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

For admission to degree programs and certificate programs you must:

• Hold an earned 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.

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 the university catalog under Graduate Programs. Refer to " Proficiency in Mathematics, Writing and Computer Skills Required for All Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degrees"

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 by 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 to the GMAT requirement are:

1. Applicants who 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 or higher in studies leading to a US bachelor's degree from an accredited or approved institution;
3. Applicants who have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license;
4. Applicants who have other professional licenses or designations earned by passing a nationally recognized US examinations (e.g. CMA, CIA) and who petition and are granted approval from the dean of the Edward S. Ageno School of Business;
5. Applicants who have 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.);
6. Applicants to the Executive Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA) degree program are directed to "Admission to the Executive MBA Program" the EMBA program page for other required documents. For additional specific information including required credentials.
7. Applicants to the Professional Master of Business Administration (Professional MBA) degree program are directed to "Admission to the Professional MBA Program" the PMBA program page for additional specific information including required credentials.

If you do not meet the admission guidelines as stated above, you may be admitted conditionally with the approval of the academic department. Graduate students who are conditionally admitted must maintain a cumulative 3.00 grade-point average in their first nine (9) units at the 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 ($70 for domestic degree applicants; $40 for domestic certificate applicants; $85 for domestic doctoral candidates; and $110 for all international applicants) should be sent to the Office of Admissions .
   
• Official Academic Transcripts: Graduate applicants must submit transcripts from the degree-granting undergraduate institution. The transcripts must clearly state that a bachelor's degree or an industry standard equivalents been conferred. However to maximize transfer credit, we recommend submitting transcripts from all institutions attended. Note: Applicants for the master of accountancy degree must meet the criteria for the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements stated in the university catalog. Provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Transcripts must be sent to the Office of Enrollment Services directly from other schools, colleges, or universities issuing the documents.
   
• Test Scores:
• A GMAT score is required of MBA degree applicants unless the applicant meets the criteria for exception as noted above.
• The GMAT or GRE may be required of other master's degree applicants if academic transcripts do not indicate sufficient academic preparation.
• Applicants whose first (native) language is not English, must meet the English Language Proficiency Admission Requirements. Most applicants take the TOEFL exam and submit the official test score from ETS. For a list of alternative options for satisfying this requirement, refer to the English Language Requirement section of the University Catalog;
• 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, http://www.ggu.edu/academic_programs/business_administration/professional_mba_program), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) web pages.

Many students who have previously earned a master's degree either from GGU or another regional accredited institution enroll for a second master's degree. Requirements for the second degree, including academic residency, must be fulfilled. Applicants in this may transfer up to 12 units of credit from the first degree to the second, subject to approval by the department chair, program director, or dean.

Two or more concentrations may be taken in the MBA program. In addition to the degree requirements for the concentration, you must also complete the required courses for the entire foundation and the advanced programs. All of the courses for multiple concentrations must be completed prior to graduation. You may not request any additional concentrations after conferral of your MBA.

Your diploma will list all of the concentrations that you have successfully completed prior to degree conferral.