If you’ve ever hesitated before writing “a MA” or “an MA,” you’re not alone. It’s one of those tiny grammar choices that can stop you mid-sentence.
The answer, surprisingly, has nothing to do with the letter “M” itself—and everything to do with how it sounds.
In this guide, we’ll explore the grammar rules behind indefinite articles, clear up common misconceptions, and explain how to properly refer to academic degrees, especially the Master of Arts (MA).
Let’s break it down.
Is it “a MA” or “an MA”? The correct choice depends on pronunciation — since “MA” sounds like “em-ay,” it needs the article “an.” Discover why and how to use articles correctly before academic degrees.
Understanding Indefinite Articles in English Grammar
In English, indefinite articles are used to refer to non-specific things. There are only two: “a” and “an.” But choosing the right one isn’t random—it’s based on pronunciation, not spelling.
- Use “a” before words that begin with a consonant sound:
a teacher, a history book, a university - Use “an” before words that begin with a vowel sound:
an apple, an hour, an honor
So far, so good. But things get more interesting with abbreviations and acronyms.
The Role of Vowel Sounds in Article Usage
Here’s the key: It’s all about the sound that follows the article, not the first letter of the word itself.
Think About the Sound:
- “M” is a consonant letter, but it begins with a vowel sound: em.
- Since “MA” is pronounced em-ay, it begins with a vowel sound.
✅ Correct: an MA degree
❌ Incorrect: a MA degree
This is the same logic behind saying:
- an MBA (pronounced em-bee-ay)
- an FBI agent (pronounced eff-bee-eye agent)
Exceptions to the Consonant Rule with Abbreviations
English is filled with abbreviations where the rules bend slightly due to pronunciation. Let’s take a look:
| Abbreviation | Pronunciation | Correct Article |
|---|---|---|
| MA | em-ay | an MA |
| MBA | em-bee-ay | an MBA |
| PhD | pee-aitch-dee | a PhD |
| BA | bee-ay | a BA |
| MSc | em-ess-see | an MSc |
Tip: If the abbreviation starts with a vowel sound, use “an.” Otherwise, use “a.”
The Correct Way to Refer to Your MA Degree
Whether you’re writing a resume, a LinkedIn profile, or an academic paper, it’s important to refer to your degree clearly and correctly.
Use the phrase:
- “an MA in English Literature”
- “an MA degree from NYU”
Avoid phrases like:
- “a MA program” – incorrect due to the vowel sound at the start of M.
Also, note that “MA” can be spelled with or without periods. Both MA and M.A. are accepted, depending on the style guide you’re following (we’ll cover this below).
Pronunciation Matters: A or An Before Acronyms
Here’s where most mistakes happen—when people rely on spelling instead of how the word sounds when spoken out loud.
Acronym Example:
Imagine you say this out loud:
“I have an MA in Sociology.”
If you said a MA, it would sound like “a em-ay,” which is jarring and grammatically incorrect.
Rule of Thumb:
Speak it aloud. If it begins with a vowel sound, it needs “an.”
This is especially helpful for other acronyms and initialisms.
Common Mistakes in Pronouncing Educational Degrees
Some of the most frequent mix-ups occur when people aren’t sure how to pronounce abbreviations:
Mistake Examples:
- Saying “a MA degree” (should be “an MA”)
- Writing “an BSc program” (should be “a BSc” because it starts with bee)
Why it matters: Incorrect usage in formal writing—like cover letters or academic applications—can make even an educated writer appear careless.
Mastering Academic Degrees: Capitalization and Possessiveness
Knowing when to capitalize degrees and when to treat them like general nouns is another common struggle.
Capitalize when:
- Referring to the specific name of the degree
Example: “She earned a Master of Arts in History.”
Lowercase when:
- Referring to the general field or degree level
Example: “She has a master’s degree in history.”
Important: “Master of Arts” is a title, so it’s capitalized. But “master’s degree” is not.
