Guide to GGU Program
& Course Modalities
Golden Gate University offers degree programs in multiple learning modalities designed to meet the needs of working adults and learners around the world. To ensure consistency across academic, administrative, and student communications, the University has established the following official definitions for program, course, and class modalities.
- Program Modality – How your overall degree is structured (Hybrid or Online)
- Course Modality – How a specific course meets (In-Person, Zoom, Online, or Hybrid)
- Class Session – Each meeting of your course, whether on campus, live on Zoom, or on-demand
Each program modality defines which types of courses it includes. For example, a hybrid program blends on-campus and online courses, while an online program is delivered fully online—mostly on-demand with some live Zoom sessions.
These definitions take effect beginning with the Spring 2026 term and replace all prior or informal terminology. Students are advised to check your program and course schedules carefully before registration to ensure your chosen classes fit your learning preferences and any residency requirements.
Please review the Quick Guide below for detailed descriptions and examples.
Quick Terminology
- Program – This is your overall degree or certificate (e.g., MBA)
- Note: Modality is not indicated on your diploma or transcript.
- Course/Section – This is a single class in a term (e.g., MKT 300-01)
- Class Session/Meeting – This is any scheduled meeting of that course
Program Delivery (How your degree is structured)
Hybrid Programs
A blend of on-campus and online coursework. You’ll attend some sessions in-person at GGU’s San Francisco campus and complete other sessions online. The online portions may be asynchronous (on demand) and/or synchronous via Zoom (live at set times). This format supports flexibility while preserving face-to-face learning where required.
Course types included: HSF, SF, ZM, C.
Online Programs
Delivered fully online and primarily asynchronous (on-demand) through GGU’s eLearning platform. Instructors may offer optional live Zoom sessions for enrichment, but these are not required. A limited number of GGU online programs require live Zoom classes.
Course types included: Majority C, with limited ZM (confirm course type prior to enrollment).
Course Delivery (How an individual course meets)
Important: For each course code below, the description applies to all class sessions in that course/section.
(SF) In Person
All sessions meet on campus at 536 Mission St., San Francisco, on the days/times listed in the course schedule. All class times are listed in Pacific Time. Attendance required.
(ZM) Remote via Zoom (Synchronous)
All sessions meet live online via Zoom at the scheduled days/times. All class times are listed in Pacific Time. Attendance required.
(C) Online (Asynchronous)
No set meeting times. You’ll access lectures, discussions, and learning activities in GG’Us eLearning platform and submit assignments by instructor-set deadlines.
(HSF) Hybrid (Course level)
- A single course that mixes in person sessions and online sessions.
- “Online” sessions in an HSF course may be C (asynchronous) or ZM (live via Zoom).
- The syllabus lists which dates are on campus, which are Zoom (live, PT), and which are asynchronous (C) in eLearning.
- SF (In Person) classes meet at least twice per term, and most sessions are scheduled for 2.5 hours. Check the course schedule for specific dates and times for classes in your program.
- Attendance is required for all SF (In Person) and ZM (Zoom) meetings; asynchronous work follows posted deadlines.
Residency & Compliance Notes
- HSF (Hybrid) and SF (In Person) sections satisfy residency expectations for F-1 visa students and VA students using GI Bill benefits.
- ZM and C are online course types; ZM has required live meetings (Pacific Time), C does not.
- Students with immigration or VA requirements should confirm specifics with their DSO or VA advisor.
What to Check Before You Register
- Modality Fit: Need residency? Enroll in a GGU Hybrid Program. Choose HSF or SF courses/sections.
- Time Zone: All ZM live sessions run in Pacific Time.
- Syllabus Details: For HSF courses, the syllabus lists every in-person date and whether each online date is ZM (live on Zoom) or C (online/asynchronous).
- Pacing: C courses are on-demand but still have weekly milestones and due dates in eLearning.
At-a-Glance Matrix
| Program Type | Allowed Course Types in the Program |
| Hybrid | HSF, SF, ZM, C |
| Online | C (Online Asynchronous) primarily, ZM (limited to a few programs) |
Students should always consult/review the course syllabus for specific information about class dates and delivery.
Questions? Contact your advisor for guidance.
