Golden Gate University Online

Highlights

• Online extension of Golden Gate University, a century old institution
• Online degree programs running for over a decade
• Online courses and degrees same as on campus
• Blended online / on-campus studies an option
• Full-time or part-time studies
• Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

About the School

Founded in 1901 in San Francisco, Golden Gate University (GGU) has been educating professionals in the fields of management, accounting, business, taxation, law, information technology. The school offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Its focus is on graduating individuals with professional skills who are career ready.

GGU's Web-based online education system, named CyberCampus, was launched in 1997 and now serves over ten thousand students annually. The school notes that it has evolved its CyberCampus capabilities along with the advancements in Internet technologies. Its online, distance learning capabilities now include narrated and animated presentations, streaming audio and video, podcasting, and other online teaching resources.

Academic Programs

GGU Online offers several dozen combinations of study areas and degrees and certificates. Program areas being featured by GGU Online include:

• Business – Programs cover: Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Financial Planning, Human Resource Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations and Supply-Chain Management, Project Management, Psychology and Public Administration
• Technology – Studies can include: Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Telecommunications Management, Enterprise Systems Management, and Systems and Network Management.
• Taxation – Reviews U.S. income taxation concepts and rules. Students learn from practicing tax specialists and lawyers.

Learning Options

• Online courses are asynchronous, allowing for anytime, anywhere log in and participation
• Students can take courses online only or a combination of online and on campus
• Online text discussions are threaded between students and their professors, with participation expected weekly
• Communication available via web-based conferencing, e-mail, phone and fax
• Course textbooks can be ordered online

Faculty

CyberCampus classes are taught by the same professional faculty that teaches on-campus courses. The school selects educators who are experts in their field and can bring their real-work experience to the online classroom. Almost all instructors have advanced degrees in their fields. Most of the teachers are working professionals. The faculty includes those who were Fulbright Scholars.

Student Life

The program's small class sizes allow faculty to create a seminar-style classroom environment designed to foster discussion. With asynchronous classes, coursework and interactions enable students to seek information or ask questions as the need arises and to contribute to discussions at any time.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Admission requirements vary by program. The school's staff reviews all admissions applications, including academic records, test scores, personal statement, professional resumes, letters of recommendation and personal interviews.

Financial aid is available for eligible students. The school assists these students in applying for aid. Possible assistance sources include: Federal Financial Aid, State Grants, GGU Scholarships, Private loans, Employer Tuition Assistance or an Installment Payment Plan.