Accounting and Finance Degrees at Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University appears in our ranking of the 50 Best Online Master of Finance Degree Programs.
Golden Gate University offers three undergraduate and seven graduate degrees in accounting-related fields. All programs are designed for students to enroll completely online, on campus, or a mix of both. The Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree is geared toward students who are planning to take the Certified Management Accounting (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), or Certified Public Accounting (CPA) exams. The program consists of 123 total credit hours, 60 of which are general education requirements. Students also take a series of six major classes including The Manager as Communicator and Introduction to International Business followed by 10 core classes like Auditing, Federal Income Tax, and Business Law as well as five electives. An option for students not committed to a professional accounting career is the Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in either accounting or finance. In this case, there are 10 major classes that introduce students to all aspects of business. The accounting concentration consists of 21 credit hours including the Intermediate Accounting 3-course sequence, Cost Management, and Accounting Research and Communication. The finance concentration focuses more on big-picture money management with four required classes, Investments, Money and Banking, Financial Analysis, and Modeling for Financial Analysis.
There are three graduate degrees in accounting including the Master of Accountancy which is a continuation of the bachelor’s degree and is also appropriate for professionals changing careers. An accelerated 1-year version is available for students available to attend daytime classes on campus. The Master of Science in Accounting is a more advanced program that emphasizes theory and research. Graduate concentration areas include Forensic Accounting, Internal Auditing, Management Accounting, Taxation, and Financial Accounting and Reporting. Finally, Golden Gate University’s Master of Business Administration program offers both an accounting and finance track. The MBA consists of 14 classes that provide students with training in all aspects of business as well as the four concentration courses either in accounting or finance.
The Master of Science in Finance degree trains students in the principles of investments and corporate financial issues. To graduate, students complete a preset series of 15 courses including Data Analysis for Managers, Financial Modeling, and Economics. The final two graduate programs are geared toward helping individuals manage their money. The Master of Science in Financial Planning is for students coming to GGU with little or no prior experience in the field. Students take seven core classes and three electives and, upon completion, have met the education requirements for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) status. The Master of Science in Advanced Financial Planning is for professionals who are already certified and provides specialized training in Financial Life Planning, Estate Planning, or Taxation.
About Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University began as a component of the San Francisco Central YMCA which was dubbed the YMCA Night School beginning in 1881 with a series of basic classes. The first degree program offered was a law degree beginning in 1901, and in 1906, the school demonstrated its resiliency, holding classes in tents after the San Francisco earthquake in 1906, eventually moving into another YMCA building. It was not until 1962 that Golden Gate University became a separate entity. Since that time, the university has continued expanding, now enrolling over 3000 students in 20 undergraduate and about 30 graduate degrees including the Juris Doctor law degree. GGU has designed is programs to specifically meet the needs of older, nontraditional students and currently has an average student age of 34. Their programs have resonated well with this group, and the Washington Monthly ranked Golden Gate University in first place on its Best 4-Year Colleges for Adult Learners list.
Golden Gate University Accreditation Details
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), one of the six regional accrediting organizations, is responsible for verifying that all schools in California, Hawaii, and other islands in the Pacific meet quality standards. Golden Gate University has maintained continuous accreditation by the Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) branch of the WASC since 1959. This process ensures that students are receiving a quality education and that the school’s business practices are sustainable. Commitment to improvement is an important factor in recertification. During each review cycle, schools are expected to identify a problem in their organization, design and implement a solution, and document the results. GGU is due for its next accreditation visit in the spring of 2019.
Golden Gate University Application Requirements
For undergraduate admissions, applicants only need to submit the online application, pay the $55 fee, and request official transcripts from all prior schools. Submission of a personal statement is optional but may be used to explain any academic deficiencies and to provide evidence demonstrating readiness for college courses. The only admission requirement is a minimum GPA of 2.0 in at least 12 credit hours of post-secondary education. Students can bypass this with a high school GPA above 3.0, a resume documenting three years of work experience, and a statement of purpose. Prospective graduate students must submit official transcripts documenting completion of a bachelor’s degree along with the graduate application and $65 fee. Accounting and MBA students also need to demonstrate writing proficiency with a GMAT or GRE analytical writing score of 4.5, completion of a graduate degree, or a proficient score on GGU’s writing placement exam. Students who do not meet the requirements for their degree program are still encouraged to apply because they may qualify for provisional admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Golden Gate University charges all undergraduates $665 per credit hour, and graduate students pay $1050 per hour. There are no university-funded scholarships, but upon submitting a FAFSA, most students qualify for federal financial aid and student loans. Tuition reimbursement programs are popular sources of funding as many students continue to work full-time while in school. Many employers will cover all or part of tuition costs, especially if their employee’s course of study is relevant to their industry. In addition, GGU is part of the Yellow Ribbon Program which means that nearly all veterans who qualify for GI Bill benefits will not have any out-of-pocket tuition expenses. For more information about financial aid or degree programs at Golden Gate University, prospective students can visit the website.
