PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Master of Arts in Art History (MAAH) is a one-year program focused on the visual cultures of the Mediterranean, from antiquity to the present. Based in France, Spain, and North Africa, the program places students in direct dialogue with artworks, monuments, and cultural sites through first-hand research in museums, architectural landmarks, and archaeological settings.
More than a traditional art history degree, the MAAH program emphasizes interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives. Students learn how material cultures and artistic exchanges shaped the Mediterranean across the centuries, while also engaging with contemporary artists working in the region today.
The MAAH program offers three tracks:
Art History
Museum Studies
Fine Art
ADMISSIONS
At ACM, we are committed to providing a seamless admissions experience for aspiring students of our graduate program. We encourage applicants to showcase their unique backgrounds and aspirations, as we value diversity and innovation in our academic community. Please refer to the application timeline below, and head to our graduate admissions page for more information.
Aug. 3, 2026
Application Available
Jan. 6, 2027
Priority Decision Deadline
May 5, 2027
Regular Decision Deadline
Program-Specific Requirements
Applicants to the MAAH program must provide the following materials in addition to the requirements outlined for general admission to ACM:
- Writing sample
The writing sample an be an academic paper, essay, or journal that you have previously written for a course during your undergraduate studies. Its purpose is to review your ability to analyze a specific topic in culture and/or history, a work of art, etc. It acts as a sample of your academic writing skills.
Upon submission of the application, the applicant will meet with the Director of ACM’s School of Art for further discussion.
- Two letters of recommendation (at least one from a professor or advisor)
- Meeting with the Dean of ACM’s School of Art
ACADEMICS
Program Objectives & Learning Outcomes
The Master of Arts in Art History (MAAH) at ACM provides students with a rigorous foundation in art historical knowledge and research methods, with a distinctive focus on the visual cultures of the Mediterranean from antiquity to the present. Through coursework, field studies, language training, internships, and independent research, students gain the intellectual and practical tools necessary for advanced study or professional work in the global arts sector.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of key periods, styles, and movements in Mediterranean art history, with attention to cross-cultural and interdisciplinary perspectives.
- Conduct independent research and field studies focused on artworks, monuments, and historical sites across Europe and North Africa.
- Engage with contemporary artists across the Mediterranean (Europe and North Africa), discussing their artistic processes, practices, and the impact of cultural heritage on their work.
- Apply art historical methods and critical theories to the analysis and interpretation of visual and material culture.
- Develop specialized expertise and practical skills through coursework, internships, and track-specific training—preparing for careers in museums, galleries, education, or cultural heritage sectors, or for advanced academic study.
Program Structure & Course Sequence
MAAH Degree Requirements: 36 Art History Credits + 6 Credits + MA Thesis
FALL
(18 credits)
- ARH 500 (3 credits)
- ART/ARH 515 (3 credits)
- French (3 credits)
- 3 Art History courses (9 credits)
J-TERM
(3 credits)
- J-Term (3 credits)
SPRING
(18 credits)
- ARH 600 (3 credits)
- French (3 credits)
- 4 Art History course (12 credits)
SUMMER
(3 credits)
- Internship or course (3 credits)
FALL
(18 credits)
- ARH 500 (3 credits)
- ART/ARH 515 (3 credits)
- French (3 credits)
- MSM/ARH 537 (3 credits)
- 2 Art History courses (6 credits)
J-TERM
(3 credits)
- J-Term (3 credits)
SPRING
(18 credits)
- ARH 600 (3 credits)
- French (3 credits)
- MSM/ARH 504 (3 credits)
- MSM/ARH 591 (3 credits)
- 1 Art History course (3 credits)
- Internship (3 credits)
SUMMER
(3 credits)
- Internship or course (3 credits)
FALL
(18 credits)
- ARH 500 (3 credits)
- ART/ARH 515 (3 credits)
- French (3 credits)
- ART/ARH/PHI 509 (3 credits)
- 1 Art History course (3 credits)
- ART 630 Painting I (3 credits)
J-TERM
(3 credits)
- J-Term (3 credits)
SPRING
(18 credits)
- ARH 600 (3 credits)
- French (3 credits)
- ART/ARH/PHI 510 (3 credits)
- 2 Art History courses (6 credits)
- ART 632 Painting II (3 credits)
SUMMER
(3 credits)
- Internship or course (3 credits)
J-TERM
January Term (J-Term) at the American College of the Mediterranean takes place between the fall and spring semesters and offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in an intensive 2-3 week traveling seminar with hands-on learning experiences and cultural excursions that complement their studies. To satisfy their J-Term program requirement, MAAH students must enroll in one of the options listed below. Prior to selecting a J-Term program, students must consult with their school dean and advisor.
