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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Thurs., August 7 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

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

Admission to the program requires:

1. A baccalaureate degree or at least two years of college education and experience in a field such as planning, engineering, public works, utilities, resource management, commercial real estate, or branches of business or marketing which require spatial analysis.
2. Familiarity with GIS fundamentals and spatial data formats, and the ability to use ArcGIS Desktop 9, 8.x, or ArcView 3.x for basic functions, such as spatial and attribute queries, map overlay, and map display.
3. Knowledge of introductory statistics is desirable.
4. Familiarity with the Windows operating system and the web.

Interested students who have not taken any GIS courses and do not have any relevant work experience must enroll in an introductory GIS course prior to starting the program. The course, Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals, is an example of an introductory course offered by UW Extension via online learning delivery, with the opportunity to begin course study at any time. See Related GIS Courses for course information.

Each student must have an e-mail address continuously during the program. In addition, students must have access to the web outside of class on an ongoing basis.

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

Rolling Review Process: The 2008-2009 program begins in October 2008. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received starting June 2 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.

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:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing a) your knowledge of the field, or transferable skills from a related field, b) how you expect the program will help you to reach your professional goals in GIS, and c) your ability to work in a collaborative setting
2. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience
3. A typed description (250-word maximum) of a GIS project you would like to pursue as part of the program (may be revised as the program progresses)

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.

Fees and Tuition

Tuition is payable on a term-by-term basis. Tuition for the entire program is $3,414, excluding certificate program and registration fees and the cost of textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. First-term tuition of $1,138, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due by August 22, 2008.

Earning the Certificate

Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by the the advisory board and instructors. At the end of each course, participants are notified of successful or unsuccessful completion. Because courses are arranged sequentially, participants need to successfully complete classes in the previous term before they advance to the next term.

When the required courses are completed in this noncredit program, participants earn a certificate, which is presented at the annual UW Extension awards ceremony.

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.