Master of Arts in Media Studies

ACM is not enrolling students in the MAMS program for Fall 2023. Please check in August 2023 for updates regarding Fall 2024 application. 

The M.A. in Media Studies at The American College of the Mediterranean provides students with a broad and interdisciplinary formation from core training in communication theory and media research methods. The program leverages the site-specificity of its European campus with close ties to Spain and North Africa and combines theory and practice in order to prepare students for success in fields such as public relations, brand management, public affairs, nonprofit management, education, and research. The program emphasizes ethical, culturally-sensitive, and socially-responsible communication.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Media Studies is a thirty six credit-hour, one year program consisting of required three-credit core courses (15 units), several different electives according to students' chosen tracks (9 units), an intersession traveling seminar (3 units), an internship during the second semester (4 units), and finally a Master’s Thesis (4 units) submitted at the completion of the program. A Master’s Thesis prospective will be submitted in the second semester for approval by student’s committee. Students will continue to work on this proposal with advisor and submit no later than July 1 for successful completion of the program. The advisor will help determine the student’s particular track of study depending on the thesis’ area of focus.

Courses

During this year-long program (two semesters plus January Term and summer work), students will choose from courses in subject matter relating to Media Studies Theory and History, Journalism, Film, and Visual Arts, the Study of Popular Culture and the Media, and French as a Second Language.

Semester I (12 credits)

All students take four 500-level courses: two core courses (below), one elective course (below) and one language that they will study during the year to fulfill the language proficiency requirement.

Core Courses (6 credits, Any 2 of the following 3)

• Proseminar in Media Studies Theory
• Media & Conflict
• Media & Politics

Sample Elective Media Studies courses: (3 credits)

• Islam and Europe in Today's Media Climate
• Provence, Myth & Media
• France, WWII, & Media
• European Cinema
• European City & Visual Arts
• Creative Non-Fiction
• Writing in Provence
• France & It's Movies--WWII-1970's
• France & It's Movies--1980's-Today
• Current Events & French Media
• France, Francophone & Music

Language (3 credits)

• Language Requirement

January Term (3 credits)

MAMS students will take advantage of ACM’s plethora of January term/Intersession programs which are multi-country traveling seminars, many of which explore the politics, economies, histories, and cultures of the countries visited. All students will participate in a January Term Seminar chosen from the list below. The choice is based on the student’s track.

January Term Seminar Options

Semester II (12 credits)

All students take four 500-level courses: one core courses (below), two elective courses (below) and one language that they will study during the year to fulfill the language proficiency requirement.

Core Courses (3 credits; Remaining Core Course)

• Proseminar in Media Studies Theory
• Media & Conflict
• Media & Politics

Sample Elective Media Studies courses: (6 credits)

• Islam and Europe in Today's Media Climate
• Provence, Myth & Media
• France, WWII, & Media
• European Cinema
• European City & Visual Arts
• Creative Non-Fiction
• Writing in Provence
• France & It's Movies--WWII-1970's
• France & It's Movies--1980's-Today
• Current Events & French Media
• France, Francophone & Music

Language (3 credits)

• Language Requirement

Summer (8 credits)

Students will participate in one internship (four credits) and will complete their Master's Thesis (4 credits).

• Internship: May-July (4 credits) Students will submit regular reports to their advisors with a final report in July.
  
  
• Master’s Thesis: (4 credits) Students will work closely with their chosen track advisor on a Master’s Thesis to be submitted no later than July 1st after the completion of their coursework. Students will attend graduation ceremony but will only receive their diploma upon the submission and successful completion of their Master’s Thesis.

Total = 36 credits