If you’ve ever paused before writing “a MA” or “an MA,” you’re not alone. The abbreviation looks as though it should take “a” because it begins with the consonant letter M. However, English grammar doesn’t make this choice based on the written letter alone.
The correct form is “an MA.”
Why? Because MA is normally pronounced by saying the letters individually. The spoken name of M begins with a vowel sound. English therefore uses “an” before it.
This small distinction becomes easier once you understand the real rule behind a and an. The choice depends on sound rather than spelling. That’s why English has expressions such as “an MA,” “an MBA,” “a BA,” “a PhD,” and “a university.”
The same topic also raises several related questions. Should you write “a Master of Arts” or “an Master of Arts”? Is “master’s degree” written with an apostrophe? Should the full degree name be capitalized? Is MA better than M.A.?
This guide answers all of those questions clearly while showing you how to use the terms naturally in academic and professional writing.
Is It “A MA” or “An MA”?
The standard form is “an MA.”
For example:
- She earned an MA in English.
- He is pursuing an MA in history.
- She holds an MA from the university.
- An MA can prepare students for advanced academic or professional work.
The reason is pronunciation.
When you say MA aloud, you normally pronounce the abbreviation as the name of the letter M followed by the name of A. The spoken name of M begins with a vowel sound. Therefore, “an” is the appropriate indefinite article.
This follows the same principle used with other abbreviations.
| Expression | Correct form | Why? |
| MA | an MA | “M” begins with a vowel sound |
| MBA | an MBA | “M” begins with a vowel sound |
| MFA | an MFA | “M” begins with a vowel sound |
| BA | a BA | “B” begins with a consonant sound |
| BS | a BS | “B” begins with a consonant sound |
| PhD | a PhD | “P” begins with a consonant sound |
| MD | an MD | “M” begins with a vowel sound |
So the spelling MA doesn’t control the article. Its pronunciation does.
The Correct Form: “An MA”
In ordinary English, use “an MA” when you introduce the abbreviation as a singular countable noun.
For example:
She completed an MA in English literature.
The article an belongs directly to the abbreviation because the abbreviation functions as the noun phrase’s head.
You can also place modifiers between the article and the degree:
- an advanced MA program
- an online MA
- an interdisciplinary MA
- an MA degree
- an MA in economics
The same sound-based principle remains in place.
Why Is “An MA” Correct? The A vs. An Rule
The easiest way to understand “an MA” is to forget the first written letter for a moment.
English uses a before a consonant sound and an before a vowel sound. Merriam-Webster specifically explains that the deciding factor is the sound at the beginning of the following word rather than the written letter.
Consider these examples:
- a book
- a university
- a one-time event
- an apple
- an hour
- an honest person
The spelling can sometimes mislead you.
University begins with the letter u, but its initial sound is consonantal. That’s why we say “a university.”
On the other hand, hour begins with h, yet the initial sound is a vowel sound. Therefore, we say “an hour.”
The same logic applies to MA.
It’s About Sound, Not Spelling
A useful rule to remember is:
Choose “a” or “an” according to the sound that follows it.
This rule works especially well with abbreviations because abbreviations can be pronounced in different ways.
For example:
- MA → “an MA”
- MBA → “an MBA”
- MFA → “an MFA”
- MD → “an MD”
- BA → “a BA”
- BS → “a BS”
- PhD → “a PhD”
The first written character isn’t enough to determine the article.
That matters because abbreviations are essentially shortcuts in written language. When readers encounter them, they mentally convert them into their spoken form. The article must fit that spoken form.
How to Pronounce “MA”
MA stands for Master of Arts. Universities use the abbreviation for a graduate-level academic degree awarded in a wide range of disciplines.
The abbreviation is generally pronounced by saying the letters separately rather than treating ma as an ordinary word.
That pronunciation is what creates the article choice.
The important part isn’t the entire pronunciation of the abbreviation. It’s the initial sound that immediately follows the article.
