Accounting, BS
Info Session: Bachelor’s Degree Programs
October 22, 2025 | 12:30pm PT
Join us for a 30-minute information session on Golden Gate University’s bachelor’s degree programs in Accounting, Business, Management, and Psychology.
During this session, you’ll get an in-depth overview of each program, including learning outcomes, career pathways, and how a GGU degree can help you advance or pivot professionally. We’ll also cover key details about admission requirements, transferable credits, and upcoming deadlines.
Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how GGU can help you reach your academic and professional goals. Register today!
Program at a Glance
Program
Accounting, BS
Format
Hybrid, Online
Total Units
120
Requirements
No SAT or ACT Required
Fall ’26 Final Application Deadline
August 9
Program Overview
Work Toward a CPA, CMA, or CIA
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program prepares students for careers in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, either as accountants or for positions that require an accountant’s skills.
The program provides a high-quality education that integrates accounting principles and methods with real-world, practical training from leading-edge professionals. In addition, the program commits a significant portion of resources for the development of a well-rounded professional through liberal studies education.
The program is committed to helping the adult undergraduate student gain strong practical skills and knowledge in accounting principles, income tax and auditing standards. Students will learn the technical aspects of accounting and appreciate the economic consequences of accounting rules and practices. Skills acquired will advance students’ ability to analyze problems and clearly communicate solutions consistent with ethical standards. Students must complete a minimum of four courses (12 units) from the “Required Courses” list.
BSA courses can be taken to qualify and prepare for examinations in professional certifications. For the CPA, the degree will satisfy 120 semester hours of the educational requirements to obtain a CPA license. Courses will also satisfy educational eligibility for the CPA Exam. Students will need at least 27 additional units to reach the 150-hour milestone required by the American Institute of CPAs. The BSA will satisfy the educational requirements for the CMA, and may do the same for the CIA certification.
Curriculum
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting requires completion of 120 units as follows: 30 units of General Education, 27 units of Major: Directed Electives, 24 units of Business: Directed Electives, 12 units of Major: Free Electives, and 27 units of Free Electives. Each course listed carries three semester units of credit, unless otherwise noted. A cumulative grade-point average of 2.00 “C” or higher is required in all courses taken at Golden Gate University.
Note: Students must complete a minimum of 27 undergraduate accounting units, including ethics (ACCTG 102), and 24 undergraduate business units to qualify for the CPA exam. Completing the Major and Business Directed Electives in the degree satisfies these requirements.
Students must complete the following courses:
Select 15 units from the following:
Select 6 units from the following:
* A course used to fulfill General Education requirement may also be used to fulfill other degree requirements.
Select 27 units from the following:
Note: ACCTG 1A and 1B, ACCTG 100A, ACCTG 100B, and ACCTG 111 are MSADA foundation courses. Students who intend to pursue the Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) must earn a “B” or better in these courses to satisfy the program’s foundation requirement.
Select 24 units from the following:
Students must take four courses (12 units) from the following undergraduate or graduate coursework:
Students may take any 27 units of undergraduate coursework, including transfer credit or approved graduate coursework tofulfill this requirement.
Path2CPA Program
The Path2CPA option makes the journey to an advanced degree quicker and less expensive. Students can earn a Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) or Master of Science in Taxation in as little as one year after completing GGU’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting or Bachelor of Science in Business with Accounting Concentration. The Path2CPA option can also satisfy the 150-hour education requirement for CPA licensure. To pursue a Master’s in Accounting Data & Analytics or a Master’s in Taxation through the Path2CPA option, students are required to submit an abbreviated GGU application. No GMAT or GRE test score is required.
The Path2CPA electives include up to four designated graduate-level courses and seven 3-unit upper or lower-division course from any subject. The graduate-level courses will be included in the unit totals and GPAs for both applicants’ undergraduate Accounting and graduate-level Accounting or Taxation degree programs. Students whose cumulative GPAs in the graduate level courses fall below a 3.00 GPA will be conditionally admitted to either of these Master’s programs.
Master of Science in Accounting Data & Analytics (MSADA) Pathway – 30 UnitsSelect up to four courses for a total of 12 units from the following:
Select six 3-unit upper or lower-division undergraduate-level courses from any subject for a total of 18 units.
(NOTE: ACCTG 377, ACCTG 379, ACCTG 380, and ACCTG 381 are graduate-level CPA Applied Accounting Graduate Certificate program courses that prepare students for the Certified Public Accounting examinations.)
Select up to four courses for a total of 12 units* from the following:
Plus two 3-unit graduate-level Taxation elective courses for a total of 6 units.
Six 3-unit upper or lower-division undergraduate-level courses from any subject for a total of 18 units.
One 3-unit course from the graduate Accounting courses listed below and nine upper or lower-division undergraduate-level courses from any subject for a total of 27 unit(s):
(NOTE: ACCTG 377, ACCTG 379, ACCTG 380, and ACCTG 381 are graduate-level CPA Applied Accounting Graduate Certificate program courses that prepare students for the Certified Public Accounting examinations.)
*Only one 3-unit course of non-Taxation (TA) subject courses can be applied to the Master of Science in Taxation program as elective credits.
Declare a Minor
At GGU, you’ll have the opportunity to add up to two minors to your bachelor’s degree. We offer 15 minors in a variety of fields, so you can choose to specialize your education with courses that fit your interests and career goals.
Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Bachelor of Science in Accounting, including the general education program, will be able to:
- Examine data and argument, as informed by interdisciplinary approaches to business management and organizational leadership.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Recognize the need for information in professional and business contexts and to responsibly access, evaluate and apply information using a variety of research tools and methods.
- Develop strategies for organizational challenges using an understanding of business functional areas, management theory, principles, ethical reasoning, and innovative approaches.
- Prepare financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
- Employ critical thinking skills and current technologies to analyze financial data and the effects of differing financial accounting methods on the financial statements.
- Demonstrate an understanding of current auditing standards and acceptable practices, as well as, the impact of audit planning, risk, and rendering an opinion on the engagement.
- Apply cost accounting methods to evaluate and project business performance.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of taxation.
- Recognize and understand ethical issues related to the accounting profession.
Undergraduate Tuition
The tuition for undergraduate degree programs at Golden Gate University is $462 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.
Student Experience
Explore all of the resources available to our GGU community, including career services, advising, tutoring, and support for military students and international students.
About the School of Accounting
Learn more about GGU’s School of Accounting, including our industry-aligned curriculum, CPA exam preparation, and programs built to launch and elevate accounting careers.
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