Choosing the right postgraduate course is very important for your career. Many students across the world choose an MA degree after completing their bachelor’s studies. If you are planning to study further in arts, humanities, or social sciences, then an MA degree can be a great option.
In this detailed blog, you will understand what an MA degree is, its duration, eligibility, fees, specializations, career options, salary, and real-life examples with dollar calculations. The language is kept very easy so that every student can understand clearly.
What Is an MA Degree?
An MA degree stands for Master of Arts. It is a postgraduate degree that students pursue after completing a bachelor’s degree.
The MA degree mainly focuses on:
- Arts
- Humanities
- Social sciences
- Language studies
- Cultural and theoretical subjects
An MA degree helps students improve critical thinking, communication skills, research ability, and subject knowledge.
Example
If a student completes a BA in English, they can continue with an MA in English to gain deeper knowledge and better career opportunities.
Why Should You Choose an MA Degree?
There are many reasons why students choose an MA degree:
- To gain advanced knowledge in a specific subject
- To get better job opportunities
- To enter teaching, research, or academic fields
- To prepare for competitive exams
- To increase salary potential
Simple Example
A BA graduate earning $18,000 per year may earn $28,000–$40,000 per year after completing an MA degree, depending on the job role.
MA Degree Duration
The duration of an MA degree depends on the country, university, and study mode.
Average Duration
- 1 year – Some countries and fast-track programs
- 2 years – Most common duration worldwide
Study Modes
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Online / Distance learning
Example
If a university charges $8,000 per year for a 2-year MA degree:
Total course cost = $8,000 × 2 = $16,000
Eligibility for MA Degree
To apply for an MA degree, students must meet some basic eligibility criteria.
Common Eligibility Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
- Minimum percentage (varies by institution)
- English language proficiency (for international study)
- Entrance exam or interview (in some universities)
Example
A student with a BA in History can apply for an MA in History, Political Science, or Sociology, depending on university rules.
Popular MA Degree Specializations
MA degrees are available in many subjects. Below are some popular options:
Arts & Humanities
- MA in English
- MA in History
- MA in Philosophy
- MA in Languages
Social Sciences
- MA in Psychology
- MA in Sociology
- MA in Political Science
- MA in Economics
Media & Communication
- MA in Journalism
- MA in Mass Communication
- MA in Media Studies
Education & Others
- MA in Education
- MA in Public Administration
- MA in International Relations
MA Degree vs MS Degree
Many students get confused between MA and MS degrees.
| Feature | MA Degree | MS Degree |
| Focus | Theory & humanities | Science & technical |
| Subjects | Arts, languages, social sciences | Math, science, engineering |
| Skill Type | Research, writing, analysis | Technical & practical |
| Career Fields | Teaching, media, research | IT, engineering, science |
MA Degree Fees (With Dollar Calculations)
The fees of an MA degree depend on:
- Country
- University type (public or private)
- Study mode
Average MA Fees
- Public universities: $3,000 – $8,000 per year
- Private universities: $10,000 – $25,000 per year
Example Calculation
If a private university charges $12,000 per year for a 2-year MA program:
- Year 1 fee = $12,000
- Year 2 fee = $12,000
- Total MA cost = $24,000
Cost of Living (Example Calculation)
Studying an MA degree also includes living expenses.
Average Monthly Expenses
- Rent: $700
- Food: $300
- Transport: $100
- Other expenses: $200
Monthly total = $1,300
Yearly Cost
$1,300 × 12 = $15,600 per year
Total Cost for 2 Years
$15,600 × 2 = $31,200
Full MA Cost Example
- Tuition: $24,000
- Living expenses: $31,200
- Total cost = $55,200
Career Options After MA Degree
An MA degree opens doors to many career options.
Popular Career Paths:
- Teacher or Lecturer
- Content Writer or Editor
- Journalist
- Research Analyst
- Social Worker
- Policy Advisor
- NGO Professional
- Public Relations Officer
Salary After MA Degree (With Examples)
Salary depends on specialization, experience, and country.
Average Annual Salaries
- Teacher: $30,000 – $45,000
- Content Writer: $28,000 – $50,000
- Research Analyst: $40,000 – $65,000
- Media Professional: $35,000 – $60,000
Example
A graduate earns $42,000 per year after MA.
Monthly income = $42,000 ÷ 12 = $3,500
Return on Investment (ROI) Example
Let’s calculate ROI for an MA degree.
Assumptions
- Total MA cost: $40,000
- Annual salary after MA: $45,000
Payback Period
$40,000 ÷ $45,000 ≈ 0.9 years
This means the student can recover education cost in less than 1 year of work.
Who Should Do an MA Degree?
An MA degree is best for students who:
- Love reading and research
- Want careers in teaching or academics
- Aim for civil services or government jobs
- Want to work in media, NGOs, or policy roles
- Prefer theoretical and analytical learning
Advantages of an MA Degree
- Deep subject knowledge
- Better career opportunities
- Higher salary potential
- Eligibility for PhD programs
- Strong communication skills
- Global job opportunities
Disadvantages of an MA Degree
- Less technical compared to science degrees
- Requires strong reading and writing skills
- Career growth depends on specialization
Online MA Degree: Is It Worth It?
Yes, online MA degrees are becoming popular.
Benefits
- Lower fees
- Study from anywhere
- Flexible schedule
- Suitable for working professionals
Example
Online MA fee: $4,000 per year
On-campus MA fee: $10,000 per year
Savings = $6,000 per year
Future Scope of MA Degree
The demand for skilled professionals in education, content creation, research, policy making, and media is growing. An MA degree gives long-term career stability, especially for students who want knowledge-based professions.
Also Read: Masters in Public Administration: A Guide for Students
Conclusion
An MA degree is a valuable postgraduate qualification for students interested in arts, humanities, and social sciences. It offers strong academic knowledge, diverse career options, and good earning potential. With proper specialization and planning, an MA degree can provide an excellent return on investment.
If you enjoy learning deeply, analyzing ideas, and building a meaningful career, then pursuing an MA degree can be a smart and rewarding decision.