Edward S. Ageno School of Business

The Ageno School of Business at Golden Gate University, offers both full-time and part-time programs designed for working adults to earn an MBA or other specialized master’s degree in a business-related field. We offer the widest range of interdisciplinary graduate business degrees and certificates in the San Francisco Bay Area, designed to help students achieve personal and professional goals. Degree and certificate programs within the Ageno School of Business include business administration, business analytics, finance, financial planning, human resources management, leadership, information technology management, management, marketing, project management, supply chain management, psychology, and public administration. As Northern California’s first evening MBA program, GGU offers self-paced programs to accommodate individualized timetables for degree completion.

Degree programs at the Ageno School of Business provide students with an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills through interactive learning that promote deep understanding of concepts and their application in business settings. Through practical application, intensive case studies, problem solving, business simulations, and in-depth study of business, students become capable to enter high demand jobs in the global marketplace.

Relevant Education

Business and governments evolve, and so do we. The programs we offer are constantly updated to reflect current trends and practices, providing students with the most relevant know-how.

GGU offers three programs designed to hone innovative managerial and leadership skills: our Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, our Master in Leadership, and our Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA).

The two different graduate business administration programs meet the needs of our busy, working students: our integrated MBA and executive MBA (EMBA). The integrated MBA program builds leadership skills throughout the program, provides an integrated perspective of management, and allows students to tailor the program to specific career interests and goals with many concentrations. Concentrations include business data analytics, entrepreneurship, project management and the option to design a concentration. The Executive MBA program provides mid-level managers and above with an opportunity to learn and develop the management skills that will enable them to excel in today’s competitive environment. With the cohort structure, student learning is shared and enhanced by the experiences of peers. Engaged mentorship by faculty and the program director also provides the necessary support for student success.

The Master in Leadership degree program is designed to teach students leadership skills that are critical to harnessing and directing the talents of a diverse workforce - critical skills such as adaptive decision-making, designing and leading complex change, and leveraging business data - plus soft skills that help influence decisions, build emotional intelligence, and bring out the best performance in employees. Coursework is based on extensive input from corporate partners, industry groups and leading scholars, and leverages the university’s decades-long successes in developing high achieving leaders in the innovative crucible of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Housed in the oldest public administration department in Northern California, the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) degree program is designed to advance careers in public service, nonprofits, and governmental and community relations, and has concentrations in Urban Innovations and Law Enforcement & Security.

GGU offers a dedicated master’s degree in counseling psychology and one in industrial-organizational psychology. Students learn essential skills to help individuals and businesses thrive. In addition, our master’s degrees in finance, financial analytics, and financial planning give students the comprehensive knowledge and modern tools necessary to succeed in all aspects of the finance sector.

The information technology management and project management programs provide an integration of business and information technology to give professionals the flexibility to understand as well as manage the wide range of technology issues and tools that drive the contemporary enterprise.

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree program presents students with an understanding of the many possibilities for applying data analytics to business problems. Data analytics, and the implications of this strategic discipline, give practitioners new opportunities for discovering insights that can support the strategic goals and decision making of the organization. Business Analytics has emerged as one of the most important and high demand tools used in business today.

GGU encourages students to participate in capstone projects and internship programs, when applicable, as a way to bring more professionally focused practice into their educational experience. By graduation day, students will have the needed preparation and confidence to succeed.

Students are also encouraged to bring work projects into the classroom or online discussion rooms for in-depth analysis and exchange, for the opportunity to receive assistance from peers, and a fresh perspective on the issues faced daily.

Quality and Convenience

We recognize that for students juggling the responsibilities of work, community service, family and school, time is very valuable. To meet the demanding schedules of working professionals, classes are conveniently offered online or in person in the evenings and on weekends. Students have the choice to complete their MBA or MS degree programs either all online, all in person, or a combination of the two.

Benefits

Faculty are practitioners who do what they teach.
Wide selection of relevant, professionally oriented bachelor and master’s degrees and certificate programs.
Flexible programs for working professionals: in-person, online, hybrid.

Contact

For further information about the Edward S. Ageno School of Business, please contact:

Edward S. Ageno School of Business
Golden Gate University
536 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2968
Phone: 415-442-6500
Email: biz@ggu.edu
Website: www.ggu.edu/admissions/graduate/schools/ageno-school-of-business/

Graduate Business Programs

The Edward S. Ageno School of Business offers relevant programs in our continuing effort to help working adults prepare for today’s competitive, rapidly changing global marketplace. With high-quality, in-depth instruction from practicing professionals, students will be able to apply what they learn today in the workplace tomorrow. We offer graduate degrees in business administration, business analytics, entrepreneurship, finance, financial analytics, accounting data & analytics, human resource management, information technology management, leadership, marketing, psychology and public administration, as well as several graduate certificates. In addition, our Master of Business Administration degree allows students to focus on an area of special interest with large choice of concentrations.

