Gonzaga University is a private non-profit Roman Catholic University situated in Spokane, Washington. It is committed to the Jesuit, Catholic, and humanistic principles of educating the mind, body, and spirit to create individuals who provide service to others. It strives to inspire students to create a better world through education, faith, service, and character. It offers more than 75 academic majors and programs through its six schools of education. Its liberal arts tradition is implemented in the core curricula of all programs and the written word is highly valued. In 2011, Gonzaga University was named number 4 for best “Regional University” in the western region by the U.S. News and World Report’s yearly college rankings.
Gonzaga University offers online programs to meet the needs of busy students. Online programs provide the same education and students receive the same degree as campus-based learners. Online programs include master’s degrees in communication and leadership studies, nursing, organizational leadership. Online courses are offered in eight-week schedule and all programs require a short residency component on campus. The courses generally have 20 students or less that are split into smaller discussion groups to emphasize individual attention. Online students receive technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, student services support, a faculty advisor, and program manager. They are also able to purchase textbooks and all course materials online.
Joseph Cataldo, S.J. founded Gonzaga University as Gonzaga College in 1887. In 1889, day students were first allowed and the college was legally allowed to award degrees in 1893. By 1901, the college had conferred 31 bachelor’s degrees and 2 master’s degrees. In 1912, the college gained university status and changed its name. The university continued to expand throughout the 1920s and slowed down during the 1930s and 1940s due to the economy of the country. The university began expanding again in the 1960s and added various new programs throughout the 1970s. Today, Gonzage University enrolls nearly 8,000 students.
Accreditation
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits Gonzaga University.
Schools Of Education
College of Arts and Sciences: provides general education to all undergraduate students and offers various degree programs in the humanities and social and physical sciences fields including art, biology, Catholic studies, sociology, history, communication arts, English, music, and religious studies.
School of Business Administration: committed to preparing students to become business professionals who demonstrate Jesuit values. Offers a variety undergraduate and graduate programs such as accounting, business administration, finance, management, economics, marketing, law, and healthcare management.
School of Education: strives to prepare educators who are social responsible and provide service with competent, care, and commitment. Offers programs in teacher education, counselor education, special education, educational leadership and administration, and sport and physical education.
School of Engineering and Applied Science: committed to educating highly competent engineers and computer professionals who make the world a better place. Offers programs in civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, engineering management, and transmission and distribution.
School of Law: committed to instilling ethical values, knowledge, and abilities to help students become effective and compassionate law professionals.
School of Professional Studies: strives to provide education that develops effective leaders that meet the needs of a complex global society. Offers programs in communication and leadership studies, nursing, human physiology, and organizational leadership.
Scholarships Offered
Gonzaga University offers various scholarship opportunities including Gonzaga Merit Scholarships, National Merit Awards, Girls and Boys State Scholarships, Transfer Opportunity Scholarships, Phi Theta Kappa, Music Scholarships, Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, Dauna Leigh Bauer Scholarships, Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, Joseph M. Cataldo, S.J. Scholarships, Charlotte Y. Martin Scholarship, Joseph C. Metcalfe Scholarships, Christopher M. West Scholarships, Ignatian Leaders Scholarship, Daniel G. Brajcich Scholarships, and Charlotte Y. Martin Native American Scholarship. The university also encourages students to pursue outside scholarship opportunities.
Financing Options
Gonzaga University participates in many financial aid programs including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), GU Funding, Washington State Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), Federal Nursing Loans, Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART), and alternative loans. Gonzaga University also offers a family discount for multiple siblings enrolled and interest-free payment plans.
Credit Earning Options
Gonzaga University grants credit from previous coursework completed at another accredited institution of higher learning. Transfer courses are evaluated on an individual basis and all courses must have a grade of a C or better. Credit is also granted for examination programs including Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP). Students may also be eligible to receive credit for military experiences. All students seeking transfer credit must submit official transcripts and other supporting documentation.