MA Career Scope: Jobs, Trends, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters
Akansha BishtContent Writer
MA commonly known as Master of Arts is a 2-year postgraduate degree program. One can pursue an MA after completing their bachelor’s in the same discipline. The course has been increasingly gaining huge attention from candidates due to the wide range of career opportunities available to them in India and Abroad.
There are a plethora of specializations available in this field including some of the well-known fields like French, German, Economics, and Psychology. A deep understanding of the course and subjects can provide a bright and well-paying career to anyone who has an aversion towards the course and wishes to pursue it. But it is super beneficial to the ones for the civil service aspirants.
The candidates can apply to a variety of roles that are industry-relevant and pay you well. Some of them include Associate Researchers, Data analysts, Newspaper columnists, and lawyers with an average salary ranging from INR 3 LPA, extending to a maximum of INR 15 LPA depending on the specialization, or the skill one pertains.
After knowing the bright prospects of pursuing an MA, candidates might be curious to know its future, the scope, and obviously, the remuneration one could receive under different specializations. In this section, we will discuss more about the career prospects and salaries of MA graduates.
MA Course Eligibility Criteria
Before pursuing a master's, or even starting the preparation for the same one might be aware of the eligibility to pursue that course. So, here are a few factors that make one eligible for undertaking an MA:
|
Eligibility Criteria MA Course |
|---|
|
Should have completed their Bachelor’s, preferably in Arts from a recognized UGC university. |
|
Should have secured an aggregate of 55% or more. |
Top MA Specializations
Though there are many specializations in the arts field, and can select it according to their interests and choices. Here is a list of a few more prominent specializations along with their average salaries.
|
S.no |
Top Specializations |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
MA English |
12,500-62,500 per month |
|
2 |
MA Economics |
16.2 lakhs |
|
3 |
MA Psychology |
3.7 lakhs |
|
4 |
MA Political Science |
3 lakhs |
|
5 |
MA History |
5 lakhs |
|
6 |
MA Social Work |
3.4 lakhs |
|
7 |
MA International Relations |
6.6 lakhs |
|
8 |
MA Communication Studies |
6 lakhs |
|
9 |
MA Sociology |
4.5 lakhs |
|
10 |
MA Public Administration |
2 - 8 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
Students also liked topics on:
MA in Hindi
MA in Sociology at Delhi School of Economics
IIT MA Colleges
Apart from providing quality education in the technical field with courses like Btech, M.tech, and M.Sc, IIT has expanded its horizons by providing postgraduate degree courses or MA courses in different fields. However, there are a few courses only which are offered in only some IITs. Yet, the major difference comes with the diversity of courses it provides.
Apart from the general Master in Arts courses which are pursued in the fields of Economics, Psychology, and History the courses at IITs are a little different. The courses offered at IITs include specializations in Development Studies, Philosophy, and English Studies.
Here is a stipulated list providing insights into the MA courses offered by different IITs.
|
Name of IIT |
Program Name |
|---|---|
|
MA in English Studies |
|
|
MA by Research |
|
|
MA in Developmental Studies |
|
|
MA in Society and Culture |
|
|
MA in Development Studies |
|
|
MA in Society, Culture, Thought |
MA Jobs by Specialization
There are multiple specializations in MA, each having its own set of career trajectories having an individual path of growth. In the coming section, we will be discovering the top job profiles one can pursue after doing different specializations in MA along with their market salaries.
MA Economics Jobs
MA Economics is a 2-year postgraduate degree program offering greater insights into the world of economics covering topics like banking, financial management, international economics, macroeconomics, theory of demand and supply, and many more topics that directly, or indirectly impact the economy.
It has 4 semesters, each semester having a duration of 6 months. This table shows the data of a few job profiles that are best-suited to an MA Economics graduate.
|
Top MA Economics Job Profiles |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Research Analyst |
4.8 lakhs |
|
Data Analyst |
6.3 lakhs |
|
High School Teacher |
5.5 lakhs |
|
Economist |
16.2 lakhs |
|
Director of Operations |
37 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
MA History Jobs
Through MA History, a candidate can have a good understanding of the Historical and Cultural aspects of India. It is a 2-year postgraduate degree program divided into 4 semesters, every semester lasting 6 months.
