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)

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 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.

CIAM operates on a trimester system with two intakes per trimester (six intakes annually). CPT is renewed every semester (three times a year).

Term NameClass Start DateEarliest CPT Start DateApplication Deadline (Estimate)
Spring I 20261/11/20261/13/20261/2/2026
Spring II 20263/1/20263/3/20261/28/2026
Summer I 20265/3/20265/5/20264/2/2026
Summer II 20266/14/20266/17/20265/20/2026
Fall I 20269/6/20269/9/20267/29/2026
Fall II 202610/25/202610/27/20269/25/2026