Overview  |   Courses  |   Instructors  |   Advisory Board  |   How to Apply

How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Summer 2008 Program location: Online + Classroom (UW campus, Seattle) Combined Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Technology Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition
• Graduate Credit
• Earning the Certificate
• Housing for Summer Residencies
• Single-Course Enrollment

Admission Requirements

1. Current teaching credential and baccalaureate degree
2. K-12 teaching experience (one-year minimum)
3. Coursework in children's or young adult literature - no waivers*
4. Basic computer competency, including literacy with word processing, e-mail and the Internet
5. Currently working in a school is preferred

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.

See Application Process below for a listing of documents required when applying to the program.

* If you haven't met this requirement by the time you apply, you may be accepted on the condition that you complete it by the end of the program.

Technology Requirements

Students in their cohort group begin accessing information resources and communicating electronically during the first summer residency. After they return home and take online courses, they interact with instructors and other students primarily online and via telephone. Students should be familiar with Internet searching, and have a Web mail account (one that can be accessed via the Web). They also should be able to use e-mail to communicate and transfer documents. Each participant is expected to have daily access to the Internet and a computer (either PC or Mac) equipped to support current technology standards and potentially large media files.

Application Process

The 2008-2009 program begins in July 2008. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received. They will continue to be accepted and reviewed until the program is full. The deadline for submitting an application is June 13, 2008. After June 13, 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 must submit one copy of the application form with a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee and three stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (300-word maximum) letter of application describing (a) your relevant work experience, including an example of collaborative teaching, (b) how you expect the program will meet your professional goals, and (c) your level of technology skills;
2. Your résumé listing education and relevant experience;
3. A letter of recommendation from your principal or a colleague;
4. A copy of your current teaching certificate; and
5. An unofficial transcript showing prior coursework in children's or young adult literature (see Admission Requirements for exception).

Applications are evaluated by reviewers. Selection of program participants is based on admission requirements. The certificate program fee does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance as soon as possible after their application is reviewed. Applicants accepted to the program are sent registration information for the first-term courses. Accepted applicants are encouraged to make their tuition payment early, as enrollment in the program is on a first-come, first-served basis, upon receipt of the first-term tuition payment.

When the program reaches enrollment capacity, those applicants who are eligible to enroll will be placed on a waiting list for the program. If space becomes available, waitlisted applicants will be notified and given an opportunity to register. If space does not become available, waitlisted applicants will be offered a space in the program's next academic year.

There will be a mandatory student orientation on Monday, July 7, 2008, at 10 a.m., for all applicants enrolled in the program.

Fees and Tuition

Fees are $2,130 for Summer Quarter 2008, $1,488 for Autumn Quarter 2008, $2,626 for Winter Quarter 2009, $1,488 for Spring Quarter 2009 and $1,284 for Summer Quarter 2009. The cost for the entire program is $9,016. In addition, there is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each quarter. Textbooks and other materials are extra. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information on registration and refund policies and procedures is included on registration materials. A portion of the tuition may be used for a student reception.

Graduate Credit

Students accepted into the Certificate Program for the School Library Professional (SLP) may apply for Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) status. If at a later time a student with GNM status is accepted as a graduate student, graduate-level credits earned in the SLP program may be applied towards a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) through the UW Information School. For additional information about applying to the UW Information School, see Related UW Master's Program.

Earning the Certificate

Participants must successfully complete each course each term according to standards established by the instructors and advisory board. Because courses are arranged sequentially and are offered only once each year, participants need to complete all classes successfully in the previous term before they advance to the next term.

When the required courses are successfully completed in this credit program, participants earn a UW certificate.

Washington Library Media Endorsement: This program meets the approved program requirement for the Library Media Endorsement in Washington. Please note that as of September 1, 2005, applicants for an endorsement must also pass the Washington Educator Skills Test - Endorsement in order to demonstrate content knowledge before a Library Media Endorsement can be issued. See the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Web site for additional information.

Alaska Library Science-Media Endorsement: This program meets the approved program requirement for the School Library Endorsement to the Type C Special Services Certificate in Alaska. See the Department of Education & Early Development Teacher Certification Web site for additional information.

Note: It is up to the student to be familiar with the endorsement requirements in his or her state.

Housing for Summer Residencies

Campus residence hall housing and board packages are available through UW Conference Services. For information, call 206-616-1031, or e-mail confhous@u.washington.edu.

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 individual courses need to submit these materials:

1. A completed application for single-course enrollment;
2. A résumé listing your work-related experience, and a typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your experience/knowledge and how it was acquired.

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.