Because the spoken name of M begins with a vowel sound, English naturally gives us:
an MA
not:
a MA
This isn’t an arbitrary exception. It’s simply the normal a/an rule applied to an abbreviation.
MA vs. “Master of Arts”
Here’s where another common question appears.
You write:
- an MA
- a Master of Arts
Both are correct.
The article changes because the pronunciation changes.
MA begins with the spoken name of the letter M, which starts with a vowel sound.
Master begins with a consonant sound.
Compare the two:
| Form | Correct article | Reason |
| MA | an MA | The spoken “M” begins with a vowel sound |
| Master of Arts | a Master of Arts | “Master” begins with a consonant sound |
This distinction is worth remembering because replacing an abbreviation with its full form can change the article.
“A Master of Arts” or “An Master of Arts”?
The correct expression is “a Master of Arts.”
“An Master of Arts” is incorrect in standard English.
The reason is straightforward. The word immediately following the article is Master, not Arts.
Since Master begins with a consonant sound, use a.
Correct:
She earned a Master of Arts in history.
Incorrect:
She earned an Master of Arts in history.
Notice what happens when the degree is abbreviated:
She earned an MA in history.
The article changes from a to an because the grammatical word following the article changes from Master to MA.
Correct Examples
Here are several natural examples:
- She earned a Master of Arts in English.
- He completed a Master of Arts in history.
- She holds a Master of Arts degree.
- He is pursuing a Master of Arts in communication.
- She has an MA in English.
- He completed an MA in history.
- She holds an MA from a major university.
The pattern is consistent once you pay attention to pronunciation.
What Does MA Mean?
MA means Master of Arts.
It identifies a graduate degree that universities may award in numerous fields. The exact programs available under the MA label vary by institution.
For example, universities may offer MA programs in areas such as:
- English
- History
- Communication
- Sociology
- Political science
- Languages
- Literature
- Education
- Psychology
- Anthropology
However, the abbreviation itself doesn’t tell you the specialization.
For instance, an MA could refer to an MA in English or an MA in history. The field normally appears separately.
That’s why “an MA in English” is a clearer construction than simply placing the field immediately after the abbreviation.
MA Degree vs. Field of Study
One of the most useful distinctions is between the degree and the field of study.
MA identifies the degree type.
The phrase following in identifies the subject or field.
For example:
She earned an MA in economics.
Here:
- MA = degree
- economics = field of study
The same structure works with many subjects:
- an MA in English
- an MA in history
- an MA in sociology
- an MA in psychology
- an MA in political science
Correct Degree-and-Subject Patterns
The most natural structures include:
| Construction | Example |
| an MA in + field | an MA in English |
| a Master of Arts in + field | a Master of Arts in history |
| a master’s degree in + field | a master’s degree in sociology |
| an MA degree in + field | an MA degree in communication |
The preposition in makes the relationship between the degree and subject clear.
Is “An MA Economics” Correct?
In ordinary sentence construction, “an MA Economics” is awkward and generally not the standard way to express the idea.
Instead, write:
an MA in economics
or:
a Master of Arts in economics
The exact wording may differ when Economics forms part of an institution’s official program title. Still, ordinary prose usually benefits from the simple degree + in + field structure.
Capitalization of MA and Master of Arts
Capitalization creates another layer of confusion because academic style varies by context.
The abbreviation MA is capitalized because it consists of capital letters.
The full expression Master of Arts is often capitalized when treated as the formal name of a specific degree. However, general references such as master’s degree are normally lowercase.
University style guides commonly make this distinction. The University of Illinois Chicago, for example, recommends lowercase master’s degree as a general term while capitalizing the principal words in Master of Arts.
Formal Degree Names
In many contexts, you can write:
- Master of Arts
- Master of Science
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
The field itself doesn’t automatically become capitalized.
For example:
She earned a Master of Arts in English.
The degree name is capitalized while English is capitalized because English is a proper name.
Compare that with:
She earned a Master of Arts in history.
History is a field of study rather than a proper noun in this construction, so it remains lowercase under many style systems.