Mediterranean Basin
The Mediterranean Basin January Term Traveling Seminar is designed for students interested in an academic and cultural experience in Greece and Italy:
- Build visual literacy in the history of art and archaeology as well as examine philosophical literature of the Mediterranean Basin from Antiquity to the Middle Ages
- Synthesize cultural, historical, political, and social information as it relates to the visual arts
- Engage with academic experts from IAU in addition to local guides and faculty in the fields of history, art history, and archaeology
- Explore and appreciate the diverse cultures of the countries in which we travel – experience the stunning classical architecture of Greece, enjoy renaissance art in Italy, visit historical sites and museums, eat at local restaurants, and meet local residents
Theatre Alive
This seminar course examines the complex relationship between London (a major urban center) and the art, industry, and practice of performance and drama London is a diverse and historied city, which makes it a brilliant site for this course:
- Read plays, and use field work (museums and galleries, backstage tours, live performance, historic sites) to add relevance and cultural context to our in-class discussions about theatre
- Develop an understanding of the way theatre, ballet, and visual art provide narratives and events that support the status quo or actively questions, disrupts, or overturns the narratives of dominance is central to an understanding of the cultural necessity for the free voice of arts to a society or culture
- Learn about class and gender, and the ways in which theatre engages with and represents these systems
- Explore and appreciate the diverse cultures of England – visit historical sites and museums, eat at local restaurants and experience the tradition of afternoon tea, and meet local residents
TUITION AND AID
We strive to make education accessible and affordable for all students. Our Tuition and Aid section provides comprehensive information on the costs associated with your education, including tuition rates, fees, and available financial aid options. We offer a variety of scholarships and grants to help alleviate the financial burden, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. For detailed information on tuition rates and financial aid applications, please visit our dedicated resources page.
|
MAAH 2026-2027 |
Fall 12-18 Units |
Spring 12-18 Units |
Summer 6-Units |
Academic Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $16,500 | $16,500 | $8,200 | $41,200 |
| Student Life Fees | $2,500 | $2,500 | $1,400 | $6,400 |
| Housing | $5,500 | $5,500 | $2,300 | $13,300 |
| Total | $24,500 | $24,500 | $11,900 | $60,900 |
Operational costs are sometimes affected by factors over which ACM has no control. Therefore, the charges and financial aid policies quoted on our website and in the catalog are subject to change without notice.
HOUSING
Students in the MAAH program can choose to live in program housing or non-program housing for the duration of their program. However, all recipients of Partner Pathway, Graduate Fellowship or Presidential Scholarships must live in program housing for the duration of their academic program.
CAREER PATHS
Graduates leave the program prepared to continue on to Ph.D. study in art history or to begin professional careers in the arts and cultural sector. Alumni pursue opportunities in:
- Museums and galleries
- Cultural heritage organizations
- Teaching and education
- Independent curatorial or guiding work
The combination of academic and practical training ensures that students gain the intellectual tools, research methods, and field experience necessary to thrive in a variety of roles.
FACULTY
Yumna Masarwa, PhD
Dean, The School of Art
Based at the Aix-en-Provence Campus
Dr. Masarwa joined IAU in September 2013 and has a B.A. in Archaeology and History from Ben-Gurion University (Israel), a Teaching Certificate, and M.A and Ph.D degrees in Art & Archaeology from Princeton University. She taught at several academic institutions in the U.S. and France such as Princeton University, INALCO Paris (Institut National des langues et Civilisations Orientales), Parsons Paris, CIEE Paris (Council on International Educational Exchange), and at Paris College of Art. She teaches various courses on Islam and Islamic art. Her research combines written sources (religious, historical, geographical etc.) with material culture. Since 2018, Dr. Masarwa has been conducting ethnographic research on the Algerian community in Marseille. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and is currently working on her book manuscript.