The Master of Arts in Media Studies (MAMS) is a one-year, 38-credit-hour program that offers a curriculum that includes core courses and special topics, language study, a traveling January-term seminar, field experiences, and a capstone experience at a film, music, or international media festival.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The MAMS Program, housed in ACM’s Donna Dillon Manning School of Global Affairs, is not a typical M.A. in Media Studies. At its core is a truly international experience with an emphasis on Interdisciplinarity and engagement with multiple media platforms and genres. The program leverages study and site-visits around our Mediterranean locations including two semester-long studies at our campuses in Spain and France, and a January term that also includes North Africa (Morocco). The focus will be on cutting-edge entrepreneurial media from across the spectrum, from journalism, politics and current issues, but also including culture, the performing arts, film, podcasting, music, and international festivals and mediated global events. We also emphasize understanding the 21st century media landscape and learning about social media addiction, how to promote mindfulness in the media and media hygiene. With an eye on ‘futures studies,’ we’re asking where current media practices are headed, and what effects those will have on society, politics, and culture.
The program includes site-visits to cutting-edge entrepreneurial media practitioners around the Mediterranean, and work/study or internships and a capstone experience at world-class festivals across the media spectrum, such as the Festival d’Aix, the Festival de Pâques, or the Cannes Film Festival.
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
ACADEMICS
Program Objectives & Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the 41-credit Master of Arts in Media and Society (MAMS), graduates will be able to:
- Apply interdisciplinary frameworks to analyze the role of media, language, and representation in shaping public opinion, identity, and social change across global contexts.
- Design and conduct media-focused research using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative methods, with sensitivity to ethical considerations and the cultural dimensions of communication.
- Demonstrate intercultural competence by engaging critically with diverse perspectives and effectively navigating linguistic, social, and professional differences in international environments.
- Integrate theory and practice by producing a capstone project that addresses a real-world issue through research, media content creation, advocacy, or program design, supported by experiential learning such as internships or fieldwork.
- Communicate clearly and professionally across multiple media formats and for varied audiences—including academic, nonprofit, and public-sector stakeholders—while reflecting an awareness of global power dynamics and social responsibility.
Program Structure
The program starts with a signature 1-credit launch orientation in Barcelona. Students begin their coursework on intercultural understanding, global leadership, and a proseminar that builds essential communication skills. Additionally, they take a language or culture course based on their Spanish proficiency and two special topics courses covering emerging trends in media such as the influence of the Disney empire or communication and gender.
The Europe/Morocco Media Studies Traveling Seminar tour has been designed to give students a unique exposure to the different facets of international media including key areas such as: journalism, advertising, media content production, consumption, media economics and entertainment. Students will study how various media forms (e.g. film, TV, public diplomacy, media enterprises) cope with the challenges specific to these different national and regional centers; and how they seize the opportunities they offer. Students will meet with media practitioners, media producers, and policymakers that may include news television channels, film postproduction facilities, global mediated sport brands, Disneyland Paris and animation studios.
January Term (J-Term) Traveling Seminar (3 Credits)
All students will participate in a J-Term Traveling Seminar between the fall and spring semesters. To satisfy their J-Term program requirement, MAMS students must enroll in the following J-Term program:
- International Business & Emerging Markets (France, Morocco, Belgium, Spain)
Students continue their studies in Aix-en-Provence, where they delve into advanced topics such as Media and Conflict, Strategic Communication, and take a French language or culture course tailored to their proficiency. The semester includes two additional special topics courses, covering themes like Persuasion and Propaganda, 21st Century Media practices and/or National Cinemas.
The program concludes with a capstone practicum at the Cannes Film Festival or another international media/film/music festival, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while building valuable industry connections.
Course Highlights Include:
MAMS Capstone (6 credits)
The MAMS program concludes with a capstone practicum at the Cannes Film Festival or another international media/film/music festival during the summer term, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world setting while building valuable industry connections.
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, MAMS students must enroll in the following J-Term program:
International Business & Emerging Markets
The International Business & Emerging Markets Traveling Seminar is designed for students interested in the study of the business environment of various economic systems. The Europe Morocco Business study tour has been designed to give students a unique exposure to the different facets of international business and international economics:
- Study how businesses cope with the challenges specific to these different economies; how they seize the opportunities they offer
- Learn how businesses deal with public policy and regulations at the national level AND the supra-national level
- Meet with policymakers from the individual countries visited
- Engage with top decision makers from the European Union
- Explore and appreciate the diverse cultures of the countries in which we travel – sample tapas in Spain, haggle in the souks of Morocco, wander the winding streets and markets of France, visit historical sites and museums, eat at local restaurants, 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.
|
MAMS 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 |
SCHOLARSHIPS
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.
HOUSING
Students in the MAIE program will spend their first semester at the ACM-IAU center in Barcelona, Spain, and are required to live in shared ACM student apartments.
FACULTY
Our faculty bring a diverse range of expertise and real-world experience that enriches the MAMS program. They have been recognized for their contributions to media representation, immersive journalism, cultural analysis, and children’s media.
Additionally, the program benefits from faculty with extensive experience in investigative journalism, particularly in international political contexts. This includes expertise in covering sensitive political issues, media freedom, and global journalism.
With experience in both academic research and active involvement in the media industry, our faculty provide students with unique perspectives that bridge theory and practice, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate and contribute to the evolving media landscape.
CAREER PATHS
Graduates are well-versed in both the practical and theoretical aspects of media studies via field studies, and special topics courses. Moreover, the chance to study across multiple countries, including France, Spain, Morocco, and other locations throughout the Mediterranean, offers students an enriched understanding of intercultural dynamics and a broader perspective on global communication trends, setting them apart in their professional endeavors.