Undergraduate Programs
Golden Gate University grants two undergraduate degrees: bachelor of arts and bachelor of science. Partial requirements for the two degrees are listed in the chart below and described in detail in the paragraphs that follow.
| Total |
123 |
123 |
|
| General Education |
51 |
60 |
|
| Proficiencies |
18 |
18 |
|
| Liberal Studies Core |
21 |
21 |
|
| Foundation |
12 |
21 |
|
| Major Requirements |
21 |
30 |
|
| Residency |
30 |
30 |
|
Major unit requirements are indicated in the degree descriptions in this catalog.
Minimum Grade-Point Average
All undergraduate students are expected to maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average. Additionally, courses in the “required for the major” require a minimum 2.00 grade-point average. For further information, refer to the catalog section Required Academic Progress and GPA Requirements .
General Education Proficiencies
All degree-seeking undergraduate students must complete their English, mathematics, professional development and critical thinking basic proficiency requirements within their first 27 units at Golden Gate University. Students who do not place into ENGL 1A must satisfactorily complete the prescribed pre-ENGL 1A Writing Workshop sequence ENGL 10A and ENGL 10B . Students who do not place into the required mathematics course(s) must satisfactorily complete the prerequisite MATH 10 or MATH 20 course before enrolling in the required courses.
English Placement Test and CLEP Exam
English Placement Test
All students wishing to enroll in ENGL 1A must take the English Placement Test. The results of the test will be used to determine if the student will be required to complete ENGL 10A and/or ENGL 10B prior to enrolling in ENGL 1A. Students are allowed an hour and a half to complete the test, and no outside materials may be brought in to assist with this computer-based test. Tests are offered by GGU Testing Service ggutesting@ggu.edu. The test is administered free of charge. For more information, visit Testing Services.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Exams are offered throughout the trimester by GGU Testing Services. A fee is required. Academic credit is awarded for a passing score on the “English Composition with Essay” exam. For more information, visit Testing Services.
Math Placement Test and CLEP Exam
Math Placement Test
The math placement test is designed to place students in the math class that best suits their current skills. Students are placed into either MATH 10 , MATH 20 , MATH 30 or MATH 40 (Graduate Psychology students only). Students may register for MATH 10 without taking the placement test. Tests are offered by GGU Testing Services to schedule an on campus exam session or find out how to take the exam remotely visit Testing Services. The test is administered free of charge by GGU there may be a fee if the exam is proctored by a third party you may email ggutesting@ggu.edu with inquiries .
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students who have not received credit for MATH 20 or MATH 30 either through transfer credit or by taking the courses at Golden Gate University may satisfy these course requirement(s) by taking a CLEP exam. Exams are offered throughout the trimester by GGU Testing Services. A fee is required. Undergraduate students are given academic credit for MATH 20 by passing the exam named “College Mathematics” or given academic credit for MATH 30 by passing the subject exams named “College Algebra” or “Precalculus.” For more information visit Testing Services.
Liberal Studies Core
All students are required to complete 21 units of liberal studies core courses as described below.
Lower- and Upper-Division Requirements
Students should try to plan their courses of study so as to complete lower-division requirements (courses numbered 1-99) before taking upper-division courses (courses numbered 100-199).
General Electives
The number of general electives differs from major to major, depending on the number of courses required as basic proficiencies, required for the major, general electives or combination of concentration and general electives.
Residence Requirement
Candidates for bachelor’s degrees must complete at least 30 units at Golden Gate University, including 21-30 units of upper-division required for the major courses. The 30-unit minimum can be taken anytime within the degree program.
Candidates for undergraduate certificates must complete all courses required for the certificate at Golden Gate University. Exceptions to these requirements will be made only on petition to and approval by the dean of the program.
Basic Proficiencies and Liberal Studies Core
Golden Gate University seeks to equip all its graduates with the intellectual skills, habits of mind, and broad-based liberal learning they will need for leadership in their professional careers and to live intelligently and responsibly as citizens of a globally interdependent world. The basic proficiencies requirements are designed to develop in students the skills that make autonomous and efficient learning possible. The liberal studies core helps students develop a broad understanding of the fundamental areas of human knowledge, their methods of inquiry, and their application to professional life. Therefore, in addition to mastering a body of specialized knowledge through in-depth study in a professional major, all baccalaureate candidates must complete the university’s basic proficiencies requirements and liberal studies core.
