Top Courses to Pursue after a BA

Completing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is a significant academic achievement. But most students will ask the next important question, “What’s next”? Using your BA degree you can get employed in the job market. However, if you want to develop your career quickly, get some exclusive skills, and demand high salaries, it is better to further study. Today there are numerous paths that can direct your future, from professional courses after BA English to career-oriented courses after Bachelor of Arts.. 

This is a blog where we talk about top courses, postgraduate diplomas, high-salary courses, and short-term programs that can help BA graduates to upgrade their skills, make employable and achieve professional success. 

Read more: Career prospects after a Bachelor of Arts

Overview  

Here is an overview of a few of the best jobs for BA graduates to pursue with salary ranges.  

Course	Duration	Best Suited For	Career Opportunities	Average Salary (INR/year)
MA (English, Economics, etc.)	2 years	Students interested in academia/research	Teacher, Professor, Researcher	3–6 LPA
MBA (HR, Marketing, Finance, etc.)	2 years	Students interested in management/business	Manager, Consultant, Analyst	6–24 LPA
LLB (Law)	3 years	Students with analytical & communication skills	Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Corporate Counsel	1–8 LPA
Journalism & Mass Communication	1–2 years	Students interested in media & communication	Journalist, PR Specialist, Media Manager	3–9 LPA
Digital Marketing	6–12 months	Students interested in online business/marketing	SEO Specialist, Digital Marketer	1.8–7.5LPA
Data Science/Business Analytics	6–18 months	Students with interest in data & analytics	Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Data Scientist	3–17 LPA
PG Diploma in International Relations	1 year	Students interested in diplomacy/policy	Policy Analyst, Diplomat, NGO Professional	3.5–12 LPA
Master of Social Work (MSW)	2 years	Students inclined towards social impact	NGO Manager, Social Worker, Counselor	3–7 LPA
Foreign Language Certification	6–12 months	Students interested in global careers	Translator, Language Specialist, MNC Roles	2–8LPA
Event Management Diploma	6–12 months	Students with organizational/creative skills	Event Planner, Wedding Planner, Media Executive	2.3–5.5 LPA

We will get into more details about the courses students can pursue after a BA.  

Professional Courses After BA 

A Bachelor of Arts degree (BA) offers a well-rounded curriculum that refreshes the students with their thinking, communication, and analytical skills. To open more career doors, numerous graduates decide to undergo professional courses after BA that match their personal and work-life ambitions. Such courses are capable of contributing to your specialization in a particular field, getting the necessary skills for the industry, and making you more employable. Here are a few of the most popular ones: 

1. Master of Arts (MA) 

MA is the primary postgraduate pathway, most often chosen after a BA. It gives the students an opportunity to concentrate on one of the disciplines including; English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, or Sociology. This course suits those who dream of making a breakthrough in teaching, research, and appearing for civil services. 

2. Journalism and Mass Communication 

Professional courses either in the field of Journalism or Mass Communication lead far and wide into the media houses, advertising agencies, corporate communication sector and public relations department. Due to the growth of digital platforms, this field has been broadened to the inclusion of roles such as social media and online news. 

3. Law (LLB) 

Many students with a Bachelor of Arts degree have a desire to enter the judiciary. A 3-year LLB course offers you the legal frameworks and critical thinking with which you can easily work in areas such as litigation, corporate law, judiciary services, or policymaking. 

4. Digital Marketing and Content Writing 

Modern companies go digital; thus, there is an increasing demand for the short-term courses after BA graduation in digital marketing, SEO, and content writing. These programs enable you to work in the field as a digital strategist, SEO analyst, or content manager, consequently, giving you a wide variety of career choices. 

5. Creative Writing and Publishing 

Individuals who possess a talent for writing might consider creative writing classes or obtaining a diploma in publishing as an excellent option. These professional courses enable you to develop a career as a writer, editor, scriptwriter, or literary consultant. 

6. Master of Business Administration (MBA) 

 MBA is a widely sought-after career-oriented course after BA Arts with only business stream being referred as the primary option. An MBA with specializations like Human Resource Management, Marketing, and International Business, not only provides you with the opportunity of becoming a manager but also a leader in different sectors. 

High-Salary Courses After BA 

The journey of a BA graduate seeking financial growth can be effectively guided by the avenue of high salary courses after BA that can bring a stable and prosperous professional life to the individual. The knowledge and the skill that these programs offer to professionals are highly demanded in the current job market. 

1. MBA in Business Analytics, Finance, or International Business 

For graduates of arts, an MBA is the foremost option of postgraduate programs in the world. Business Analytics, Finance, and International Business specializations take you one step further to the management positions, which strategize the corporate sector, allocate the financial plan, and handle the international operations. The top skill sets required at MNCs as well as in startup environments, create high demand for the holders of MBA degrees. Salary packages of Rs. 8-20 LPA are offered to the freshers and with the passage of time, their packages get upgraded. 

