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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next Program Starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: Downtown Seattle Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Earning the Certificate
• Fees and Tuition
• Single-Course Enrollment

If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can apply online or print an application form now.

Admission Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or community development experience
• A letter of application describing interest in the field

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.

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 18 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 an application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and two stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A letter of application (500-word maximum). Applicants should be clear, concise and provide specific examples while answering the following questions: (a) What experience have you had in community development? (b) In what ways have you already gained skills and knowledge in the field? (c) What are your goals and expectations of the program personally and professionally?
2. 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.

Students earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for all courses in this program. Standards and expectations for student work have been established by the instructors and advisory board. A significant amount of work outside of class is required; regular attendance and timely submission of all class assignments and projects are critical.

Courses are arranged sequentially; participants must successfully complete each course each term before they can advance to the next term. Students earning the certificate are recognized during the annual UW Extension certificate awards ceremony.

International students are expected to have adequate English language proficiency and appropriate visa status before taking courses. For English language guidelines and visa information, see the International and English Language Programs page.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $2,700 excluding certificate program and registration fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee. Fall tuition of $900 for two courses, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due by September 15, 2008. 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.

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.