College Detail

ALLIANT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

San Diego, California

The University

A multicultural, multinational focus is an integral part of all degree programs at Alliant International University (AIU). The University has a 60-acre campus in San Diego, a campus in Mexico City, and graduate programs in six California locations. Founded in 1952 as California Western University, the University became United States International University (USIU) and operated as such until 2001. In 2001, USIU combined forces with the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) to form Alliant International University. AIU offers students a chance to learn from a globally oriented faculty and to study with fellow students from nearly sixty countries. The University's mission is to educate citizens of the world, ensuring the acquisition of knowledge and competencies that are essential to live, lead, and solve problems in a global society.

AIU has an overall enrollment of approximately 6,000 students; undergraduates account for approximately 35 percent of the total student population on the San Diego campus. Classrooms at AIU are comfortable and are within a short walk of each other. Residence halls are designed as apartment complexes rather than as dormitories. Each complex has its own swimming pool and recreational area. Separate suites for men and women are set away from the classroom area. All suites are wired for online access. A variety of extracurricular programs are offered on the campus. The Office of Student Activities and the Office of Housing and Residence Life staff offer social functions, including karaoke parties, excursions, movies, and dances. On-campus recreational facilities include tennis courts, a soccer field, baseball and softball diamonds, an outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball courts, and a weight room. The SportCenter at AIU houses twelve indoor volleyball courts that are convertible to six basketball courts. A full range of intramural sports is offered for men and women. Placement, health, and counseling services are available on campus. Cars are permitted.

AIU offers graduate studies through its programs in business and management, education, organizational studies, social and policy studies, psychology, and international relations. Details about programs that lead to master's and/or doctoral degrees in various areas are available from the Office of Admissions.

Location

AIU's San Diego campus is set on rolling, wooded land within the northern boundary of San Diego. The city's central business district is a 20-minute drive away. San Diego offers many cultural and recreational attractions and activities: Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, sailing, boating, deep-sea fishing, and swimming are just a few. Concerts, dramatic productions, and museums are among the many cultural opportunities. Los Angeles is 2 hours to the north, Tijuana and Mexican beaches are an hour to the south, the beaches of southern California are 20 minutes to the west, and mountains and desert are to the east. The climate is excellent, with a mean temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

AIU's international campus in Mexico City offers students the opportunity to easily transfer between campus locations for a semester or more while still continuing their chosen field of study. AIUMexico is located in the Reforma district, in the heart of Mexico City. While students have the opportunity to learn and study in the relative seclusion of the campus itself, the excitement, the cultural and social opportunities, and the chances to explore the city and surrounding attractions of Mexico City abound. A library and housing in the local community are also available.

Majors and Degrees

AIU students choose from a variety of disciplines in the University's bachelor's degree programs. Bachelor of Arts degrees are awarded in communication, international relations, liberal studies, and psychology. Bachelor of Science degree programs are offered in business administration, hotel and restaurant management, information systems and technology, international business administration, management, and tourism management. The University also has an extensive English as a second language program.

Academic Programs

Bachelor's degree students are provided with a coherent, substantial, and challenging sequence of courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences that culminates with the three-course capstone sequence of the Senior Experience. Students' programs are planned in conjunction with academic advisers, using suggested lists of courses as guides. Diverse instructional methods include lectures, seminars, small-group discussions, case analyses, simulations, experiential situations, and internships. The opportunity to engage in closely supervised independent study is offered as a supplement to structured classes.

Academic Facilities

Academic facilities include the Walter Library, which has more than 160,000 books, 1,150 current print journal subscriptions, twelve electronic database subscriptions, approximately 995 psychological test titles, 1,700 audiotapes, and more than 1,200 videotapes available.

Costs

The cost for one academic year in 200405 at the University was $26,500 for undergraduates, which included tuition, room and board, and student fees but not books, travel, or personal expenses. Books cost about $810 per year.

Financial Aid

AIU offers financial assistance to eligible domestic and international students. Scholarships and grants are awarded to undergraduates based on their entering GPA. Assistance is provided by federal, state, and University funds and is offered in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and long-term loans. Applications submitted by March2 receive priority consideration for funds; a student whose application is received later is awarded funds based on the availability of aid.

Faculty

Ninety-eight percent of AIU's faculty members have doctoral degrees, and many members are internationally known for their consulting work, publications, and professional stature. Faculty members teach both undergraduate and graduate courses, conduct independent study programs, and are available for academic counseling. Individual counseling by specially designated advisers and faculty members is a key feature of the University.

Student Government

The governing student body is an elected Student Body Government Association, with representatives from each of the University's academic departments. Through the council, students govern extracurricular activities and participate in other areas of student life.

Admission Requirements

The University seeks well-adjusted students with good academic backgrounds who show evidence of creativity and leadership potential. Students should also have a desire to participate in an academic community that emphasizes positive values and the sharing of experiences with people from other cultures of the world. The Admissions Committee selects students on the basis of their academic records and test scores. Requirements for American applicants include a completed application and high school and college transcripts. International applicants must submit school-leaving certificates and/or results from all schools previously attended and the Financial Guarantee Form, which is available from the AIU Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be in the original language and be accompanied by a certified English translation. Applicants are required to verify their English proficiency either through a TOEFL score or through participation in AIU's ESL program. Advanced standing and/or placement may be granted by the University to entering freshmen who submit AP, I.B., or CLEP test scores. This program enables students of high ability and motivation to accelerate their education. AIU also welcomes transfer applicants from accredited four-year colleges and universities and from community colleges. Campus visits are encouraged and may be arranged through the Office of Admissions.

Application and Information

Transfer applicants may be admitted year-round. Applications and supportive data should be on file in the Office of Admissions at least thirty days prior to the term for which the applicant desires admission. Later applications are processed as quickly as possible on a space-available basis. The completed application form, a nonrefundable $40 application fee, and supporting documents should be sent to: