh operating systems. We cannot ensure that our courses can be viewed with other browsers and we do not have the resources to troubleshoot problems that may arise with Linux or other operating systems. A modem speed of 56K (for dial-up connections) or a broadband connection (DSL or cable) is required. For any additional software or system requirements, please visit the Courses page and review the individual course introductions.

Application Process

The 2008-2009 program is underway and is no longer accepting applications. The next program begins in Autumn 2009. Click here to be notified via e-mail when complete details for the next program are available online. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the next program:

To Apply: You can apply online or submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing a) your relevant work and volunteer experience, and/or transferable skills and knowledge of the field, and b) how you expect the program will help you meet your professional goals
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the advisory board. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received.

Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course and are encouraged to make their fall tuition payment early. Enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

Waitlist: Some programs maintain a waitlist for applicants accepted after the program has reached enrollment capacity. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to enroll. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the next program offering.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Registration and Enrollment

Qualified applicants are sent a registration form for first-term classes as soon as possible after the application is approved. Applicants for the Critical Infrastructures Protection Certificate Program must enroll no later than two weeks before courses begin. Enrollment in these programs becomes effective upon receipt of the registration form and first-term tuition payment.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $6,420 excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $1,605, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due by August 27, 2008. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.

Earning the Certificate

Each course in the program is graded numerically following University of Washington guidelines and standards established by the advisory board and instructors. At the end of each course, participants are notified of the grade earned. Participants need to successfully complete class the previous term before they advance to the next term.

When the required courses are completed in this credit program, participants earn 12 credits and a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.