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How to Apply

Currently accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2008 Program location: Online + Classroom (Downtown Seattle) Combined (see details >>) Sign up to receive e-mail updates >> Contact a program representative >>   Program at a glance >>

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

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

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have:

1. Experience with a database product
2. Familiarity with programming concepts
3. Familiarity with database design and database theory
4. Taken the SQL Self-Test. Click here to take the Self-Test.

A database design background is desirable, with experience in data analysis, Entity Relationship Diagramming (ERD), normalization, schema development and database querying in SQL. Applicants who lack this background may enroll in Database Management Fundamentals.

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.

Technology Requirements

Participants need access to a computer running Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional outside of the classroom. A high-speed Internet connection is recommended. Students enrolled in the certificate program receive a license for SQL Server 2005 Developer for the duration of the program.

Application Process

The 2008-2009 program begins in October 2008. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received through Aug. 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: 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. Your résumé listing education and applicable experience
2. 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
3. A signed copy of the self-test (in the Admission Requirements section above). Make sure that you read the statement on the bottom of the form, check the check-box and sign your name.

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 their application is received. 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. Tuition for the entire program is $2,007, excluding certificate program, registration and technology fees and 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 $669, plus the nonrefundable registration fee, is due by Sept. 18, 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.

Earning the Certificate

Participants are evaluated in each course on the basis of standards established by 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 these noncredit programs, 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.