Here’s a list of a few top job profiles best suited for an MA History graduate.
|
Top MA History Job Profiles |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Historian |
7 lakhs |
|
Assistant Professor |
4.8 lakhs |
|
Teacher |
3.1 lakhs |
|
Field Archaeologist |
2 lakhs |
|
Research Assistant |
3.8 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
Relevant links for MA History:
Jobs after MA History
MA English Jobs
MA English is a 2 year postgraduate degree program that gives students a comprehensive knowledge of various important concepts of English Literature including readings from different novels, stories, and poetries written by various authors.
The degree allows the candidate to expand their literary skills and further capitalize on them. Here is a list of a few top job profiles best suited for an MA English graduate.
|
Top MA English Job Profiles |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Editor/ Assistant Editor |
3 lakhs |
|
Web Content Writer |
3 lakhs |
|
Teacher |
3.3 lakhs |
|
Translator |
2.2 lakhs |
|
SEO Analyst |
3 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
MA Psychology Jobs
The field of Psychology offers a candidate the opportunity to learn different aspects related to the human mind and behavior including issues related to emotions, behavior, and their psychological effects on the brain.
One can choose from different fields while pursuing a Master's in Psychology. Some of the most prominent ones include health psychology, clinical psychology, and sports psychology. It further opens multiple doors for them to practice it by working in hospitals or opening their clinics.
Here is a list of a few top job profiles best suited for an MA Psychology graduate.
|
Top MA Psychology Job Profiles |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Clinical Psychologists |
4.5 lakhs |
|
Therapists |
2.8 lakhs |
|
Counseling Psychologists |
4.1 lakhs |
|
Sports Psychologists |
5.9 - 7.5 lakhs |
|
Psychiatrist |
10 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
MA Political Science Jobs
MA in Political Science is a 2-year postgraduate degree program taken by a lot of students who wish to continue their careers in politics at Indian and International levels. To pursue the same, one must have completed their graduation in political science with an aggregate of 55% or more.
It includes subjects like Political Theory, International Relations, Policy Making, and Public Laws. Here is a list of a few top job profiles best suited for MA Political Science graduates.
|
Top MA Political Science Jobs |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|
|
Politician |
9.5 lakhs |
|
Public Administration |
5.3 lakhs |
|
Political Content Writer |
3.6 lakhs |
|
Political Correspondent |
4.5 lakhs |
|
PR Executive |
3 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
MA Jobs - Sector Wise
After doing a Master of Arts, a candidate has abundant opportunities in both government as well as private sectors. The scope and spectrum of opportunities further depend on the respective fields one has chosen. Here are some of the well-known, and top opportunities available to MA students in the private, and public sectors.
MA Jobs- Private Sector
MA graduates are respected everywhere and receive abundant opportunities at every organization, and the Private sector is one of them. Some of the top professions an MA graduate can pursue are given below:
|
Top Job Profiles |
Job Details |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Educator |
Involved in constructing meaningful educational experiences through planning, preparing, and delivering lessons. |
5.7 lakhs |
|
Economists majorly conduct surveys, collect data, analyze it, and make interpretations and forecasts about the same. |
16.2 lakhs |
|
|
Content writer researches and write engaging content for brands and businesses to provide meaningful information, and improve the brand image at the same time. |
3.6 lakhs |
|
|
Communication Managers promote the organization, its people, products, and services by creating impactful content and consistently delivering the same. |
13.2 lakhs |
|
|
Assistant Professor |
Assistant Professors are involved in research and teaching. They assist full-time professors and also spend time conducting investigations and research. |
4.8 lakhs |
MA Jobs - Government Sector
MA provides a lot of opportunities to candidates in the government sector too. Here is a list of top career opportunities available to MA graduates in the government sector.
