A Master of Arts (MA) degree pertains to any of the several post-graduate liberal arts degrees including Art History, Studio Art, Graphic Design, and much more. A person planning to earn a post-graduate degree is required to have completed a bachelor’s degree in either the same chosen discipline, or a related field. Typically, a master’s degree requires a thesis, or a detailed piece of academic writing, or may require a final artistic project. MA degree programs provide a more in-depth program of study to qualify graduates as experts within their chosen field. For many arts programs, earning an MA can lead to careers within arts education.

Master of Arts degree programs usually require a minimum of two years to complete. These programs provide a stepping-stone towards getting a PhD, which is a much higher educational degree. Earning a master’s degree paves the way towards obtaining high paying jobs, or securing upper-level positions within museums, galleries, or educational institutions. Master's courses are typically highly intensive and focus on providing in-depth studio coursework in the visual or performing arts. For those studying the studio arts, a master's degree program will require more labor-intensive study within their chosen medium. Students must be prepared to dedicate more studio hours to completing their assignments, and participate in a senior exhibition.