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California Institute of Advanced Management

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California Institute of Advanced Management

California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) is the first independent, not-for-profit, graduate school dedicated entirely to educating people who are working towards a more balanced and just society through responsible business management principles.

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Why CIAM (and Are Master’s Degrees Still Worth It?)


The California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) is the first independent, not-for-profit graduate school dedicated entirely to educating professionals who want to work toward a more balanced and just society through socially responsible management principles. Our master’s degree programs provide real-world, hands-on learning experiences, equipping you with the core capabilities to lead people effectively in social enterprises and other organizations.

CIAM Highlights


CIAM believes business shapes the world we live in and that the driving force toward a better future is responsible management principles and practices. Guided by our core values of human dignity, integrity, innovation, citizenship, empowerment, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, we equip students to use an impact-focused lens to compassionately address local and global social problems via responsible business principles.



If you’re looking to invest in an education that provides the tools you need to transform your mission-driven motivation into a career, CIAM provides master’s degrees that are worth it:

Built for Affordability; Generous Scholarships.

We are dedicated to keeping our high-quality, world-class, experiential-learning-based education accessible to everyone.

Dedicated Faculty Support; Small Class Sizes.

Faculty support is critical, which is why our instructors offer personalized support.

Accredited, Nonprofit Institution

Our mission rests on the bedrock values of academic excellence, integrity, and social responsibility for businesses.

High-Impact Learning for Social Change.

Gain real-world experience through social impact projects designed to help local businesses, communities, and social enterprises thrive.

Are Master’s Degrees Still Worth It?


In a rapidly changing social economy and business environment, a master’s degree from CIAM can be a powerful springboard to propel your career.

Our graduate programs go beyond just building advanced skills and knowledge for impactful careers. Here you will foster meaningful relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds through collaborative assignments and thought-provoking dialogue.

If you’re asking, “Is it worth getting a master’s degree?” consider these benefits:


  • Career Advancement Opportunities: An advanced degree opens doors to higher-level positions and increased earning potential. Many employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees for managerial and leadership roles.
  • Specialized Knowledge and Skills: A master’s degree that is worth it will offer specialized coursework tailored to various industries and functions. At CIAM, you will gain the in-depth knowledge and practical skills to bring social responsibility to businesses.
  • Networking Opportunities: You will gain access to a diverse network of professionals, including classmates, alumni, and faculty. These connections can lead to valuable connections, mentorship, and job opportunities.
  • Personal Development: Pursuing a master’s degree fosters personal growth, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You will expand your perspectives and—at CIAM—learn socially responsible management techniques.
  • Return on Investment (ROI): Despite the initial cost of tuition and other expenses, it is worth getting a master’s degree due to a high ROI over the course of your career through increased earning potential and job opportunities.


Socially Responsible Management at CIAM


Practice-based learning gives you the tools needed to solve pressing real-world problems and build meaningful careers at

social enterprises and other organizations.


Our students are bold, creative thinkers working to reimagine the methods and systems that have created or perpetuated some of our most intractable social and environmental problems.


“CIAM provided me with professional business experience that is absolutely invaluable to me as a working professional now. … I am forever grateful to CIAM for the practical knowledge and skills that I walked away with.”


– Erika Tan, alumna, MBA in Executive Management

“CIAM’s experiential model is by far one of the best ways to obtain information. … You are living the experience, so when you are working face to face with real people, you are dealing with real problems and you provide real solutions.”



– Jorge Perez, MBA in Executive Management


Social Responsibility for Businesses: Do you have what it takes?


We are looking for candidates who are ready to take on the challenges of a fully integrated, sustainability-focused, socially responsible management degree or certificate program.


Do you have the passion to drive success and increase social responsibility for businesses? You will need courage and determination to take on complex social, environmental, and economic challenges head-on and the dedication to make this world a better place.


To be successful in our hybrid learning environment, basic computer and internet skills, self-motivation, and the ability to express yourself well in writing are necessary.


We offer an educational and life-changing experience where your personal and professional values connect, resulting in a more rewarding career path in every industry and sector, including social enterprises.

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