A Master of Arts is the holder of a master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is usually contrasted with that of Master of Science. Those admitted to the degree have typically studied subjects within the scope of the humanities and social sciences, such as history, literature, languages, linguistics, public administration, political science, communication studies, law or diplomacy; however, different universities have different conventions and may also offer the degree for fields typically considered within the natural sciences and mathematics. The degree can be conferred in respect of completing courses and passing examinations, research, or a combination of the two.

एम॰ए॰, साहित्य, संगीत एवं कला के विभिन्न विषयों व भाषाओं जैसे हिन्दी, अंग्रेजी, संस्कृत आदि में १६वीं की परीक्षा उत्तीर्ण करने के उपरान्त दी जाने वाली एक स्नातकोत्तर (परास्नातक) उपाधि या मास्टर्स डिग्री का नाम है।