Graduate Admissions (for master's degrees and graduate certificates)

For admission to degree programs and certificate programs you should:

• Hold an earned bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US institution or hold a bachelor's degree equivalent from a recognized foreign 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.
• MBA degree program applicants for all concentration areas will also be evaluated through a review of cumulative undergraduate grade point averages in combination with GMAT score results. MBA applicants must fulfill certain proficiency requirements, including writing. Refer to the section titled "Proficiency in Mathematics, Writing and Computer Skills Required for All Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degrees" in the university catalog for more information.

The GMAT is a basic aptitude test and does not require previous knowledge of business subjects. The GMAT is offered in a Computer-Adaptive format at various locations in the Bay Area and around the world. Test appointments can be made with the Educational Testing Service by calling 800-462-8669 or through the GMAT web page at » www.gmat.org.

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

1. Applicants who already have an earned master's or higher degree from a regionally accredited US institution;
2. Applicants who have a cumulative 3.50 grade-point average in studies leading to a US bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved institution;
3. Applicants who have a CPA license;
4. Applicants who have other professional licenses or designations earned by passing a nationally recognized US exam (e.g. CMA, CIA) and who petition for and receive approval from the dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business;
5. Applicants who have more than five years of substantial professional and/or supervisory managerial work experience. (Professional experience refers to practicing CFAs, attorneys, physicians or other qualified professional careers; supervisory managerial work experience refers to experience directing others in the accomplishment of tasks.)
6. Applicants to the executive master of business administration (EMBA) degree program should refer to the EMBA program page for other required documents.

If you do not meet the admission guidelines mentioned above, you may be admitted conditionally with the approval of the appropriate academic department. Graduate students who are conditionally admitted must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 in their first nine (9) units at Golden Gate University

To be considered for admission to the graduate program, you should provide the following:

• Admission Application Form and Fee: The completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee (US$55 for US degree applicants; US$25 for US certificate applicants; US$75 for US docotral candidates; and $90 for all international applicants) should be sent to the Office of Admissions .
   
• Official Academic Transcripts: You should provide official transcripts from each college or university you have attended. Applicants to the MS in taxation, EMPA or EMBA need only submit transcripts from the degree-granting undergraduate institution. If you are a non-native speaker of English, you should also submit high school transcripts, unless your undergraduate degree is from an accredited US institution. All transcripts should be sent to the Admissions Office in envelopes sealed by the other schools, colleges or universities issuing the transcripts.
   
• Test Scores:
• A GMAT score is required of MBA degree applicants. (See the few exceptions listed above.)
• The GMAT or GRE may be required of other master's degree applicants if academic transcripts do not indicate sufficient academic preparation.
• If your first (native) language is not English, you must meet the English language proficiency for admissions. Many applicants do this by taking the TOEFL exam and submitting the official test score from ETS. For a list of ways to meet this requirement, refer to the University Catalog section on "English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements."
• Test score reports must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to the Admissions Office.
  
  
• Personal Statement (Optional): In cases where the academic history of an applicant does not meet the minimum admission requirements, it is recommended that a written personal evaluation be submitted with the application materials The statement should give a realistic appraisal of any academic work 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 a student or scholar visa, you must also provide a Certification of Finances form. Certification of Finances 2007-2008.pdf 2008-2009 Catalog Year Certification of Finances, clickCertification of Finances 2008-2009.pdf to download.

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

For additional admission policies go to the Executive MBA and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) web pages.

Many students who hold a Golden Gate master's degree become candidates for a second master's degree. Requirements for the second degree, including academic residency, must be fulfilled. Students who hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and become candidates for a second degree at GGU may transfer up to 12 units of credit from the first degree to the second, subject to approval by the department chair or program director.

Two or more concentrations may be taken in the MBA program. In addition to the course requirements for the concentrations, you must also complete the course work for all the foundation and the advanced programs. All of the course work for multiple concentrations must be completed prior to graduation; you may not request any additional concentrations after you have received your MBA.

Your diploma will list all of the concentrations that you have successfully completed by the date of your graduation.