Mar 19, 2024  
2019-2020 Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

About GGU



History

The fourth-oldest private university in California, Golden Gate University was officially established in 1901 as a place where working adults could improve and acquire skills to advance their careers. GGU grew out of the night school of the San Francisco YMCA and, for much of its history, has been the only choice in San Francisco for working men and women to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree while shouldering career and family responsibilities. A nonprofit, independent university, Golden Gate serves working adults who want a better education, empowering them to have a successful career and better quality of life. Our students are poised to achieve their aspirational goals; and through relevant, effective learning, we help them reach their full potential.

Accreditation

Golden Gate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501; 510-748-9001.

The School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago IL 60611; 312-988-6743; the State Bar of California and the Association of American Law Schools, 1201 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-2605; 202-296-8851.

Approach

Contemporary programs, new technology and academic innovations coupled with experiential classroom learning taught by working professionals make the Golden Gate experience especially relevant. We are recognized for our practical and professionally focused approach to education; coursework is often based on the real challenges facing our society. Program and course formats are designed to maximize learning outcomes.

Faculty

Classes are taught by an experienced group of full-time faculty as well as a large number of adjunct professors who currently work in the fields they teach, bringing on-the-job insight directly to class for students to debate and discuss. Outside of class, most of our professors work as CEOs, directors, vice presidents, entrepreneurs, consultants, partners and managers at companies of all sizes. GGU faculty, deans and directors have professional experience in their fields as well as a strong academic orientation. We use the case study method of instruction to teach students how to put theory into practice.

Schedules

Classes meet throughout the year in 15-week and 7.5-week formats. See the Academic Calendar for term dates. See the Course Schedule for specific offerings. All of our programs are available in-person at our San Francisco campus and most are available online. Select programs are offered at our Silicon Valley and Seattle campuses. Degree programs can be completed in an intensive cohort or at your own pace.

Class Size

Most classes are kept small so students can receive personalized attention from their professors. Students are recognized as individuals and are encouraged to bring their valuable perspectives to classroom discussions. Professors work closely with students to help them develop their potential and meet their individual goals.

Students

More than 3,300 students attended Golden Gate during the 2018-2019 academic year, of which 61 percent were in graduate programs, 19 percent were in undergraduate programs, and 20 percent were law students. There were 334 international students from 48 countries enrolled at GGU.

Mission Statement

Golden Gate University prepares individuals to lead and serve by providing high-quality, practice-based educational programs in law, taxation, business and related professions - as a nonprofit institution - in an innovative and challenging learning environment that embraces professional ethics and diversity.

Value Proposition

Golden Gate University students make immediate, measurable contributions as they enter or advance in their profession. Each graduating student will possess:

  1. The ability to think critically, analyze and synthesize.

  2. The relevant bodies of knowledge and their application in global and multicultural business and legal environments.

  3. The knowledge of professional standards and ethics and the ability and sense of duty to apply them.

  4. A respect and appreciation for the value of diversity among people and ideas.

  5. Effective research skills relevant to the discipline.

  6. Communication skills, including speaking, writing and listening.

  7. The ability to use technologies and applications necessary for success in their fields.

  8. The ability to adapt in the rapidly changing world.

  9. Leadership qualities.

  10. The awareness necessary to identify and capitalize on career or service opportunities.

Locations

San Francisco

536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
415-442-7800 • fax: 415-442-7807
e-mail: info@ggu.edu

eLearning (Online)

536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
415-369-5250 • fax: 415-227-4502
e-mail: elearning@ggu.edu

See eLearning  for a description of GGU’s online learning platform and student participation expectations.

Silicon Valley

3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95054
408-573-7300 • fax: 415-442-6579

Seattle

New address effective August 1, 2019

Seattle Hebrew Academy
1617 Interlaken Drive East
Seattle, WA 98112
206-622-9996
e-mail: tax@ggu.edu

Washington State Authorization

Golden Gate University is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes Golden Gate University to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.

Liability Disclaimer

Golden Gate University assumes no liability, and hereby expressly negates the same, for failure to provide or delay in providing educational or related services or facilities, or for any other failure or delay in performance arising out of or due to causes beyond the reasonable control of the university, which causes include, without limitation, power failure, fire, strikes by university employees or others, damage by the elements, and acts of public authorities. The university will, however, exert reasonable efforts, when in its judgment it is appropriate to do so, to provide comparable or substantially equivalent services, facilities or performance; but its inability or failure to do so shall not subject it to liability.

The University reserves the right to change regulations, curricula, courses, course locations, tuition and fees, or any other aspect of its programs described in this catalog.