MA Online Colleges & Certifications

Every humanities graduate recognises the need for a master’s degree, even if it’s not right after their bachelor’s.

Then, it’s ideal to consider an online MA course from a reputed and accredited institution. 

The online path is especially useful at that middle stage of your career, or you want to align your interests towards higher education when taking a two-year-long time off work is not too viable of an option.

Surely, by now, you have put thought into your educational path with a specific MA specialisation in mind. 

Let’s help you find the top universities offering online Master's in Arts in 2025 in industry-specific subjects. 

You will find some good UGC-approved institutes in India and abroad have fewer eligibility criteria and comparatively lesser fees - sometimes even without an entrance exam! 

Why Choose Online MA Courses in 2025

Picking an online MA course has more serious advantages than meets the eye. From global exposure to unique pedagogies and umpteen specialisations to bare minimum criteria, you may be surprised at the virtual options these MA programs have in store. 

1. Online MA has the same value as offline
2. More specialisations available in online MA than traditional offline programs
3. More flexible entry times during the year

Value of Online MA is the Same as Offline (even in 2025 and beyond)

The age-old stigma regarding online degrees has also dissolved to a great extent today. UGC declared that online degrees for masters and bachelors are the same as holding offline ones. It also regularly updates the list of Indian institutions offering online degree programs, so make sure to check them on its official website for any online MA course you choose. 

Then, there are MA programs online from international universities that are globally recognised. Places such as Arizona State University (ASU), Michigan State University, University of Leeds, etc., have full-fledged online MA programs with the same academic rigour built-in - only that they are virtual. 

But do check out for accreditations of the universities or programmes when choosing online MA degrees.

Wider Range of Specialisations than Traditional Offline Programmes

With world-recognised international universities and UGC-approved Indian centres and colleges, there are more and better alternative subjects to choose from in current MA offerings that align with the recent global trends and emerging industries. 

The regular specialisations, such as online masters in psychology, history, economics, etc., are provided by most universities anyway.

But you can find deeper subjects. So, if you have been a graduate of history, political science, or literature, you may think of doing an MA focusing in a specific time in history. ASU’s Online Master of Arts in World War II Studies is an example. 

More Flexible Entry Times During the Year

A majority of the international universities offering online MA courses have several options for joining at different times of the year. This is generally not available for regular postgraduate in arts programs. 

Globally Renowned Colleges and Platforms Offering Online Masters in Arts (MA) in 2025

 Find a list of the best-ranking colleges and global distance/online learning platforms in India, the United States, and the UK that offer some of the best master’s of arts programs. 

1. Arizona State University - Acclaimed as one of the 6th best institutions offering online master’s programs in education (USNews), the university offers a high-quality learning experience. Here, you will find online master of arts courses in History, Literature, Gender, Women and Sexuality, International Affairs and Leadership, and Political Psychology. The university has an accreditation from Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 
2. NC State University - It’s a widely popular STEM institute with around 199 amazing MA courses delivered online. It uses its official LMS (WolfWare), parts from Google Education Workspace, Zoom, and/or Panopto. 
3. University of Leeds - Offering its state-of-the-art VLE (virtual learning environment), Minerva, this university from the UK, offers MA courses online in advanced and current topics such as Advertising, Digital media, and similar.
4. IGNOU - IGNOU provides online masters in arts courses in eight subjects, ranging from regular English, History, and Pol. Science to country-specific knowledge enrichment through rural development. Its affordability and flexibility to complete within five years make it valuable and convenient for any working professional. It has the prestigious NAAC A++ Accreditation and approval from UGC, allowing you to go for a PhD afterwards.
5. Manipal University Jaipur - NAAC A+ and UGC accredited, this university offers fine online masters programs.
6. Sikkim Manipal University - A NIRF ranking between 151and 200, SMU offers 100% online MA programs in English, Sociology, and Political Science. 
7. Mangalayatan University - With UGC approval, this university offers affordable online MA programs in traditional and industry-standard subjects, including Education, Journalism & Mass Comm., and Public Administration. 

Eligibility Criteria for Online MA Courses

As a minimum, a bachelor's degree from a recognised institute is a must. In some Indian institutions offering online MA courses, 50% aggregate marks is asked for. While some international institutions may ask for GRE/GMAT scores, it is not common for all. 

Popular Online MA Courses in 2025

 Following are some of the most popular online MA courses from top international institutes to affordable NAAC accredited Indian colleges.  

1. Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership from ASU
2. Online Master of Arts in Communication from Arizona State University
3. Communication Management (Public Relations), MA from the University of Denver 
4. University of Denver's Communication Management (Organizational Development), MA 
5. MA in Communication / MBA from Johns Hopkins University
6. MA Economics from Bharathidasan University 
7. The Open University's MA in English Literature 
8. University of Denver's Professional Creative Writing (Professional Fiction Writing), MA 

What is the Cost of Online MA Courses?

The cost of online MA courses will vary for Indian and international institutes. The price may also vary owing to the subject in some colleges. 

Cost of Online MA Courses in India

Online MA from IGNOU costs INR 3150 per semester, roughly around INR 12000 for the four. This is the most economical option for Indian students. 

Private Indian universities offering online MA programmes will have comparatively higher fees. For instance, CU-Online charges INR 18,750 per semester, while its entire online MA course comes up to INR 75,000. 

Cost of Online MA from International Universities

Online MA from accredited international institutes have their tuition fees counted in credit hours. For example, Arizona State University’s online MA programmes typically cost between USD 543 and USD 1,343 per credit hour, and to complete the degree, you would have to finish nine credit courses. The complete online MA from ASU would cost nearly INR 10 Lakhs. 

Career After Online MA Courses 

1. Professor: One of the most opted career choices after MA is the teaching profession. Based on your eligibility, you can become a teacher or professor. In India, after MA, one can enter the UGC-NET exam. 
2. Administrative Officer: Administrative support manages queries of employees, office stocks, prepares reports, set office budget and organises company records. 
3. Social Worker: Many MA students in sociology or related join NGOs after completing MBA to offer their services to the community. This is a respectable job role that allows you to serve back to society.
4. Journalist: MA students in humanities subjects can plan to join the profession of journalism. This profile requires in-depth knowledge of the subject along with a research-oriented mindset.
5. Counsellor: If you have the capabilities to advise people, then you can opt for a career as a counsellor. 
6. Psychologist: Those who have a degree in MA Psychology can build a career as a psychologist. You will be able to do your own practice or join an organisation. Explore more online psychology courses, specifically ones from Alison to earn some affordable diplomas with free learning to share on your professional network.