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How to Apply

The Summer 2008 program is no longer accepting applications Next program offering: Summer 2009 Details will be posted in Winter 2009 information coming soon Receive e-mail updates, including information about the next program >> Program location: University of Washington campus, Seattle, and a field study tour in Western Washington Contact a program representative >>

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

Admission Requirements

The Certificate Program in Tsunami Science and Preparedness has an admissions process to ensure that participants can successfully complete the program. Desired qualifications for admission to the program include:

• a Bachelor's or equivalent degree
• current or planned employment in a tsunami disaster-related field

Applicants who combine at least two years each of college-level study and relevant professional experience may also apply. Participants who are non-native English speakers must have adequate English language proficiency.

Technology Requirements

Certificate program courses are held on the University of Washington campus and utilize specialized instructional lab facilities and computing resources. Participants have access to networked personal computers to complete exercises and other assignments. In order to make effective use of available computing resources, participants should have experience in the use of the Windows operating system, the Internet and a Web browser.

Though not required, each program participant is welcome to bring a personal laptop computer for use during the program. Participants choosing this option should have (1) a wireless network adapter/card in order to connect to the campus wireless network and (2) a laptop AC power adapter.

Application Process

The program beginning in summer 2008 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: 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 brief essay (250 words or less) that describes your relevant work experience, how you expect the program will help you meet your professional goals, and your ability to work in a collaborative setting.
  
  In your letter please indicate which of the following describe your organization: (a) local, state or national government; (b) tsunami or earthquake warning center; (c) private business or professional organization; (d) research or academic organization; (e) NGO (nonprofit nongovernmental organization); or (f) other organization (be specific).
  
  Please also indicate your function within your organization: (a) policy planning and/or management; (b) warning center operations; (c) emergency planning and/or management; (d) training of personnel; (e) science or engineering development and consulting; (f) basic or applied research; or (g) other (be specific).
  
  
• A résumé listing your current position and responsibilities, your educational background, specialized training and other applicable experience, as well as your mailing address, telephone number and e-mail address.
  
  

Application Review: This program utilizes a collaborative, peer-to-peer learning approach. Selection of program participants is based on the admission requirements and the need for professional diversity. Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the program's advisory board. Applicants will receive a decision notification by mail within two weeks of submitting their application.

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

Earning the Certificate

Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the advisory board and instructors. Because the courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete each course before advancing to the next in the series. Participants who successfully complete all courses during this 2008 offering of the program will receive the Certificate in Tsunami Science and Preparedness.

Enrollment in program courses is restricted to applicants admitted to the certificate program.

Fees and Tuition

The cost of the eleven-day certificate program is $2,970, which includes all three courses, online and printed course materials, field trip including meal service, morning and afternoon refreshment breaks, access to an instructional computer lab, plus a $35 nonrefundable registration fee. A $50 certificate fee is also assessed at the time of application. Costs for travel and accommodations are not included.