General References
When you’re talking about a degree generically, lowercase is usually appropriate:
- She has a master’s degree.
- He is pursuing a master’s degree in history.
- A master’s degree can qualify applicants for certain positions.
- She completed her master’s in English.
The University of Illinois Chicago follows this distinction, and the Chicago Manual of Style also recommends lowercase treatment for generic degree references in running text.
Capitalization Table
| Expression | Typical treatment | Example |
| MA | Capitalized | She earned an MA. |
| M.A. | Capitalized | She earned an M.A. |
| Master of Arts | Capitalized in formal-name style | She earned a Master of Arts. |
| master’s degree | Lowercase | She earned a master’s degree. |
| master’s | Lowercase | She earned her master’s. |
| history | Lowercase as a general field | an MA in history |
| English | Capitalized proper name | an MA in English |
There isn’t one universal capitalization system for every context. Chicago, university style guides, and other editorial systems can make slightly different recommendations. The important point is to follow the style required for the document and remain consistent. Chicago, for example, notes that academic degrees may be capitalized when displayed like titles on resumes, diplomas, directories, and similar materials while they are generally lowercased in running text.
Master’s or Masters? Understanding the Apostrophe
If you’re referring to the graduate degree generally, the standard form is master’s degree.
The apostrophe matters.
Correct:
She earned a master’s degree.
Incorrect in standard usage:
She earned a masters degree.
The word master’s is a possessive form that has become established in the expression master’s degree.
You can also shorten the expression:
She earned her master’s.
The apostrophe remains.
Correct Forms
Common constructions include:
- a master’s degree
- a master’s program
- a master’s thesis
- her master’s
- a master’s student
- a master’s in history
You should not automatically use an apostrophe in the formal degree name:
Master of Arts
not:
Master’s of Arts
The University of Illinois Chicago specifically distinguishes general forms such as master’s degree from formal names such as Master of Arts.
“Masters” Can Still Be a Real Word
Masters isn’t always wrong. It simply has different meanings.
For example:
The tournament attracted several masters of chess.
Here, masters is a plural noun. It doesn’t refer to an academic degree.
The problem occurs when masters is used as though it were the standard singular degree expression.
For academic writing, master’s degree is the form to use when referring to one graduate degree.
MA vs. M.A.: Which Abbreviation Is Correct?
Both MA and M.A. appear in real-world academic and professional writing.
The difference usually comes down to style conventions rather than a fundamental difference in the degree itself.
Some organizations prefer abbreviations without periods:
- MA
- BA
- MS
- PhD
Others use periods:
- M.A.
- B.A.
- M.S.
- Ph.D.
For example, the University of Illinois Chicago recommends MA without periods in its editorial style.
Other university style guides retain periods in some contexts. The University of Guam, for example, lists M.A. among its degree abbreviations.
That means neither punctuation system should be treated as a universal grammar rule.
Regional and Style Differences
Different publications, universities, and organizations follow different conventions.
Some prefer:
She earned an MA in English.
Others may write:
She earned an M.A. in English.
The underlying degree is the same.
The key is to follow the applicable style guide. If you’re writing a resume for a particular institution, follow its conventions. If you’re writing an article, follow the publication’s house style.
Consistency Is Key
The real problem isn’t choosing MA instead of M.A.
The real problem is mixing styles without a reason.
For example, a document that uses:
BA, MA, M.A., PhD, and M.S.
may look inconsistent if no editorial reason explains the variation.
A cleaner document chooses one system and applies it throughout.
How to Use “An MA” in a Sentence
The phrase “an MA” fits naturally into academic, professional, and everyday sentences.
Academic Examples
She is pursuing an MA in English literature.
He completed an MA in history after earning his bachelor’s degree.
The university offers an MA in communication.
Students applying for an MA should review the program’s admission requirements.
These examples show how the abbreviation functions as a normal noun phrase.
Professional Examples
The abbreviation can also appear in professional contexts:
She has an MA and several years of teaching experience.
