Master of Arts

A Master of Arts is the bearer of a master's degree in the arts, which may be obtained from a variety of institutions throughout the world. The degree is sometimes compared to that of a Master of Science in a scientific field. History, literature, languages, linguistics, public administration, political science, communication studies, law, or diplomacy are examples of subjects studied by those admitted to the degree programme; however, different universities have different conventions and may also offer the degree programme in fields that are typically considered within the natural sciences and mathematics, such as mathematics and statistics. The degree might be awarded in recognition of successfully completing courses and passing tests, doing research, or a combination of the two.

Masters of Arts degrees have its roots in the teaching licence, or Licentia docendi, of the University of Paris, which was created to generate "masters" who would go on to become graduate instructors in their respective fields.