The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) is an American non-profit 501(c)3 institution headquartered in Aix-en-Provence, France, that offers undergraduate degrees in a variety of majors. ACM also offers seven graduate degrees, most of which are conducted in English except for the MA in French Studies. Select graduate programs conduct the fall semester at ACM’s Barcelona, Spain campus and move to the flagship campus in Aix-en-Provence, France for the spring semester.
MISSION
The mission of The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM) is to provide excellence in international education, inspire intercultural awareness and prepare students for success in a global community through the study of European and Mediterranean history, languages, cultures, and contemporary international issues.
- ACM advances this mission through a unique combination of interdisciplinary programming, internships, and curricula for both full-time degree-seeking and visiting students.
- ACM’s mission is a distillation of its history and reflects the commitment of its founders to international higher education as an engine of self-transformation, global understanding, and societal progress in the United States and abroad.
- ACM creates an academic community of full-time degree-seeking and visiting students in an international environment that develops intellectual tolerance, freedom, and integrity.
AMERICAN HIGHER EDUCATION
IN EUROPE
ACM is a distinguished hybrid institution that integrates the best practices and values of an international institution of higher education with those of a degree-granting American institution. ACM’s study abroad institute, IAU, which was founded in Aix in 1957, is a founding member of the Association of American International Colleges and Universities (AAICU), a network of prestigious American institutions of higher learning located throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, dedicated to promoting American-style education abroad. Thanks to these connections, ACM shares resources and expertise with premier academic institutions such as the American University of Beirut, American University of Cairo, American University of Paris, and Central European University.
U.S. ACCREDITATION & DISTINCTIONS
ACM’s U.S. accreditation is from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). as well as recognized as an institution of higher learning by the French Ministry of Education.
Distinctions of The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM-IAU):
- ACM, the parent institution, is incorporated in the state of Arizona and licensed through the Arizona State Board of Private Postsecondary Education.
- ACM-IAU is recognized as an institution of higher learning by the French Ministry of Education and the Rectorat of Aix-Marseille University.
HISTORY
IAU is Founded
ACM's study abroad institute, The Institute for American Universities (IAU) is founded in Aix-en-Provence, France by academics and former diplomats such as Dr. Herbert Maza, who also served as its first President, Dr. Evron Kirkpatrick, Ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick, and others who wanted to provide a platform for Americans interested in studying diplomatic relations with related interests and careers in the foreign service and the State Department.
Expansion to Barcelona, Spain
IAU begins offering summer programs in Barcelona, Spain.
Creation of Schools and the first degree program, the Master of Fine Arts
IAU creates Schools and Centers within the framework of a College: School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Business and International Relations, School of Art, and the Center for French Studies (Centre d'Etudes Françaises). The first degree program is also launched through the School of Art.
ACM is founded and affiliated with IAU
In 2016, IAU filed articles of incorporation for The American College of the Mediterranean (ACM), which would ultimately house its undergraduate and graduate degree programs. ACM enrolls its first Bachelor of Arts students, first Masters of International Relations (MAIR) students, and first Masters of French Studies (MAFS) students.
Establishment of semester programs in Barcelona, and graduation of first ACM master's candidates
IAU creates Schools and Centers within the framework of a College: School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Business and International Relations, School of Art, and the Center for French Studies (Centre d'Etudes Françaises). The first degree program is also launched through the School of Art.