Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree, or at least two years of college education and experience in information, program, security or operations management, or as a systems administrator.
- One- to two-years business experience in the public or private sector.
- Familiarity with information systems security fundamentals is desirable, through either prior coursework or relevant work experience.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Students who lack a foundation in information systems security should complete Information Ethics, Security, and Privacy, which is offered online.
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.
Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) Status: 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 certificate course credits toward a graduate degree in the future, establishing GNM status is a critical consideration. For 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 visit https://www.grad.washington.edu/application/gnmstart.htm for application deadlines and instructions on how to submit a GNM application.
Application Process
The 2008-2009 program begins in September 2008. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received starting June 2 through August 25, 2008. After August 25, 2008 you are encouraged to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us to learn if a program is still accepting applications.
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 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 and c) your ability to work in a collaborative setting. If applicable, include in your letter your intentions relative to the online pre-course, entitled Information Ethics, Security, and Privacy.
- 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.
Fees and Tuition
Tuition is payable on a quarter-by-quarter basis. There is a $50 nonrefunable certificate program fee to apply, and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each quarter. First-quarter tuition of $770, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due on or before Sept. 10, 2008. Tuition for the entire program is $2,310, excluding certificate program and registration fees and the cost of textbooks. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
If the applicant also applies and is accepted for Graduate Non-matriculated (GNM) status, then course fees will exceed the tuition mentioned above and will be based on the current cost of graduate academic credit.
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.
) 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 individual courses need to submit these materials: