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Chicago Programs

Chicago, Illinois

Live, learn, and pursue an internship in the vibrant city of Chicago

The ACM Chicago Programs offers three different but inter-linked programs designed to engage students academically, professionally, and personally with the city of Chicago as they study and work in their program of choice.

With Urban Studies, established in 1969, as an anchor and model, ACM recently modified the Chicago Arts program and introduced a new program in Business, Entrepreneurship, & Society to offer three programs that share a common administrative office and meeting space located in the heart of the Chicago's downtown theater district.

Using the programs' distinctive interdisciplinary approach, participants tackle the big issues facing cities and the people who live and work in them, and then are encouraged to dig deeper to relate those issues to their lives, education, and career aspirations.

Students participating in the semester-long Chicago Programs are required to complete four key components of the program designed to inform, enrich, and complement their learning experience.  These include: 1) the Chicago Core Course; 2) a program-specific seminar; 3) an individualized internship; and 4) an independent study project that grows out of participation in a program-based workshop, practicum, or precept project.  Note: Students participating in the spring trimester option will take the core course, program seminar, and will have a choice between an internship or an independent study project.

Students should apply for the program that best meets the academic and career interests they would like to explore during their semester in Chicago.

Chicago Programs students meet Mayor Richard M. Daley during a visit to City Hall.

Quick Facts

  • Term: Fall semester, spring semester, & spring trimester (March-May)
  • Language prerequisite: None
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Living arrangements: Apartment

Application deadlines

March 15, 2010

Fall 2010 semester

March 15, 2010

Spring 2011 semester early application date
Do I need to apply early?
The early application date is available for students whose college requires that all off-campus study applications for the entire upcoming academic year must be completed the prior spring semester. If your college does not require a spring decision for programs the following spring, you may simply apply by the regular application deadline.

October 31, 2010

Spring 2011 semester

If the deadline has passed and you are interested in applying, contact the ACM Office immediately. Late applications may be accepted on a space-available basis.

Publications & Resources

Chicago Programs brochure

Chicago Programs Student Handbook 2009-10

Chicago Programs internship list

Chicago Programs

Caroyln Richardson The Chicago Arts Program was the most significant step I made between my on-campus college experience and my transition into the working world. In the six months I was in the program, I created relationships that resulted in my first full-time job in the music industry, recording and performing opportunities with some of industry's most respected musicians, and a self-examination that I was never urged to do in my college courses. I learned so much about art: who makes it and how they do it, but more importantly what motivates art. More than anything, I learned purpose in the Chicago Arts Program. The personalized curriculum that allows for self-expression is worth a lifetime of arts courses. I went to a great college and was unsure about spending a semester away from campus - but had I stayed, I do not think I would be as tenacious and successful as I am today. Thank you, ACM!

—Caroyln Richardson, Chicago Arts, Spring 2003

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Who we are

The Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) is a consortium of independent, liberal arts colleges in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado.