Mar 18, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admission



How to Apply for Admission

Applicants can obtain an application for admission and information about admission procedures from the Office of Enrollment Services, Golden Gate University, 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105; telephone: 415-442-7800; fax: 415-442-7807; e-mail: info@ggu.edu. Also, applicants may use the online application at www.ggu.edu. Send all completed application forms and documents to the Office of Enrollment Services at the address noted above.

When to Apply

  • Applications are accepted throughout the year, and typically, admission decisions are made within five business days after all required documents have been received. Application files that require an academic department review typically take ten or more business days. All documents submitted become the property of the university and cannot be returned. The application fee is nonrefundable.
  • Applicants may apply for admission up to one calendar year prior to intended enrollment start term.
  • Degree requirements are associated with the admission start term.
  • Admission to academic programs and eligibility to enroll is valid only when verified and confirmed in writing in the letter of acceptance sent by the Office of Enrollment Services.

The Admission Process

  • Admission to the university is based on an assessment of your educational and professional credentials and background and a determination of your ability to benefit from the particular degree or program objective.
  • The application fee to apply is: $65 for graduate degree and certificate applicants; $40 for undergraduate degree and certificate US applicants; $25 for open enrollment and certificate cohort US applicants.
  • Applications are reviewed individually and the admission decision may specify conditions and requirements as determined by the academic program including additional admission requirements, and/or admissions conditions, and/or achieving additional academic progress standards.
  • The Office of Enrollment Services, in consultation with the faculty, reviews all documents, including official academic credentials from other institutions, scores on any required tests, personal statements, professional resumes, letters of recommendation, personal interviews, and any other relevant information.
  • Applicants whose academic preparation does not meet the university admission criteria, but who have potential for academic achievement, may be admitted conditionally or provisionally with the approval of the academic department.
  • Applicants who have been denied admission may not register for classes at any level or status and must wait a minimum of one year before reapplying. It is strongly recommended that applicants who are denied admission strive to improve their academic profile by completing additional courses at another regionally accredited institution.

Priority Admission Deadline: New applicants are expected to complete their application and submit all required supplemental documents before the priority deadline to receive an evaluation and an admission decision within 5 business days. The priority deadline for applicants is 15 business days before the start date of each term. Applicants who are not able to complete the application by the priority deadline may have their registration delayed which can result in being placed on the waitlist for some classes.

Undergraduate Admission

This section pertains to admission to bachelor’s degree and undergraduate certificate programs.

Undergraduate Admission Criteria

To be considered for full admission to the Associate of Arts in General Studies, the Bachelor of Arts in Management, or the Bachelor of Science in Business, you should have a community college, college, or university cumulative grade point average of 2.00 (C) or better with 12 or more semester units of prior transferable credit. If 11 or fewer semester units have been earned, the application may be considered with the following:

  • A high school grade point average of 3.00 (B) 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 your personal and professional goals; and
  • In some cases, participate in an interview (by telephone or in person) with the dean.

If the applicant does not meet the admission guidelines mentioned above, admission may be conditional with the approval of the dean, or his/her designee.

Undergraduate students who are conditionally admitted must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in their first 12 units at Golden Gate University.

Admission Application Documents

The applicant must provide the following documents:

