When you pause before writing the plural of Master of Arts, you are not overthinking grammar; you are confronting a specific linguistic tension. The phrase in question carries the weight of advanced academic achievement, and its correct form matters when crafting a resume, a thesis dedication, or a formal bio. Is it "Master of Arts" or "Masters of Arts"? The answer hinges on understanding the distinction between a specific degree title and a general reference to multiple people holding such degrees.
The Singular Degree: Master of Arts
When referring to the specific graduate degree awarded for study in the humanities or social sciences, the standard and correct form is "Master of Arts." This title functions as a proper noun in this context, representing a defined academic program. You will see this format capitalized when it precedes a name, as in "Master of Arts candidate John Smith," or used descriptively to denote the degree itself. The structure follows the pattern of other specific degrees, such as Master of Science or Master of Business Administration, where "Master" is singular because the degree is a singular credential.
Capitalization and Periods
Style guides, including APA and MLA, generally advise against using periods in "M.A." when it appears as a degree title, though "M.A." is also widely accepted. Regardless of the punctuation choice, the word "Master" remains singular because it denotes one type of qualification. When the degree is written out fully, "Master of Arts" is the universally accepted form for the singular credential, ensuring clarity and professionalism in academic writing.
The Plural Concept: Masters of Arts
Where confusion typically arises is in the distinction between the degree and the people who hold it. If you are talking about multiple individuals who each possess a Master of Arts, the correct phrase is "Masters of Arts." Here, "Masters" is plural because you are referring to multiple people, and "of Arts" describes the specific type of mastery they hold. This follows the standard English rule for forming possessives and plurals for titles; for example, you would refer to "the Masters of the University" or "the Queens of England." The phrase "Masters of Arts" essentially means "multiple masters in the field of arts."
Contextual Application
Understanding this difference is crucial for professional and academic settings. On a resume or a business card, an individual lists "Master of Arts" to signify their own qualification. Conversely, a department listing might refer to "The Masters of Arts in the Department hold advanced credentials." Similarly, alumni pages often use "Masters of Arts" when discussing a group of graduates, such as "Our cohort of Masters of Arts graduates has achieved significant success." Using the wrong form in the wrong context can signal a lack of attention to detail in formal documentation.
Navigating the Grey Area
There are, of course, edge cases where the lines blur slightly. In casual usage, or in headlines where space is limited, you might encounter "Masters" used to describe the degree itself. While this is increasingly common in informal digital communication, most formal style guides still reserve "Master of Arts" for the singular, official title. Furthermore, some institutions have specific branding that deviates from standard grammar, so it is always wise to consult the official style guide of a university if you are writing about their programs specifically.
Summary and Best Practices
To navigate this question with confidence, consider the intent of your sentence. Are you naming the degree? Use "Master of Arts." Are you talking about several people who have that degree? Use "Masters of Arts." By adhering to this logic, your writing will be grammatically precise and stylistically polished. This level of linguistic care reflects a commitment to accuracy, which is, after all, a core trait of any true master.
