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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Programs begin in: Summer 2008 Program location: Online Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Admission Requirements
• Computer Requirements
• Language Proficiency Requirement
• Earning the Certificate
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition

If you are familiar with the program and application process, you can go directly to the application form.

Admission Requirements

1. A baccalaureate degree from a four-year, accredited institution, or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education or training, combined with two years of work experience.
2. Individuals do not need to be accepted to the UW Graduate School to pursue the Certificate in Emergency Management.
3. 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 SPCI course credits toward a graduate degree in the future, establishing GNM status is a critical consideration. For graduate 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 Urban Design and Planning or visit their Web site.

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.

Our online courses are designed to be viewed with Internet Explorer 6.0 and above, Netscape 6.2 and above, and Firefox 1.0, using Windows Explorer or Macintosh operating systems. We cannot ensure that our courses can be viewed with other browsers and we do not have the resources to troubleshoot problems that may arise with Linux or other operating systems. Our courses require a modem speed of 56K (for dial-up connections) or a broadband connection (DSL or cable). In addition to the basic requirements, for some courses you may need PowerPoint, Flash 6.0, Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher, Visio, Real Player, or Windows Media Player. Technical courses may require specialized software. If a course relies on software that is beyond the basic technology requirements, the software will be described in the course introduction. To see the course introduction, go to our Online Learning courses and browse to the course description, where you'll find a link to the introduction.

Applicants must meet one of the following English language proficiency requirements, if they are a non-native English language speaker and have not attended English-speaking schools for more than a number of years.

• A TOEFL score of at least 500 (or 173 computer-based)
• A TOEIC score of at least 650
• An IELTS score of at least 6.0
• An ACE (American Cultural Exchange) score of at least level 5
• Completion of the upper division of the University of Washington Intensive English Program (campus or downtown)
• Completion of a UW Certificate Program in English for Business Purposes (EIBP)

Students apply to start this program in summer quarter. Critical application dates and deadlines are as follows:

Applications to start the program this summer with the GIS course (URGDP 302) are being accepted now and will be reviewed in the order they are received starting April 1 through May 19, 2008. After May 19, 2008, you are encouraged to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us to learn if a program is still accepting applications.

To Apply: Please 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:

1. 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.
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience.
3. If your application includes college coursework, please also include a transcript from the institution, including the UW, which awarded your highest or most pertinent degree. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Application Review: Applications are evaluated by a review committee designated by the Masters program in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures (MSPCI). 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 course 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 first course 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.

* The certificate program fee is not refundable and does not guarantee admission to, or enrollment in, the program.

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $5,230, excluding certificate program, registration and technology fees and textbooks. 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 of $17-$23, based on the number of credits taken. When UW Extension receives your registration and tuition payment for the first course ($865), you will be enrolled in the Certificate Program for Emergency Management on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to register as soon as possible because we will not be able to enroll you in the 2008-2009 program if the enrollment limit is reached before we receive your first-course fees.

Optional fees for a Uniform Access computer account are $55 (quarterly). 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.

Some courses are graded numerically; others are graded on a credit/no-credit basis. Performance in each course is evaluated on the basis of standards established by the instructors and the MSPCI review committee. Participants may not take a course on an audit or satisfactory/non-satisfactory basis.

When all three required courses and one elective course have been successfully completed in this program, students earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.

When all four courses are successfully completed in this program, students earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.