Degrees

Business Administration

Because today’s companies want managers who understand technology, know how to lead and can motivate their work forces, these abilities are regularly emphasized throughout GGU’s business administration and management programs. To succeed, students will need skill sets that help them stay current over time in this rapidly changing arena. The evolving global marketplace of today is highly competitive; it demands a new kind of executive. Students will develop a deep grounding in business theory along with first-rate leadership skills, technological sophistication, a keen understanding of human behavior and the ability to motivate - not dominate - coworkers. GGU’s business administration programs are designed to make our graduates leaders who stand out in a crowd.

Business Analytics

The Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree program presents students with an understanding of the many possibilities for applying data analytics to business problems. Data analytics, and the implications of this strategic discipline, give practitioners new opportunities for discovering insights that can support the strategic goals and decision making of the organization. The discipline has grown so fast that it is impossible to address all of its elements, so this degree should be viewed as a “toolkit” of statistical and analytic theory, processes, tools and techniques, which can be integrated into the business depending on the discipline and needed outcomes.

Counseling Psychology

The demand for mental health professionals in contemporary society is unprecedented. As a result, here is a growing demand for counselors, therapists, mediators, consultants and other psychologically oriented professionals. GGU’s Counseling Psychology degree is unique in its flexibility, offering a broadly focused education and practical training to become a licensed mental health professional. Our curriculum meets the MFT licensure requirements as set forth by section 4980.36 of the California Business and Professions (Cal. B&P) code. The program satisfies all the educational requirements set by the California Board of Behavioral Science Sciences, and provides some hours of supervised experience fulfilling part of the practical experience requirements. Our curriculum also meets the educational requirements for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) licensure as required by section 4999.33 of the California Business and Professions (Cal. B&P) code. The curriculum also meets the educational requirements for MFT and/or LPCC licensure in some other states. We also offer a certificate that allows our students to take a smaller selection of courses in this degree.

Finance

Finance experts are among the most valued employees in any corporation. Many CEOs trace their academic and professional roots back to finance, a reflection of the strategic perspective that this discipline provides. Whatever the student’s intended destination in the rapidly changing world of finance, from investments and portfolio management to corporate strategy and financial services, GGU’s finance curriculum delivers the tools necessary for success in their career. Today’s financial experts increasingly depend on the sophisticated analytical techniques that are an integral part of our courses. Our goal is to help students develop the creative decision-making skills that they will need to move ahead in the global, technology-based world of finance. With our emphasis on professional-practice education, we offer an unwavering focus on how they can be better managers.

Financial Analytics

The Master of Science in Financial Analytics is a specialized, technical program that provides in-depth exposure to the principles and practices of corporate finance and business analytics. Analytics is used to evaluate and explain financial decisions regarding firms’ investment and long- and short-term financing strategies by applying financial theory, quantitative decision-making tools, and analytical methods. The primary objective of the program is to ensure that graduating students acquire the specialized skills and knowledge that they will need to add immediate value to their organizations in their roles as financial analysts. This program is a STEM-designated degree program.

Financial Planning

The Master of Science in Financial Planning is a comprehensive program that provides the core technical competencies required to develop comprehensive financial plans for individuals and families based on their unique financial situation and goals. Students learn to assess a client’s financial situation, develop a plan, and monitor progress over time. The program is a deep dive into a wide range of skills and knowledge related to personal finance, investment strategies, retirement planning, taxation, estate planning, and risk management, as well as financial analysis, portfolio management, financial planning software, ethics, and communication skills that relate specifically to practice management. The profession offers practitioners the opportunity to use their talent and education to make significant positive changes in their clients’ lives; and the intellectual and emotional satisfaction that comes from blending technical, quantitative, and analytical abilities with highly developed skills in communication, psychology, and human relations. GGU offers one of the oldest and most highly regarded financial planning programs in the country. For those already in the profession, our program is designed to take their established careers to a higher level; and those entering the field will be prepared to launch a successful and rewarding new career.

Human Resource Management

The effective, strategic use of human resources is critical to business success. Business profitability requires increasingly versatile skill sets that are regularly updated. Companies need innovative and creative employees. Employees need companies that make effective use of their talents and abilities. Global teams need to interact and work across cultures to attain competitive advantage. GGU’s leading-edge human resource management program is carefully structured to give students the foundation and in-depth training they will need as a human resource or people manager. Through our innovative curriculum, students gain a thorough, hands-on understanding of what is happening in the marketplace; why it is happening; what the future trends may be; and how to positively affect the leading and managing of people in a changing, global business setting.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-Organizational Psychology equips graduates to spearhead a variety of initiatives including identifying and improving employee training, evaluating internal problems, conducting market research, and increasing productivity by improving employee relations. The skills students acquire throughout their course of studies prepares graduates to assume leadership roles in industrial-organizational psychology in small, medium and large organizations in a variety of fields - technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, entertainment - or work at global consulting firms. This program is a STEM-designated degree program. We also offer two certificates that allows our students to take a smaller selection of courses in this degree.

Information Technology Management

The convergence of people, business processes and technology is the driving force in business today. In the 21st century, business and information technologies are increasingly interdependent in creating value across the enterprise. These realities put a premium on professionals whose education provides both theoretical and applied skills. The MS ITM curriculum is grounded in the four foundational components of IT: 1) software, 2) infrastructure, 3) network/communications, and 4) data. Instructors with extensive field experience at some of the Bay Area’s top companies present courses that address strategic application of the foundation while integrating emerging technologies, e.g., unstructured data analytics, cloud services, virtualization, mobile platforms and social media. By graduation, students will have an in-depth knowledge of IT systems and the skills to effectively manage their use in support of business objectives.

Leadership

The need for strong organizational leadership skills has never been greater. Adaptive and nimble leadership is required to succeed in our rapidly changing global marketplace. Not only must leaders confidently get work done through others, they must work effectively in a team environment, and make effective, data-based decisions in the face of uncertainty. They must be strategic thinkers able to inspire and motivate others to a shared vision, and able to quickly pivot and constantly drive innovation as market conditions change. Those who are unable to quickly adjust will be replaced by those with the tools, ability, and strategic mindset to thrive in a complex, uncertain environment. The MS Leadership program is designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset to manage and lead others in order to build high-performing organizations, with the opportunity to specialize in a set of four courses to enhance one’s career.

Marketing

The increased pace of business today has changed the rules about how organizations communicate with their markets. GGU’s Marketing Program monitors the evolving trends in the marketplace worldwide to inform and build on our state-of-the-art marketing education. In this way, we provide students with a first-rate marketing education that is both cutting-edge and grounded in the strong foundation skills that is needed to compete in today’s business environment. Students will learn to identify and innovate solutions for issues relating to traditional and digital marketing, new technology, and international marketing. GGU offers a range of courses for students to develop deeper expertise through analyzing case studies, problem solving, engaging discussions of current trends, events, and circumstances. Students develop the flexibility to adapt to change, adept marketing leadership, and the analytical and communication skills which are essential for success in 21st century business enterprises.

Project Management

The Master of Science in Project Management degree program meets the need for focused graduate study in this growing discipline. Business leaders are becoming more aware that project alignment with organizational goals will increasingly drive business value. Students will graduate with project management skills that emphasize the need for an integrated relationship with business function areas. Our degrees and certificate in project management provide formal training that prepares graduates to manage local, outsourced and global projects. Attention is paid to developing “soft skills,” which are needed for success in working in and among the multiple and diverse communities within the business organization.

Public Administration

The real-world, ethical practice of public service is an art as well as a science. Today’s successful leaders in the public and nonprofit sectors serve with intuition, creative problem-solving abilities, resilience, core values of inclusion, diversity, equity, justice, as well as communication and engagement skills. Since the 1960s, GGU has offered a public administration degree program of exceptional quality and academic rigor for the working student. The only Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program in the San Francisco Bay Area, GGU’s EMPA prepares the student for leadership and service roles in government and nonprofit agencies as well as public policy and community relations departments in large corporations. This program delves into real-time best practices in public policy and administration making students results-oriented and accountable contributors to city, state and federal government, nongovernmental organizations and international institutions. Some EMPA students have won prestigious awards, such as the Presidential Management Fellowship, the California Capital Fellowship, the National Security Fellowship, and the NASPAA Batten Competition. Since 1973, GGU has been a National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) institutional member and has Pi Alpha Alpha (public administration international honors society) and International City/County Management Association chapters.