master of arts

noun phrase

often capitalized M&A
1
: the recipient of a master's degree that usually signifies that the recipient has passed an integrated course of study in one or more of the humanities and sometimes has completed a thesis involving research or a creative project and that typically requires two years of work beyond a bachelor's degree
2
: the degree making one a master of arts
abbreviation MA, AM

Examples of master of arts in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Linsey Davis education Davis completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and earned a master of arts degree in communications from New York University. Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024 The initiative is bringing in more faculty expertise to expand course offerings on technology policy and foundational topics, working closely with the Alperovitch Institute and the Technology and Innovation focus area of the master of arts in international relations program. Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2024 Young Guru hopes to add a masters of arts degree in the near future, as the sports program already offers a masters in sports management. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 22 May 2024 Stryker has been the director of Stryker Corporation since 1984 and has received her bachelors degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her masters of arts from Western Michigan University. USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024 Her academic record includes a master of arts in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in Mexican-American literature, medical anthropology and Latin art history at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Edgar Sandoval Verónica Gabriela Cárdenas, New York Times, 16 Dec. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of master of arts was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near master of arts

Cite this Entry

“Master of arts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/master%20of%20arts. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!