What is an MA Degree?

A master's degree is a graduate degree that you typically pursue following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. These degrees come in various lengths and specializations and can better prepare you for a career in your field of study.

A master’s degree can provide you with a more focused education while allowing you to build upon your desired skillsets.

There are many types of master’s degrees for you to consider. Each offers its own specialization. So whether you are interested in anything from the arts and humanities to STEM or business, there is a master’s degree for you.

What Does MA Stand For?

There are two prominent types of master’s degrees — the Master of Arts (MA) and the Master of Science (MS). If you see "MA" listed after someone's name or title, they likely hold a Master of Arts degree.

There are several reasons to consider a master’s program, including if you want to continue your education or prepare yourself for the workforce. Your personal goals and the subject you plan to study can determine which type of master’s program you should consider.

According to Nicole Lounder, an admissions counselor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), an MA degree typically focuses on subjects within the arts and humanities fields.

Lounder has 17 years of experience working in education and holds an MA herself. "What I specifically like about Masters of Arts — probably why I have one — is because you really dive deep into humanities," she said. "You dive deeper into the different aspects of people's thinking so that you can see things from a more holistic point of view."

What Are Some Types of MA Degrees?

When it comes to an MA degree, there are tons of options. Each one has its advantages and the one that is best for you is dependent on your education and career goals. Earning a master’s can provide the opportunity to make yourself more marketable and to expand your knowledge within a specific discipline. There are also growing career options for those who hold a master’s, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment for those holding a master’s is expected to grow by 12.1% through 2033.*

Compared to an MS degree, Lounder said an MA tends to take a broader look at a subject. "There's a lot more research and writing based in the Masters of Arts," she said.

Here are a few examples of MA degrees and their job outlooks:

• MA in Communication: There are tons of career options for effective communicators, and many continue to grow.* The public relations specialist role, for example, is expected to grow by 6% through 2033, according to BLS.* Likewise, BLS reported that positions in advertising, promotions and as marketing managers are expected to grow by 8% through 2033.*
  
  
• MA in Creative Writing: With a master’s in creative writing, you can continue to develop your style and voice while focusing on your goals as a writer. Writers and authors earned a median salary of $73,690 in 2023, and the field is expected to grow by 5% through 2033, according to BLS.*
  
  
• MA in English: If you have a passion for using the English language in various ways, such as editing and writing, then a master’s in English may be for you. With a master’s in English, many careers may be available to you, such as editor, survey researcher, copywriter or content writer, among many others. Editors earned a $75,020 median pay, and survey researchers earned a $60,690 median wage in 2023, according to BLS.*
  
  
• MA in History: With a master’s in history, you can learn to preserve, organize and assess your knowledge of various historical topics. A few concentrations available to you are American, military and public history. Historians earned $72,890 in median pay in 2023, according to BLS.* Other roles BLS reported that you could pursue include archivists, curators and museum workers, who earned a median income of $57,120 in 2023.*

These are only a handful of the MA degrees available for you to consider. There are plenty of other options, so be sure to take your time before making a decision.

Is a BA or MA Better?

As the more advanced degree, many think of an MA as "better" than a Bachelor of Arts (BA). However, Lounder said the right option for you will depend on your goals and where you are in your education.

You'll need to earn a bachelor's degree before continuing with a master's degree. While you don’t need a BA to pursue an MA, it can be a suitable pathway as a BA offers similar courses that focus on the arts and humanities.

In addition to being different degree levels, the other main differences between bachelor's and master's is their depth of content focus. A bachelor’s program is a curriculum composed of general education and specialized courses from an area of study, with the opportunity to take elective courses. Most bachelor's programs are 120 credits or about 40 courses in length.

A master’s program specializes in one area of study, and the courses you take will be focused on that field of study. Master's degrees vary in length and can take anywhere from 30 to 60 credits — or 10 to 20 courses — to complete.

The type of work you may be doing also may determine what degree level you want to achieve. A bachelor's degree can help prepare you for a variety of entry and mid-level positions, while a master's can give you a leg up in job interviews and make you eligible for certain management positions.

Learn more about the types of degree levels.

Is an MA Worth It?

This question is ultimately subjective, but many graduates have shared that earning an MA was well worth it for them — including Adanze Chukwuocha '23G, who became the first person in her family to earn a master's degree after completing her MA in Creative Writing at SNHU.

“With the experience I’ve gained, I’m just a better person, and I'm very, very thankful for that,” Chukwuocha said of her program. "There are a lot of things I want to do, and I think this degree is a great next step on my journey."

She said she received a lot of support and helpful resources from her instructors and is confident moving forward in her career. "I definitely know what to do next after I leave," she said.

Earning a master’s degree could also mean upwards of an extra $244 a week in earnings, according to BLS data.* In 2023, the median weekly earnings were $1,737 for those with a master’s, compared to $1,493 for those with a bachelor’s, BLS reported.*

Which Master's Program is for You?

With so many options available for you to consider, it’s essential to do your research to ensure you are getting the best education for your goals. If you are thinking of going back to school for your master’s, there are plenty of options for getting a degree at your own pace.

"I would dig deep and ask — what part of the field do you like?" Lounder said. "Do you want the tech base or do you want to go more towards the educational field or towards that communications field?"

Whether you're considering an MA, Master of Science (MS) or an other master's program, you'll take courses that continue to develop skills in your field of study and prepare you for the workforce.

Here are some of the other types of master's you could consider:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)

While the specializations of these masters are different, all master’s programs have something to offer. Take your time to ensure that the degree you consider is right for you. Also consider your desired career and the kind of work you hope to do. Be sure to review any potential program curriculum and reach out to an advisor if you have any questions.

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Nicholas Patterson ’22 is a writer and alumnus of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing. He is currently honing his craft further as he pursues an MFA in Creative Writing from SNHU. Connect with him on LinkedIn.