Many students, graduates, and professionals ask the same question: Should I say “a MA” or “an MA”?
At first glance, the answer seems simple. The abbreviation MA starts with the letter M, which is a consonant. However, English grammar does not always follow spelling. Instead, it follows pronunciation.
This small grammar rule can make a big difference in academic writing, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters, and professional conversations. Using the correct article helps your writing sound polished and professional.
In this complete guide, you will learn the correct way to say and write MA, why the rule works, common mistakes to avoid, examples from real-world usage, and tips for using degree names correctly in formal writing.
Is It A MA or An MA?
The Short Answer
✅ An MA
❌ A MA
The correct phrase is:
- An MA degree
- An MA in English
- An MA in Psychology
- An MA graduate
Example
- She earned an MA in History from a respected university.
- He completed an MA degree in Political Science.
The reason is simple. The letter M is pronounced “em.” Since the pronunciation begins with a vowel sound, we use an instead of a.
Understanding the Rule Behind A and An
Many people believe that:
- Use a before consonants.
- Use an before vowels.
While this is often true, the real rule is different.
The Real Rule
Use:
- A before a consonant sound.
- An before a vowel sound.
Notice the word sound.
English grammar depends on pronunciation rather than spelling.
Examples
| Correct Usage | Reason |
| an apple | Starts with vowel sound |
| an hour | Silent H creates vowel sound |
| a university | Begins with “yoo” sound |
| an MBA | Begins with “em” sound |
| an MA | Begins with “em” sound |
This rule explains why an MA is grammatically correct.
Click Here To Read Me Too vs Me as Well vs I as Well
Why “An MA” Is Correct
How MA Is Pronounced
The abbreviation MA stands for Master of Arts.
When spoken aloud, it is pronounced:
Em-Ay
The first sound is “em.”
Because em starts with a vowel sound, English grammar requires the article an.
Correct Examples
- I completed an MA in Education.
- She is pursuing an MA in Literature.
- He earned an MA degree last year.
- The university offers an MA program in Communication.
Incorrect Examples
- I completed a MA in Education.
- She earned a MA degree.
- He enrolled in a MA program.
A Master of Arts or An Master of Arts?
This question creates another common confusion.
When you use the full degree name, the answer changes.
Correct Form
✅ A Master of Arts
❌ An Master of Arts
Why?
The word Master begins with the consonant sound m.
Therefore, you should write:
- A Master of Arts degree
- A Master of Arts in English
- A Master of Arts graduate
Examples
- She earned a Master of Arts in Sociology.
- He completed a Master of Arts degree in History.
MA Meaning and Academic Significance
What Does MA Stand For?
MA stands for Master of Arts.
It is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities around the world.
Students usually pursue an MA after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Popular MA Subjects
- English Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Sociology
- Political Science
- Communication Studies
- International Relations
- Education
- Philosophy
- Linguistics
MA vs Master’s Degree
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are slight differences.
| Term | Meaning |
| MA | Abbreviation for Master of Arts |
| Master’s Degree | General postgraduate degree category |
| Master of Arts | Full formal name of the degree |
Examples
- She earned an MA in English.
- She earned a master’s degree in English.
- She earned a Master of Arts in English.
All three are correct.
Common Degree Abbreviations and Their Articles
Understanding other degree abbreviations can help you apply the same rule correctly.
Degrees That Use “An”
| Degree | Correct Form |
| MA | an MA |
| MBA | an MBA |
| MFA | an MFA |
| MPH | an MPH |
| MEd | an MEd |
| MSc (spoken letter by letter) | an MSc |
Degrees That Use “A”
| Degree | Correct Form |
| BA | a BA |
| BSc | a BSc |
| PhD | a PhD |
| JD | a JD |
The determining factor is always pronunciation.
Capitalization Rules for MA and Academic Degrees
Capitalization mistakes are common in resumes and academic documents.
Formal Degree Names
Capitalize official degree names.
Examples
- Master of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Master of Business Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy
Correct
- She earned a Master of Arts.
Incorrect
- She earned a master of arts.
Generic Degree References
Do not capitalize generic references.
Correct
- She completed her master’s degree.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree.
Incorrect
- She completed her Master’s Degree.
- He earned a Bachelor’s Degree.
MA or M.A.?
Both formats are accepted.
MA
Common in:
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- Modern academic writing
M.A.
Often found in:
- Traditional American writing
- Older style guides
- Formal academic documents
Comparison
| Style | Example |
| Modern | MA |
| Traditional | M.A. |
Consistency is more important than choosing one over the other.
How to Use MA on a Resume
Many job seekers wonder how to list their degree correctly.
Resume Example
Education
Master of Arts in Psychology
University of California
2025
Or
Education
MA in Psychology
University of California
2025
Both formats are professional.
How to Mention an MA in a Cover Letter
Example
I recently completed an MA in Communication Studies, where I developed advanced research, writing, and analytical skills.
This sounds natural and grammatically correct.
How Universities Use MA Terminology
Universities commonly use these phrases:
- MA program
- MA candidate
- MA student
- MA thesis
- MA graduate
Examples
- She is an MA candidate.
- He completed an MA thesis on media studies.
- They offer an MA program in International Relations.
Common Grammar Mistakes with MA
Avoid these frequently seen errors.
Mistake 1: Using “A MA”
❌ A MA degree
✅ An MA degree
Mistake 2: Writing “An Master of Arts”
❌ An Master of Arts
✅ A Master of Arts
Mistake 3: Incorrect Capitalization
❌ master of arts
✅ Master of Arts
Mistake 4: Missing Apostrophe
❌ masters degree
✅ master’s degree
Quick Reference Table
| Phrase | Correct? |
| an MA | ✅ |
| a MA | ❌ |
| a Master of Arts | ✅ |
| an Master of Arts | ❌ |
| master’s degree | ✅ |
| masters degree | ❌ |
| MA degree | ✅ |
| M.A. degree | ✅ |
Memory Trick for Remembering the Rule
A simple trick is to say the abbreviation out loud.
If the first sound is a vowel sound, use an.
Examples
- MA → em-ay → an MA
- MBA → em-bee-ay → an MBA
- MFA → em-eff-ay → an MFA
If the first sound is a consonant sound, use a.
Examples
- BA → bee-ay → a BA
- PhD → pee-aych-dee → a PhD
This trick works almost every time.
Why Correct Grammar Matters
Using the correct article may seem like a minor detail, but it affects:
- Academic writing
- Professional communication
- Job applications
- LinkedIn profiles
- Graduate school applications
- Research papers
Correct grammar demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a MA or an MA?
The correct form is an MA because the letter M begins with the vowel sound “em.”
Why do we say an MA?
English articles follow pronunciation rather than spelling, and MA starts with a vowel sound when spoken.
Is it a Master of Arts or a Master of Arts?
The correct phrase is a Master of Arts because “Master” begins with a consonant sound.
Can I write MA instead of M.A.?
Yes. Both forms are acceptable as long as you remain consistent.
Is a master’s degree capitalized?
No. Generic references like “master’s degree” are usually lowercase.
How do I list an MA on a resume?
You can write either “Master of Arts” or “MA,” depending on your preferred style.
Is an MBA or a MBA correct?
The correct phrase is an MBA because MBA begins with the vowel sound “em.”
Is an MFA or a MFA correct?
The correct phrase is an MFA because the pronunciation starts with a vowel sound.
Conclusion
The debate between “a MA” and “an MA” has a simple answer once you understand the grammar rule. English articles depend on sound, not spelling. Because the abbreviation MA is pronounced “em-ay,” it begins with a vowel sound, making “an MA” the correct choice.
However, when using the full degree name, the rule changes. Since “Master ” starts with a consonant sound, you should write “a Master of Arts.”
Remember this simple principle: listen to the first sound, not the first letter. Doing so will help you use academic degree titles correctly in resumes, professional writing, university applications, and everyday conversations.