The position requires an MA or an equivalent qualification.
His MA helped prepare him for research-intensive work.
She listed her MA on her professional résumé.
The article remains an because the pronunciation of the abbreviation hasn’t changed.
Common Mistakes With “A MA” and “An MA”
A few errors appear repeatedly because writers naturally rely on spelling.
Mistake: Writing “A MA”
The most common mistake is:
She has a MA in English.
The problem is that M is pronounced with an initial vowel sound.
The standard form is:
She has an MA in English.
Mistake: Writing “An Master of Arts”
This mistake happens when someone learns that MA takes an and applies the same article to the full phrase.
Incorrect:
She earned an Master of Arts.
Correct:
She earned a Master of Arts.
The article must respond to the word immediately following it.
Mistake: Confusing Degree Names With General Terms
Another common error is unnecessary capitalization:
She earned a Master’s Degree in history.
Many style systems prefer:
She earned a master’s degree in history.
However, capitalization can differ in formal display contexts and institutional style. Chicago, for instance, distinguishes running text from displayed degree names.
Mistake: Omitting the Apostrophe
Incorrect:
He earned a masters degree.
Standard:
He earned a master’s degree.
The apostrophe is part of the conventional singular construction.
Mistake: Randomly Switching Abbreviation Styles
A document may use MA in one section and M.A. in another.
That isn’t necessarily grammatically wrong, but it can create unnecessary inconsistency. Pick the style that fits your publication or institution and stick with it.
A Quick Guide to Similar Degree Abbreviations
The MA rule becomes much easier once you compare it with other degree abbreviations.
| Degree | Common meaning | Correct article |
| MA | Master of Arts | an MA |
| MBA | Master of Business Administration | an MBA |
| MFA | Master of Fine Arts | an MFA |
| MD | Doctor of Medicine | an MD |
| BA | Bachelor of Arts | a BA |
| BS | Bachelor of Science | a BS |
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy | a PhD |
The pattern isn’t based on the degree level.
It’s based on the sound at the beginning of the abbreviation when spoken.
This gives you a reliable method for unfamiliar abbreviations. Don’t stare at the first letter. Say the abbreviation aloud in your head.
Then ask:
Does the spoken form begin with a vowel sound or a consonant sound?
That answer determines an or a.
Correct and Incorrect Examples
The following table puts the most common constructions side by side.
| Expression | Correct? | Explanation |
| an MA | ✅ | The spoken “M” begins with a vowel sound |
| a MA | ❌ | The article doesn’t match the initial sound |
| a Master of Arts | ✅ | “Master” begins with a consonant sound |
| an Master of Arts | ❌ | “Master” requires “a” |
| an MA in English | ✅ | Natural degree-and-field construction |
| a master’s degree | ✅ | Standard possessive form |
| a masters degree | ❌ | The standard singular form requires an apostrophe |
| an MA Economics | Usually not | an MA in economics is the normal construction |
| an M.A. | ✅ | Same pronunciation principle applies |
| a M.A. | ❌ | The spoken “M” begins with a vowel sound |
A Useful Case Study: Why the Article Changes
Consider a student named Jordan.
Jordan can say:
Jordan earned a Master of Arts in history.
That’s correct because Master begins with a consonant sound.
Jordan can shorten the same degree:
Jordan earned an MA in history.
That’s also correct.
Notice what changed.
The degree itself didn’t change. The spoken form immediately after the article changed.
| Full form | Abbreviated form |
| a Master of Arts | an MA |
| “Master” begins with a consonant sound | “M” begins with a vowel sound |
This is a perfect example of why English articles follow pronunciation rather than simply following letters on the page.
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How to Remember the Rule
There’s no need to memorize a long list of special cases.
Use this simple test:
Say the expression aloud. Then choose the article that matches its first sound.
If the expression begins with a vowel sound, use an.
If it begins with a consonant sound, use a.
