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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Thurs., Aug. 14 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

• Earning the Certificate
• Admission Requirements
• Application Process
• Fees and Tuition
• Applying Course Credits
  Toward a Graduate Degree

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

Earning the Certificate

To earn the Therapeutic Gardens Certificate, participants must earn a grade of 2.5 or higher in each course.

Admission Requirements

Completion of at least one year of college, or equivalent achievement, including professional training or work experience (including volunteer work) that indicates the ability to perform academic work on the college level.

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

Single Review Process: The 2008-2009 program begins in September 2008. Applications for this program are now being accepted. The deadline for receipt of applications at UW Extension is 5 p.m. on August 25, 2008. After this date, 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 one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee* and three stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:

1. A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your interest in, and expectations for, the certificate program. Please identify key topic areas of interest or concern, and how the certificate may help you reach your goals.
2. Your résumé, listing educational achievement, professional training or 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 and may be competitive.

Enrollment: Applicants receive written notification if they are accepted for enrollment, accepted and waitlisted, or not accepted for this program within 14 business days after the application deadline. Those accepted to the program are sent registration information for the first-term course(s).

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. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable registration fee each term. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program.

Tuition for this program is $2,520, excluding registration and certificate program fees, textbooks and materials. First-term tuition of $840, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due by Sept. 16, 2008. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.

Information about registration and refund policies and procedures is included with registration materials.

Students earn three undergraduate credits for each of the three courses in the Healing/Therapeutic Gardens Certificate Program; all of the courses also qualify for graduate-level credits if a student has first established "Graduate Nonmatriculated Status" (GNM) with the UW. GNM status provides access to graduate courses for those who are not currently seeking a graduate degree, but who may later want to apply these credits (up to 12) toward a UW graduate program. A bachelor's degree and 3.0 GPA in your last 90 quarter (60 semester) hours is required for GNM status. You will be asked to submit a current résumé and two sets of official transcripts with your GNM application.

If you decide to apply for GNM status, download the GNM application and submit it with two copies of your transcripts and a current résumé directly to the Department of Landscape Architecture; please indicate if you have applied to the Therapeutic Gardens certificate program.

The UW Graduate School will notify you when your GNM status is approved. (This may take two to three weeks.) Once you have GNM status, you will then be ready to register for class through UW Extension.

Acceptance as a GNM student confers no guarantee or priority for later admission to the Graduate School for pursuit of a degree program.