Online MA 17+ Specializations & Career Scope

8+ Universities|17+ Specializations|100% Online|₹ EMI Options Available
An Online Master of Arts (M.A.) program is a flexible, postgraduate program for students and working professionals seeking to further their educational goals in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and other disciplines that fall under the humanities umbrella. Online M.A.
Get Started!

• Updated on 19 Dec, 2025 by Sameer Alam

About Online MA

Online M.A. programs offer numerous specializations that are designed to suit the diverse academic interests and professional objectives of student-learners. Whether your passion is for literature, interest in politics, fascination with history, or curiosity about society and human behaviour, there is likely a specialization that fits your purpose. Each subject contains explicit theoretical knowledge as well as relevance and is designed to prepare students for careers in education, research, public service, content development, and more.

 

Table of Contents
  1. What Are Online M.A. Specializations?
  2. Online M.A. Specializations – Category-Wise Breakdown

 

What Are Online M.A. Specializations?

Online master's (M.A.) programs provide various subject-specific specializations so that students can choose areas of study that either suit their interests or adjust to the changing demands of careers in education, research, public service, and the social sectors. Specializations include programs in English, Political Science, History, Sociology, and Economics and are subject-specific, focused on in-depth knowledge and ultimately work-ready career preparation.

 

The humanities and social science disciplines of study are valuable to professionals looking to deepen their academic credentials or to prepare for careers in education, research, teaching, competitive exams and civil services. For example, a specialization in Political Science as an M.A. program may include study related to governance, public administration, political theory and international relations, while a specialization in Sociology as an M.A. program may involve study in social theory, development studies, gender, and inequality.

 

These subject-focused tracks are created with working professionals in mind, offering targeted knowledge and skills that support career growth, academic advancement, and contributions to society through well-informed perspectives and critical analysis.

 

Are Online M.A. Specializations Helpful?

In today's competitive professional environment, taking the step towards an Online M.A. with a specialization can be an excellent investment to advance your career. Focused study through specializations allows you to develop your skills in a specific discipline, whether English, Political Science, History, Sociology, or Economics, and become an expert in that subject. Having a specialization is highly applicable to potential careers in academia, research, administration and policy.

 

In addition to the domain knowledge in a focused area, an M.A. with a specialization shows employers, institutions, and government bodies that you have specialized knowledge and critical thinking with respect to one particular subject area. Given that most recruitment processes are subject-specific across all sectors, a specialization is simply another reason to look at pursuing higher-level roles like a Ph.D.

Benefits include:

  • Focused Skill Development: Learn niche skills relevant to a particular role or industry.
  • Career Clarity: Align your learning with a clear career trajectory.
  • Better Job Matching: Apply for roles that specifically require domain expertise.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Specialized roles often offer better compensation packages.
  • Practical Industry Relevance: Courses are built around current industry practices and tools.

 

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

With the rapid changes in the global landscape involving education, public policy, media and social development, the need for professionals with specific academic knowledge is growing. Online M.A. specializations are meant to adapt to these changes, offering specialized learning areas such as International Relations, History, Social Science, Linguistics, and Political Science.

 

The specialization tracks are especially beneficial to professionals who are seeking a promotion, are making a transition to a research and/or knowledge job, or are transitioning into high-impact sectors, including policymaking, NGOs, civil services, media, and education. M.A. programs with specialization can advance your foundational knowledge of subjects, and develop expertise related to your specific field—enabling you to act with authority and contribute meaningfully in areas and contexts based on knowledge and complexity.

 

Online M.A. Specializations – Category-Wise Breakdown

Choosing the right specialization can be a major factor in deciding the impact of an Online M.A. on your future goals. To help you decide, here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular and emerging Online M.A. program specializations.

Specialization

Key Focus Areas

Ideal For

Career Outcomes

Economics

Micro & macroeconomics, econometrics, public finance, development economics

Students with an interest in economic theory, policy, or analytics

Economist, Policy Analyst, Financial Consultant, Researcher

Education

Pedagogy, curriculum development, educational leadership, psychology of learning

Aspiring teachers, education professionals, or administrators

School Leader, Curriculum Designer, Education Consultant

English

Literature, linguistics, critical theory, and communication skills

Literature lovers, writers, teachers, and content creators

Editor, Lecturer, Writer, Content Developer

General

Broad coverage of arts and humanities subjects

Students seeking flexibility or undecided on a focus area

Educator, Research Assistant, Public Sector Roles

Hindi

Hindi literature, grammar, poetry, and literary criticism

Candidates interested in the Hindi language, teaching, or translation

Translator, Hindi Lecturer, Scriptwriter

History

Ancient, medieval, and modern history, historiography, Indian and world history

Those curious about the past and its impact on society

Historian, Museum Curator, Archivist, Educator

International Relations, Security, and Strategy

Global politics, diplomacy, security studies, and strategic affairs

Aspirants of foreign service, diplomacy, or global policy

Policy Analyst, Diplomat, Intelligence Analyst

Islamic Studies

Islamic history, law, culture, philosophy, and thought

Scholars, researchers, or those with a religious academic focus

Researcher, Community Educator, Cultural Analyst

Journalism and Mass Communication

Media theory, digital journalism, public relations, and media ethics

Aspiring journalists, content creators, and media professionals

Reporter, Media Planner, Editor, PR Executive

Liberal Arts

Interdisciplinary study in humanities, arts, and social sciences

Creative thinkers and multidisciplinary learners

Educator, Analyst, Content Creator, NGO Professional

Mathematics

Algebra, calculus, statistics, and mathematical modelling

Candidates with strong logical and analytical skills

Data Analyst, Statistician, Quantitative Researcher

Political Science

Political theory, governance, public policy, international politics

Civil service aspirants, political analysts, and educators

Policy Advisor, Political Consultant, Lecturer

Psychology

Human behaviour, counselling, social psychology, and cognitive processes

Those interested in mental health, therapy, or HR

Counsellor, Psychologist, HR Specialist

Public Policy and Administration

Governance, development studies, policy analysis, and administration

Professionals aiming to work in public service or governance

Policy Researcher, Civil Servant, Public Administrator

Punjabi

Punjabi language, literature, folk culture, and criticism

Language enthusiasts, cultural researchers, and educators

Lecturer, Translator, Cultural Program Manager

Sociology

Social theory, institutions, inequality, development

Those interested in understanding society and social issues

Sociologist, NGO Worker, Social Policy Analyst

Urdu

Urdu literature, poetry, prose, and classical texts

Candidates passionate about the Urdu language and culture

Writer, Lecturer, Translator, Literary Critic

With a wide range of Online M.A. specializations available, aligning your education with your academic interests and career goals has never been more accessible. Choosing the right specialization allows you to build deep expertise in a particular field while also developing the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to thrive in today’s professional landscape. Whether you’re looking to transition into a new sector, advance in your current role, or prepare for higher studies and competitive exams, Online M.A. specializations offer a flexible and focused pathway to help you reach your goals with confidence.

Students learning mobile

Your opinion matters to us!

Rate your experience using this page so far.