In college, a BA is a Bachelor of Arts, an undergraduate degree, while an MA is a Master of Arts, a graduate degree usually taken after a bachelor’s degree. The key differences are level, entry requirements, depth of study, and purpose: a BA builds broad foundations in a field, while an MA develops more advanced knowledge or specialist skills.
What the Degree Names Mean
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. Despite the word “Arts,” a BA is not limited to visual art, music, or creative writing. Universities award BAs in many subjects across the humanities and social sciences, and some institutions also use the BA for programs in other fields. The degree name depends on the school’s structure and curriculum.
MA stands for Master of Arts. It is a postgraduate or graduate qualification, generally pursued after completing a bachelor’s degree. Like a BA, an MA can cover a wide range of subjects, including history, languages, education, communication, and social sciences. The title alone does not tell you exactly what a program teaches; the course list and requirements do.
These abbreviations describe degree levels, not a universal ranking of quality. A BA and an MA in the same subject are different stages of study, and their content can vary considerably between institutions and countries.
Undergraduate Versus Graduate Study
The most important distinction is that a BA is an undergraduate degree and an MA is a graduate degree. A BA is commonly a student’s first university degree. It introduces a subject, helps students develop core academic skills, and usually includes both major requirements and courses outside the major.
An MA is designed for study beyond the bachelor’s level. Applicants generally need a completed bachelor’s degree, though the subject and grade expectations vary. Some programs expect prior study in the same discipline; others accept students from different backgrounds, sometimes with extra foundational coursework.
Graduate study tends to involve more focused reading, research, analysis, or professional practice. That does not mean every MA is harder in precisely the same way. A research-oriented program may emphasize independent inquiry, while a professionally oriented program may focus on applied skills. The program description is a better guide than the initials alone.
How the Curriculum Usually Differs
A BA curriculum typically combines required courses in a major with general education or elective courses. A student studying history, for example, might take courses in historical methods and particular periods, alongside classes in writing, science, or other areas. This breadth is intended to build transferable abilities such as critical reading, clear communication, and evaluating evidence.
An MA curriculum usually concentrates on a narrower area. Students may take advanced seminars, complete a substantial research project, or apply specialist methods to practical work. In a literature program, for instance, graduate students might examine a focused question using advanced critical approaches rather than survey a broad range of introductory topics.
Program formats differ. An MA may require a thesis, a capstone project, examinations, coursework, an internship, or some combination. A thesis is an extended piece of independent research; a capstone is a culminating project that may be research-based or applied. Neither requirement is universal, so prospective students should check the program handbook or catalog.
Time, Admission, and Prerequisites
Both degrees require sustained study, but the time needed depends on enrollment status, course availability, transfer credit, and the institution’s rules. A BA is commonly completed over several years of full-time study. An MA is often shorter, but part-time attendance or a thesis can extend the schedule. There is no single timeline that applies to every student or program.
Entry to a BA generally follows secondary education or an equivalent qualification, with admissions requirements set by the institution. MA applicants usually submit evidence of prior undergraduate study. Depending on the field, an application may also ask for a statement of purpose, academic references, writing samples, a portfolio, or relevant experience. These are possibilities, not standard requirements everywhere.
Before applying, check whether your bachelor’s subject meets the MA’s prerequisites. A student with a BA in one discipline may be eligible for an MA in another, but might need specified background courses. Ask the department or graduate admissions office how it assesses preparation rather than assuming that the degree title guarantees eligibility.
What Each Degree Can Help You Do
A BA can prepare graduates for entry-level work, further education, or roles that value broad academic and communication skills. The degree does not qualify someone automatically for every profession. Fields with licensing, accreditation, or required professional training may demand additional credentials or a particular program.
An MA can deepen subject expertise and may be useful when a role calls for graduate-level knowledge. It can also support preparation for doctoral study, although admission to a doctorate is competitive and an MA is not always required. In some careers, experience, a professional credential, or a different graduate degree may matter more than an MA.
Neither degree guarantees employment, a particular salary, or promotion. Outcomes depend on the subject, location, experience, and employer requirements, among other factors. For a specific career, review job postings and professional licensing rules to see what qualifications are actually requested.
BA and MA Compared With Other Degrees
A BA is one kind of bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor of Science, or BS, is another. Broadly, a BS may place more emphasis on technical, scientific, or quantitative coursework, while a BA may allow more study across humanities or social sciences. This is only a general pattern: institutions define their own curricula, and the distinction can be small or substantially different by subject.
An MA is one kind of master’s degree. Other master’s degrees may be oriented toward science, business, engineering, public policy, or professional practice. A master’s title does not by itself indicate that one program is more advanced than another; compare learning goals, prerequisites, accreditation where relevant, and required work.
In some countries, degree naming conventions differ. The same subject or level may carry another title, and the meaning of “BA” or “MA” can depend on the national education system. If you are comparing international qualifications, check how the awarding institution describes the degree and how a receiving school or employer evaluates it.
How to Choose Between a BA and an MA
For someone choosing an initial university degree, the relevant decision is usually which BA or other bachelor’s program fits their interests and goals—not whether to skip directly to an MA. For a bachelor’s graduate considering further study, the question is whether an MA is needed or useful for the next step.
- Start with your goal: Identify whether you need foundational education, subject specialization, preparation for research, or a credential required by a career.
- Check actual requirements: Look at job postings, licensing rules, or doctoral admissions criteria rather than relying on assumptions about degree titles.
- Compare the curriculum: Review required courses, research expectations, practical components, and available areas of focus.
- Consider the commitment: Account for study time, tuition, other costs, and the possibility of studying part time. Costs vary widely, so consult each institution’s published information.
- Ask about fit: Contact an academic advisor or program office if your background does not match the listed prerequisites or if you are unsure which route is appropriate.
It can be sensible to work after a BA before deciding on an MA. Employment may clarify which skills or credentials are valued in a particular field. Conversely, a student with a clear academic or professional reason for graduate study may prefer to continue directly, if eligible and prepared.
Common Misunderstandings
“Arts” does not mean that a BA is only for artists. The term is part of the degree’s historical and institutional naming, and BAs are awarded in many academic subjects. Likewise, an MA is not automatically a degree in fine arts; that subject may instead use a different qualification title.
It is also misleading to say that every MA is simply a more difficult version of a BA. The MA is at a higher academic level, but it has a different purpose and narrower focus. Some students may find advanced research demanding; others may find a particular BA’s breadth or workload challenging. The learning experience depends on the individual program.
Finally, a BA does not always have to be followed by an MA. Many graduates move into work, professional training, or another type of education. An MA is worth considering when it serves a defined goal, not merely because it comes after a BA in the degree sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MA higher than a BA?
An MA is a graduate degree and a BA is an undergraduate degree, so the MA is at a higher level in the usual university sequence. That does not make every MA more useful for every job; relevance depends on the role and the program.
Can I get an MA without a BA?
Most MA programs require a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. Admission rules vary, and some institutions may consider alternative educational backgrounds, but applicants should confirm eligibility directly with the program.
Is a BA better than an MA?
Neither is universally better. A BA is appropriate for undergraduate study and can be sufficient for many goals. An MA provides graduate-level specialization and is useful when its subject and requirements match a student’s plans.
Does a BA take less time than an MA?
Not as a general rule. A BA is commonly a longer initial course of study, while an MA is often a shorter, advanced program. Actual completion time varies with the institution, course load, research requirements, and whether a student studies full time.
Can a BA graduate apply for an MA in a different subject?
Sometimes. Programs set their own prerequisites, and a change of field may require relevant coursework or other evidence of preparation. Check the admissions criteria before applying.