Getting Down to Business at GGU
Golden Gate University appears in our ranking of the 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s In Finance.
Golden Gate University is a study-of-business heavy institution in San Francisco, California. The programs offered provide students with the opportunity to earn bachelor’s degrees, master’s degree, Ph.D.s, and certificates of various kinds. Aside from the business degrees that are available, Golden Gate University also offers the study of law. In all facets of education, the university specializes in the education of nontraditional students. They tailor their schedules and curricula to the needs of adult students.
Some of the degrees offered online at Golden Gate University include accounting, IT management, human resources, and marketing. These are also offered to “brick-and-mortar” students, and graduate students can earn several variations of the degree of Master of Business Administration, including analytics, finance, and executive development. There is even an associate degree of general studies available for those students who are not interested in either business or law.
About Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University started humbly during the 1850s. It was a small night school for adults who worked during the day. With the Gold Rush going on around it, many people had little time for studies, but the university persevered. In 1860, the school opened the first public library in San Francisco. When times got tough, the university joined forces with the YMCA and was known for a time as YMCA Evening College.
In 1901, the school began offering law classes. Five years later, disaster struck in the form of the San Francisco Earthquake. Everything was flattened and destroyed. From out of the ashes and rubble, the university even expanded and began offering accounting classes. From there until 1972, when it first became known as Golden Gate University, it grew further and added graduate programs, additional courses of study, and even daytime classes for those adults who worked night shifts. During the “Wild West” days of the internet, Golden Gate University offered some of the first online learning in 1996.
Golden Gate University Accreditation Details
The university has earned the regional accreditation of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. In addition to this accreditation, it has also earned an endorsement from:
- American Bar Association
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- California State Bar
- American Association of Law Schools
Golden Gate University Application Requirements
Because of the university’s mission to help adult learners, its admission requirements are slightly different than the norm. Most students are required to have 12 college credits of some kind already. Applicants must have earned at least a 2.0 GPA on these credits. Students with fewer than 12 college credits on their CVs must have the following to be considered for admission:
- A high school grade point average of 3.00 or higher
- A resume showing three or more years of professional work experience
- A statement of purpose stating why Golden Gate University is the right institution to meet the student’s personal and professional goals
In many cases, an interview is required as well, but this is at the option of the dean. Such an interview may be either in person or by phone at the dean’s discretion.
Students should also provide all transcripts from high school and their previous college experience. The SAT and ACT are not required for admission. Students for whom English is not their native language must prove proficiency. International students should be aware that, as of 2012, Golden Gate University no longer accepts applications from anyone who needs a student visa and wants to get a bachelor’s degree.
The requirements for graduate students are largely based on a student’s chosen course of study. For example, MBA candidates must take either the Graduate Record Exam or the Graduate Management Admissions test unless their previous academic achievement is high enough to waive the tests. Students must also take the Graduate Writing Proficiency Exam at least five business days prior to admission. These criteria are in addition to the submission of all previous transcripts and other academic documentation.
Golden Gate University does admit international graduate students, but the process is lengthy and involved. In addition to all proper immigration documentation, students must also fulfill other obligations based on their country of origin. International students should thoroughly familiarize themselves with all processes before beginning an application, and the Office of Admissions is available to answer any questions.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Golden Gate University is likewise different because of its adult-oriented mission. Instead of charging by the school year, or even by the semester or trimester, it charges by the 3-credit class. All undergraduate courses are $1,980. Graduate classes are calculated by program, such as:
- School of Accounting: $3,150 per course
- Bruce F. Braden School of Taxation: $3,600 per course
The school of law charges by the unit and by the degree sought. Students striving for a Juris Doctor pay $1,650 per unit while those seeking a Master of Laws pay $1,750 per unit. Doctoral candidates in law have the option of paying by the semester. Students should check the list of tuition and fees on the website based on their chosen field.
Unlike many states, the State of California provides official state-level financial aid to complement federal aid. Students should begin both with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the requisite forms for the California grants. Golden Gate University also provides its own grants and scholarships, and students can apply for as many of these as they wish. The finance officers in the Financial Aid Office will be happy to help prospective students sort out their financial aid situation. The university also has good relations with private lenders should a student wish to take out a private loan instead of a federal government loan. Remember, loans have to be paid back whereas grants and scholarships do not. Many of these, however, have rigorous standards that must be maintained.
Golden Gate University provides nontraditional students with an option for undergraduate and graduate study that can fit their study-life balance and provide them with high-quality, regionally accredited education.