Have you ever paused before saying, “I have a MA” or “I have an MA”? If so, you’re not alone.
English grammar can be tricky, especially when dealing with abbreviations and academic degrees.
Knowing the right way to refer to your degree isn’t just about sounding smart—it’s about professional credibility.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using a and an before degrees like MA, MBA, PhD, and more.
We’ll cover rules, exceptions, common mistakes, and global variations. By the end, you’ll confidently speak and write about your academic accomplishments.
Understanding Indefinite Articles in English
In English, indefinite articles are “a” and “an.” They are used before nouns when the noun is non-specific. The general rule is simple:
- “A” comes before words starting with consonant sounds
- “An” comes before words starting with vowel sounds
Notice the emphasis on sounds, not letters. That’s where many people trip up. For example:
- a university – even though “u” is a vowel, it sounds like “yoo,” a consonant sound.
- an umbrella – “u” here sounds like “uh,” a vowel sound.
The same rule applies to abbreviations like MA, MBA, and PhD.
The Role of Vowel Sounds in Article Usage
The tricky part is that articles depend on pronunciation, not spelling. Let’s take some common academic abbreviations:
- MA – pronounced “em-ay” → starts with a vowel sound → an MA ✅
- MBA – pronounced “em-bee-ay” → starts with a vowel sound → an MBA ✅
- PhD – pronounced “pee-aitch-dee” → starts with a consonant sound → a PhD ✅
Here’s a quick table to summarize:
| Degree | Pronunciation | Correct Article | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA | em-ay | an | She earned an MA in History. |
| MBA | em-bee-ay | an | He received an MBA from Harvard. |
| PhD | pee-aitch-dee | a | He completed a PhD in Physics. |
| BSc | bee-ess-cee | a | She holds a BSc in Biology. |
💡 Tip: Always pronounce the degree aloud before deciding between “a” and “an.”
Exceptions with Abbreviations
English loves exceptions, especially with abbreviations. Here’s what you need to know:
- Letters pronounced as “em,” “en,” or “a” usually take an. Examples:
- an MA, an MBA, an MSc
- Letters pronounced as “bee,” “pee,” “tee” usually take a. Examples:
- a PhD, a BSc, a BA
Why? Because English article rules follow sound, not spelling.
Case Study:
Jane wanted to write about her degree on LinkedIn. She typed:
I have a MA in Literature.
A colleague corrected her:
It should be an MA, Jane. “MA” starts with a vowel sound when spoken.
It’s a small change, but it made her profile sound professional and polished.
Pronunciation Matters: A or An Before Acronyms
Acronyms can be tricky because the first letter isn’t always the first sound. For example:
- NASA → pronounced “nasa” → starts with consonant “n” → a NASA scientist ✅
- MBA → pronounced “em-bee-ay” → starts with vowel “em” → an MBA graduate ✅
Quick Tip: Before writing or speaking about your degree, say it aloud. If it starts with a vowel sound, use an; if it starts with a consonant sound, use a.
Common Mistakes in Referring to Academic Degrees
Even professionals get this wrong. Here are frequent errors:
- Using a before vowel sounds:
- ❌ “I have a MA in History.”
- ✅ “I have an MA in History.”
- Misplacing articles with degree fields:
- ❌ “She earned a MA in Economics.”
- ✅ “She earned an MA in Economics.”
- Mixing abbreviation styles:
- ❌ “I have an M.A and a PhD.”
- ✅ “I have an MA and a PhD.”
These mistakes are subtle but can impact how authoritative your writing sounds.
Capitalization and Possessiveness in Academic Degrees
Writing degrees correctly isn’t just about articles. Capitalization and possessiveness matter too.
- Capitalization Rules:
- Full degree: Master of Arts ✅
- Abbreviation: MA ✅
- Field of study: MA in history (lowercase subject) ✅
- Possessive Forms:
- Correct: John’s MA (John earned the degree)
- Incorrect: the MA’s curriculum (doesn’t belong to the degree itself)
💡 Pro Tip: When in doubt, capitalize the full name of the degree, lowercase the subject.
Abbreviating Your Degree: MA, M.A., or Master’s?
There’s more than one way to write academic degrees. Choosing the right style depends on context:
- MA – modern, concise, and widely accepted
- M.A. – traditional style, often in formal documents
- Master’s degree – spelled out for clarity in casual writing
Style Guide Recommendations:
| Style Guide | Abbreviation Recommendation |
|---|---|
| APA | MA, MBA, PhD (no periods) |
| Chicago | M.A., Ph.D. (periods) |
| MLA | MA, PhD (no periods) |
Consistency matters more than style choice. Pick one and stick to it.
Global Variations in Degree Abbreviations
Degree abbreviations differ worldwide. A few examples:
- United States: MA, MBA, PhD
- United Kingdom: M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
- Australia: MA, MSc, BSc
💡 Tip: If applying internationally, check the local style guide to avoid confusion.
Consistency in Writing
Whether on a resume, CV, or LinkedIn profile, consistency is key:
- Don’t mix periods and no periods:
- ❌ “I have an M.A and a PhD.”
- ✅ “I have an MA and a PhD.”
- Don’t switch between abbreviations and full forms randomly:
- ❌ “I earned a Master’s degree and an MA.”
- ✅ “I earned an MA in History.”
Maintaining a uniform style signals professionalism and attention to detail.
Quick Tips & Takeaways
Here’s a handy list to remember:
- Always pronounce the degree first before choosing a or an
- Use an before degrees starting with vowel sounds
- Stick to one abbreviation style throughout your writing
- Capitalize the full degree name; lowercase the field
- Check style guides if writing for formal publications
Pro Tip: Reading your writing aloud can catch mistakes you might miss on screen. It works wonders for LinkedIn posts, academic bios, and professional emails.
Bonus Table: Common Degrees and Articles
| Degree | Pronunciation | Correct Article | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA | em-ay | an | She earned an MA in History. |
| PhD | pee-aitch-dee | a | He completed a PhD in Physics. |
| MBA | em-bee-ay | an | They received an MBA last year. |
| BSc | bee-ess-cee | a | She holds a BSc in Biology. |
| MSc | em-ess-cee | an | He earned an MSc in Chemistry. |
| BA | bee-ay | a | She has a BA in Literature. |
FAQs About “A MA” vs “An MA” Degree
What is the correct article before MA?
Answer: It’s an MA because “MA” starts with a vowel sound when spoken aloud (“em-ay”).
Should I write M.A. or MA?
Answer: Both are correct. Use MA for modern style, M.A. for traditional or formal writing.
Is it “a PhD” or “an PhD”?
Answer: It’s a PhD, since “PhD” starts with a consonant sound (“pee”).
Do I need to capitalize my degree?
Answer: Capitalize the full name (Master of Arts), and abbreviations (MA). Lowercase the field of study unless it’s a proper noun.
Does pronunciation always determine “a” or “an”?
Answer: Yes. Articles depend on the initial sound, not the first letter.
Conclusion
Choosing between a MA and an MA might seem small, but it can impact how professional and confident you sound. Remember:
- Articles follow sounds, not letters
- Use “an MA,” “an MBA,” “a PhD”
- Maintain consistency in abbreviation, capitalization, and style
With these rules in mind, you’ll never hesitate again when talking about your academic achievements.
A small detail like this shows attention to language and professionalism, making your communication clear and polished.
I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️