MA Career Scope: Jobs, Trends, Placements, Salary 2024, Top Recruiters
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
- Top MA Specializations
- IIT MA Colleges
- MA Jobs by Specialization
- 4.1 MA Economics Jobs
- 4.2 MA History Jobs
- 4.3 MA English Jobs
- 4.4 MA Psychology Jobs
- 4.5 MA Political Science Jobs
- MA Jobs - Sector Wise
- 5.1 MA Jobs- Private Sector
- Courses after MA
- 10 Best Countries for MA Graduates
- Top MA Colleges- Placement-wise
- FAQs MA Careers
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.
Most Popular Courses
Popular Courses
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- Integrated B.A. + M.A. in Clinical PsychologyAmity University, Noida
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Popular M.A. (Master of Arts) Specializations
Popular Specializations
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207 Colleges
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58 Colleges
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53 Colleges
- International Relations
45 Colleges
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News & Updates
Jan 28, 2025
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 22 hours ago
The application period for the MA Applied Psychology at TISS ran from December 15 to February 1 in 2024 for admit season 2024 but it has since come to a close. The eligibility requirements demand graduating students or their equivalent to maintain a minimum 50% mark average from an accredited univer
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Students are able to combine B.Ed in regular format with M.A through distance learning education framework. The University Grants Commission (UGC) permits students to study two degrees at once by following a regular mode format and a distance learning or online format. Students must verify with univ
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Key points to remember:
Eligibility:
Check the specific eligibility criteria of the university you are applying to, as some might have additional requirements or preferred academic backgrounds for the MA program.
Bridging the gap:
While your B.El.Ed is sufficient for admission, you might need to take a
C
Beginner-Level 1
Answered Yesterday
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham offers various state-level and national-level scholarships based on academic excellence and financial need. Some of the notable scholarships include those for GATE-qualified candidates and non-GATE students. The Amrita Chancellor Scholarship is a 100% tuition fee waiver fo
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
The total seat intake for the MA programme at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is 120 seats. This figure is indicative and may be subject to modification. The university allocates seats across its affiliated colleges, ensuring that the distribution aligns with academic standards and capacity. To confirm t
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham can accommodate more than 100 students in the seats under the MA programme. The number will differ based on the requirements of the college and seat reservations due to government regulations. There is a proper system of admission, and the admitted students are evaluated b
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
According to the official website, the intake process for the MA at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is available on an equal basis. Any candidate with a relevant bachelor's degree and an acceptable aggregate score can apply. The admission is strictly based on merit in the qualifying examination and seat
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham MA is a two-years full-time programme. The university follows a semester pattern for its MA programme. During the first semester, all modules are mandatory for all students. After the first Semester, candidates can have an introduction to the different career streams. They
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Hi, the tuition fee for pursuing MA in IGNOU is quite affordable as its only around INR 9,000 to INR 21,400. IGNOU offers around 34 MA courses with an average placement package of INR 3.36 LPA.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The MA course curriculum offered at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham spans two years and is segmented into four semesters. The programme offers Core and Elective courses. Additionally, the core curriculum focuses on essential Arts, Humanities, and Social Studies concepts. The programme's objective is to p
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
HI, listed below are the top universities in Delhi NCR that offer distance MA courses:
| University Name | Tuition Fee | Eligibility / Exams |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | INR 9,000 - INR 21,400 | Merit-Based |
| DUSOL | INR 2,000 | CUET-PG |
| Centre for Distance and Online Education, Maharshi Dayanand University | INR 880 - INR 10,000 | Merit-Based |
| Centre for Distance and Open Learning JMI | INR 20,000 | JMI Entrance Exam |
| Delhi Degree College Badarpur | INR 6,000 | Merit-Based |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Amrita University accepts online applications for its MA programme. During the application process, aspirants must upload the required documents for the verification process. The documents required during admission form filling are listed below:
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (for UG courses)
- Bache
K
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Hi, yes DU does offer distance MA and you can refer below for more information:
| Courses Offered | Tuition Fee | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| MA in Hindi | INR 2,000 | 2 |
| MA in Political Science | INR 2,000 | 2 |
| MA in History | INR 2,000 | 2 |
| MA in Sanskrit | INR 2,000 | 2 |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
While applying for MA admission at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, applicants are required to submit a non-refundable application fee. However, the fee amount varies depending on the students' chosen specialisations. Candidates can submit the applicable fee using online payment modes, such as Credit/Deb
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
Yes you can pursue MA or Master of Arts course through distance or correspondence mode of education. If you are a working candidate or you have other commitments then pursuing an MA course in distance mode can be a good option for you. This way you would be able to expand your knowledge and enhance
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hi, it can be observed that pursuing distance MA in Delhi NCR camn be quite inexpensive as most of the colleges have an average tuition fee of less than INR 1 lakh.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hi, the top specialisations offered by best distance MA colleges in Delhi NCR are English, Hindi, Public Administration, History, Languages, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, etc.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The application process for MA admission at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is conducted online on the university's official website. Students must ensure to submit the application form before the stipulated timeline. The steps included in the online application process are as follows:
Step 1: Visit the
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
Hi, you can refer to the table below for the popular distance MA colleges in Delhi NCR:
| College Name | Tuition Fee | Eligibility / Exams |
|---|---|---|
| IGNOU | INR 9,000 - INR 21,400 | Merit-Based |
| School of Open Learning DU | INR 2,000 | CUET-PG |
| Centre for Distance and Online Education Maharshi Dayanand University | INR 880 - INR 10,000 | Merit-Based |
| Centre for Distance and Open Learning JMI | INR 20,000 | JMI Entrance Exam |
| Delhi Degree College Badarpur | INR 6,000 | Merit-Based |
Hope this helps!
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Amrita University offers admission based on merit for its MA programme. However, for some MA specialisations, the selection is based on the entrance exam. The university conducts university-level entrance exams. Interested candidates must visit the official website to apply online. They must submit
B
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Hi, there are 20+ best Distance MA colleges in Delhi NCR of which 10+ colleges are owned privately and 4 colleges are owned by the government. JMI Entrance Exam and CUET PG are the popular entrance exams for admission to best colleges for distance MA in Delhi NCR. IGNOU, DUSOL, Centre for Distance a
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Admission for the MA programme at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, is expected to commence soon. Interested applicants can visit the official website to enquiry about the admission dates. However, the university is likely to accept applications soon for the academic year 2025. Prospective students are ad
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
The Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has not specified any application deadline for MA admission for 2025. However, based on the eligibility and selection criteria, students must be shortlisted according to their most recent qualifying examination scores. It can be understood that the university will fina
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
To be eligible for the MA programme, candidates must meet the course-specific eligibility criteria. Students must have completed their Bachelor's degree with at least 50% to 60% aggregate from any recognised university. The selection is based on merit, followed by the PI round. Additionally, the sel
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, Amrita University does offer a Master of Arts (MA) programme at the PG level. The selection of the candidates is based on the scores obtained in the last qualification examination. To be considered, students must ensure that they fulfil the requisite academic qualifications. For more details, c
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
As per the admission information available on the Amrita University official website, there is no provision for direct admission to the MA course offered at the university. Students must have completed their last qualifying exam with a valid score. Based on their academic performance, the university
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 days ago
The Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham MA fee ranges between INR 1.1 lakh and INR 3.8 lakh, depending on the campus offering the course. Students opting for specialisations must pay a one-time fee between INR 2,000 and INR 10,000. The fee structure may include course fees, one-time fees, hostel fees, etc. H
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 days ago
Hello I hope you are doing fine.
If you want to pursue MA in distance learning mode from Central University then you have so many options for that. In India there are so many universities offering distance learning mode.
One of the famous and prestigious Central University for distance education is
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 days ago
Rajasthan has a number of integrated education courses for aspiring teachers. Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University (MJRPU) in Jaipur offers a 3-year Integrated B.Ed. M.Ed. (Special Education) course1. Biyani Group of Colleges offers a 3-year Integrated B.Ed.-M.Ed. programme affiliated with the Univer
P
Beginner-Level 4
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