Admission Requirements
The C++ Programming Certificate Program has been designed for students with the following qualifications:
- High school education or GED
- One of the following:
- Foundations of C++ and one to two years of recent programming experience in any high-level programming language
- C Programming Certificate
- Knowledge equivalent to the C certificate, gained through one to two years of recent experience in designing and developing C programs of moderate size
To be accepted you may have to
- Be approved by an instructor through review of application materials or
- Successfully complete a qualifying quiz that is currently under development (please feel free to apply even if the quiz is not yet available)
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.
Technology Requirements
Access to a computer supporting the C++ language is required. Recommended compilers include Metrowerks CodeWarrior Pro 6.0, GNU's free g++ 2.95.2, Borland C++ Builder 5.5 and Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0 later versions are generally equal or better in support. A Unified Modeling Language (UML) authoring tool is also required. Access to e-mail is also recommended for communicating with the instructor outside of class.
Application Process
Rolling Review Process:
The Autumn 2009 program is no longer accepting applications. Click here to be notified via e-mail when complete details for the Autumn 2010 program are available online. The next program begins in Winter 2010. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the Autumn 2010 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:
- A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your programming experience/knowledge and how it was acquired**
- Your résumé listing education and applicable programming experience**
- Applicants who have received degrees in countries where English is not the native language must submit official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Michigan Test International. A score of 580 or higher (paper-based) or a score of 237 or higher (computer-based) is required on the TOEFL exam. A score of 90 or higher is required on the Michigan test.
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: When the program reaches enrollment capacity, those applicants who are eligible to enroll may be placed on a waiting list for the program. 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.
Once you have been accepted, you have one year to complete the program.
* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.
**Individuals who have successfully completed the UW C Programming Certificate Program are automatically accepted, and are not required to submit resumes or letters. However, such individuals must submit the application form, indicating successful completion of the C Programming Certificate Program, and the $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee.
Fees and Tuition
Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $1,971, excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. (The prerequisite course, Foundations of C++, is not included in these costs.) 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 $657, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due two weeks prior to the first day of class.
Optional fees for a Uniform Access computer account are $55 (quarterly). 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
Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the advisory board and instructors. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Because courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete classes in the previous term before they advance to the next term.
When the required courses are completed in these noncredit programs, participants earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.
Single-Course Enrollment
Interested in taking just one class? Some courses in this program (those courses designated by a 
) are open for single-course enrollment to those who do not wish to earn the certificate. Because some courses require prior knowledge and experience in the field, those interested in taking these individual courses need to submit the following materials either online or by mail:
- A completed application for single-course enrollment
- A résumé listing your work-related experience
- A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your experience/knowledge and how it was acquired
To apply for single-course enrollment: You can apply online by clicking a course title below, or you can print and submit a completed application for single-course enrollment and the other materials listed above by mail.
Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received. Please note that courses taken as a non-certificate student are not automatically applied toward a certificate of completion in the program. Single-course enrollments are on a space-available basis. No certificate program fee is necessary; tuition is not accepted until you are notified of eligibility.
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