2. MA in Sociology 

An MA in Sociology is the study of human society, culture, and social behavior through a two-year masters course. The program includes an introduction to sociology, research methods, gender studies, globalization, and urban sociology. The course matches research, social development, or community-related jobs profile. After completion of this degree program, one can take career as a sociologist, social researcher, NGO professional, HR specialist, or academician. The pay at the beginning of one’s career is 3–5 LPA, while the top management, policy research, HR, and development sectors can offer 8–12 LPA. 

3. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 

The globally recognized CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program is the best-suited choice for Arts graduates willing to join the ranks of Investment Banking, Venture Capital or the Asset Management industry. The curriculum consists of various topics like investment banking, portfolio management, risk assessment, equity research. After the certification, the CFA holders get multiple job opportunities in banks, hedge funds, and asset management firms. Starting salaries are usually around Rs. 6-8 LPA, and the amount can increase far beyond Rs. 20 LPA over time. 

4. Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Courses 

The digital economy is booming, and data science and AI have emerged as very lucrative career options. Traditionally these areas have been dominated by science and engineering graduates, but many now offer beginner-friendly certification programs that allow BA graduates to switch to these fields. The professional career possibilities include data analyst, business intelligence specialist, or AI consultant. The salary of the highly qualified experts varies from Rs. 5-18 LPA depending on the level of skill and the sector. 

4. Law (Corporate Law/International Law) 

An LLB degree alongside specialization in corporate or international law is an alternative way of making a lot of money. Corporate lawyers are the enterprises’ advisors for mergers, acquisitions, compliance, and contracts, while international law experts coordinate with multinationals, NGOs, and government agencies. Law professionals from elite law firms or multinational corporations are the ones who can make 10-25 LPA or more. 

5. Public Relations & Advertising 

Professionally trained PR and advertising PG diplomas can open the doors to highly paid positions such as brand management, corporate communications, and media strategy. The demand for skilled PR and advertising professionals will remain high, as companies are always on the lookout for effective campaigns and strong public images. Entry-level salaries are between 4-7 LPA, while the remuneration of a senior brand manager and PR head may reach 12-15 LPA and beyond. 

6. MA in Political Science 

An MA in Political Science is a two-year master’s degree that delves into the subjects of governance, political systems, public administration, diplomacy, and international relations. The coursework includes areas such as political theory, comparative politics, and public policy, thus being an excellent choice for those who want to work in civil services or related fields. Career option associated with Political Science are political analyst, policy advisor, diplomat, journalist (political reporting), or lecturer. The average starting salary is 3–6 LPA, which can double in the next 5 years in think tanks, academia, and government organizations. 

Best PG Diploma After BA 

For those who prefer a one-year study-intensive program, it is advisable to consider the top postgraduate diplomas that follow a BA course. 

• PG Diploma in Management (PGDM) – A similar to MBA but with a focus on the industry. 

• PG Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication – The media industry has become approachable with this course. 

• PG Diploma in International Relations – The whole world is your oyster when it comes to career! 

• PG Diploma in Education – A career in teaching or academics. 

• PG Diploma in Event Management – From wedding to corporate event managing. 

Short-Term Courses After BA Graduation 

Short-term courses are perfect if you want to change your career quickly. Some common short-term courses after BA graduation are: 

• Digital Marketing (SEO, SEM, Social Media). 

• Graphic Design & Multimedia. 

• Financial Planning and Investment Certification. 

• Public Speaking & Personality Development. 

• TEFL/TESOL (Teaching English Abroad). 

• Foreign Language Certifications. 

Why Pursue Courses After a Bachelor of Arts? 

A Bachelor of Arts degree is a good base for the arts, humanities, and social sciences, but the reality is that most companies look for employees with a specific set of skills. By selecting a professional course after Bachelor of Arts, you will be able to: 

• Grow skills that will make you employable. 

• Open your career path in industries where there is a need for a large number of workers. 

• Be the difference in the crowd of applicants if you want to get a job. 

• Get the chance to make more money by yourself. 

Also read: Popular Master of Arts courses

Conclusion 

A BA degree is your base, but growth is what you get by means of specialization via professional, career-oriented and high-salary courses. Decisions like whether to go for MBA, LLB, Journalism, Data Science, or PG Diplomas, the wise selection will be based on your career dreams and aspirations. Short-term courses after BA graduation are the perfect spot for those who want to be flexible and get quick access to trending fields. 

Sikkim Manipal University through Online Manipal provides comprehensive MA programs in English, Political Science, Sociology for students who want to pursue higher studies. It also offers an MA in Journalism & Mass Communication and an MA in Economics. 

 The main aim of these courses is to give academic profundity as well as career utility. To suit the needs of the modern students, the mentioned courses are offered as flexible online modes of study. These courses are not only recognized by UGC but are also designed to meet industry requirements and allow students to manage their studies along with their jobs or personal lives. 

The ultimate best course after BA is one that combines your passion, skills, and market opportunities. There are so many in-demand options for you to choose from and with your BA you can launch yourself into a rewarding and financially stable career.