What Can You Do With a Master of Arts Degree?

A Master of Arts (MA) is a postgraduate degree that can deepen your knowledge of a subject in the humanities, social sciences, and arts. Through an MA degree programme, you can gain important knowledge and skills needed for a variety of careers in fields such as education, art and design, languages, journalism and communications, and human services. You may also qualify for more senior roles because a growing number of employers prefer advanced education. Outside of your career, you may even experience personal growth and acquire lifelong skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

There are many benefits to pursuing an MA degree. Explore the different areas in which you can earn an MA degree, the advantages of a postgraduate degree, and the job outlook for graduates. 

What is a Master of Arts degree?

An MA degree is a postgraduate degree that focuses on a specific concentration within the liberal arts or humanities, such as English, philosophy, art, or a foreign language. It usually takes about two years to earn your MA. In addition to taking advanced courses in your subject area, which may include seminars, discussions, and academic research and writing, your programme may also expect you to complete a thesis or capstone project.

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Master of Arts degree fields

Other master's degrees, like certain Master of Science (MSc) degrees and the Master of Business Administration (MBA), prepare students to pursue specific career paths or industries. An MA may also prepare you for a designated career path, but you'll also likely gain valuable—and versatile—transferable skills. The primary goal of an MA is to broaden your knowledge of theoretical and methodological approaches in the field of liberal arts or humanities. For example, the research, language, and critical thinking skills you'll typically gain in a foreign language master's programme can lead to work in translation, interpretation, international relations, and numerous other areas.

Some common subjects that can lead to an MA degree include the following: 

• Art history

• Journalism and mass communication 

• Languages (classical languages, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, etc.) 

• English 

• Education and various topics within the topic of education, like educational psychology 

• History

• Political science

• Sociology

• Philosophy

• Religion 

• Cultural studies

• International affairs

• Comparative literature 

Explore some common MA fields of study and where they might lead you in your career. 

Education 

Many people who earn an MA degree often end up working in education. As a matter of fact, many people who are already teachers or working in education will seek an MA in Education to expand their career choices. It's also a great option for people who have bachelor's degrees in other topics and would like to transition to teaching. People who earn this degree typically work in the following roles:

• Primary and secondary school teachers 

• Special education teachers

• Principals and school administrators 

• School or career counsellors 

• Educational psychologist 

• Educational consultants 

• Training and development specialists

• Curriculum developers

Art and design 

While an MA degree is more about liberal arts than fine arts, you can earn an MA degree in subjects that focus on your creative side, like art history, art and design, art therapy, dance, and music. This type of master's degree can help you hone your talents and may lead you to one of these careers: 

• Art teacher

• Animator

• Graphic designer

• Curator

• Dance choreographer

• Artist 

• Photographer 

• Art restorer 

• Musician 

• Theatre artist

Languages 

Earning a master's degree in a foreign language can open up opportunities in any field where there may be a language barrier that requires communication. You might find jobs in both the public and private sectors, such as the following: 

• Translator/interpreter 

• Foreign correspondent 

• Lexicographer

• Content writer 

• Psycholinguist 

• Communication disorders specialist

• Professor or instructor

• Travel advisor 

Journalism and communications 

An MA degree in journalism or communications can help you advance your career or lead to opportunities in journalism, advertising, public relations, new media, and mass media. Journalism is a high-paying industry in the arts sector and requires you to have both creative and analytical skills. Some potential jobs in these areas might include the following: 

• Journalist

• Editor

• Content writer

• Broadcasting specialist

• News reporter

• Event manager 

• Public relations manager 

• Advertising executive

• Social media specialist

• TV or film producer

• Media planner 

Human services 

If you’re interested in serving others, you may choose an MA field that can lead to a career in human services. You might select a degree concentration like sociology, social sciences, counselling, therapy, criminal justice, or human services. This can lead to careers like the following: 

• Social worker

• Social welfare officer 

• Social researcher

• Market researcher

• Human resources manager 

• Social services manager 

• Parole officer

• Community development worker 

• Probation officer

• Urban planner

• Policy analyst

• Counsellor

Advantages of a Master of Arts degree

There are many reasons to get an MA degree, including career advancement, specialised knowledge, and skills development.

Career advancement 

Many people choose to get an MA degree to help advance their careers. You may want to strive for a promotion or move into a leadership or management position, and a master’s degree may be a requirement—or a way to help you stand out from other applicants. Some employers require employees to have a master’s degree and, in return, help them pay for it. When hiring, they will often prioritise candidates with master’s degrees. Additionally, a master’s degree is often a requirement for more senior-level roles. According to the World Bank Group, 65.3 per cent of the worker population in India had an advanced degree in 2023 [1]. 

Specialised knowledge in a field

You might want to advance your knowledge in a particular field to work towards better understanding and performance within your career. You may learn about new technology or methods that are prevalent in your field now compared to when you first started or earned your bachelor's degree. With an MA degree, you may be able to make a greater contribution to your job or even offer your skills and knowledge as a consultant.

Acquiring skills and lifelong learning 

Perhaps you want to learn more about a subject because it interests you or you'd like to hone your skills, like writing or research. According to the Economic Times, the demand for skill proficiency is projected to reach 41 per cent in 2025, leading to a 70 per cent increase in the number of students choosing to improve their job skills or expertise [2]. 

Many master’s-level jobs will also grant you better health and travel insurance, along with better promotional opportunities and financial support as you continue your personal development in your chosen career. 

Job outlook 

You'll find that many careers that may require an MA degree are projected to grow in the coming years. According to The Business Research Company, the global social and community services market is expected to grow at a rate of 7.1 per cent from 2024 to 2028 [3]. That includes jobs like school counsellors, probation officers, social workers, and community development workers. 

The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) also projects that the K-12 education sector will grow at a rate of 10.7 per cent between 2023 and 2032 [4]. That includes careers like special education teachers, school administrators, and general elementary and secondary education teachers. 

The global art and design market is expected to grow at a rate of 6.1 per cent between 2024 and 2028, according to The Business Research Company, which can lead to an increase in professions such as graphic designers, animators, museum curators, and performing artists [5]. Foreign language careers, such as translators and interpreters, are also witnessing rapid growth across various sectors in India. Additionally, according to IBEF, India’s media and entertainment industry, which includes careers in journalism, TV and film, music, and digital media, is expected to grow at a rate of 20 per cent per year [6]. Thus, with an MA degree, there may be ample opportunities for employment across multiple sectors. 

Earn your master's degree online

Whether you’re interested in new career opportunities or specialised knowledge, explore how earning a master’s degree online from a leading university could fit in with your life and goals.

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