If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can go directly to the application form.
Admission Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from a four-year, accredited institution, combined with a minimum of two years of work experience in a related field.
- Individuals do not need to be accepted to the UW Graduate School to pursue the Certificate in User-Centered Design.
- 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, contact the UW Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering or visit here for instructions on how to submit a GNM application.
English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. Applicants from other countries who have advanced English skills, for example, those who have earned a degree at a university where English is the primary language, can contact UW Extension at 206-685-8936 to determine if the TOEFL is necessary. Applicants who are not citizens of the United States must provide an official TOEFL score of at least 580, unless they are citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom; or hold a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution in any of these countries. For information about the TOEFL, e-mail toefl@ets.org, or call 1-609-771-7100.
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.
Application Process
The 2010 program begins in January 2010. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received starting November 13, 2009. Check the program status box on the right side of this page to determine when the program is no longer accepting applications. Don't hesitate to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us if you have any questions.
Application Deadlines:
Winter 2010:
Application deadline- Nov. 13, 2009
All applications for Winter quarter 2010 must be received by no later than November 13, 2009. If you are interested in Winter quarter but cannot make this deadline, please contact Gian Bruno at gbruno@u.washington.edu
Spring 2010:
Application deadline- Feb. 12, 2010
To Apply: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and three 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
- 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 one month after their application is received.
Enrollment: Applicants accepted to the program receive enrollment information for the first-term course(s) and are encouraged to make their first-term 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 for the 2009-2010 program is $508 per credit, payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition excludes registration, certificate program, and technology fees, textbooks and other course materials. The technology fee for 2008-2009 was $23 for a four-credit course and $29 for a five-credit course. Technology fee updates for 2009-2010 will be posted as they become available. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program, a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term, and a quarterly technology fee based on the total number of credits that are taken. 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
Students earn UW credits for all courses in this program. Standards and expectations for student work have been established by the instructors and advisory board. To continue in the program and earn the certificate, participants are required to earn a grade of 2.7 or higher in each course, and to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 (B or better).
Students earn the certificate upon successful completion of four of the six courses in the program: one autumn course, two in Winter Quarter, one in Spring or Summer Quarter. Students may apply to start the program any quarter except Summer Quarter.
Most students complete the certificate within 4 quarters. Students are admitted to the program for a period of up to 7 quarters (including summer quarter). In the event students do not complete necessary coursework within 7 quarters, they can complete the program as a single course enrollee on a space available basis.
Enrolling in Single Courses
Individuals interested in enrolling in only a single course in the User-Centered Design Certificate Program are encouraged to contact the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering regarding procedures: http://www.hcde.washington.edu/.
