History - International American University

Since 2005

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A Vision for Modern Education The foundation of our institution began in the early 2000s when a group of professionals with extensive experience in management and leadership development recognized the growing need for flexible and accessible higher education. Their goal was to combine practical business knowledge with academic excellence, creating an environment where students could develop professionally and personally. Inspired by the changing educational landscape, the founders envisioned a university that would support working adults and international learners by offering high-quality programs, experienced faculty members, and student-centered services while keeping education affordable.

A Different Approach to Education

The founders recognized the increasing demand for flexible and affordable higher education. They envisioned an institution that would:

Provide high academic standards.
Support working professionals and international students.
Offer flexible learning options.
Build an inclusive and diverse community.
Deliver strong student services and support.

2005

2005–2007 | Foundation and Transformation

The institution began its journey in August 2005, when it was established in California as a private educational organization with a vision of delivering flexible and accessible learning opportunities. Originally designed as a distance-learning institution, the model reduced operational costs by relying on innovative teaching methods rather than traditional campus facilities.

In 2006, the institution received its initial authorization to operate from California’s educational authorities. As its leadership looked toward a broader international audience, a strategic decision was made to adopt a new identity that better reflected its global ambitions and long-term educational goals.

The following year brought significant changes to California’s higher-education regulatory system. Although the state agency responsible for overseeing private institutions ceased operations in 2007, the university continued to expand its programs and strengthen its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

2009–2011 | Accreditation and Campus Expansion

A major milestone was achieved in 2009 when the university obtained official certification to enroll international students, confirming that it met the academic and administrative standards required by federal authorities in the United States. This approval strengthened the institution’s position and opened new opportunities for students from around the world.

Building on this achievement, 2011 marked another important chapter in the university’s growth. After completing an extensive approval process, the institution expanded its academic offerings and relocated its main campus to Los Angeles. At the same time, a new satellite campus was established in Orange County, supporting the university’s mission to provide greater access to quality education and meet the needs of its growing student community.

2009-2011

2012–2017 | A Period of Growth

Between 2012 and 2015, the university experienced remarkable growth, with student enrollment increasing significantly and creating new opportunities for expansion. To support this development, the institution relocated to a larger campus in Los Angeles, providing modern facilities and additional space to accommodate its growing academic community.

2013 — Expanding in Orange County

As demand continued to rise, the university moved its Orange County satellite campus to a larger location, enhancing accessibility and improving the overall student experience.

2017 — Establishing a New Main Campus

In 2017, the university entered a new phase by opening its current main campus in Los Angeles. The new facility offered upgraded infrastructure, convenient access to public transportation, and a vibrant urban environment. Designed to serve an expanding student population, the campus provides a secure and welcoming atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff while supporting the institution’s long-term vision for growth and academic excellence.

2012-2017

2018- 2021

2018–2021 | Accreditation, Recognition, and Institutional Development

During this period, the university continued to strengthen its academic standing through new approvals, accreditations, and strategic expansion initiatives.

2018 — Growth and Relocation

In 2018, the institution received renewed authorization to operate, reaffirming its commitment to educational quality and regulatory standards. As part of its expansion strategy, the Orange County campus was relocated to a new site, providing improved facilities and greater accessibility for students.

2020 — Accreditation Achievement

A major milestone was reached in 2020 when the university earned accreditation that recognized its dedication to academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement. This achievement reinforced the university’s mission to provide high-quality education to a diverse student community.

2021 — Expanding Recognition

The university continued its progress by obtaining additional academic recognition and strengthening relationships with international educational organizations. During the same year, new academic initiatives were introduced, and a satellite campus was established in San Diego, further extending the institution’s presence and educational opportunities across California.

These accomplishments reflected the university’s ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and global engagement.

2020-2021

COVID-19 STRIKE

COVID had a huge impact on IAU’s international student enrollment. The IAU Orange County Satellite Campus (IAUOC), located in the City of Garden Grove, was closed and stopped offering classes in March 2020. When IAU closed the IAUOC Satellite Campus, many students who lived in Orange County had to commute to the IAU Los Angeles Main Campus (IAULA) to attend classes.

COVID

COVID had a huge impact on IAU’s international student enrollment. The IAU Orange County Satellite Campus (IAUOC), located in the City of Garden Grove, was closed and stopped offering classes in March 2020. When IAU closed the IAUOC Satellite Campus, many students who lived in Orange County had to commute to the IAU Los Angeles Main Campus (IAULA) to attend classes.

2022–2023 | Expansion and Global Development

The years 2022 and 2023 marked an important stage in the university’s growth strategy, characterized by campus expansion, international outreach, and the strengthening of its academic network.

2022 — Orange County Expansion

As part of its long-term development plans, the university relocated its Orange County campus to Irvine, providing students with enhanced facilities and greater access to educational resources.

2023 — New Opportunities and Global Reach

In 2023, the institution continued to broaden its presence through organizational improvements and the opening of new campuses. Several locations underwent modernization and relocation to better serve students and support future growth.

The university also expanded beyond the United States by establishing international academic centers in new regions, creating additional opportunities for students seeking access to an American-style education.

During the same year, the institution received recognition from international educational organizations, further strengthening its global reputation and reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence.

These developments reflected the university’s vision of making quality higher education accessible to students from diverse communities around the world.

2022-2023

2024- Today

2024–2025 | Expansion, Recognition, and Future Growth

The university continued its journey of growth by expanding its international presence and strengthening its academic reputation through new campuses, strategic initiatives, and long-term institutional achievements.

2024 — Strengthening the Global Network

In 2024, the institution expanded its international footprint by establishing additional academic locations and extending its educational reach to new regions. At the same time, a new campus was opened in Los Angeles, creating more opportunities for students and supporting the university’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education.

2025 — Recognition and New Horizons

The following year marked another significant milestone as the university secured renewed accreditation and regulatory approvals, reinforcing its dedication to academic excellence and institutional development.

The university also continued its international expansion strategy by launching new campuses in multiple locations across North America, the Middle East, and Europe. In addition, new international recognitions further strengthened its global standing and reflected its ongoing mission to provide innovative educational opportunities to students from around the world.

These accomplishments represent the university’s vision for the future—building a diverse, connected, and globally engaged academic community.

F-1 international students are students who seek an F-1 visa to come to the U.S. to study. When F-1 students wish to study business, an American school is a top choice. IAU is not just a provider of business education. IAU also offers business students an opportunity to live in one of the world’s most recognized business cities – Los Angeles, CA. Business is not only learned through a textbook and an online course – it is through immersion in the Los Angeles city life. Students are brought face-to-face with faculty who have decades of experience in their respective fields. They learn of other cultures by interacting with international students from around the world in a hybrid classroom setting. They must speak English as a common means of communication as they work on projects or group assignments. They breathe the air of a city so culturally diverse that the communities have names that reflect their diversity, such as Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Koreatown, Historic Filipinotown, Little Armenia, Little Ethiopia, Tehrangeles, Little Bangladesh, and Thai Town.

Not all international students can come to the U.S. to study in Los Angeles. Challenges can be professional or personal obligations, visa approval, or affordability. The foreign international student studies with IAU through its online learning management system (LMS), coined IAUonline. Online students attending synchronous virtual classes can enjoy a classroom experience with local campus students, ask questions to the instructor, and engage in discussions with classmates. Those online students must meet the same internship component as any other IAU student.