The basic proficiencies requirements and liberal studies core courses are designed to teach the following skills, basic knowledge, and understandings:
- Competence in communication.
- Competence in critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to access, evaluate and apply information using a wide variety of research tools, including print and electronic resources (information literacy).
- Proficient quantitative skills.
- An understanding of how knowledge is acquired and applied through the intellectual traditions of the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Ability to identify ethical issues in professional and personal life, to analyze ethical reasoning, and to formulate responsible, well-reasoned opinions and positions on questions related to ethics.
- Understanding of the methodologies for lifelong learning and self-reflection and respect for the value of education and lifelong learning.
The liberal studies core is divided into seven subject areas. Each subject area introduces students to an area of knowledge and to ways of studying it. The courses are designed to introduce in each subject area its practical application to business, technology, and other areas of focus in students’ major programs.
General Education and Liberal Studies Core Requirements
In compliance with the standards set for accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the basic proficiencies and liberal studies core requirements for students admitted to Golden Gate University in fall 2002 or thereafter are as follows:
- Students must complete the number of units prescribed by the major for the general education requirements. Degree descriptions in this catalog should be consulted.
- Students must complete 21 units within the liberal studies core.
- The liberal studies core requirements are divided into seven subject areas of three units each:
- Arts
- History
- Humanities
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Science
- Social Sciences
- A course used to fulfill a basic proficiencies requirement or a subject area in the liberal studies core cannot be used to fulfill any other degree requirement. Likewise, a course used to fulfill a major requirement of any kind cannot be used to fulfill a basic proficiencies or liberal studies core requirement.
- All courses taken for basic proficiencies or liberal studies core credit at GGU must result in letter grades.
Graduate Programs
Minimum Grade Point Average
For purposes of graduation and to maintain good academic standing, all graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the academic program to which the student is admitted. For further information, refer to the catalog section Required Academic Progress and GPA Requirements .
Time Limit for Completion of Master’s Degrees
Students ordinarily complete the requirements for a master’s degree within six calendar years from the date of admission to the graduate program. This period may be extended with permission of the appropriate school dean, and may require change of degree and program requirements.
Residence Requirement
Candidates for master’s degrees may transfer up to six 300-400 level units to the advanced program from graduate coursework completed at other regionally accredited institutions, or the number of transfer units stipulated in corporate or government contracts or agreements. While it is strongly recommended that the final six units be completed at GGU, those units may be transferred with prior faculty approval of the specific coursework if the six-unit transfer limit has not yet been met. Students should note that certain graduate course requirements may not be fulfilled by courses taken at other institutions, as designated by the faculty. Candidates for graduate certificates must complete all courses required for the certificate at GGU. Exceptions to these requirements will be made only on petition to and approval by the dean of the program.
Math Proficiency Tests
Students who have not received credit for MATH 20 , MATH 30 , or MATH 40 , either through transfer credit or by taking the courses at Golden Gate University may satisfy these course requirement(s) by taking one of the tests listed below, or the CLEP exam. Graduate students should see Proficiency in Mathematics, English and Computer Skills Required for Certain Master’s Degrees, for additional ways to satisfy the MATH 20 or MATH 30 requirement.
Proficiency Test for MATH 20 and MATH 30
This test is available for graduate students only and is designed to establish proficiency at a given level of algebra to eliminate the need to take the course. MATH 20 or MATH 30 can be waived for students who pass the proficiency test with an acceptable score. Tests are offered by GGU Testing Services. Students are allowed 2 1/2 hours to complete the test. The test is administered free of charge. For more information, visit Testing Services and view the “Graduate Math Proficiency Requirements” information.
Proficiency Test for MATH 40
This test is available to graduate students whose programs include a MATH 40 proficiency requirement and is designed to establish proficiency at the college statistics level. MATH 40 can be waived for students who pass the test with an acceptable score. The test may not be substituted for the course in programs that require three units of course credit for statistics. Tests are offered by GGU Testing Services. Students are allowed 3 hours to complete the test. The test is administered free of charge. For more information, visit Testing Services and view the “Graduate Math Proficiency Requirements” information.
Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement
Graduate programs require proficiency in writing to ensure that students are successful in their course of study. All students are required to satisfy the Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement or to take the Graduate Writing Placement Exam.
The Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement is satisfied for students who meet one of the following:
Ageno School of Business:
- Earned at least the grade of “B” in a graduate writing course from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (or the equivalent from Australia, Anglophone Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland or New Zealand), or
- Earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (or the equivalent from Australia, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, or New Zealand), or
- Passed a nationally recognized US exam that includes a significant written component such as the CPA, CFP, Bar Exam, or Foreign Service exam, or
- Earned a score on the Graduate Writing Placement Exam high enough to receive a waiver, or
- Waived by Dean, Department Chair, or Program Director, based on applicant’s submission of an Enrollment Services Petition form, available here: http://www.ggu.edu/media/shared/documents/admissions/enrollment-services-petition.pdf
Braden School of Taxation and School of Accounting:
- Earned at least the grade of “B” in a graduate writing course from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (or the equivalent from Australia, Anglophone Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland or New Zealand), or
- Earned at least the grade of “B” in an upper division undergraduate writing course from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (or the equivalent from Australia, Anglophone Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland or New Zealand), or
- Earned an undergraduate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (or the equivalent from an institution based in Australia, Anglophone Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, or New Zealand), or
- Earned a GMAT score of 4.5 on the analytical writing section, or
- Earned a GRE combined score of 4.5 on the analytical writing sections, or
- Passed a nationally recognized US exam that includes a significant written component such as the CPA, CFP, Bar Exam, or Foreign Service exam, or
- Earned a score on the Graduate Writing Placement Exam high enough to receive a waiver, or
- Waived by Dean, Department Chair, or Program Director, based on applicant’s submission of an Enrollment Services Petition form, available here: http://www.ggu.edu/media/shared/documents/admissions/enrollment-services-petition.pdf
Graduate Writing Placement Exam
All students who have not satisfied the Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement as detailed above must take the Graduate Writing Placement Exam. Students must be admitted to a program before registering for the exam. For exam registration and remote testing information visit Testing Services. The priority admission deadline for graduate program applicants is 15 business days before the start date of each term. New students should take the Graduate Writing Placement Exam as soon as possible after being admitted, but no later than 10 business days prior to the start of the term. Students who have not completed the exam in a timely manner will have limited eligibility for registration.
The Graduate Writing Placement Exam is a web based exam and asks students to read an article and write a multi-paragraph response. Students have ninety minutes (one-and-one-half hours) to complete the test. Performance on the writing placement exam determines placement. There are three levels of placement: waiver of further writing requirements, placement into ENGL 201 Graduate Writing , or placement into ENGL 200 Graduate Communications .
ENGL 200 is a six-unit course that focuses on building skills in both written and spoken English that lead to success in Golden Gate University’s graduate business degree and certificate programs. With the exception of accounting students, those who enroll in ENGL 200 enroll concurrently in BUS 201 Economic and Regulatory Essentials of U.S. Business , a three-unit course that introduces students to the economic and regulatory environment of business in the U.S.
Proficiency in Mathematics and Computer Skills Required for Certain Master’s Degrees and Certain Graduate Certificates
Master’s degree applicants are required to meet basic proficiency requirements in mathematics, writing and computer skills. Enrolled students are expected to register for classes to satisfy their proficiency requirements in their first term, and to have completed all outstanding proficiency requirements no later than within the first nine units of credit taken at Golden Gate.
MATH 20 Intermediate Algebra
Applicants to the Master of accountancy degrees, MS in accounting degrees, MS in information technology management degrees, MS in marketing degrees and the MS in project management are required to possess a level of mathematical skill equivalent to the university’s MATH 20 Intermediate Algebra . Students who cannot demonstrate adequate mathematical skills will be required to enroll in and satisfactorily complete appropriate mathematical courses and/or noncredit workshops offered or recommended by Golden Gate University’s Mathematics Department.
To screen for minimal skills, the university uses the following alternative criteria:
- Transfer of Intermediate Algebra from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C- or better
- Completion of MATH 20 at GGU with a grade of C- or better; however, graduate students must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing
- Pass GGU’s Intermediate Algebra Proficiency Exam with a score of 70 percent or better
- Pass the College Mathematics CLEP Exam with a score of 50 or better
- Score in the 50th percentile (or above) on the Quantitative Section of the GMAT Exam
- Score in the 50th percentile (or above) on the Quantitative Section of the GRE Exam
MATH 30 College Algebra
Applicants to the MBA, MS in financial planning degrees, MS in finance degrees are required to possess a level of mathematical skill equivalent to the university’s MATH 30 College Algebra .
