Merit University (MU) is a private non-profit institution, chartered as a public benefit corporation in the State of California and located in downtown Los Angeles. Since its founding in 2013, MU has been committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education to a diverse international and domestic student body. The university offers graduate-degree programs in management and business administration, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence, professional development, and community engagement.
In 2013, Merit University received approval from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to launch its first academic offerings: a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program and an English as a Second Language (ESL) course of study. The university was formally established as a private corporation with the State of California in 2014, and later pursued nonprofit status, which it applied for in 2022.
The founding vision of Dr. Jae D. Kim—an educator with over 30 years of experience in higher education—was to create a learning environment that is inclusive, supportive, and professionally driven. Dr. Kim assembled a team of experienced administrators, collectively bringing over 15 years of expertise, to carry out his mission of empowering students to succeed in their chosen fields.
In response to evolving global business needs, MU expanded its academic offerings in 2022 with the introduction of the Master of Science in Management (MSM), a program emphasizing data analysis and quantitative decision-making in business contexts.
Originally, MU served international business professionals by offering programs that enhanced both their English proficiency and professional business skills. While this remains a key part of the university’s mission, MU now welcomes a broader population of students seeking a globally-minded education in a personalized, supportive setting.
Today, Merit University continues to uphold its commitment to excellence by recruiting experienced faculty, maintaining a safe and modern campus, and delivering high-quality academic and advising services. Our vision is a world where our students contribute meaningfully to society and serve the global community.