  • Admission Application Form and Fee.
  • Official Academic Transcripts: Applicants with 12 semester units (18 quarter units) or more of transferable credit need only provide college transcripts. Applicants with fewer than 12 semester units of transfer credit must provide transcripts from all high school (secondary school) and previous college work. Applicants who have not completed high (secondary) school must provide results from the General Educational Development (GED) examination or the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE). Non-native speakers of English must satisfy criteria for the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements. The schools, colleges, and universities must send official transcripts to the Office of Enrollment Services. These official transcripts must be sealed by the sending organization.
  • Test Scores: Test score reports must be sent directly from the testing office to the Office of Enrollment Services. If the applicant’s first (native) language is not English, s/he must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Admissions Requirements. Refer to the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements for additional information and options for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirement.
  • Personal Statement: In cases where the academic history of an applicant does not meet the minimum admission requirements, it is required that a written personal evaluation be submitted along with the application. The statement must provide a realistic appraisal of academic work completed since graduation from high school. Explain inconsistencies in the academic record. In addition, include a specific plan to affirm a commitment to academic success while attending Golden Gate University. Applicants are expected to be as forthright and open as possible and should feel free to include unusual circumstances or adverse situations that may have influenced their current values. Be aware that both the quality of the writing and the thoughtfulness of the statement will be evaluated. Please be specific and include facts. A personal statement is required for undergraduate applicants with less than 12 semester units.

Undergraduate Advanced Placement Credit

High school graduates may earn up to 30 units (one academic year) of credit for advanced placement college-level courses completed in high school and validated by grades of three, four, or five on the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Board. Also, advanced placement is offered to students who earn scores of five, six, or seven on the International Baccalaureate IB Higher-Level examination.

Choice of Major

Undergraduate degree programs applicants must choose a program of study. Applicants will not be admitted as “undecided.” Golden Gate University does not offer double major degrees.

Multiple Concentrations in the Bachelor of Arts in Management and Bachelor of Science in Business Programs

Two or more concentrations may be earned in the BAM and BSB programs. In addition to the course requirements for the concentrations, the coursework for all the lower division courses, the liberal studies courses, and the business core courses, plus any additional degree requirements must be completed. All of the courses required for each concentration must be completed prior to graduation. Students may not request additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred. The student’s diploma will list all of the concentrations successfully completed prior to graduation.

Automatic Admission to Bachelor’s Degree Programs for Associate of Arts Program Students

Current GGU Associate of Arts program students who are nearing the completion of their programs may be automatically admitted into their choice of Bachelor’s programs by submitting the Associate of Arts/Bachelor’s Degree Program Request form. Alums of the Associate of Arts program may submit this form after their degrees have been conferred, but must do so within one calendar year following the conferral of their Associate of Arts degrees to be eligible for automatic admission. Alums who fail to submit the form in a timely manner will be required to apply for admission to a Bachelor’s program through the regular admission process.

Conferral of Associate of Arts Degrees for Bachelor’s Program Students

Current Bachelor’s program students who have completed the Associate of Arts program requirements may submit the Associate of Arts/Bachelor’s Degree Program Request form in order to have their Associate of Arts degrees conferred. Students must also apply for graduation via GGU4YOU from the Associate of Arts program after the program has been added to their records.

Earning a Second Bachelor’s Degree

Applicants who have previously earned a bachelor’s degree at Golden Gate University or other regionally accredited institution in the United States are not encouraged to pursue a second bachelor’s degree. A second bachelor’s degree has little educational or professional value. Unless in the rare case of a student who is looking to earn the second degree in a discipline with a distinct difference from their first degree, a second bachelor’s degree would require duplication of course work previously taken. It is highly recommended that students who have completed a bachelor’s degree explore educational opportunities at the graduate level. Applications for a second bachelor’s degree may be denied admission by the dean, regardless of prior academic qualifications.

Graduate Admission

This section pertains to admission to master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs.

Three-Year Degree Graduate Admission Policy

Graduates of three-year baccalaureate programs may be considered for admission after consideration of the applicant’s educational and work experience.

Graduate Admission Criteria

For admission to degree and certificate programs the applicant must:

  • Have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US institution or the equivalent from a recognized foreign (outside the US) institution
  • Demonstrate academic and professional capability to study at the graduate level
  • Possess quantitative, writing and computing skills needed to succeed in a competitive and dynamic environment
  • Applicants with credentials from U.S institutions that are not regionally accredited may be considered for admission on an exception basis. Admission and/or transfer of credits are not guaranteed

Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program applicants will be evaluated by a review of cumulative undergraduate grade point averages in combination with Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score. MBA applicants must fulfill the MBA degree proficiency requirements, including writing proficiency, and are expected to understand the degree requirements outlined in this catalog under Graduate Programs.

