About Us

Our Mission

To deliver innovative educational programs, and personalized solutions to empower student for rewarding careers.

Dream big.

Set Goals.

Take action.

Your path to your

success starts here.

Our Values

Passion

Passion

We are passionate about education and student success.

Integrity and Excellence

Integrity and Excellence

We value integrity and excellence in our employees and students.

Dignity and Respect

Dignity and Respect

We treat ourselves and our students with dignity and respect.

Innovation

Innovation

We believe in and encourage innovation at our school to better help our students succeed.

Customer-centric

Customer-centric

We have a customer-centric focus: we want people highly committed to achieving goals where our success equals student’s success.

Accountable

Accountable

We are accountable for our actions, and if errors occur, we focus on preventing future errors and moving forward.

Growth Mindset

Growth Mindset

We have a growth mindset: we’re always looking for ways to improve, with a sincere belief that every student can achieve their goals.

Conduct & Professionalism

Conduct & Professionalism

We expect every employee to be an example of conduct and professionalism, being a role model to students and colleagues.

Inclusivity

Inclusivity

We commit to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that respects the diversity of students' backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning

We foster lifelong learning and professional development.

Welcome to the Home of the Grizzlies!

The grizzly bear embodies strength and resilience — qualities that reflect our dedication to our students, the collaborative spirit of our college, and reminds us all to rise to challenges and support one another as we navigate our academic journeys. The inspiration comes from the grizzly bear on the California state flag, the oldest unofficial State Symbol which had come to symbolize the Golden State over the years.

CIAT is proud of its home state, known globally as a hub for technology and innovation. CIAT's approach to higher education, as well as its unique student body and staff, also inspired this symbol and the elements it represents: power, courage, nobility, wisdom, passion, and community.

CIAT's New Mascot

Join the Grizzly Spirit!

Stay tuned for updates on Grizzly’s adventures around campus and how you can get involved in spirit events and activities throughout the year. Together, let’s make CIAT a place where every student’s voice is heard and celebrated!

Stay Connected:
ACCET Logo

We have high standards and we believe you should too. CIAT has proudly earned accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

CIAT History

California Institute of Arts & Technology has served over 3,000 students since opening our doors. We keep our class sizes small so that each of our students get the personalized attention they need to succeed in our programs. At CIAT you’re more than just a number. Our team supports you through your entire journey from your first day of class to landing your dream job and beyond.

Each year, we continue to hit new milestones, expanding our innovative programs and student services:

2008
CIAT was founded by our CEO and President, Jamie Doyle, to fill the glaring void in the IT education sector. Graduating students entering the workforce today need more than a degree on paper – they need hands-on training and industry certifications to stay on top of the curve.
2013
CIAT earns approval to offer VA education benefits for US military veterans through the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, making it easier for our veterans to transition from military life to civilian life.
2015

CIAT proudly earns accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET), nationally recognized by the US Department of Education, thanks to our dedicated staff, successful educational programs and job placement services.

2016

CIAT welcomes students at a new campus location in Mission Valley, San Diego. This same year, we also opened our virtual doors to students across the country through our cutting-edge online curriculum.

2017

CIAT earns Title IV approval by the US Department of Education and expands our financial aid options available including FASFA, an extended network of national loan providers, scholarships and private financing. You’re investing in your future, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you choose the financial aid solution that’s right for you.

2018

CIAT grows our community and employment partnerships to ensure our graduating students leave more than job-ready, they leave with a job in hand. We support our students with the complete support package including certification testing, resume writing, interview preparation, job placement and more.

2019

CIAT extends federal financial aid coverage to a total of six programs to help create more affordable education paths for students transitioning to new careers during the pandemic. CIAT builds on over a decade of experience delivering innovating online learning programs and seamlessly moves all courses to new virtual formats to support students’ continuous learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020

CIAT launches one-of-a-kind Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems offering students a unique opportunity to earn a traditional four year and industry certifications to propel their career. Never losing sight of vocational mission, we continued to innovate with new courses, new curriculum, certifications, virtual labs, extended career support services and more.