To screen for minimal skills, the university uses the following alternative criteria:
- Transfer of College Algebra from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C- or better
- Completion of MATH 30 at GGU with a grade of C- or better; however, graduate students must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing
- Pass GGU’s College Algebra Proficiency Exam with a score of 70 percent or better
- Pass the College Algebra or Precalculus CLEP Exam with a score of 50 or better
- Score in the 80th percentile (or above) on the Quantitative Section of the GMAT Exam
- Score in the 80th percentile (or above) on the Quantitative Section of the GRE Exam
MATH 40 Statistics
Applicants to the MA in psychology degrees are required to possess a level of statistical skills at least equivalent to the university’s MATH 40 Statistics .
To screen for minimal skills, the university uses the following alternative criteria:
- Transfer of Business Statistics, Introductory Statistics, or Elementary Statistics, or a statistics course offered in behavioral sciences, public administration, and social sciences from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C- or better
- Completion of MATH 40 at GGU with a grade of C- or better. However, graduate students must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing
- Pass GGU’s Statistics Proficiency Exam with a score of 70 percent or better
Computer Proficiency
Applicants are expected to have access to current levels of computing, including the internet, and to demonstrate a working familiarity and skill with computers and software applications appropriate for graduate studies. This includes knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet analysis, visual presentation software and network access capabilities. Faculty may require additional preparation for those students who have not achieved the needed proficiency.
Proficiency in Mathematics and Computer Skills Required for All Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degrees
All students admitted to the MBA degree program, regardless of specific concentration objective, are expected to possess adequate graduate-level proficiencies in mathematics, writing and computing as follows:
Mathematics Proficiency
Mathematical skills at least equivalent to College Algebra (Pre-Calculus) are necessary.
To screen for minimal skills, the university uses the following alternative criteria:
- Transfer of College Algebra from a regionally accredited college or university with a grade of C- or better
- Completion of MATH 30 at GGU with a grade of C- or better. However, graduate students must maintain a 3.00 (B) cumulative grade point average to remain in good standing.
- Pass the College Algebra Proficiency Exam with a score of 70 percent or better
- Pass the College Algebra or Pre-calculus CLEP Exam with a score of 50 or better
- Score in the 80th percentile (or above) on the Quantitative Section of the GMAT Exam
- Score in the 80th percentile (or above) on the Quantitative Section of the GRE Exam
Computer Proficiency
Applicants are expected to have access to current levels of computing, including the internet, and to demonstrate a working familiarity and skill with computers and software applications appropriate for graduate studies. This includes knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet analysis, visual presentation software and network access capabilities. Faculty may require additional preparation for those students who have not achieved the needed proficiency.
Graduate Foundation Program Waiver Requirements for All Master’s Degrees
These foundation program courses may be waived based on undergraduate coursework transferred from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of C- or better, or by passing the appropriate CLEP exam with a score of 50 or greater. The number of waivers an individual student receives depends on a variety of factors and the particular foundation course. Prospective students who have questions about waivers should consult individually with the Office of Enrollment Services. An initial evaluation of the academic records of all admitted students identifies waivable courses, and students are informed of the results of this evaluation with their acceptance letter. If there are additional courses that the student believes should be waived given the rules, he or she may file a written petition and accompany the request with appropriate documentation including catalog descriptions, course syllabi, lists of required texts, etc.
Course titles of the seven waivable foundation courses and their associated waiver rules for applicable undergraduate course equivalents are listed below. See Course Descriptions .
- ACCTG 201 Accounting for Managers
Waiver Rule: A minimum of six semester units of accounting coursework covering both financial and managerial accounting including financial statement analysis, or current CPA status. If this coursework has not been completed in the last seven years, students must also pass the Accounting Currency Examination. GGU undergraduate course equivalence is ACCTG 1A and ACCTG 1B .
- ECON 202 Economics for Managers
Waiver Rule: A minimum of six semester units of microeconomics and macroeconomics. GGU undergraduate course equivalence is ECON 1 and ECON 2 .
- MATH 240 Data Analysis for Managers
Waiver Rule: A minimum of six semester units in statistics and regression including coverage of probability theory, estimation, hypothesis testing, multiple regression analysis and forecasting. GGU undergraduate course equivalence is MATH 40 and MATH 104 .
- MGT 210 Management Theory and Communications
Waiver Rule: A minimum of six semester units of upper-division coursework in managerial theory and managerial communications. GGU undergraduate course equivalence is MGT 100 and MGT 140 .
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