The GMAT is a basic aptitude test and does not require knowledge of business subject content. The GMAT is offered in a computer-adaptive format at various locations in the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world. Test appointments can be made with the Graduate Management Admission Council by calling 1-800-717-GMAT or through the GMAT Web page at www.mba.com.

GMAT Waiver Policy

Some applicants to the MBA program are not required to provide a GMAT score. The exceptions are below:

  • Applicants who have an earned master’s or higher degree from a regionally accredited US institution
  • Applicants who have a cumulative 3.50 grade point average or higher in studies leading to a US bachelor’s degree from an accredited or approved institution
  • Applicants who have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license
  • Applicants who have other professional licenses or designations earned by passing a nationally recognized US exam (e.g., CMA, CIA) and who petition and are granted approval from the Dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business
  • Applicants who can document more than five (5) years of substantial professional and/or supervisory managerial work experience, and who petition and are granted approval from the Dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business. Examples of professional experience are practicing CFAs; attorneys; physicians or other qualified professional careers; supervisory managerial work experience refers to experience directing others in the accomplishment of tasks.

Admission Application Documents

To be considered for admission to the graduate program, the applicant must provide the following:

  • Admission Application Form and Fee.
  • Official Academic Transcripts: Graduate applicants must submit transcripts from the degree-granting undergraduate institution. The transcript must clearly state that a bachelor’s degree or an industry standard equivalent has been conferred. However, to maximize transfer credit, we recommend submitting transcripts from all institutions attended. Note: Applicants for the Master of Accountancy, Master of Science in Accounting, and Master of Science in Business Analytics must provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Applicants who are non-native speakers of English must meet the criteria for the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements. Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Enrollment Services directly from the sending schools, colleges, or universities issuing the documents.
  • Test Scores:
  1. A GMAT score is required for MBA degree applicants unless the applicant meets the criteria for exception as noted in this catalog.
  2. The GMAT or GRE may be required of other master’s degree applicants if academic transcripts do not indicate sufficient academic preparation.
  3. Applicants whose first (native) language is not English must satisfy the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements.
  4. Test score reports must be sent directly from the testing service office to the Office of Enrollment Services.
  • Statement of Purpose (Optional for most applicants, required for applicants to the Master of Science in Business Analytics Master of Science in Human Resource Management , Master of Science in Information Technology Management Master of Accountancy Cohort Program , and Master of Taxation Cohort Program .) In cases where the academic history of an applicant does not meet the minimum admission requirements, it is required that a written personal evaluation be submitted with the application materials. The statement should give a realistic appraisal of any academic work completed since graduation from high school. Note any inconsistencies in the academic record and the reasons for them. In addition, include a plan to affirm a commitment to academic success while attending Golden Gate University. Applicants are encouraged to be as forthright and open as possible, and should feel free to discuss unusual circumstances or situations of adversity that may have influenced their current values. Be aware that both the quality of the writing and the thoughtfulness of the statement will be evaluated.
  • Certification of Finances: If you are an international student who will be attending on an F-1 Student visa or J-1 scholar visa, you must also provide a Certification of Finances form. Refer to the catalog section “Applying for Admission as an International Student”.

Please note: All application materials become the property of the university and cannot be returned.

Additional Masters Degrees

Applicants to master’s programs who have previously earned master’s degrees from GGU, or other regionally accredited institutions, may have up to 12 units for their subsequent master’s programs transferred into GGU, or waived with GGU coursework that was used to satisfy the requirements of their prior master’s degree program, subject to approval by the department chair, program director, or dean.

Pathway Programs

Applicants to certain GGU “Pathway” master’s programs may take up to 6 units of designated graduate-level courses and apply those units to their GGU bachelor’s degree and to their “pathway” master’s program.

