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How to Apply

The Summer 2008 program is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Summer 2009 Details will be posted in Winter Program location: UW campus, Seattle View an online information meeting: Accounting Certificate Programs >> (requires Flash Player >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition
• Earning the Certificate

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree (B.A.) from an accredited college or university.
2. Academic credit in financial accounting principles (5 to 6 quarter hours; semester hours should be multiplied by 1.5 to get quarter hours) or equivalent knowledge based on experience. Knowledge of management accounting is recommended.

All international students entering this program are expected to have adequate financial resources and English language proficiency. It is required that students should meet one or more of the following English language test scores or have completed one of the following programs before taking this program (please provide documentation):

1. • A TOEFL score of at least 550 (or 213 computer-based)
   • A TOEIC score of at least 750
   • An IELTS score of at least 6.5
     
   
   -or-
2. • Completion of upper-division UW Intensive English Program
   • Completion of UW Certificate Program in Business for International Professionals
   
   -or-
3. • Graduation from a U.S. university, graduation from a university in an English-speaking country or prior residency in an English-speaking country. Provide a copy of your transcript or diploma (unofficial copies are acceptable), or detail of your residency in an English-speaking country.

Application Process

In addition to the content below, international applicants requiring an F-1 (student) visa should review the Additional Application Information for International Students, where you will find information about the unique aspects of the application process as it pertains to F-1 (student) visa requirements. In addition, international students can find information on this page specific to mandatory insurance requirements, as well as housing options.

The Summer 2008 program is no longer accepting applications. The next program begins in Summer 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: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee * and two stapled application sets, which include:

• A short letter detailing your reasons for taking a certificate program, including a statement of purpose; and
• A copy of your transcript showing accounting credit, or alternatively, a description of your accounting experience.

For international applicants only – please also include:

• Proof of English language proficiency as described under Admission Requirements (above).

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements and is competitive. The most qualified candidates will be selected; preference will be given as follows:

1. Demonstrated academic credit (5-6 quarter hours/3.5-4 semester hours) in financial accounting principles** or equivalent knowledge based on experience
2. Demonstrated academic credit (5-6 quarter hours/3.5-4 semester hours) in managerial accounting principles*** or equivalent knowledge based on experience
3. Bachelor's degree, as closely related to accounting as possible
4. Length of experience in accounting or a related business field
5. Experience in continuing education programs
6. GPA of most recent degree
7. Statement of purpose in your cover letter
8. Ability and willingness to allocate a minimum of 8-12 hours per day to class and study

Enrollment: Applicants receive written notification if they are accepted for enrollment, accepted and waitlisted, or not accepted for this program within 14 business days after the application deadline. Those accepted to the program are sent registration information. Accepted applicants will be enrolled when their registration form and payment have been received by UW Extension. Please note: Registration for those accepted into the program occurs on a first-come, first-served basis. Accepted applicants should return their registration form and payment as soon as possible, because the program may close at any time. If the program closes, your payment will be returned to you. A portion of tuition covers the cost of the graduation celebration and a class dinner (both may include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages).

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.

** This is offered as UW online course ACCTG 215: Introduction to Accounting and Financial Reporting, or at community colleges as 200-level Financial Accounting Fundamentals

*** This is offered as UW online course ACCTG 225: Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting, or at community colleges as 200-level Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting

Fees and Tuition

Tuition for the 2008 summer program is $4,159, plus nonrefundable $35 registration and $50 certificate application fees. The cost of textbooks is extra. A portion of tuition covers the cost of the graduation celebration and a class dinner (both may include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages).

Earning the Certificate

Participants who successfully complete this program with a minimum GPA of 2.7 earn a certificate.