MAJOR OVERVIEW
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BAPS) degree builds on the academic tradition and strong international relations curriculum provided at ACM and its study abroad institute, IAU. ACM strives to create global ethical leaders and policymakers in an increasingly interconnected global community which includes classroom discussions on European, French, Mediterranean, and North African topics facilitated by accomplished and well-traveled faculty. As a part of ACM’s ‘Social Issues Across the Curriculum’ initiative, students and faculty weave topics related to race, class, and gender into everyday discussion both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, during their undergraduate career, students will participate in ACM’s Global Diversity (GD) requirement, taking at least one course that meets the GD requirement, which focuses on exploring and analyzing typically underrepresented groups of people on the global stage and incorporate international and cross-cultural studies. These experiences allow graduates holding a BAPS to enter the global workforce with a wealth of knowledge gained through experiential learning.
ADMISSIONS
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. 3, 2026
Application Available
Jan. 6, 2027
Priority Decision Deadline
May 5, 2027
Regular Decision Deadline
ACADEMICS
ACM’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science requires students to satisfy the ACM Core Curriculum and the following major requirements.
Lower-Division Courses, 12 credits required (can be used for core curriculum credits)
- POL 103: Political Theory
- POL 105: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POL 106: International Relations
Upper-Division Courses, 33 credits required
- IRL/POL 303: International Relations
- HIS 301: European History 1870-1918
- HIS 303: European History and the Cold War
- HIS/SOC 304: Muslim Presence in Europe
- POL 307: The European Union: Integration, Enlargement, Unity
- POL/ENS 309: Global Environmental Politics
- PHI/POL 312: Ethics in Society
- COM/IRL 316: Media and Conflict
- POL 318: Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
- HIS/POL 321: French Colonialism in the Middle East and North Africa
- FRE/POL 376: Contemporary French Identities
January Term Seminar (3 credits)
Total Major Credits: 48
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. All ACM students are required to participate in J-Term within the first academic year of enrollment.
Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in the Europe & the Islamic World, Great Cities, or Mediterranean Basin seminar in alignment with ACM’s Core Curriculum. Students must meet with their academic advisor to choose a seminar that best fits within their major and academic plan.
Diplomacy & Human Rights
in the Mediterranean
Europe & the
Islamic World
Great
Cities
International Business & Emerging Markets
Mediterranean
Basin
Theatre
Alive
Wine, Gastronomy, & Sustainability of the Mediterranean
HOUSING
ACM has different housing options in Aix-en-Provence available to undergraduate students, including homestays with a local host or student residence apartments.
All undergraduate students must live with a homestay during their first year of study. After their first year, they can request an ACM student residence apartment or non-program housing upon approval. Living in a homestay is a challenging yet enriching experience, and essential for students to immerse themselves in French language and culture at the start of their ACM experience.
TUITION AND AID
|
Bachelor of Arts 2026-2027 |
Fall 12-18 Units |
Spring 12-18 Units |
Academic Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,900 | $11,900 | $23,800 |
|
Student Life Fees |
$2,500 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| Housing | $5,500 | $5,500 | $11,000 |
| Total | $19,900 | $19,900 | $39,800 |
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.
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.
CAREER PATHS
Graduates of the Political Science program are prepared for dynamic careers in government, international organizations, policy analysis, media, and the nonprofit sector, supported by a strong foundation in political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Through interdisciplinary coursework focused on Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East, students develop critical thinking, cross-cultural awareness, and the ability to analyze complex global issues and power structures. These skills, combined with rigorous training in research, writing, and communication, equip graduates to pursue impactful roles in an increasingly interconnected global environment.
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.