Through the Path2CPA program, graduates of either the Accounting, BS  or Business, Accounting Concentration, BS  program may have up to 6 units of designated GGU graduate-level coursework applied to the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)  program. See the program descriptions for more information.

Applicants to the graduate Psychology programs who have previously earned bachelor’s degrees from GGU may receive a waiver for certain required graduate-level courses with comparable undergraduate-level coursework completed at GGU and used to satisfy the requirements of their GGU bachelor’s degree program. See the Counseling Psychology, MA  or Industrial-Organizational Psychology, MA  program for more information.

Multiple Concentrations in the Master of Accountancy Program

Two or more concentrations may be earned in the Master of Accountancy program. In addition to the course requirements for the concentrations, students must complete the proficiency and advanced program requirements. Elective courses may apply to more than one concentration. All of the courses required for each concentration must be completed prior to graduation. Students may not request additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred. The student’s diploma will list all of the concentrations successfully completed prior to graduation. The following concentrations are available:

Multiple Concentrations in the Master of Science in Accounting Program

Two or more concentrations may be earned in the Master of Science in Accounting program. In addition to the course requirements for the concentrations, students must complete the proficiency and advanced program requirements. Elective courses may apply to more than one concentration. All of the courses required for each concentration must be completed prior to graduation. Students may not request additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred. The student’s diploma will list all of the concentrations successfully completed prior to graduation. The following concentrations are available:

Multiple Concentrations in the MBA Program

Two or more concentrations may be earned in the MBA program. In addition to the degree requirements for the concentration, students must also complete the required courses for the entire foundation and advanced programs. All of the courses required for each concentration must be completed prior to graduation. Students may not request additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred. The student’s diploma will list all of the concentrations successfully completed prior to graduation. The following concentrations are available:

Multiple Concentrations in the EMPA Program

Two or more concentrations may be earned in the EMPA program. In addition to the degree requirements for the concentration, students must also complete the required courses for the EMPA. All of the courses required for each concentration must be completed prior to graduation. Students may not request additional concentrations after their degrees have been conferred. The student’s diploma will list all of the concentrations successfully completed prior to graduation. The following concentrations are available:

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

The following programs have additional admission requirements:

English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements

Undergraduate and graduate applicants whose first (native) language is not English must meet an English language proficiency requirement to be considered for admission. Applicants may satisfy this requirement by one of the following:

  1. Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score: 79 Internet-based test or higher.
  2. Seven years of documented, increasingly responsible, professional experience in the US or other English-speaking country.
  3. Completion of English 1A/1B (or equivalent) at regionally accredited US college/university with grades of B+ or better in both.
  4. Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited US college/ university or equivalent from recognized college/university in other English speaking country with at least 60 of the units earned in the US or in the English Speaking country.
  5. Master’s degrees from regionally accredited US college/ university or equivalent from recognized college/university in another English-speaking country.
  6. Official IELTS Academic (Cambridge) Band: 6.5 or higher.
  7. APIEL (College Board): 4 or higher.
  8. Completion of three (3) years of high school in the US or another acceptable English-speaking country with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5/4.0 of higher.*
  9. Completion of a British-standard O-level (GCE Ordinary Level) examination in English Language/Literature with a mark of B or higher.**
  10. Completion of a British-standard A-level (GCE Advanced Level) examination in English Language/Literature with a mark of B or higher.**
  11. Official Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score: 57 or higher.
  12. Waived by the dean of the school that offers the applicant’s program of study.

* Note 1: Not all English medium educational systems fulfill this requirement. Countries that qualify are: Australia, Anglophone Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand.

** Note 2: Not all countries that offer O- and A-level examinations meet British examining board standards. Countries that meet this standard include: Bahamas, Belize, Brunei, Ghana, United Kingdom, Guyana, Hong Kong, Ireland, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Admission of Graduate International Applicants (F-1 Student Visa Holders)

Golden Gate University enrolls graduate students from all over the world. International applicants are strongly encouraged to carefully read the following.

