What Is an MA Degree?

Have you ever considered taking your passion for a subject to the next level? Imagine advancing into your chosen field, gaining specialized knowledge, and opening doors to new career opportunities. This is where a Master of Arts (MA) degree comes into play. Whether you're fascinated by fine arts or intrigued by philosophy, an MA allows you to immerse yourself in your chosen field and explore its depths.

But what exactly is an MA degree, and is it worth it? Let's explore these questions and discover how an MA can shape your future. 

What is an MA Degree?

An MA degree is a postgraduate academic credential awarded by universities and colleges upon completion of a program in the humanities, social science, or arts. It's one of the oldest types of postgraduate qualification, with its origins traced to the teaching license or Licentia docendi of the University of Paris in the 12th century.

The MA degree involves advanced coursework, research, and often a thesis or a comprehensive examination. The degree is designed to give you a deeper understanding of your chosen subject and develop research, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

But what makes an MA degree different from other master's degrees? Compared to other postgraduate degrees like Master of Science (MS) or professional degrees like Master of Business Administration (MBA), an MA focuses more on humanities and the theoretical understanding of the subject. 

Types of MA Degree Programs

MA degrees are available in various fields and can come from a plethora of programs. Let’s examine some of the most popular types of MA programs below!

MA in Social Sciences

An MA in Social Sciences explores human society and social institutions. Depending on the discipline, an MA in social sciences may review past societies, analyze behavior, and examine individual motivations.

Common disciplines that offer an  MA degree include sociology, psychology, and political sciences. The core curriculum of these MA programs provides the knowledge and skills necessary to apply an interdisciplinary, reflexive, and critical approach to societal problems. 

MA in Fine Arts

An MA in fine arts is a terminal degree focusing on advanced study and practice in creative disciplines, including visual arts, creative writing, music, theater, and more. The curriculum varies depending on the specific field of study, but most programs include a combination of coursework, studio work, and thesis research.

If your pursuit is to become an artist, this degree allows you to refine your creative skills, develop your portfolio and engage in creative projects.

MA in Humanities

An MA in Humanities encompasses a set of academic disciplines that focus on how people understand, document, or describe their experience in the world. Some of the main subdisciplines of humanities are literature, history, and philosophy.

During your studies in such programs you can express your creativity, explore ideas, develop theories, do your own analysis, and draw conclusions that transform you into an excellent analyst and critical thinker. This degree is especially  beneficial to those who seek to work in academia, public sector or become a writer or editor. 

MA in Communication

An MA in Communication is an advanced degree involving the theory and strategy of communication as it applies to different settings and audiences. This degree also focuses on media studies, public relations, and journalism.

While MA in Communication programs are vast and diverse, attending one will help you learn fundamental communication skills crucial in fields such as media management, organizational management, crisis communications, and public outreach. 

MA in Cultural Studies

An MA in Cultural Studies encompasses the interdisciplinary study of culture, society, identity, and politics. It focuses on understanding cultural practices through various lenses, such as race, gender, nation, representation, and class.

This degree draws from fields like sociology, politics, anthropology, and more. It also opens doors to various career paths in academia, research, and cultural organizations. 

MA in International Studies

Lastly, an MA can also be obtained through International Studies programs. These programs focus on the interdisciplinary study of global issues, international relations, and cultural exchange.

The program covers topics such as political economy, human rights, and globalization, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of a broad range of international issues. After graduating, you can explore career paths in diplomacy, international organizations, and global business. 

Master of Arts Curriculum

An MA program's curriculum typically includes core and elective courses. Core courses are foundational courses that all students must complete to gain essential knowledge and skills relevant to the program.

On the other hand, electives allow you to tailor your education according to your interests. For example, core courses in our MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling include clinical diagnoses, multicultural counseling, and ethical issues in counseling. In contrast, electives include trauma, crisis, and grief counseling, play therapy, etc.

MA programs typically offer two pathways at the end of your studies: thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option emphasizes research and is ideal if you're considering a PhD or an academic career. On the contrary, the non-thesis option offers capstone projects as a culminating experience and is ideal if you want to advance in your career.

Furthermore, many MA programs emphasize the importance of practical experience, providing opportunities for internships or practicums during your graduate studies. 

What is the Cost of a Master of Arts Degree?

MA programs typically take one to two years, depending on whether you attend full-time or part-time. On average, the cost of an MA degree is $66,950, though tuition price for MA programs varies depending on the school, the program, and whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student. For example, the tuition cost of our master's programs (either full or part-time enrollment) is $991 per credit hour.

When considering the financial implications of an MA degree, you should also look into the additional expenses, such as books, supplies, housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

As these expenses can become a financial burden, you can try budgeting and minimizing costs. For instance, you can reduce expenses by looking for used textbooks, exploring public transportation options, and living with roommates. You should also look into alternative ways to pay for an MA, such as financial aid, scholarships, and student loans. 

Master of Arts Degree: Career Opportunities

After earning your MA degree, you can pursue new career opportunities, seek career advancement opportunities, or further your education by pursuing a PhD. The career paths you can take depend on what you study. 

Depending on your field of study, an MA may lead you to one of these careers:

• Social Sciences: Sociologist, political scientist, and economist.

• Communications: Public relations manager, social media specialist, and digital marketer.

• Fine arts: Music teacher, art therapist, museum director, and dance instructor.

• Humanities: Linguist, museum director, publicist, and publisher.

• Cultural Studies: Policy analyst, art gallery curator, and tourism marketing officer.

• International Studies: Diplomat, foreign affairs analyst, and lobbyist.

Is a Master of Arts Degree Worth it?

To determine if an MA is worth pursuing, you must weigh the benefits and potential downsides and reflect on how these factors align with your goals. There are several benefits that usually come with earning an MA degree.

After earning an MA degree, you can expect a higher salary compared to holding only a bachelor's degree. An MA degree can also lead to higher-paying career paths and advanced roles because of specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, earning an MA allows you to build meaningful relationships with peers, mentors, and professors, which can expand your professional visibility and boost your professional confidence.

While these benefits make earning an MA worthwhile, you also must consider some potential downsides. Debt is one of the downsides of earning an MA, with the average loan debt amounting to $92,300. Earning an MA typically takes one to two years, which can be a considerable time commitment if you're employed. Similarly, while pursuing an MA, you may have to put your career on hold, which can lead to a loss of income and career growth. 

Conclusion

An MA degree is a powerful investment in your future, offering specialized knowledge and opening career opportunities across diverse fields. Whether you're drawn to the humanities, social sciences, or fine arts, an MA empowers you with critical thinking and research skills essential for professional growth.

If you're ready to take the next step in your academic journey, consider exploring MA programs that align with your passions. Dive deeper into your interests and transform your career potential today!  You can make your dreams come true—so why not start now? Our graduate programs are a great place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which degree is better, BA or MA?

Both a BA and an MA are valuable credentials and have their own advantages. A BA provides foundational knowledge in a field and is a prerequisite for many jobs. On the other hand, an MA allows you to specialize within a specific area of study and may lead to higher-paying positions. 

What is the difference between an MA and MS degree?

The main difference between an MA and an MS degree is that an MA typically focuses on humanities, social sciences, or arts, whereas an MS focuses on natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering. As many disciplines like economics and psychology award both credentials, their key difference then is that an MA emphasizes theoretical and qualitative coursework. In contrast, an MS emphasizes coursework that is quantitative and experimental. 

What does an MA degree stand for?

The term 'MA' is an abbreviation for the Latin term Magister Artium, which translates to 'Master of Arts'.