|
Top Job Profile |
Job Details |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
|
IAS officers manage the overall administration of government, maintain the overall expenditure, and ensure law and order in the country. |
1 - 2.5 lakhs per month |
|
|
RRB NTPC is one such job a person can receive by taking the entrance exam. In this role, one needs to supervise the work of the entire railway station. |
8.8 lakhs |
|
|
SSC personnel recruit candidates for various posts in different departments and ministries under the Government of India. |
6.2 lakhs |
|
|
Research Associate |
Research Associates plans, organizes, and conducts research for various market topics including the financial market. |
4.6 lakhs |
|
Social worker |
Social workers are responsible for improving the lives of the people they are taking care of and helping them find solutions to their problems. |
3.4 lakhs |
(Source: AmbitionBox)
Courses after MA
A student can further enhance their educational background, and be more skilled at their respective jobs after MA by pursuing the following courses:
- PhD
- Mphil
- PG Diploma
Quick links relevant to MA Careers:
PhD Careers
M.Phil Admissions
10 Best Countries for MA Graduates
MA provides candidates with tons of opportunities in India as well as Abroad. Though some countries are better than others when it comes to opportunities and salaries. In the coming section, we will discuss those few countries along with the salaries they provide.
- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Australia
- Singapore
- Germany
- Italy
- France
- Ireland
- Spain
Top MA Recruiters
After doing an MA, candidates can get good jobs with handsome salaries in both the public sector as well as private sector. This table gives you a list of the top 10 MA recruiters.
|
Top MA Recruiters |
|
|---|---|
|
Amazon |
State Bank of India |
|
Myntra |
ICICI |
|
Infosys |
Government of India |
|
Deloitte |
Lady Shri Ram College |
|
Wipro |
Accenture |
Top MA Colleges- Placement-wise
The average salary after completing MA ranges from INR 3 LPA - 5 LPA. However, some factors may affect the placement opportunities and the compensation a candidate receives. These factors include location, candidate’s college, their skills, and expertise in the respective domains.
This table provides the list of those colleges that provide candidates with the greatest opportunities and highest placement packages when it comes to MA graduates.
|
Top MA Colleges |
Average Salary (in INR) |
|
9.5 lakhs |
|
|
8 lakhs |
|
|
15.5 lakhs |
|
|
8.66 lakhs |
|
|
5.5 lakhs |
FAQs MA Careers
What are the jobs after MA?
There are abundant job opportunities available in both the government sector and private sector after pursuing an MA in any discipline. Some of the jobs include the job of an Economist, Psychologist, Historian, Research Associate, Translator, Social Worker, and Educator.
Which MA course is best?
Though each MA course is designed in a way to give comprehensive knowledge about the subject, and also provide practical knowledge about the same. But the best ultimately depends on one’s area of interest and its scope and further career opportunities attached to it. These are some of the best MAs when it comes to career scope and salary:
MA in Economics
MA in Psychology
MA in International Studies
MA in History
MA in History Studies
Can I do PhD without an MA?
Without holding a master’s in the subsequent field one cannot enter into PhD, because an MA or master’s provides candidates with the skills and expertise needed to further take their education to another level and pursue Ph.D. Without having the right academic background, the chances of getting selected for a PhD are fairly low.
What is the salary after an MA in history?
The salary after an MA in history is really good, ranging from a pay scale of INR 2 LPA - INR 5.5 LPA. Yet, there are different salaries for different roles and positions. For example- The average salary of a journalist after MA history is 5 - 7 lakhs. On the other hand, the salary after becoming a Researcher lies somewhere between INR 3 LPA - 4 LPA.
- Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
- Popular Private M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
- Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Specializations
- Most Popular Courses
- Top Ranked Colleges by Location
Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
Popular Private M.A. (Master of Arts) Colleges in India
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
M.A. Applications open. Apply Now
Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Specializations
Popular Specializations
- English
2077 Colleges
- Hindi
1395 Colleges
- Urdu
217 Colleges
- Public Administration
198 Colleges
- Clinical Psychology
60 Colleges
- Ancient History
49 Colleges
- Public Policy
47 Colleges
- International Relations
41 Colleges
- Women Studies
41 Colleges
- Applied Psychology
29 Colleges
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
- M.A. in EnglishHansraj College, University of Delhi
- M.A. in Public AdministrationBanaras Hindu University
- M.A. in EconomicsBanaras Hindu University
- M.A. in LinguisticsBanaras Hindu University
- M.A. in SociologyBanaras Hindu University
- M.A. in PsychologyBanaras Hindu University
- M.A. in EnglishBanaras Hindu University
- M.A. in Ancient Indian History, Culture and ArchaeologySt. Xavier's College, Mumbai
- Integrated B.A. + M.A. in Clinical PsychologyAmity University, Noida
- M.A. in EnglishAmity University, Noida
Top Ranked Colleges by Location
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 7 hours ago
You're eligible; admission depends on whether your CUET score meets the university's cutoff. Check the university's 12th-mark requirement (often ~50%+) and complete the counselling/application steps on time. Best of luck!
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 20 hours ago
EFLU Hyderabad offers various specialisations in MA which a PG level course offered for 2 years. Admission to the respective course is offered on the basis of merit and CUET PG scores. Therefore, candidates must secure a minimum aggregate of 50-55% in graduation and meet the cutoff score in CUET PG.
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, a candidate can apply for admission at Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University if graduation result is pending. The university may offer them provisional admission in this case. However, the candidate must submit the marksheet and certificate for graduation once the results are declared.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Candidates are selected for MA course at Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University on the basis of merit of graduation. However, if the candidate has completed graduation in any other field except BA/Diploma in Music/Fine Arts/Dance, they have to appear for Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts Uni
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University offers MA course in four specialisations and various subjects. These include MA Fine Arts (Painting/Sculpture/Applied Art), MA Dance (Kathak/Bharatnatyam), MA Music (Vocal/Tabla/Sitar/Violin). Candidates must choose their preferred specialisation and app
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 days ago
The eligibility criteria for MA course at Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University requires the candidates to have a degree in BA/Diploma in Music/Dance/Fine Arts from an recognised university or institute. However, this is the minimum eligibility criteria and if candidates do not have the same
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
HNGU MA is a post graduate course of two years. The programme admissions are on merit basis without entrance examination. Eligible students should apply on a deadline. The document verification and fees pay-up (selection) is done.
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
The applicant must have relevant undergraduate degree in order to gain admission in the MA programme at HNGU. The placement is purely merit based and it is based on the marks obtained in a qualifying exam. There is no entrance test needed in admission. The applications should be done online via the
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 5 days ago
Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University runs specialisations of MA in English and Sanskrit by the university itself. Major specialisations in other areas are offered in affiliated colleges and campuses. Every programme includes a two-year cycle. Other subjects should be checked college wise by can
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
There are about 540+ MA Psychology colleges in India. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:
| Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Mithibai College of Arts | INR 1.45 lakh |
| Indraprastha College for Women | INR 432 |
| St. Xavier's College, Mumbai | INR 1.84 lakh |
| Daulat Ram College | INR 40,460 |
| K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce | INR 11,000 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from the official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Listed below are the top CUET PG accepting MA Public Policy colleges in India along with their tuition fees:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
Galgotias University | INR 92,000 |
TISS Mumbai | INR 68,000 |
Central University of Kerala | INR 5,200 |
Central University of Rajasthan | INR 10,000 |
Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Hyderabad | INR 94,600 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, there are many government MA Public Policy colleges in India. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:
Public/Govt. Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
TISS - Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai Admission | INR 68,000 |
University of Mumbai Admission | INR 68,810 – INR 80,000 |
IIT Bombay Admission | INR 2.69 lakh |
Central University of Kerala Admission | INR 5,200 |
Guru Nanak Dev University Admission | INR 61,550 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, joining the top MA in Public Policy colleges in India can be worthwhile for you. For that, you need to check its ROI. Listed below are some colleges along with their tuition fees and average placement package:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee | Average Placement Package |
|---|---|---|
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai MA | INR 1.5 lakh | INR 6.23 LPA |
Christ University Bangalore MA | INR 4.8 lakh | INR 6.14 LPA |
TISS Mumbai MA | INR 68,000 | INR 6.5 LPA |
University of Mumbai MA | INR 68,810 – INR 80,000 | INR 18 LPA |
University of Madras MA | INR 3,000 | IN 4.2 LPA |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, Joining the top MA Public Policy colleges in India can be affordable as most colleges have tuition fees of less than INR 1 lakh. Some of them are mentioned below along with their tuition fees:
Low-cost Colleges | Tuition fee |
|---|---|
Galgotias University | INR 92,000 |
Central University of Kerala | INR 5,200 |
TISS Mumbai | INR 68,000 |
University of Mumbai | INR 68,810 – INR 80,000 |
University of Madras | INR 3,000 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
As per popularity basis, listed below are the top MA Public Policy colleges in India along with their tuition fees:
Top Colleges | Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai | INR 1.5 lakh |
Amity University Noida | INR 2.2 lakh |
Christ University Bangalore | INR 4.8 lakh |
Galgotias University | INR 92,000 |
TISS Mumbai | INR 68,000 |
Disclaimer: This information is sourced from official website and may vary.
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
About 45+ MA in Public Policy colleges are there in India. CUET PG, TISSNET, etc. are some of the most accepting entrance exams in the top MA colleges in India. Some of the popular colleges include St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Amity University, Noida, Christ University, School of Humanities and Soc
T
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The MA course duration in Social Work subjects and curriculum last two years and are divided into four semesters. The MA subject list for Social Work covers a wide range of social work themes. Human Growth and Development, Ideology and Ethics of Social Work, Poverty Reduction, microfinancing and Mic
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
The MA course duration in Political Science curriculum is organised into four semesters. MA subject list of Political Science covers topics like political theory, critical analysis, philosophy, and ethics, as well as a wide range of electives such as Themes in Citizenship, The Modern State in Compar
I
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
The MA Economics course duration and curriculum lasts two years and four semesters. The MA subject list for Economics consists of basic and elective subjects which explains surrounding concepts of Economics. The goal of MA subject list for Economics is to prepare students for careers in banking, fin
L
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Master of Arts (MA) syllabus and subjects teach classroom learners through theory and practical lectures, internships, research projects, and assignments, among others. The MA programme is a diversified programme that includes core MA subjects required in each specialisation and several elective cou
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Although IITs are renowned for BTech and M.Tech courses, the institutes have recently started offering quality education in MA courses too. MA from IIT has quickly become a popular choice among the students. The minimum eligibility criteria for IIT MA is a bachelor's degree in any discipline after a
R
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Several colleges and universities in India offer MA courses in a distance mode. Usually, admission to MA courses in distance mode does not require the candidate to qualify for an entrance exam, and most colleges offer direct admission based on merit or a first-come, first-served basis.
Given below a
G
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Apart from the above-mentioned courses, many colleges also offer MA degree under various streams like Design, Mass Communication, Hospitality, etc.
In an MA programme with specialization, there would be core and elective subjects related to the specialization. The MA degree course syllabus is designe
S
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Master of Arts (MA) courses duration is two years and it is available in different specializations including Political Science, English, Hindi, Economics, History etc. Students usually take up the teaching line after attaining this postgraduate degree. Students can also pursue a doctoral degree afte
N
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 weeks ago
Most universities offering MA in Astrology generally require a BA degree, but some may prefer Sanskrit or related subjects like philosophy. Since your BA is with Hindi as the second language, I advice you to check the specific eligibility criteria of the university you're applying to. That can help.
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 2 weeks ago
Amity School of Communication offers three MA programmes. Admission to these courses is based on performance in the personal interview round. However, the applicants must also fulfil the course-specific eligibility requirements. The offered course specialisations are :-
- Journalism and Mass Communicat
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Amity School of Communication MA application can be submitted successfully on payment of the application fee of INR 1,500. The fee payment can be done online via credit card/debit card/net banking. Applicants must keep the payment receipt safe with them for future reference. Only after the applicati
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
The campus has over 400 companies visiting, students gain access to leading media, PR, corporate communication, and digital firms, ensuring a smooth transition into the industry.
The placements and/or internships after completing this course have been at the following companies:
- Indian Express
- pIndia
- De
M
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi Irfan, If you want to take admission in MA English without CUET-PG, here are a few options you can consider:
1. Apply to Private Universities: Many private and deemed universities conduct their own entrance tests or offer direct admission based on merit.
Examples:
Christ University
Amity University
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities, Bangalore admission to MA programme is based on merit of the aspirants in the last qualifying exam. Selected candidates are further called for a personal interview round for admission. Once selected, the admission committee informs the aspirants about ot
N
Guide-Level 15
Taking an Exam? Selecting a College?
Find insights & recommendations on colleges and exams that you won't find anywhere else
On Shiksha, get access to
- 65k Colleges
- 1k Exams
- 672k Reviews
- 1600k Answers
I have passed Higher Secondary this year and appeared in CUET. Could I get admission for integrated MA in English?