eCampus Frequently Asked Questions


How can I register?

If you are not currently a student at Golden Gate, before you can register, you need to apply for admission.

If you are already admitted to Golden Gate, you may register simply using the normal registration process. Under "MyGGBTS" click on "Business & Registration" and then click on the course schedule. Under campus select "E-Learning Campus" and then submit. Only the scheduled eCampus courses will show.

Can I earn my degree fully online?

eCampus students may take up to one-half of any masters degree online. Due to accreditation requirements, the other half of the degree program must be taken in a face-to-face classroom setting. Transfer hours from other schools may be submitted to apply toward the GGBTS degree, but at least 27 credit hours must be taken at a Golden Gate campus in order to receive a degree from Golden Gate.

The projected four-year cycle of eCampus courses will be integrated with a schedule of January and summer intensive courses (held at the Northern California campus), with the objective of allowing a student to complete their degree without relocating or disrupting their ministries or families.

Can I take a class without being in a degree program?

Yes, you can use the simplified "special student" application to take eCampus courses. Students in degree programs at other accredited schools may also take Golden Gate eCampus courses and transfer them into their own school. Check with your registrar to confirm acceptability to your program in that case.

What do the eCampus online courses look like?

Courses will vary in format depending on the subject matter and the instructor. Typically courses will be arranged in a series of ten weekly lessons. Students will have assigned readings and threaded discussion questions to which they will post their answers online and respond to classmates. Students should expect to put about 10 hours a week into an online class, including reading, writing, posting, online discussion, etc. Some faculty post mini-lectures with sound. Some lessons have graphics embedded with maps, engravings, and statistical charts. Some classes utilize weekly required or voluntary online live chats between the students and the instructor or chat teams just among the students. Tests and quizzes are taken online too. Typically students can expect an email each week from the professor letting the student know how they are progressing.

Can I transfer eCampus courses to another school?

eCampus courses are accredited just as other Golden Gate Seminary courses. In general, this should allow them to be transferred to another school or seminary. However, each school has its own policies, so you should confirm transfer courses with the school to which you're transfering.

Can I get 24-7 technical support to help if there is a problem?

Yes, Golden Gate has contracted with a proven provider of distance education technology so that if the online lectures, quizzes or any technical aspect is not loading right, then you have a number or email address to connect with 24-7.

Are these courses accredited?

Yes, our primary accrediting body, the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) has approved Golden Gate to offer first-time Internet-based courses, and then asks us to request permission to offer them again based upon how students and faculty reviewed that first offering. Golden Gate will not offer a course or program without obtaining prior approval form ATS.

eCampus courses are also accredited by Golden Gate's other accrediting body, the Western Association of Schools & Colleges.

How much do the courses cost?

Courses cost $250 per credit hour. So the cost is $750 for a three-hour course. That looks like a lot of money and it is! It feels better when you consider that price against the cost commuting at $2.75-$3.25 per gallon of gas or the cost of flying in weekly or every other week. The savings of time in commute and the sheer convenience make the economics look better. The three other large seminaries on the West Coast charge an average of $484 per hour or $1453 per three-hour course, and you would still have to commute or relocate to their campus.

Are scholarships available?

There may be scholarships through your local association or state convention, but Golden Gate does not yet have monies allocated to scholarship eCampus students. But we are working on it!

Can I set up an installment payment plan?

eCampus tuition is due in full at the beginning of each semester. There is currently not an option for paying eCampus tuition in installments.

Can I drop the course if I need to?

Yes, you can drop the course anytime in the first two weeks by contacting the Registrar’s Office at registrar@ggbts.edu. Tuition refunds are given on a prorated basis, as outlined in the catalog. Click here to download a form to drop or add a class.