How to Apply
The program that starts in Autumn 2008 is closed to new applications. The next program begins in Autumn 2009. The following information regarding the application process may be helpful as you plan for applying to the next program:Admission Requirements
- B.S. in engineering or related science field
- Additional requirement for international students: Demonstration of English proficiency (See "International Students" below)
- Successful completion of a course in probability and statistics such as INDE 315 or equivalent.
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 certificate course credits toward a graduate degree in the future, establishing GNM status is a critical consideration. For course credits to be applied toward a graduate degree, GNM status must be established prior to enrolling. (See "Graduate Credit Information" below.)
Application Process
The program that starts in Autumn 2008 is closed to new applications. The next program begins in Autumn 2009.
To Apply: Please submit one copy of the application form with a $50 certificate program fee and four stapled application sets, which include the following clearly labeled documents:
- Unofficial transcripts from each college or university attended
- 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
- Your résumé listing education and applicable experience
- Score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (For international applicants only)
- For students who are not current UW graduate students but wish to receive credit toward a UW master's degree, please also submit an application for Graduate Non-Matriculated (GNM) status to UW Graduate Admissions. (See "Graduate Credit Information " below)
Application Review: 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.
Graduate Credit Information
If you do not intend to earn credit toward a UW graduate degree, it is not necessary to apply through UW Graduate Admissions. Simply submit the certificate application and other documents specified above.
If you do intend to earn a graduate degree at the University of Washington using credits earned in the GISE Program, you must have graduate status prior to enrolling in the first term. Applicants who are not currently in a UW graduate program may apply for Graduate Nonmatriculated (GNM) status. GNM defines a student status designed to provide access to graduate courses for qualified post-baccalaureate students. GNM students are not enrolled in a degree program, but may apply up to 12 credits earned towards a graduate degree if they are later admitted to a graduate program at the University of Washington. Admission to GNM status does not confer priority for later admission into the Graduate School to pursue a degree.
Note that GNM students are limited to a maximum of 12 credits that may be applied to the degree even though the GISE program consists of 15 credits. Some departments may accept fewer than 12 credits. Applicants are encouraged to contact the graduate advising office in the appropriate academic department to ensure the applicability of the credits to the individual's degree program.
The application process for GNM status is in addition to the certificate program application. Two sets of official transcripts are required. For complete information on GNM status and a link to the online application process, see https://www.grad.washington.edu/applForAdmiss.
Information for International Applicants
English Language Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency. Applicants from other countries who have advanced English skills, for example, those who have earned a degree at a university where English is the primary language, can contact UW Extension at 206-685-8936 to determine if the TOEFL is necessary. Applicants who are not citizens of the United States must provide an official TOEFL score of at least 580, unless they are citizens of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom; or hold a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited institution in any of these countries. For information about the TOEFL, e-mail toefl@ets.org, or call 1-609-771-7100.
Visa status: 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.
Fees and Tuition
Tuition for the entire program is $20,000, payable at the time of enrollment. Tuition excludes registration, certificate program, and technology fees. 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 total 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. 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). Students earn the certificate upon successful completion of all course requirements. Enrollment in individual courses in the program is not permitted.