2021

CIAT continues to innovate and support students nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic with live virtual classes, interactive virtual workshops, and a new CIAT Readiness course. CIAT expands faculty and staff to support a growing student base to ensure that we maintain small class sizes and high-touch student support. CIAT earns five-year grant of accreditation from our partner, ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. This five-year grant is the longest grant period provided to colleges during an accreditation review cycle.

2022

CIAT expanded its portfolio of IT programs with the launch of two new degree paths: Associate of Applied Science in Business Data Analytics and Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development program. The Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development offers students the choice of three concentrations: Data Analytics, Web Development, or Mobile App Development.

2023

CIAT’s 15th year was marked by memorable moments, including the hosting of their first post COVID in-person commencement ceremony at Balboa Park in San Diego, California. A significant achievement was reached as CIAT surpassed the enrollment of 1,000 students. Additionally, CIAT’s expansion reached new heights with the establishment of a new campus in the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

2024

CIAT kicked off the year with an impressive milestone, surpassing 1,500 enrolled students. CIAT unveiled a dynamic rebranding initiative, marking a transformative chapter in the institution’s journey. Transitioning from California Institute of Arts and Technology to California Institute of Applied Technology, this change not only reflects CIAT’s rapid expansion but also reaffirms its dedication to its core mission and values. This rebrand signifies a strategic shift, positioning CIAT for increased impact and relevance as it equips students for successful careers in today’s most advanced fields.

Awards

  • Greatplacetowork.com
    Top Workplaces Award USA - 2024

    Greatplacetowork.com

    CIAT has been recognized as a Great Place to Work, earning an exceptional 97% employee satisfaction rating. The top workplaces award reflects CIAT’s commitment to fostering an outstanding work environment. This prestigious award, places CIAT significantly above the national average and ranked #1 in Education nationwide.

  • Topworkplaces.com
    Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards - 2024

    Topworkplaces.com

    The 2024 Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Awards recognizes organizations that have gone above and beyond in creating exceptional workplace cultures that prioritize employee satisfaction, growth, and well-being. The winning organizations serve as inspiring models, setting the bar for what it means to cultivate a truly outstanding work environment that empowers and supports its workforce. CIAT stood out as the nation’s finest in five categories:

    Compensation & Benefits, Innovation, Leadership, Purpose & Values, Work-Life Flexibility

  • Top Workplaces 2022
    Top Workplaces 2022 - San Diego Union Tribune

    Top Workplaces 2022

    San Diego’s Top Workplaces are chosen not by the Tribune, but by company employees themselves. A survey is issued to all employees at an array of companies, and the workplaces with the best overall response from their team earn a spot on the list. Companies are ranked on a number of key survey metrics, including alignment, coaching, connection, engagement, leadership, pay, benefits and work/life balance.

  • Expertise.com Best Trade Schools in San Diego 2023
    Best Trade Schools in San Diego 2023

    Expertise.com Best Trade Schools in San Diego 2023

    Expertise.com aims is to connect people with the best local experts. San Diego Trade Schools scored CIAT on more than 25 variables across five categories, including availability, qualifications, reputation, experience, and professionalism.

  • VA Pacific District Award
    Most Military-Supportive Colleges in the VA Pacific District

    VA Pacific District Award

    CIAT has been included in the Editor’s Choice for 2022: Top Picks for the Most Military-Supportive Colleges and Universities in the Western U.S., ranked as one of the “The Most Military-Supportive Colleges in the VA Pacific District”. Yellow Ribbon is a joint VA/college program where each participating school agree to kick in a set amount of tuition coverage for a set number of students who don’t have their tuition costs completely covered by GI Bill® benefits.

Address

401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950

Phone

(877) 559-3621

California Institute of Applied Technology Logo

© 2025 California Institute of Applied Technology | info@ciat.edu | (877) 559 - 3621 | Privacy Policy

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality

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