Ever found yourself hesitating before saying “a MA” or “an MA” degree? You’re not alone.
This tiny grammar puzzle trips up native and non-native speakers alike. It’s all about how we use indefinite articles with acronyms—and more specifically, what we hear rather than what we see.
In this guide, we’ll break it all down: when to use “a” vs. “an,” how pronunciation changes the rules, and how to refer to your degree accurately across writing styles.
By the end, you’ll have full confidence saying (and writing) your MA degree the right way.
The correct usage is “an MA” degree, because “MA” is pronounced “em-ay,” starting with a vowel sound. In English, article choice depends on pronunciation, not spelling—so “an MA” is grammatically correct.
Understanding Indefinite Articles in English Grammar
In English, the indefinite articles a and an are used before singular countable nouns when the specific identity of the noun isn’t important or known.
- “A” is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.
Example: a cat, a university, a user. - “An” is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.
Example: an apple, an hour, an honor.
Notice we said sound, not letter. This distinction is key when dealing with acronyms and abbreviations like “MA.”
The Role of Vowel Sounds in Article Usage
The article choice hinges on how the word sounds when spoken, not how it’s spelled. That’s why we say:
- “an honor” even though honor starts with the consonant h—because the h is silent.
- “a university” even though university starts with a vowel—because the u sounds like you.
So, what about “MA”?
When we say “MA” aloud, we pronounce it as “em-ay”. It starts with the vowel sound ‘e’, not the consonant m. That makes “an MA degree” the correct form.
✅ Correct: She earned an MA in English Literature.
❌ Incorrect: She earned a MA in English Literature.
Exceptions to the Consonant Rule with Abbreviations
Abbreviations and acronyms can throw a wrench into the article rules if you go by spelling rather than sound.
Examples of correct article usage with abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Pronunciation | Correct Article | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA | “em-ay” | an | an MA in Psychology |
| MBA | “em-bee-ay” | an | an MBA from Stanford |
| PhD | “pee-aych-dee” | a | a PhD in Mathematics |
| BA | “bee-ay” | a | a BA in Sociology |
The key: listen to the first sound of the abbreviation—not the first letter.
The Correct Way to Refer to Your MA Degree
When you’re writing about your academic qualifications, it’s important to use correct grammar and consistent style. Here’s how you should refer to your MA degree:
- Correct: an MA degree, an MA in Political Science, an MA holder
- Correct (full form): a Master of Arts degree
Remember, when you spell it out—“Master of Arts”—you use “a” because “Master” begins with a consonant sound.
Pronunciation Matters: A or An Before Acronyms
Pronunciation is often overlooked in written communication, but it determines the use of “a” vs. “an” before acronyms and initialisms.
Let’s look at some common acronyms and how article choice depends on their spoken form:
| Acronym | Spoken As | Use “a” or “an”? | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA | em-ay | an | She earned an MA in History. |
| MBA | em-bee-ay | an | He pursued an MBA in Finance. |
| M.Ed | em-ed | an | She holds an M.Ed in Counseling. |
| JD | jay-dee | a | He earned a JD from Harvard. |
Tip: Always read your sentence aloud. If it starts with a vowel sound, go with “an.”
Common Mistakes in Pronouncing Educational Degrees
Some speakers misapply article rules by focusing on spelling instead of sound. Common errors include:
- Saying “a MA” instead of “an MA”
- Using “an university” because u is a vowel, even though it sounds like you
How to Avoid These Mistakes:
- Speak it out loud first.
- Focus on how the abbreviation sounds, not how it’s written.
- Practice with common educational degree acronyms.
Mastering Academic Degrees: Capitalization and Possessiveness
Knowing when and how to capitalize degree names can also be tricky.
Capitalization Rules:
- Use lowercase when describing a degree generally:
She has a master’s degree in education. - Use uppercase when using the full, formal name:
She earned a Master of Arts in Linguistics.
Possessive Form:
- Use apostrophe-s when writing “master’s” or “bachelor’s” in a general sense.
Example: She holds a master’s degree, not a masters degree.
When to Use Apostrophes in Academic Degrees
This is one of the most overlooked grammar points in resumes and bios.
General Rule:
- Use an apostrophe when the degree is possessive in nature:
a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree - No apostrophe when referring to the formal title:
Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts
Incorrect: She has a masters in Psychology.
Correct: She has a master’s in Psychology.
Distinguishing Between Degrees and Fields of Study
Clarity is key when listing qualifications. Confusing the degree with the field of study can make your sentence sound awkward.
Examples:
- Correct: He earned an MA in Economics.
- Incorrect: He earned an MA Economics.
- Correct (formal): He earned a Master of Arts in Economics.
Avoid shortening too aggressively or omitting necessary prepositions like “in.”
Abbreviating Your Degree: MA, M.A., or Master’s?
You might see your degree written in different ways. So which one’s right?
| Format | Usage Context | Example |
|---|---|---|
| MA | Most common, especially in the US | an MA in English |
| M.A. | Slightly more formal or traditional | an M.A. in History |
| Master’s | Informal/general | a master’s in Psychology |
Note: Always follow the preferred style guide of your institution, publisher, or employer.
Global Variations in Abbreviating Degrees
Academic degree abbreviations vary around the world. Here are a few distinctions:
| Country | Common Format | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| United States | MA or M.A. | an MA in Philosophy |
| United Kingdom | MA (Oxbridge may imply undergrad) | an MA from Oxford |
| Australia | MA | an MA in Journalism |
| Canada | MA or M.A. | an MA in History |
In the UK, some MA degrees (especially from Oxford or Cambridge) are honorary or automatic upgrades from BA degrees.
Consistency in Writing: Adhering to Style Guides
When writing professionally, your style should stay consistent throughout. Depending on the guide, article usage and abbreviation formats may vary.
Popular Style Guides and Their Preferences:
| Style Guide | Degree Abbreviation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| APA | M.A. (with periods) | Use consistent formatting |
| MLA | MA (no periods) | Common in modern formatting |
| Chicago | MA or M.A. | Accepts both, prefer consistency |
| AP | master’s degree | Use lowercase and possessive |
Tip: If you’re writing a resume, academic paper, or publication, check which guide is being followed and match it across the board.
❓ 6 FAQs
Is it correct to say “a MA degree”?
No. The correct form is “an MA degree” because “MA” starts with a vowel sound (“em-ay”), which requires “an.”
Why do we use “an” before acronyms like MA?
We use “an” when the acronym begins with a vowel sound, not necessarily a vowel letter. “MA” begins with the sound “e,” so “an” is correct.
Is it “a Master of Arts” or “an Master of Arts”?
It’s “a Master of Arts” since “Master” starts with the consonant “M” sound. Use “a” with full degree names.
What’s the difference between “MA” and “M.A.”?
Both refer to the same degree—Master of Arts. “MA” is common in modern writing, while “M.A.” is a more traditional or formal variant.
Should I say “a master’s degree” or “an master’s degree”?
Say “a master’s degree” because “master’s” starts with a consonant sound. Use “a,” not “an.”
Can I say “an MA Economics”?
No. It should be “an MA in Economics.” Always include “in” when mentioning the field of study.
Final Thoughts: So, Is It “A MA” or “An MA”?
Let’s settle it once and for all.
✅ The correct form is “an MA” because “MA” is pronounced “em-ay,” which begins with a vowel sound. This follows the standard grammar rule for using an before vowel sounds, not letters.
Whether you’re applying for grad school, listing your credentials, or writing a professional bio, knowing this rule ensures your writing sounds polished, credible, and grammatically correct.
