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MA Full Form
08-01-2026
Did you know that Arts and Humanities account for one of the largest shares of postgraduate enrolments in India?
Several students in India opt for an MA every year. So, what is an MA degree and how can it shape your future?
The MA full form stands for Master of Arts. It is a postgraduate qualification that opens up a wide range of academic and professional opportunities.
While teaching and research remain traditional paths, you can also pursue roles in the corporate sector, government, media, development, and public policy.
With the growing demand for skills in research, writing, communication, and critical analysis, an MA holds strong academic value and real-world relevance.
MA’s flexible and adaptable nature allows you to explore both conventional careers and modern roles across diverse sectors. Let us learn more about the course to make an informed career decision.
What is the Full Form of MA?
The MA full form stands for Master of Arts. It is a two-year postgraduate programme focused on Arts and Humanities.
An MA allows you to specialise in a specific subject and gain the knowledge required for advanced careers or academic research. We have summarised all the details on MA:
| MA Degree Full Form | Master of Arts |
| Level of Education | Postgraduate |
| Duration | Two years |
| Eligibility Criteria | A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or BA Hons in the same or a relevant field |
| Admission Criteria | Entrance or merit-based |
| Types of MA Courses |
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| Jobs after MA |
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List of Popular MA Specializations
The full form of MA, which stands for Master of Arts, offers specialisations in various areas such as English, History, Journalism, Economics, etc. The course also helps you develop domain expertise and skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication. Some of the popular MA specializations are as follows:
- MA in Economics
- MA in Applied Econometrics
- MA in English
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Political Science and International Relations
- Comparative Religion and Philosophy
- Psychology
- History
- Sociology
- Human Resources
- MA in Linguistics (e.g., Hindi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Marathi, Assamese, etc).
MA Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for MA courses, you must pass a BA or BA Hons. in the same or a relevant field with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised university.
You can also apply for an MA if you are in the final year of your BA programme; however, your admission will only be confirmed after you pass the final exams.
The MA course full form that stands for Master of Arts, offers admissions via two ways: based on merit and entrance exams. Some of the popular entrance exams required to get admission to an MA course are as follows:
- Common University Entrance Test – Postgraduate (CUET PG)
- Common Post Graduate Entrance Tests (CPGET)
- Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MAH CET)
- Karnataka Post Graduate Common Entrance Test (KPGCET)
Some colleges may also conduct institute-specific exams, such as thePG JAIN Entrance Test (PG JET). You can find further details on the university's official website or contact the admissions office directly.
Career Options After MA Courses
After getting an MA degree, you may pursue higher education to improve your skills and career prospects. If you are aiming to make a career in research or academics, then you can pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD).
In addition to higher studies, you can also get various job prospects in government, academia, research, media, corporate and international public relations. Here are the best careers after MA courses that you can take up.
| Job Title | Job Description |
| Lecturer or Assistant Professor* | Teaches undergraduate or postgraduate students and contributes to academic research and curriculum development. |
| Policy Analyst | Analyses public policies and data to support government or organisational decision-making. |
| Senior News Correspondent** | Reports, investigates, and delivers in-depth news stories across media platforms. |
| International Relations Officer | Manages diplomatic, policy, and cross-border relations for governments or international organisations. |
| Senior Copywriter** | Creates persuasive and strategic content for advertising, branding, and marketing campaigns. |
*It is important to note that you become a Lecturer or an Assistant Professor only after clearing the National Eligibility Test or any other equivalent exam.
** At senior-level roles, the hiring company expects you to have relevant work experience and the required skill level.
Key Takeaways
An MA helps you strengthen subject expertise, develop advanced analytical and communication skills, and expand your career possibilities.
With a plethora of specialisations available at JAIN (Deemed-to-be-University), you can build a career across academic, civil services, media, public relations, and other business sectors.
So, what are you waiting for? Enrol now for a rewarding future in the field of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.
FAQs
Q1. What is the full form of MA?
A1: The MA full form in education stands for Master of Arts.
Q2. How long is the course of MA?
A2: The full form of MA is Master of Arts, and the duration for this postgraduate degree is two years.
Q3. Which MA subject is best?
A3: The answer to this question is subjective as it depends on your area of interest, passion and learning capacity.
However, some of the popular MA subjects include Economics, Psychology, Journalism and Mass Communication, Political Science and International Relations, etc.
These courses open doors to diverse careers in media, finance, civil services, counselling and business sectors.
Q4. Can I do MA without Honours?
A4: Yes. The MA full form, which stands for Master of Arts, can also be pursued without an Honours programme. However, it depends on the specific programme's criteria at the university you are applying to.
Q5. Can I do MA after 12th?
A5: No. MA is a postgraduate qualification, and it cannot be pursued after passing Class 12th. You need a Bachelor’s degree in the same or a related field in order to be eligible for an MA programme.