The Application Calendar

The applicant must submit an original or certified transcript and certified English translation from each school previously attended. Examination scores and mark sheets may be submitted in lieu of a transcript for institutions that do not maintain transcripts. Acceptance of documents is the sole discretion of the admissions personnel.

International applicants are strongly advised to submit all supporting materials by the dates below based on their desired first terms of enrollment to provide sufficient time to complete the admission and visa approval processes:

Start Term Recommended Submission Deadline

Fall:

Spring:

Summer:

first week of August

first week of December of prior year

first week of April

Applicants may apply for admission up to one calendar year prior to the intended first term of enrollment.

Applying for Admission as an International Student

  • Graduate of an American college or university who are applying for admission to a master’s degree program, must have earned a bachelor’s or higher level degree from a regionally accredited college or university. International applicants who are not graduates of a regionally accredited American college or university must have earned a degree comparable to a US bachelor’s degree. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Enrollment Services from the institution.
  • English test scores, such as TOEFL, IELTS and PTE, or other proof of fulfillment of GGU’s English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements are required of all graduate applicants who are non-native speakers of English.
  • A Certification of Finances form must be submitted by all applicants intending to study while on a F-1student or J-1 scholar visa. This form provides information that is required by the United States Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and may be obtained from the Golden Gate University website (www.ggu.edu), or by contacting the Office of Enrollment Services. Also, it is included in the application packet that is sent upon request.
  • The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required of MBA applicants.

International Student Enrollment

Some admitted International student degree candidates may be required to complete more than the number of degree units in the program because additional academic preparation is required.

  • The university is authorized by US federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students. The university will not issue the immigration related documents until the applicant has been admitted as a full degree or certificate candidate, and has been financially certified by the university’s Certification of Finances approval process. (F1 students are required to remit a $1,000 tuition deposit as noted below)
  • Students with a F-1 student or J-1 scholar visa may attend only GGU’s San Francisco campus.
  • The Department of Homeland Security requires international students with F-1 student visas to be enrolled for consecutive terms of sufficient duration and units, typically consisting of no fewer than nine units per term at the graduate level.

Tuition Deposit for Student Visa Holders (F-1 visa student)

All international students including students who are transferring from other schools in the US and who require Form I-20 from Golden Gate University to obtain the F visa will be assessed a nonrefundable tuition deposit of $1,000.

This tuition deposit is applied toward tuition in the first enrollment term. Payment is non-refundable* and non-transferable if the student fails to complete the enrollment process. Students may request deferred enrollment, which must be submitted in writing to the Admissions Office.

*Students who are denied a visa may appeal for a deposit refund of up to $900.

Admission to Certificate Programs

To apply for certificate programs, students should submit an admission application and fee.

  • An official transcript documenting the equivalent of a high school diploma from an approved institution is required for undergraduate applicants. Students with 12 transferable semester units or 18 quarter units or more from a regionally accredited college or university must submit complete official transcripts detailing this coursework. An official and complete transcript documenting the award of the undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution is required for graduate applicants. An official test score report or other proof of fulfillment of GGU’s English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements is required for all applicants whose native language is not English. Once these documents have been received, the decision for admission to certificate studies is communicated in writing by the Office of Enrollment Services.
  • Many certificate courses require prerequisite courses that must also be satisfied. It is not guaranteed that every course required for each certificate is offered every term.
  • Admitted certificate program students are required to maintain applicable academic progress standards, including grade-point average.
  • All courses for a certificate program must be completed in residence at Golden Gate University. No transfer credit is granted. Courses earned at GGU in a certificate program may also be used toward a degree program at the university.
  • The certificate will be awarded at the end of the trimester in which the student successfully completes all of the coursework and submits a Certificate of Completion Request form to the Office of Records and Registration.
  • Certificate programs are ineligible for Title IV federal financial aid.

