California Institute of Advanced Management-CIAM
Welcome to California Institute of Advanced Management-CIAM
Located in Alhambra, California (near Los Angeles), the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) is a private, non-profit university dedicated to integrating management education with practical experience. CIAM is a highly affordable and popular choice for international students seeking Day 1 CPT authorization, allowing them to gain professional experience immediately. The university primarily focuses on its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
Location
- Alhambra, CA
- Private Non-Profit
On-Site Frequency
- 2 weekends / Semester
Annual Tuition
- $13,518 (Based on 3 semesters/year including CPT fees)
Program Duration
- 24 months (36 credit hours)
Why Choose CIAM for Day 1 CPT?
CIAM is tailored to support working international students with several distinct advantages:
- Non-Profit Status: As a non-profit institution, CIAM graduates are eligible for the Master's Cap in the H-1B lottery, offering a slight advantage over graduates from for-profit institutions.
- Day 1 CPT Eligibility: CIAM supports CPT authorization from the first day of the program for F-1 transfer students, enabling continuous full-time employment throughout the degree.
- Low On-Site Requirement: The hybrid format typically requires students to attend classes only twice per semester on specified weekends, minimizing disruption for working professionals.
- Affordable Tuition: CIAM offers one of the most cost-effective Day 1 CPT programs, with the total MBA tuition often being bundled to include textbook fees, reducing overall expenses.
- Regional Accreditation: The university is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which signifies a high standard of academic quality.
- Six Annual Intakes: CIAM offers six enrollment windows per year (typically January, March, May, June, August, and October), providing flexible entry points.
Location
Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
CIAM’s flagship MBA in Executive Management is rooted in Peter Drucker’s principles of "Management as a Liberal Art," focusing on ethical leadership and social responsibility. The 36-unit curriculum features a unique experiential learning model where students complete a real-world consulting project for an actual business in every single course. Designed for purpose-driven leaders, the program integrates essential business functions—including finance, marketing, and strategy—with hands-on practice in solving complex organizational challenges. Graduates emerge with "battle-ready" skills, prepared to lead with a global perspective and a commitment to serving the public good.
MBA - Project Management
The MBA with a concentration in Project Management at CIAM provides students with the specialized tools needed to lead complex initiatives from initiation to successful closure. Beyond core business fundamentals, students dive deep into project governance, risk management, and the practical application of the 10 project management knowledge areas. The curriculum emphasizes the connection between technical project frameworks and Drucker’s human-centric management theories to ensure projects are executed ethically and efficiently. This program is ideal for those seeking to become strategic project leaders, program managers, or consultants capable of driving innovation within any organizational structure.
MBA - Business Analytics
Designed to bridge the gap between technical data and executive decision-making, the MBA in Business Analytics equips students with advanced skills in big data management and predictive modeling. The program focuses on high-demand technical competencies such as SQL for database management, R language, and Tableau for data visualization and reporting. Students learn to apply statistical algorithms and machine learning techniques to forecast sales, optimize supply chains, and mitigate organizational risks through evidence-based insights. This STEM-integrated concentration prepares graduates to be data-driven leaders who can maintain a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving, technology-focused global economy.
Tuition Fees
Tuition for master programs at CIAM is fixed per semester.
Total Semester Estimate: $4,442
Total Annual Estimate: $13,000 (3 semesters)
Total Program Estimate: $26,652 (6 semesters)
Semester tuition is due in full one week before the start of each semester.
- Application Fee (Non-Refundable) – $75 (We will waive it if you apply through us)
- STRF Fee (Non-Refundable) – $60
- Estimated Total Textbook Cost – No Additional Cost
- Estimated Parking Fee – No Additional Cost
- INT/CPT Registration Fee – $50 for each term
- Total Estimated Program Associated Fees – $235
Scholarships
CIAM offers scholarships for international students with the amount of $500 – $3,000. Please contact our experts to learn more.
Academic Calendar
CIAM operates on a trimester system with two intakes per trimester (six intakes annually). CPT is renewed every semester (three times a year).
| Term Name | Class Start Date | Earliest CPT Start Date | Application Deadline (Estimate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I 2026 | 1/11/2026 | 1/13/2026 | 1/2/2026 |
| Spring II 2026 | 3/1/2026 | 3/3/2026 | 1/28/2026 |
| Summer I 2026 | 5/3/2026 | 5/5/2026 | 4/2/2026 |
| Summer II 2026 | 6/14/2026 | 6/17/2026 | 5/20/2026 |
| Fall I 2026 | 9/6/2026 | 9/9/2026 | 7/29/2026 |
| Fall II 2026 | 10/25/2026 | 10/27/2026 | 9/25/2026 |