FREQUENT QUESTIONS ABOUT ACHLS
1. What is a "completion" or "senior" college?
A "completion" or "senior" college is a college that offers the junior and senior years of undergraduate study. Incoming students must have at least 60 credit hours of undergraduate education before beginning at ACHLS.
2. What degree will I earn after completing studies at ACHLS?
A graduate will obtain a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in history and legal studies.
3. Are concentrations offered at the ACHLS?
In his/her senior year, a student may choose to concentrate -- but is not required to concentrate -- in one of four specific areas of American History: The History of Civil Rights; The History of Urban Growth and Immigration;The History of American Foreign Relations; and The Lessons of American History. To concentrate in one of these areas, a Senior student must take at least four classes designated for the specific concentration.
Seniors who choose not to concentrate in a specific area may take any electives of their choosing.
4. Where is the ACHLS located?
The campus is located at 1 Stiles Road, Suite 104 in Salem, New Hampshire, just across the border from Massachusetts.
5. What is the "Early Admission to Law School Program"?
The "Early Admission to Law School Program" allows a qualifying ACHLS student to combine her senior year at ACHLS with her first year of law school at the Massachusetts School of Law at Andover. Approximately 17 similar early admission to law school programs are offered throughout the United States. The "Early Admission to Law School Program" allows a student to obtain both her BA degree and her JD degree within six years, as opposed to the traditional seven years to complete both. Prerequisites to participate in the "Early Admission to Law School Program" program are outlined on www.achls.org and in the catalog.
6. What can I do with a Bachelor's degree in history and legal studies?
An undergraduate degree in history and legal studies from ACHLS qualifies one for multiple future opportunities because an ACHLS graduate will be thoroughly versed not only in the study of American history, but also in the crucial skills of good writing, researching and fluent speaking. Such skills will be beneficial for law school or numerous other fields of graduate study, as well as in the business, teaching, and other professional worlds.
7. Approval of the ACHLS.
After a thorough review by the New Hampshire Postsecondary Education Commission, ACHLS was approved on March 12, 2009 to issue B.A. degrees in history and legal studies.
In New Hampshire, after a school receives initial approval from the Postsecondary Education Commission, the school submits a bill to the New Hampshire legislature, seeking the legislature's ratification of the Commission's prior approval to grant degrees. Senate bill 312 (2010) (An Act conferring degree-granting authority to the American College of History and Legal Studies) passed unanimously in the New Hampshire State Senate and House of Representatives. Senate bill 312 was signed by Governor John Lynch on May 18, 2010.
The ACHLS intends to seek accreditation by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges ("NEASC") as soon as possible, and has informed NEASC of this. Initial NEASC accreditation can be sought within a few years. The Massachusetts School of Law, which has created the ACHLS, is accredited by NEASC.
8. What if I have further questions about the ACHLS?
If you have further questions or inquiries about the ACHLS, please contact the Admissions Department at 1.603.458.5145 or email info@achls.org. We will get back to you as soon as possible.