Open Enrollment Status (Non-Matriculated)

Prospective students who are seeking to earn degrees or certificates, who have applied for admission to the university but whose applications have not been processed, may enroll in courses through open enrollment status. In addition, students who desire to take courses for personal enrichment but are not seeking academic credentials may request to enroll through open enrollment status. Permission to register for individual courses is based on prior academic performance and preparation in appropriate prerequisites.

  • Registration under open enrollment status does not constitute admission to Golden Gate University.
  • Open enrollment students are required to submit an Open Enrollment Application and to have each course approved by an enrollment counselor prior to registration each term.
  • For credential-seeking students, open enrollment registration is limited to a maximum of 2 terms while the student’s admission application is being processed. However, for non-credential-seeking students, there are no limitations on the number of terms or units for which students can register under open enrollment status.
  • Open enrollment graduate-credential-seeking students may attempt and earn a maximum of 9 graduate units, which can also be applied toward meeting a graduate degree or certificate program requirements.
  • Open enrollment undergraduate-credential-seeking students may attempt and earn a maximum of 12 units, which can also be applied toward meeting an undergraduate degree or certificate program requirements.
  • Doctoral level courses may not be taken under open enrollment status.
  • Open enrollment is not a permitted status for an international student studying on a Visa (F-1 or J-1).
  • Open enrollment status students are not eligible for financial aid, including federal, state, grant and scholarship programs.
  • Students registered in open enrollment status are not eligible to earn certificates. Certificate-seeking students must apply for admission to certificate programs.
  • For credential-seeking students, the student’s academic performance in the open enrollment term(s) may be used in the admission decision. If the student’s GPA falls below the required minimum during the open enrollment term and the student is later admitted to the university, the student will be placed on academic probation upon admission and will be required to comply with the university’s probation policies.
  • Open enrollment students who plan to enroll in graduate level courses must have earned a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Open enrollment students who plan to enroll in undergraduate courses must have earned a high school diploma or GED. No admission test scores are required for either graduate or undergraduate open enrollment students.
  • Open enrollment students who are non-native speakers of English must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements prior to registration.
  • Students who seek to enroll in English or Mathematics courses are required to complete a placement test prior to registration. See Degree Requirements  for more information.
  • Open enrollment students are allowed to make the Credit/No Credit Grade Election  and to audit courses.
  • Open enrollment students are required to maintain good academic standing to register for courses and to remain enrolled. Evidence of good academic standing for an undergraduate student is a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average, and for a graduate student is a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average. Students who fall below this standard will not be permitted to register for subsequent terms.

Open enrollment students who do not meet all of the requirements as noted above are not permitted to register and will be dis-enrolled in the event that ineligibility is determined after the term begins.

Admission Policies Applicable to All Degree and Certificate Students

Readmission of Former Students (Returning Students)

Degree students who do not earn at least one unit of academic credit in three consecutive trimesters must apply for readmission.

Applicants for readmission must meet the admission requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Students seeking readmission must obtain an “Application for Admission” and submit it to the Office of Enrollment Services with the appropriate fee. Official transcripts from all institutions attended in the interim must also be submitted. These transcripts must be sent directly from the previous institution to the Office of Enrollment Services. Many of the student records covered by the Golden Gate University Records and Retention Plan contain confidential information protected by federal and state law. GGU staff is required to handle and dispose of these records appropriately to protect student privacy. Therefore, students that are reapplying for admission and have been inactive for 5 or more years will likely be required to resubmit all necessary documents.

Students who were on academic probation at the time they stopped enrolling at the university may be readmitted into the same academic program but will remain on probation and will be subject to the probation-retention plan in effect when they were last enrolled. Such students who are seeking admission into different academic programs may remain on probation if their prior course work is applicable to their new program’s requirements and if the resulting grade point average (GPA) is below the university’s standards. For further information, refer to the catalog section Required Academic Progress and GPA Requirements . All other readmitted students will be subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

Cancellation of Application/Admission

An application may remain in pending status for up to one calendar year from the date on which it was received by the Office of Enrollment Services. If the applicant’s file is not completed within that year, the application will expire and the documents associated with that application will be destroyed. Admission is valid for the term for which the applicant was admitted, and the two subsequent terms. If applicant does not enroll during that time period (approximately one year), the offer of admission is cancelled and the documents associated with that application will be destroyed. Re-applying after that time will require a new application, application fee and the submission of all transcripts and other required credentials.

Pending Applications

Applicants to undergraduate and graduate studies may enroll in Open Enrollment pending final admissions decision. All rules applicable to Open Enrollment must be followed. Students who are denied admission are dis-enrolled.

Change of Program

Degree students wishing to change their degree objective or area of concentration must complete a Change of Degree Program Request form and submit it to the Office of Records and Registration. Students will be re-evaluated under the degree requirements in effect at the time the form is processed.

Students who are on academic probation may apply for a change of program. The dean of the school in which the new program is housed determines if your qualifications meet the requirements of the new program.

Applicants who want to change their degree program prior to an admission decision should submit the request to the Office of Enrollment Services. There is no charge for this process.

Changing from Certificate-Seeking to Degree-Seeking Status

Certificate students who wish to enter a degree program should submit the appropriate admission application and all required supporting documents and fees. Students admitted to a degree program will be required to fulfill the degree requirements for that program in effect at the time of admission. In addition to prior school records and test scores, performance in certificate coursework at Golden Gate is used as a criterion for admission to degree programs.

Changing from Open Enrollment to Degree or Certificate Status

Open Enrollment status permits limited enrollment at the university, but does not constitute admission to the university. Students who wish to change from Open Enrollment to a degree or certificate program should file an Application for Admission with the Office of Enrollment Services.

Undergraduate Transfer Credit

Transferring to GGU is a convenient process, and many students receive the maximum number of transfer units possible. Advisors at Northern California community colleges and Admissions Office staff at Golden Gate University can be contacted for further transfer information.

Credits from regionally accredited four-year institutions are usually acceptable, as are college-level credits from accredited community colleges; credits, not grades, transfer. Credit may be granted only if the subject matter of courses is applicable to programs offered by Golden Gate University. General Education/Liberal Studies transfer credit varies by degree program. Credit for terminal, occupational, technical and vocational courses may be accepted on a limited basis.

Transfer credit from all available sources cannot exceed 93 units. A minimum of 30 units must be completed at Golden Gate University. Specific articulation references are available at www.ggu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfers/ . This site includes information on pre-approved courses and their equivalent Golden Gate course from over 100 colleges and universities located world-wide.

Associate of Arts (AA) Block Transfer:

Students with a completed Associate of Arts (AA) degree from a regionally accredited college or university at the time of admission may be eligible for a block transfer program of 60 units that completes many of the general education and liberal studies core requirements in the GGU bachelor’s degree programs. Information regarding articulated associate of arts block transfers can be found at www.ggu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfers/.

Students who have earned an associate of science (AS) or an associate of applied science (AAS) degree will be eligible for a course-by-course evaluation of their work. Every effort will be made to transfer in applicable course work from those programs to maximize the student’s academic history.

Intersegmental General Education (IGETC) or CSU GE Breadth Block Transfer:

Students with a documented certification for IGETC or CSU GE Breadth at the time of admission may be eligible for a block transfer program that completes the general education and liberal studies core requirements. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a transfer preparation process in which all California community and junior colleges participate. GGU honors IGETC guidelines for general education requirements. Information regarding IGETC can be obtained from all California community and junior colleges, and most of those institutions indicate IGETC approved courses in their course catalogs. The policies in effect at the time the student applies for certification at his or her community college campus will determine eligibility. Completion of either IGETC or CSU Breadth requirements must be verified through the certification process to maximize transfer credit. Students without that certification will be eligible for course-by-course evaluation. Information regarding courses waived with the certification can be found online at www.ggu.edu/admissions/undergraduate/transfers/.

