Major Overview
The Self-Designed Field of Study at The American College of the Mediterranean empowers students to chart their academic journey, combining diverse disciplines to suit their unique interests and aspirations. Under the guidance of their faculty advisors, students will curate a cohesive and intellectually stimulating curriculum that explores the intersections of knowledge. By integrating coursework from various departments, this program fosters creativity, independent thinking, and a deep understanding of complex global challenges. Students must plan diligently and early for the self-designed major. Like all other majors, the degree requirements (foundation courses, January Travel Seminar, upper and lower-division course work, etc.) are required. Graduates emerge as versatile thinkers and innovators, poised to make significant contributions in their chosen careers.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Self-Designed Field of Study will be self-directed scholars who integrate ideas, methods, and experiences from multiple disciplines to address contemporary issues. They will be able to:
- Design and justify and individualized academic pathway | Craft a coherent curricular plan that articulates clear intellectual goals, explains the integration of selected disciplines, and meets professional or graduate-study aspirations.
- Sythesize theories, concepts, and methods from distinct fields | Draw connections among humanities and social-science traditions (e.g. historical analysis, cultural critique, qualitative and quantitative research) to illuminate complex questions that cannot be answered from a single perspective.
- Conduct original, interdisciplinary inquiry | Formulate research questions, select appropriate mixed methodologies, gather and analyze evidence, and present findings that advance understanding of multifaceted global challenges.
- Communicate integrative thinking with clarity and versatility | Tailor arguments, narratives, and creative projects to diverse audiences and media – written, oral, visual, and digital – demonstrating advanced fluency in each mode.
- Apply ethical reasoning and global awareness to problem-solving | Evaluate the cultural, social, and environmental implications of ideas and actions; propose solutions that are responsible, inclusive, and informed by multiple cultural viewpoints.
- Exhibit metacognitive and reflective practice | Assess their own learning process, adapt goals in consultation with faculty mentors, and articulate the value of interdisciplinary study for lifelong intellectual growth.
- Collaborate effectively across disciplinary and cultural boundaries | Lead and participate in teams that leverage diverse expertise and perspectives, demonstrating respect, flexibility, and the ability to integrate feedback into shared outcomes.
J Term
As part of their degree, ACM students take part in a January Term program (J-Term), a multi-country traveling seminar. Travel spans from 2-3 weeks and explores the politics, economics, histories, and cultures of the countries visited. Students work with their academic advisor to choose a seminar from the list below that best fits their program and track. All ACM students are required to participate in J-term within the first academic year of enrollment. Some graduate degrees may require students to participate in a specific J-Term seminar that is related to their area of academic focus.
J-Term 2026
| January Term Traveling Seminar | Countries Visited |
| Diplomacy & Human Rights in the Mediterranean | France, Spain, Morocco, The Netherlands |
| Europe & the Islamic World | France, Spain, Morocco |
| Great Cities | Italy, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic |
| Mediterranean Basin | Greece, Italy |
| Wine, Gastronomy & Sustainability of the Mediterranean | Italy, France, Spain |
| International Business & Emerging Markets | Morocco, France, Spain |
| Theatre Alive – Studies in Theatre, Drama & Performance | United Kingdom |
Housing
Students can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of our campus while being just a short walk away from classes, dining facilities, and recreational areas. We also provide resources to help students navigate the housing process, including guidance on lease agreements and roommate matching.
Living on campus not only enhances the academic experience but also allows students to build lasting friendships and engage in a diverse range of activities. We encourage all students to explore their housing options early to secure their ideal living situation.
Tuition and Aid
2026-2027
| BACHELOR OF ARTS | Fall 12-18 Units | Spring 12-18 Units | Summer (Optional) 3-6 Units | Academic Year Total Without Summer | Academic Year Total With Summer |
| Tuition | $11,900 | $11,900 | $3,800 | $23,800 | $27,600 |
| Student Life Fees | $2,500 | $2,500 | – | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Housing | $5,500 | $5,500 | – | $11,000 | $11,000 |
| Total | $19,900 | $19,900 | $3,800 | $39,800 | $43,600 |
Estimated academic year total without Summer: $39,800
Estimated academic year total with Summer: $43,600
Scholarships & Aid
The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) offers several scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities to its students each year. ACM strives to keep its published costs low, especially in comparison to many U.S.-based degree-granting institutions. Additional funding is provided for those who qualify for merit, diversity, and need-based awards.
If you are planning to apply for aid, you will need to submit the required materials along with your program application, as ACM reviews both simultaneously on a rolling admissions basis. To be eligible for ACM scholarships and grants, students must be enrolled full-time and abide by all ACM policies and regulations as stated on the policies page. Please contact admissions@acmfrance.org with any questions.
For details about how ACM awards aid, please read the Financial Aid & Scholarship Process document.
Apply for Admission
ACM candidates submit their applications through the Common App*, a U.S-based platform that allows students to apply to multiple universities simultaneously. Once an application is submitted, an ACM Admissions team member will reach out to the applicant to schedule a brief online meeting to gather more information and to answer any questions about the ACM or the application process.
* Beginning Summer 2026, ACM will no longer accept Common App applications from students requesting application fee waivers via school counselors.
Aug 1, 2025
Application Available
January 7, 2026
Priority Decision Deadline
May 6, 2025
Regular Decision Deadline
School of Humanities
With the inauguration of the new School of Humanities in 2013, a new twelve thousand square feet of state-of-the-art building, called Manning Hall, was put in to operation for ACM. Located in the old section of Aix-en-Provence, Manning Hall is equipped with smart boards and 21st-century media technology to enhance the student learning experience.
Once a 17th Century Hôtel Particulier, the School of Humanities was completely renovated and dedicated under its new name in honor of Donna Dillon Manning, whose exemplary philanthropic generosity led to a capital campaign to fully fund the renovation project of the new school.