For MA, that gives:
an MA
For Master of Arts, that gives:
a Master of Arts
The same test works for:
- an MBA
- an MFA
- a BA
- a PhD
- an MD
- a university
- an hour
Once you think in sounds rather than letters, the pattern becomes much easier.
Quick Reference: A MA vs. An MA
| Question | Answer |
| Is it a MA or an MA? | an MA |
| Why? | The spoken name of M begins with a vowel sound |
| Is it a Master of Arts or an Master of Arts? | a Master of Arts |
| Why? | Master begins with a consonant sound |
| Is master’s degree correct? | Yes |
| Does master’s degree need an apostrophe? | Yes, in standard usage |
| Is MA capitalized? | Yes |
| Is M.A. also used? | Yes, depending on style |
| Is an MA in English correct? | Yes |
| Is an MA Economics the normal construction? | No; an MA in economics is clearer |
| Should master’s degree be capitalized? | Usually lowercase in general running text |
| Should Master of Arts be capitalized? | Often yes when treated as a formal degree name |
Frequently Asked Questions About “A MA” vs. “An MA”
Is it “a MA” or “an MA”?
The standard form is “an MA.” The abbreviation is pronounced using the names of its letters, and the spoken name of M begins with a vowel sound.
Why do we use “an” before MA?
English chooses a or an according to the initial sound of the following expression. Because the spoken abbreviation MA begins with the sound of the letter M, it takes an.
Is it “a Master of Arts” or “an Master of Arts”?
The correct form is “a Master of Arts.” The word immediately following the article is Master, which begins with a consonant sound.
Can you say “an MA degree”?
Yes. “An MA degree” is grammatically possible because MA takes an.
For example:
She earned an MA degree in English.
However, in many contexts, simply “an MA” or “a master’s degree” is more concise.
Is “an MA in English” correct?
Yes. “An MA in English” is a standard construction.
Here, MA identifies the degree and English identifies the field of study.
Is “an MA Economics” correct?
In ordinary prose, “an MA in economics” is the clearer and more standard construction.
The preposition in connects the degree with the field.
Is “master’s degree” written with an apostrophe?
Yes. The standard general expression is “master’s degree.”
Examples include:
- She has a master’s degree.
- He is pursuing a master’s degree.
- Her master’s degree is in history.
Should “Master of Arts” be capitalized?
It depends on the style and context.
Many academic style guides capitalize the principal words in a formal degree name such as Master of Arts. General references such as master’s degree are normally lowercase.
Chicago takes a more context-sensitive approach and generally favors lowercase degree names in running text while allowing capitalization when the degree is displayed as a title.
What is the difference between MA and M.A.?
There is generally no difference in the degree represented. The distinction is mainly a matter of abbreviation style.
Some organizations use MA, while others use M.A. For example, the University of Illinois Chicago recommends degree abbreviations without periods, while the University of Guam lists M.A. as its abbreviation.
Is “a master’s” acceptable?
Yes.
For example:
She returned to school for a master’s.
The apostrophe remains because master’s is the conventional possessive form.
Does the a/an rule apply to other academic abbreviations?
Yes. The same pronunciation principle applies.
You would normally write:
- an MBA
- an MFA
- an MD
- a BA
- a BS
- a PhD
The key is always the initial sound.
Final Answer: A MA or An MA?
When the choice is between “a MA” and “an MA,” the correct standard form is:
an MA
The reason is simple: a/an depends on pronunciation, not merely spelling. The abbreviation MA is pronounced using the names of its letters, and the spoken name of M begins with a vowel sound.
The full degree name follows a different pattern:
a Master of Arts
That’s because Master begins with a consonant sound.
So remember these two forms:
- an MA
- a Master of Arts
For related writing, keep the other conventions straight as well. Use master’s degree when referring to the degree generally. Use Master of Arts when following a style that capitalizes the formal degree name. Write MA or M.A. according to the style required by your institution or publication. Most importantly, don’t choose a or an simply by looking at the first letter.
If you say the phrase aloud, the correct article becomes much easier to hear.