Non-Coursework Transfer Credit:

Golden Gate University recognizes and grants credit for educational programs offered by alternative and nationally-recognized providers. Such programs include:

  • Advanced Placement Examinations offered by the College Board
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP) General and Subject Examinations offered by the College Board. (Individuals may not sit for the same CLEP test twice in a six-month period.)
  • DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) offered by Prometric
  • Military Certifications, Training, and Education evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE)
  • Training programs, certifications, and educational programs evaluated and recommended for credit by the American Council on Education’s CREDIT Service (ACE Credit) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS)
  • Undergraduate credit as result of evaluation of a prior learning assessment portfolio through the Golden Gate University partnership with the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and Learning Counts and in conjunction with enrollment in UGP 150  
  • Up to 12 units of general elective credit for one year’s uninterrupted active duty military service as validated through the DD-214 or DD-295
  • Undergraduate-level correspondence courses from a regionally accredited institution
  • American College Testing (ACT) Proficiency Examination Program (PEP) tests
  • American Institute of Banking courses not completed at a community college
  • Certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) of successful passage of the PHR@ (Professional in Human Resources), SPHR@ (Senior Professional in Human Resources, or GPHR@ (Global Professional in Human Resources) with or without the California endorsement

Transfer Credit Policies:

  • A student may apply up to 93 semester units of credit transferred from other colleges and all other recognized sources toward the bachelor’s degree.
  • A minimum of 30 units must be completed at Golden Gate University.
  • Credits may be transferred from regionally-accredited community colleges, two-year and four-year institutions, and national testing services as noted above.
  • Courses completed with grades of “C-” or better are accepted for transfer.
  • Cooperative education units earned at other US institutions may be transferred with dean approval.
  • The maximum number of transfer credits from any one source or combined sources may be limited by Enrollment Services.
  • Credits earned in certain subjects more than ten years before admission to Golden Gate University may not be accepted, or may be subject to review or additional documentation.
  • Courses not specifically articulated may transfer as elective credit.
  • Additional courses may fulfill the Liberal Studies Core requirement based on content and units earned.
  • A student may file a petition regarding disputes.
  • No more than three semester hours of Physical Education will be accepted.
  • Some courses in the following categories may be accepted for academic credit with faculty review and approval:
    • Occupational - e.g. bookkeeping, law enforcement, keyboarding, nursing, secretarial training - e.g. remedial math, equipment operation, typing or courses considered below college level
    • Personal development - e.g. assertiveness training, personal budgeting
    • Skill building

Graduate Transfer Credit

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. Students who have earned a master’s degree at a regionally accredited institution may be eligible to transfer up to 12 graduate-level units to a GGU master’s degree with the approval of the appropriate department chair or program director. All foundation program course requirements may be transferred if applicable courses were completed in prior academic coursework. Students should note that certain 300-400-level course requirements may not be fulfilled by courses taken at other institutions, as designated by the faculty.

Students who have completed graduate work at another institution may be admitted with up to six units of advanced program (300-400-level) credit when courses submitted for transfer credit meet all of the following criteria:

  • The course(s) were earned at the graduate level with a grade of B or better and not used toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Courses with a grade below B including B minus are not transferred.
  • The course(s) are applicable to the GGU degree objective.
  • The course(s) were earned at a regionally accredited institution.
  • The course(s) are approved by the faculty.
  • Cooperative education units earned may be transferred with faculty approval.
  • Professional Military Education (PME) or training courses evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) may qualify for transfer credit. In considering the ACE recommendation, the university assesses the level and determines the amount of credit.
  • Courses taken by correspondence are not acceptable for advanced program graduate transfer credit.