One degree, taught well: that is the pitch at the California Institute of Advanced Management. CIAM is a small private graduate school in the San Gabriel Valley, east of downtown Los Angeles, and its main programme is an MBA in Executive Management. Students can add a concentration in business analytics or project management. Cohorts are small and most classmates are working toward management roles.
Los Angeles County, California, United States
Official website: ciam.edu
Private graduate school
MBA in Executive Management
San Gabriel Valley, east of Los Angeles
Small cohorts
$12,000 – $18,000
International students, MBA, approximate yearly cost
$18,000 – $24,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ciam.edu before you apply.
MBA in Executive Management
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jun
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MBA, Business Analytics Concentration
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jun
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MBA, Project Management Concentration
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug, Jun
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
MBA, General Management Track
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 79
A single-focus school built around the MBA.
Concentrations in business analytics and project management.
Small classes where faculty know students by name.
Graduates aim for supervisory and project roles in Southern California firms.
Analytics students look at reporting and operations jobs in logistics and retail.
Eligible F-1 graduates can apply for OPT after finishing.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Rolling
The San Gabriel Valley is a string of suburbs along the 10 freeway, known for its Chinese and Taiwanese restaurants and supermarkets.
Rent is a little lower than on the Westside, though a car helps. Metro's L Line and Metrolink trains reach Union Station downtown.
Form I-20 issued by the institution
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
CIAM reviews MBA applications on a rolling basis. International applicants should apply four to six months before the start date so there is time for the I-20 and visa interview.
The MBA starts in late summer or fall, with a summer start also offered in some years. Check the current calendar with admissions.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from California Institute of Advanced Management after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
The MBA in Executive Management is the core programme, with business analytics and project management concentrations. You need a recognised bachelor's degree, transcripts and English scores around IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 79.
CIAM keeps tuition relatively low and has offered some tuition awards. Ask admissions what is available for your intake.