When to Use Apostrophes in Academic Degrees
Here’s a source of confusion for many writers: the apostrophe.
- Correct: “She has a master’s degree.”
- Incorrect: “She has a masters degree.”
The apostrophe shows possession: a degree of a master.
But don’t use apostrophes when writing the abbreviated form:
- MA, not M.A.’s
- PhD, not PhD’s (unless you’re showing plural: two PhDs)
Distinguishing Between Degrees and Fields of Study
It’s essential to distinguish the degree from the subject you studied.
Correct Formats:
- “I earned an MA in Political Science.”
- “She completed a Master of Arts in Linguistics.”
- “He holds a master’s degree in economics.”
Don’t mix and match terms like “a Master of Arts degree in master’s level psychology.” Keep it clean and clear.
Abbreviating Your Degree: MA, M.A., or Master’s?
There are multiple ways to abbreviate degrees, and while all are correct in certain contexts, consistency is key.
Accepted Forms:
- MA – Common in American English.
- M.A. – More traditional or British English usage.
- Master’s – Informal or general use.
| Form | Use Case |
|---|---|
| MA | Professional bios, resumes (US) |
| M.A. | Academic writing, British institutions |
| Master’s | Conversational, non-formal writing |
Global Variations in Abbreviating Degrees
Different countries have their own formatting preferences:
- United States: MA, MS, PhD
- United Kingdom: M.A., M.Sc., D.Phil.
- Canada: Mixed, often follows US conventions
- Australia: Similar to UK, but varies by institution
Always check the specific style guide or institutional preference when writing about degrees.
Consistency in Writing: Adhering to Style Guides
Major style guides offer specific rules for writing academic degrees:
| Style Guide | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| APA | Use lowercase for degrees unless mentioning full title |
| MLA | Capitalize specific degree names; lowercase general references |
| Chicago Manual | “MA” or “M.A.” accepted; spell out first mention if formal |
| AP Style | Lowercase degree names, use abbreviations sparingly |
Example for AP Style:
- “He has a master’s in education,” not “He has a Master’s in Education.”
Tip: Pick one style and stick with it throughout your writing.
❓ FAQs Section
1. Should I say “a MA” or “an MA” degree?
Always say “an MA” because “MA” starts with a vowel sound (“em-ay”), which requires the article “an.”
2. Does this rule apply to other degree abbreviations?
Yes! Use “an” before abbreviations that begin with vowel sounds like MBA (em-bee-ay) and MSc (em-ess-see), but “a” before consonant sounds like PhD (pee-aitch-dee) or BA (bee-ay).
3. When should I use “MA” vs. “M.A.”?
“MA” is common in American English and informal contexts; “M.A.” is more traditional, especially in British English or academic writing. Consistency matters most.
4. How do I capitalize academic degrees correctly?
Capitalize full degree names (e.g., “Master of Arts”), but lowercase general terms (e.g., “master’s degree”).
5. Should I use an apostrophe in “master’s degree”?
Yes. The apostrophe shows possession: it’s the degree of a master. But don’t use apostrophes with abbreviations like MA or PhD.
6. Why is pronunciation more important than spelling for articles?
English articles “a” and “an” depend on the sound that follows. Even if a word starts with a consonant letter, if it begins with a vowel sound, use “an.”
Final Thoughts: Always Say “An MA Degree”
To wrap it all up, here’s the golden rule:
👉 Say “an MA degree” because “M” is pronounced em, which starts with a vowel sound.
If you’re ever in doubt, speak the phrase aloud. Listen to how it begins. The sound—not the letter—is what matters when choosing between “a” and “an.”
Quick Recap
- ✅ Correct: an MA, an MBA, an MSc
- ❌ Incorrect: a MA, a MBA
- Always capitalize Master of Arts when writing the full degree name.
- Use apostrophes only in master’s degree, not abbreviations.
- Be consistent with abbreviations like MA vs. M.A.
- Refer to a style guide when in doubt.
