m.a

m.a

A student proudly displays her M.A. diploma.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Master of Arts: "M.A." is an abbreviation for "Master of Arts," an academic degree awarded to individuals who complete a graduate-level program in the humanities, social sciences, or fine arts.
    • A person holding this degree: "M.A." can also refer to a person who has earned this degree.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • She earned her M.A. in English literature from Oxford University. (She received a Master of Arts degree in that field.)
    • John is an M.A. in history and now works as a museum curator. (John holds that degree and uses it professionally.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to have an M.A. in [subject]": to possess a graduate degree in a specific field.

    • He has an M.A. in linguistics and teaches at the university. (He holds a Master of Arts degree in that area.)
  • "M.A. program": a course of study leading to the Master of Arts degree.

    • The M.A. program requires two years of full-time study and a thesis. (The graduate program for that degree has those requirements.)
Variants and Related Words
  • M.A. degree (n): the qualification itself.

    • She framed her M.A. degree certificate. (She displayed the document proving her qualification.)
  • M.A. candidate (n): a student currently studying for the M.A. degree.

    • He is an M.A. candidate in philosophy. (He is enrolled in that graduate program.)
Synonyms
  • Graduate degree: a degree awarded after completing a bachelor's degree.
  • Master's degree: a general term for any postgraduate degree at the master's level.
Related Idioms