MA Course Details: A Complete Guide

  A Master of Arts is a prestigious postgraduate degree designed for students seeking in-depth knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and related fields. Not only does the program improve your academic understanding, but it also provides you with the sharp analytical, communication, and research skills necessary for different professional paths. These programs typically last 2 years and let you specialize in subjects such as English, economics, history, sociology, and political science, among others. 

The curricula of these programs offer you the best balance of practical insights and theoretical learning. This is why an MA course prepares you so well for careers in sectors like education, civil services, research, and corporate entities. Having an MA degree in India can help you earn an annual average salary of INR 5.03 lakhs. This blog is a comprehensive guide to the program’s details and how it can help you unlock a lucrative career path.

What is an MA Course?  

The full form of an MA degree is Master of Arts. This two-year postgraduate degree program offers specializations in the humanities, arts, and social sciences, including literature, psychology, history, and economics. 

The following are some of its salient features:

• You typically pursue these programs after completing an undergraduate degree, such as a BA.

• Since these programs are two years long, they are divided into five semesters. 

• These degrees are awarded in fields such as visual arts and music.

• MA programs help you develop strong analytical, research, and critical-thinking skills. 

Also Read: Key concepts covered in a Master of Arts in Sociology

Duration of the MA Course 

Want to know how many years for an MA? Well, in India, these programs generally span two years. However, this is true for the in-person, full-time program. The average duration of online MA degrees and some others may vary:

• The MA duration can vary depending on the country where you are studying the program, the mode of study, and the institution offering the program. For example, the timing is more flexible in distance learning and online MA programs. 

• The duration of the MA may vary in other countries. For instance, in the UK, these programs generally span a year. 

• Part-time courses usually take longer to complete than full-time courses.

Read More: Master of Arts in English course guide

Eligibility Criteria for MA Admission 

In terms of MA eligibility, you usually need a bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks. However, at some universities, it might be slightly different, around 45-55%.

• You can apply to study an MA in any discipline.

• You may also be eligible to apply for such a program in the final year of your graduation.

An essential part of MA eligibility is the required documents, and they may be enumerated as follows:

• Bachelor’s Degree Mark Sheets and Certificate 
• ID Proof 
• Category or Caste Certificate 
• Scorecard of Entrance Exam 
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement

An Interesting Read: Popular Master of Arts courses

Admission Process for MA 

Paying the MA admission fees is an integral part of the admission process, but it is not the first step. The following must be completed first:

• You need to meet the program’s eligibility criteria. For that, you must check the same.

• After that, you need to find universities that offer such a program and their application details, such as the MA admission fees.

• Then, you need to complete your application and submit it.

• After this, you may need to take an entrance test if applicable.

• This is followed by waiting for results and counseling.

• The final stage involves completing the academic process with the required documents.

Also check: Key concepts to learn in the Master of Arts in English

MA Syllabus and Subjects 

The broadest and most prominent MA subjects covered in the curriculum of an MA degree program are:

• English 
• History 
• Economics 
• Political Science 
• Sociology 
• Geography
• Psychology 

Among the core subjects defined above, you can choose to specialize in certain specific MA subjects, like:

• English Literature 
• Medieval History 
• Indian Politics 
• Urban Sociology 

The syllabus of these programs varies depending on the specific subject that you specialize in. 

Apart from this, MA programs feature a research component that teaches you the methods and principles of research. At the end of the program, you have to write a thesis or dissertation as part of your coursework on Master of Arts subjects. 

You Might Also Like: Dominance of arts, commerce, and management students in IIM admissions

Career Scope after MA 

The MA subject list detailed above is such that it prepares you well for successful careers in different domains, such as the following:

• Education
• Communications and Media 
• Government 
• Research 
• Social Services 

The table below provides you with a better idea of the jobs you can land after the completion of the MA course:

Broader Area	Specific Job Roles
Academia and Education	Teacher  Lecturer  Professor  Academic Researcher
Content and Media	Journalist Content Writer Editor  Public Relations Specialist
Policy and Government	Civil Services Officer  Policy Analyst Public Administration
Analysis and Research	Research Analyst Data Analyst Financial Analyst
Counseling and Social Services	Social Worker  Community Counselor

All these job roles entail different kinds of work. 

• As a teacher, lecturer, or professor, you will use your teaching skills in educational institutions like schools and universities. However, to secure these jobs, you also need to pass qualifying exams such as the UGC NET.  

• As a journalist or content writer, you would primarily be responsible for writing and editing content for various platforms. This includes news outlets, corporate websites, and magazines. 

• If you want to work in the civil services sector in India, you first need to pass competitive exams like UPSC, state PSCs, and SSC. This will help you land roles such as IAS, IFS, and IPS.    

Also Read: Can a master’s degree in journalism get you high-paying jobs?

Salary and Job Opportunities After MA 

The following table shows the salaries you can earn in different job roles that you can land after completing the MA course.

Job Role	Annual Average Salary
Professor	INR 7.12L
Policy Analyst	INR 7L
Data Analyst	INR 7L
Government School Teacher	INR6.72L
Financial Analyst	INR 6.4L
Public Administrator	INR 6L
Public Relations Specialist	INR 5.53L
Editor	INR 5L
Journalist	INR 4.6L
Research Analyst	INR 4.38L
Lecturer	INR 4.2L
Social Worker	INR 4.14L
Community Counselor	INR 4L

Source: Ambition box

Why Choose an Online MA Program? 

There are several reasons why you should choose to study Master of Arts subjects online. They may be illustrated as follows:

Broader Area	Specific Benefits
Convenience and Flexibility	Learning anytime and anywhere Managing other commitments Studying at your preferred pace
Cost-Efficacy	Affordable fees for MA courses Reduced overall expenses
Specialization and Access	Global Institutions Diverse Programs  Global Peers and Faculty
Skill and Career Benefits	Better career opportunities Developing digital skills Networking opportunities

Some of the best options you have in regard to an online MBA are offered by Sikkim Manipal University and are available on the Online Manipal platform:

• Master of Arts in English 
• Master of Arts in Political Science 
• Master of Arts in Sociology  

Conclusion  

An MA degree is your gateway to a progressive career path, unlocking numerous opportunities for lucrative pay packages and rewarding growth and advancement. What’s more? An online MA degree on the Online Manipal platform offers the perfect combination of career flexibility and academic enrichment. Choose a specialization from English, Economics, Sociology, or Political Science, and set your sights on a promising career.

Sikkim Manipal University offers online MA programs in the above specializations through Online Manipal platform. These programs are designed to offer extensive specialization options, diverse career paths, and varied research opportunities to learners. Sign up today!

FAQs 

1. What is the duration of an MA course in India?

Usually, an MA course in India lasts 2 years and is divided into 2 semesters. However, some specializations span a year as well.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to an MA program?

To be eligible for an MA program, you need a bachelor’s degree from an authorized university and at least 50% marks in your graduation.

3. Which subjects can I choose for specialization in an MA degree?

The following are some options you can try to specialize in in your MA program:

• English
• History 
• Psychology 
• Political Science 
• Economics 
• Sociology 
• Communication Studies 
• Fine Arts 
• Journalism
• International Relations 

4. Is admission to the MA course merit-based or entrance-based?

Admission to an MA program can be either entrance-based or merit-based, depending on the program and the institution offering it. The CUET-PG is a prominent entrance exam.

5. What is the average fee structure for MA courses in India?

This depends on the specific institution offering the course. For example, SMU charges INR 75,000 for its MA programs. Usually, government institutions charge less than the private ones.  

6. What are the core subjects covered in the MA syllabus?

The core subjects in an MA syllabus vary based on the major you specialize in. For example, if you specialize in English, you will likely study American and British literature.