If you are familiar with the application process, you can:
This program is focused on helping working professionals involved in the waste management and facilities management professions. Work experience or related educational experience is required. Work experience combined with a degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, or Public Affairs is preferred. Admissions will be limited and made on a competitive basis.
Admission Requirements
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.
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 class 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.
Application Process
The 2010-2011 program begins in Winter, 2010. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed in the order they are received starting October 12, 2009. After this date, check the program status box on the right side of this page to determine if the program is no longer accepting applications. Don't hesitate to call 206-685-8936 or e-mail us if you have any questions.
To Apply:
The application process requires a $50 certificate program fee* and one application set, which include the following clearly labeled documents:
- 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
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. The Practice and Policy of Composting, Recycling and Waste Prevention is offered as either a credit or non-credit certificate. Tuition for the entire credit program is $4,500, excluding certificate program and application fees and textbooks. Tuition for the entire CEU certificate program is $2,985 excluding certificate program and application fees and textbooks. There is a $50 nonrefundable certificate program fee to apply to this program and a $35 nonrefundable application fee each term. First-term credit tuition of $1,650, plus the nonrefundable application fee, is due by September 17, 2009. First-term CEU tuition of $995, plus the nonrefundable application fee, is due by September 17, 2009. The University's tuition exemption policy does not apply to this program. Fees and tuition are subject to change.
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 following materials either online or by mail:
- A completed application for single-course enrollment;
- A résumé listing your work-related experience
- A typed (250-word maximum) letter of application describing your experience/knowledge and how it was acquired.
To apply for single-course enrollment: You can apply online by clicking a course title below, or you can print and submit a completed application for single-course enrollment and the other materials listed above by mail.
Applicants receive written notification of their acceptance or non-acceptance within two weeks after their application is received. 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.
Refunds
For complete refund and withdrawal policies, please refer to Student Information & Services.
Cancellations
UW Extension reserves the right to cancel programs or classes with low enrollment.
