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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.

Structure of the Program

The degree can be completed in 12 months of full-time study. Students spend their fall and spring semesters in Aix-en-Provence, participate in a January Term traveling seminar, and have the option to pursue an internship in Barcelona or other locations across Europe and North Africa.


The curriculum consists of:

  • 36 credits in art history coursework
  • 6 credits of foreign language study
  • A culminating thesis or capstone project
This structure allows students to balance rigorous academic study with professional experience and fieldwork across the Mediterranean.



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. 

Learning Assessment

Assessment is woven throughout the program, beginning in the first semester. Two core courses—ART 500: Methodology and Research in Art History and ART 515: The Master’s Forum—provide structured opportunities for students to reflect on their academic background and articulate their research goals. Faculty guide students through diagnostic activities such as discussions, short assignments, and presentations, ensuring each student builds a foundation tailored to their scholarly and professional trajectory.

Throughout the year, progress is supported and evaluated through:

  • Regular advising and milestone submissions connected to the thesis or capstone.

  • Two writing workshops per semester, emphasizing peer review and scholarly writing. 

  • Faculty feedback on the refinement of research questions, methodologies, and written outputs.


This continuous cycle of reflection, writing, and revision prepares students for the demands of advanced scholarship and professional practice.

Culminating Project

The program concludes with either a Master’s Thesis or a Capstone Project, both of which are publicly defended before a committee.

  • The Thesis is a substantial piece of original research, developed under close faculty supervision and defended before a four-member committee.

  • The Capstone Project is a research-informed, professionally oriented project such as a curatorial proposal, exhibition catalog, digital platform, or portfolio.

Whether pursuing the thesis or capstone, students emerge from the program with a major project that reflects both their intellectual development and their readiness for the next stage of their career.

Pathways After Graduation

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.


Degree Requirements

The MAAH is a 42-credit (plus one credit for the early start program), one-year program consisting of three tracks:

  • Art History
  • Museum Studies
  • Fine Arts


Early Start Program (1 credit)


Semester I (18 credits)

All students take six courses in their first semester depending on their chosen track.


All students will take:

  • ARH 500: Methodology and Research in Art History (3 credits)
  • ART/ARH 515: The Master's Forum - Gateway to the Arts of the World: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • French Language Course (3 credits)


Students in the Art-History track will additionally take:

  • Three Art History Courses (9 credits)


Students in Museum Studies track will additionally take:

  • MSM/ARH 537: A History of Museums: from Prehistoric Caves to the Louvre Abu Dhabi (3 credits)
  • MSM/ARH 504: Curatorship: Theory and Practice (3 credits)
  • One Art History Course (3 credits)


Students in the Fine Arts track will additionally take:

  • ART/ARH/PHI 509: Art Criticism & Aesthetics Seminar I (3 credits)
  • ART 505: Drawing & Painting Studio I (3 credits)
  • One Art History Course (3 credits)


January Term (3 credits)

To satisfy their degree requirements, MAAH students must enroll in one January Term program, a multi-country traveling seminar which explores the art and cultures of the countries visited. MAAH students can choose from the options found in the course list section.

Semester II (18 credits)


All students will take:

  • ARH 600: Thesis & Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
  • French Language Course (3 credits)


Students in the Art-History track will additionally take:

  • Four Art History Courses (12 credits)


Students in the Museum Studies track will additionally take:

  • MSM/ARH 591: Museums Today: Mission and Challenges (3 credits) 
  • Art History Course (3 credits)
  • Museum Studies Course (3 credits)
  • Internship (3 credits)


Students in the Fine Arts/Painting track will additionally take:

  • ART/ARH/PHI 510: Art Criticism & Aesthetics Seminar II (3 credits)
  • ART 506: Drawing & Painting Studio II (3 credits)
  • Two Art History Courses (6 credits)


Summer (3 credits)

All students will participate in an internship (3 credits) while completing their master's thesis or capstone project.

  • ART 741: Art Internship: 120 hours (3 credits)

Master’s Thesis or Capstone Project

Each student will have two advisors assigned in their second semester. All students will need to defend their thesis or capstone project in front of a committee that consists of 2 advisors and 2 examiners. The defense is open to the public. Students will attend graduation ceremony but will only receive their diploma upon the submission and successful completion of their Master’s Thesis or Capstone Project.

  • Master’s Thesis: A major piece of original research that must demonstrate critical analysis, thorough research, and a contribution to the field of study. The thesis is typically between 20,000–30,000 words or over 50 pages, double-spaced for the body of the work (not including footnotes and front/end matter).
  • Capstone Project: Must demonstrate the student’s ability to apply art historical knowledge in a professional or practice-based context and may take forms such as a curatorial proposal, exhibition catalog, digital platform, or research-informed portfolio.


Language and Culture

All students admitted into the program are required to take six credits of French language or culture courses, three in the fall and three in the spring semesters of the program.


Art History

All students must take 12 courses (36 credits) in Art History.

Any student admitted to the MAAH program without a background in Art History must take:

  • ART/ARH 401: Art History: Prehistory to Modern Times


Field Studies & Research

A defining characteristic of ACM programs is the synthesis of academic and experiential learning. MAAH candidates will have the chance to conduct field study and short-term research European and/or North-African cities.



Internships (ART 741, 3 Credits)

At the end of the spring semester, students will be placed in internships of 120 hours in various museums and galleries in the region. Students will receive three credits for their internship providing they complete their hours requirement, submit a final report, and present their experience to the Dean and their advisor. 


Courses

Art History

ART/ARH 401: Art History: Prehistory to Modern Times
ART/ARH 500: Methodology and Research in Art History
ART/ARH 503: Modern Art: Rebels and Icons
ARC/ARH 512: European & Mediterranean Prehistoric Art and Archaeology
ARC/ARH 513: Powers and Identities in the Ancient Mediterranean
ART/ARH 515: The Master's Forum - Gateway to the Arts of the World: Theory and Practice
ART/ARH 519: The Mediterranean Seminar: The Perception of the Mediterranean Through the Ages
ART/ARH 520: Picasso, Matisse, and the Mediterranean
ART/BUS 527: Arts Administration: Cultural Management and Leadership
ARC/ARH 531: Archaeology, Art, and Architecture of Ancient Provence (in French)
ART/ARH 540: The Mediterranean and Beyond: Cross-Cultural Studies in Medieval Art and Architecture
ART/ARH 542: Artistic Encounters in the Mediterranean: Cross-Cultural Perspectives in European Art
ART/ARH 564: Contemporary Art: Visual Representation of the Mediterranean
ART/ART 573: Renaissance Art and Architecture
ART/ARH 581: The XIXth Century and French Impressionism
ART/ARH 582: Cézanne and Van Gogh
ART/ARH 600: Thesis and Capstone Seminar

Museum Studies

MSM/ARH 504: Curatorship: Theory and Practices
MSM/ARH 537: History of Museums: From Prehistoric Caves to The Louvre Abu Dhabi
MSM/ARH 591: Museums Today: Mission and Challenges (Museology Seminar)

Critical Studies

ART/ARH/PHI 509: Critical Studies I
ART/ARH/PHI 510: Critical Studies II

Studio Arts Courses for Fine Arts Track

ART 599: Independent Study
ART 630: Painting I
ART 632: Painting II


Language and Culture Courses

Students will select according to their language placement and in consultation with their advisor. See courses listed in Arabic, French, or Spanish in the ACM Catalog. 


J-Term    

To satisfy their degree program requirements, MAAH students must enroll in a January Term program. Students should consult with their school dean or their academic advisor prior to choosing a January Term program.

Internship

  • ART 741: Art Internship


MAAH Program Stucture and Course Sequence

MAAH Degree Requirements:  36 Art History Credits + 6 Credits + MA Thesis

 

Faculty

ACM faculty is comprised of experts in their fields. Both academics and professionals in their field, ACM faculty provide the MAAH the academic depth and the real-life experience necessary for a well-rounded Art History education.

Blog

Discover the School of Art through the voices of our students on the ACM-IAU School of Art Blog: https://acmfrance-soa.squarespace.com


For program-related questions, please contact Dr. Yumna Masarwa, Dean of the ACM School of Art.

For admissions-related questions, please contact the U.S. Office of Admissions at admissions@acmfrance.org or 1-800-221-2051.


Academics

Admissions