A Leader in Continuing Education for More Than 90 Years
University of Washington Extension was founded in 1912 as the branch of the university offering correspondence courses. UW Extension has since grown to cover continuing education programs, online learning and other educational opportunities for working adults. Today, this nonprofit unit offers more than 100 certificate programs, hundreds of classroom-based and online learning classes, and various workshops and lectures. UW Extension attracts more than 27,000 enrollments each year.
Mission

The mission of UW Extension is to extend and expand the educational resources of the University of Washington to local, regional, national and international communities, and to provide quality educational opportunities that reflect the high academic standards of the university.

Access
UW Extension programs are open to all, and most do not require examination scores or other advanced credentials for admittance. In addition, many UW Extension programs and courses offer academic credits that can be applied toward degrees. Distance learning formats also offer flexibility to busy students who wish to pursue educational opportunities at their own pace and locations.
Quality
All UW Extension programs are designed with the help of UW faculty and industry and community experts, and must be approved by their corresponding UW colleges, schools or departments. In addition, UW Extension relies on advisory boards of experts and faculty to review programs and update curricula.
Instructors
UW Extension employs more than 1,300 instructors. Some instructors are regular UW faculty who teach Extension classes in addition to their regular teaching duties. Most are industry experts in their fields who wish to share their skills with students.
Students
Students in UW Extension programs are usually working adults, with a bachelor's or other advanced degree, who have also been out of school for a while. Most live in the Puget Sound region.
Locations
UW Extension has administrative offices in the University District of Seattle, and classrooms in downtown Seattle and Bellevue (see maps). It also has licensing agreements that bring many of its programs to students throughout the state, nation and abroad.
UW Educational Outreach
UW Extension is part of UW Educational Outreach, a nonprofit division of the university that also administers many other programs, classes, workshops and institutes, including the following: