MA stands for Master of Arts, which is a graduate degree that focuses on subjects within the arts, humanities, and social sciences fields. It is a postgraduate masters qualification that can help deepen knowledge of a subject and develop research skills. An MA degree is usually contrasted with a Master of Science (MS) degree, which is geared more towards scientific and technical fields. MA degrees are offered by most universities worldwide and can be completed in 1 to 3 years, depending on the program. The entry requirements for an MA degree can vary, but in many cases, a bachelors degree is required before applying.