What is a Master of Arts (MA) Degree?

The type of master's degree you can earn depends on what you study. A Master of Arts (MA) degree is typically awarded to students who gain specialized knowledge of a subject in the humanities, social sciences, or arts though it can sometimes encompass other areas.

Earning your MA degree is an opportunity to advance your knowledge of a subject, develop your skills, pursue more advanced careers, and qualify for higher salaries. It's also a growing requirement in the workforce. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that careers requiring a master's degree will increase by more than 12 percent in the next decade, compared to 7 percent for jobs requiring a bachelor's degree [1].

Learn what it takes to earn an MA degree, the requirements to apply, and how this degree might benefit you. Afterward, explore

What is a Master of Arts degree?

A Master of Arts degree—often abbreviated as an MA degree—is a graduate degree you can earn after first completing your bachelor's degree. However, some programs combine bachelor's and master's degree programs, making it possible to earn both degrees in less time.

It usually takes about two to three years to earn your MA. The average cost of a master's degree program is $62,820, according to the Education Data Initiative, but seeking scholarships, teaching assistantships, or even working part-time or full-time throughout your program are ways to reduce the overall cost of the degree [2].

MA degree subjects

You can earn your MA degree in several subjects in the humanities and social sciences. And you don't have to earn your MA degree in the same subject as you earned your bachelor's degree in.

Examples of MA degree subjects:

• Anthropology

• Applied linguistics

• Communication

• Economics

• History

• International relations

• Legal studies

• Literature

• Philosophy

• Political science

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Studio art

• Theology

• Theatre

Learn more: What Master's Degree Should I Get?

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What does it take to earn a Master of Arts degree?

Over the course of your time in an MA degree program, you'll take advanced coursework to build your general knowledge of the field you're studying while gaining specialized knowledge about an area within that field. Most master's programs require students to complete a master's thesis or capstone project to demonstrate their research abilities and the knowledge they've gained. Learn more about how to get a master's degree.

MA degree: application requirements

The requirements to apply to an MA program will vary by university, but generally, you will need to have a bachelor's degree before beginning your program, though you can be in the process of completing that undergraduate degree when you apply.

Some schools may also ask you to take the GRE or a comparable graduate entrance exam, and others may expect you to have a minimum GPA (usually 3.0) in your undergraduate work. Other requirements may include the following:

• Application

• Essay or writing sample

• Letters of recommendation

• Transcripts from previous schools

The main difference between an MA and MS degree is the subject matter you choose to study. An MA degree typically focuses on humanities, arts, and social sciences with an emphasis on theoretical knowledge and qualitative research. In contrast, an MS degree usually concentrates on scientific, technical, and mathematical fields with an emphasis on quantitative research and practical applications.

What can you do with an MA degree?

After completing your MA degree, you can pursue new career opportunities, seek career advancement opportunities, or continue your education by earning a PhD.

Students tend to appreciate MA degrees because of the career flexibility they offer. Rather than pursuing one set path, they can use the degree to explore a few options with the specialized knowledge and advanced skills they've acquired.

The careers you can pursue will ultimately depend on what you study. For example, if you study English, you can go on to become a copywriter, content writer, editor, or social media manager, among a range of other roles. That's because subjects in the humanities and social sciences emphasize valuable workplace skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and curiosity, among the most desired skills in the workplace, according to the World Economic Forum [3].

4 benefits of an MA degree

Earning your Master of Arts degree can be a worthwhile endeavor. While it can be expensive, and time-consuming, to complete a master's programs, there are several benefits to consider.

1. Career advancement

A master's degree can open doors to higher-level positions and management roles that aren't accessible with just a bachelor's degree. Many employers value the advanced knowledge and specialized skills that come with an MA, often leading to increased job responsibilities and higher salaries.

2. Specialized knowledge

An MA program allows you to develop deep expertise in your chosen field, going beyond the broader education of a bachelor's degree. This specialized knowledge can make you a subject matter expert and more competitive in your field.

3. Academic and research skills

MA programs teach advanced research methods, critical thinking, and analytical skills that are valuable in many professions. These skills can enhance your problem-solving abilities and make you more effective at evaluating and presenting complex information.

4. Networking opportunities

Graduate programs provide valuable opportunities to connect with professors, professionals, and other students in your field. These connections can lead to job opportunities, research collaborations, and professional relationships that benefit your career long after graduation.

Explore master's degrees on Coursera

Earning a Master of Arts degree allows you to deepen your knowledge while building in-demand, transferable skills. Explore flexible master's degrees with esteemed university partners on Coursera.