CIAM: Not Just Another CPT School – The Hidden Gem of Day 1 CPT School in California

At a glance

Have you ever wondered what sets certain Day 1 CPT schools apart? Let’s explore the California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM). Situated in Alhambra, California, it tends to maintain a low profile compared to other institutions in the state, such as Westcliff University and Sophia University. The campus and the overall scale of CIAM are relatively small. What makes CIAM an excellent choice for CPT schools? Let's take a deeper look.

Currently, CIAM boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, with an average class size of 13 students, and all courses are taught by faculty members. The institute claims to embody the principles of management guru Peter Drucker, with a strong emphasis on practical application in its curriculum. Students are engaged in consulting projects with leading companies and business simulation projects.

Let's discuss Day 1 CPT, which allows students to participate in CPT internships from the very first day of the academic year, with the opportunity for seamless year-round engagement. If you have any doubts about CPT, you can click here to learn about 15 common misconceptions regarding CPT.

Now, back to CIAM. Why am I bringing up this particular school, and how does it compare to others? To cut a long story short, firstly, the academic pressure at CIAM is very minimal. Some courses don’t even have exams or tests, and students are only required to attend the campus once a term. Weekly homework can typically be completed in about an hour. Secondly, the tuition fees at CIAM are quite affordable. We are aware that the cost of living in California is high, and so is tuition compared to other regions, but CIAM is an outlier. International students have access to many scholarships that significantly reduce tuition expenses. Additionally, CIAM offers MBA programs with specializations in project management and business analytics, catering to a wide range of professional pursuits.

Is CIAM your preferred choice for Day 1 CPT?

The advantages of CIAM include:

• Flexible program duration—complete a master's degree in either 12 or 24 months.
• Hybrid teaching model—combining online and on-site courses.
• Day-1 CPT—offering CPT internships from day one, with the possibility of year-round participation.
• Ideal location—the campus is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles.
• Affordable tuition—total program cost of $24,000 (including textbook fees).
• Premier business school courses—most CIAM instructors hold PhDs from prestigious universities, with some faculty teaching at other notable institutions (including UC and Cal State).
• Generous scholarship opportunities—Goelite's exclusive $1000 scholarship plus up to $3000 in excellence scholarships.
• Flexible class schedules—starting Spring 1, 2024, CIAM will adopt a new Professional format, requiring only one campus visit per term, for two days. Classes are held on Saturdays from 9 am-9 pm and Sundays from 9 am-2 pm.
• Consulting projects with leading enterprises—partnerships with renowned companies such as Universal Studios and Coca-Cola, involving students in elite consulting projects.
• Low academic pressure—some courses do not require exams or tests.

Graduate Programs at CIAM

CIAM offers the following graduate programs for international students:

• Master of Business Administration in Executive Management
• MBA in Executive Management with a Concentration in Project Management
• MBA in Executive Management with a Concentration in Business Analytics

All these MBA tracks support Day-1 CPT.

Accreditations

Many students are concerned about the legitimacy of "CPT schools" and whether they are officially recognized. A school lacking authoritative accreditation can negatively impact your life and jeopardize your legal status in the United States.

Whether choosing CIAM or another institution, ensure it has official U.S. accreditation. CIAM is accredited by:

• The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) at the highest level.
• The Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPE).
• The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE).
• The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

These accreditations affirm the school's educational quality and ensure you can confidently participate in CPT work opportunities.

Tuition and Scholarships

One of the most important considerations is finding an affordable school that meets your needs, as not everyone has substantial funds available.

First, regarding scholarships, if you apply through Wildfire Education, you could receive an exclusive $1000 scholarship. Along with this scholarship, you can still apply for any other scholarships offered by the school. Many of these scholarships are easily accessible, and I believe they can significantly help reduce your expenses.

• President's Scholarship/Women in Leadership Scholarship (for female students with work experience; requires a 300-500 word essay).
• Management as a Liberal Art Scholarship (open to all students; requires a 300-500 word essay).
• Joseph A. Maciarello First Generation Scholarship (for first-generation college students; requires a 300-500 word essay).

• Academic Excellence Scholarship (for students maintaining a GPA of 3.8 or above; requires transcript submission).
• Entrepreneurship Scholarship (for entrepreneurs; requires proof of business venture).
• International Scholarship (for new international students; requires proof of status).

The total cost for the MBA program is $24,000, $12,000 per academic year, or $4,000 per term, including textbook fees. Tuition is due five business days before the semester starts, and a late payment will incur a $50 late fee.