Overview  |   Courses  |   Instructors  |   Advisory Board  |   How to Apply

How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: UW campus, Seattle Next information meeting: Wednesday, June 25 (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>

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

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

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from a four-year, accredited institution, or completion of at least two years of college, combined with a minimum of two years of work experience in the technical communication field.

Note: Before beginning the program, participants must have intermediate-level understanding of common applications such as desktop publishing, and help file creation tools as well as a core competency in a word processing program(s). During the program, participants must have access to a computer for word processing papers. Participants also must be able to download and print materials from the web.

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 7, 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: 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:

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. Your college transcript from the institution, including the UW, which awarded your highest or most pertinent degree (photocopies are acceptable)

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. The letter of application is the most critical part of the application packet. It serves as a writing sample, and as such is evaluated not only for what is said but also for how the message is conveyed.

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.

* 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 $4,530, excluding certificate program, registration and technology fees and textbooks. The technology fee is $13 for a three-credit course and $17 for a four-credit course. 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 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. A significant amount of work outside of class is required; regular attendance and timely submission of all class assignments and projects are critical. To continue in the program and earn the certificate, participants are required to earn a grade of 2.5 or higher in each course, and to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 (B or better).

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.

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.