Masters Degree or Master’s Degree: Which Is Correct and Why

If you’re considering higher education, you’ve probably encountered a dilemma when writing about degrees: is it a master’s degree or masters degree? Whether English is your first or second language, distinguishing between these two terms can be confusing. While both refer to advanced academic qualifications, they have different meanings and uses, making it important to correct the spelling.

With similar spelling but different grammatical rules, it’s easy to make a mistake, especially when you’re writing about higher education. However, getting it right is crucial, especially in formal documents like resumes, academic papers, or CVs, where proper language usage reflects your professionalism.

This guide will help you answer the question, “Does masters degree have an apostrophe?” by explaining when to use the possessive form and when to leave the apostrophe out. We will also explore the significance of master’s degree programs, the correct format for titles like Master of Arts or Master of Engineering, and how it compares to other academic qualifications, such as a bachelor’s degree. We’ll clarify how undergraduate degree programs, including bachelor’s degree courses, differ from master’s program qualifications and when to make distinctions between these levels of education.

By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand how to correctly write and use a master’s degree, along with practical examples to ensure you avoid common mistakes.

Why Is it Important to Spell a Master’s Degree Correctly?

🤝 Professionalism and Credibility

Spelling a master’s degree correctly is a sign of professionalism. It shows that you pay attention to details and respect your achievement. Whether submitting a resume or discussing your graduate degree, getting it right reflects your commitment to your education and career.

🔍 Avoiding Confusion

The phrase becomes unclear without the apostrophe, highlighting the importance of knowing whether to write masters or master’s degree correctly. The apostrophe indicates possession, meaning the degree belongs to someone who has mastered a field. Without it, you risk confusing your audience, especially in formal documents or doctoral studies applications.

💼 Standing Out in the Job Market

In today’s job market, small details like spelling matter. Whether you’re applying for entry-level positions or research-based roles, using the correct term—master’s degree—sets you apart from others who may overlook these details. It signals that you understand the professional style guide and are ready for advanced challenges.

🧠 Demonstrating Expertise

When you know the answer to “is it masters or master’s” and spell master’s degree correctly, you demonstrate a solid understanding of both a language and a broad understanding of your field. This is important when applying for postgraduate-level programs or doctoral studies. It demonstrates your knowledge, attention to detail, and essential qualities in competitive fields like natural sciences, public health, and liberal arts.

Understanding the Different Types of Degrees

In higher education, the terminology around academic degrees can often be confusing. Knowing the differences between bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, postgraduate degrees, and others is crucial for writing accurately, particularly on resumes or academic papers. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common degree types:

1. Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate Degree)

A bachelor’s degree is typically the first higher education level after secondary school. It’s awarded after completing an undergraduate program, usually taking three to four academic years of full-time study. The bachelor’s degree provides foundational knowledge in a subject area but is often more general than graduate-level degrees.

2. Master’s Degree (Postgraduate Degree)

A master’s degree is awarded after completing a bachelor’s degree. It typically takes one to two years of additional study and involves more specialized knowledge in a specific field. Master’s degree programs can be either research-focused or taught degrees, depending on the course structure.

3. Doctoral Degrees (PhD, EdD, etc.)

A doctoral program, such as a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), is the highest level of education. It typically involves extensive research and the completion of a dissertation or thesis. They are usually pursued after earning a master’s degree and take several years to complete.

4. Specialized and Top-tier Degrees

Some fields have specialized degrees, often called terminal degrees, representing the highest academic qualifications one can obtain in that field. For instance, MDs for medical doctors or JDs (Juris Doctors) for lawyers are considered top-tier degrees.

Academic Degrees: Types, Abbreviations & Explanations

Correct Spelling and Usage of Academic Degrees

Now that we’ve broken down the different types of degrees, it’s essential to understand the correct spelling, grammar rules, and usage of these degrees in both formal and informal writing.

Master’s or Masters Degree

The term master’s degree is the correct form. The apostrophe indicates possession, meaning the degree belongs to someone who has mastered a field of study. The plural masters degree without the apostrophe is a common mistake and should be avoided.

• Correct: She earned a master’s degree in Computer Science.
• Incorrect: She earned a masters degree in Computer Science.

When referring to more than one master’s degree, you add an “s” after the apostrophe, making it master’s degree.

Capitalization Rules for Master’s Degree

When writing about a master’s degree, the capitalization depends on the context:

Capitalize “Master’s Degree” when referring to a specific degree or in formal contexts. For example:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering
• Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts

Use lowercase when speaking about a master’s degree in general terms:

Plural and Abbreviated Forms

When writing about multiple master’s degrees, the plural form is master’s degrees, with an apostrophe after the “s.”

• Correct: She has earned two master’s degrees, one in Biology and another in Chemistry.
• Incorrect: She has earned two masters degrees.

Abbreviated forms like MA, MSc, and MBA do not require an apostrophe because they are already in their formal noun form.

Bachelor’s Degree: The Foundation of Higher Education

A bachelor’s degree is the entry-level degree for most higher education programs. It follows a general education approach, with courses in the humanities, sciences, and other fields before diving deeper into specialized courses in the student’s major.

Using the Correct Degree Title in Context

When listing your degree on a resume, CV, or academic paper, it’s important to use the correct form and follow the standard grammar rules for academic qualifications. Properly presenting your degree title reflects your attention to detail and ensures clarity for the reader. Misusing degree titles can confuse the audience and reflect poorly on your professionalism.

Correct Degree Titles in Context

• Bachelor’s Degree in Economics: This title reflects completing an undergraduate degree program in economics. When referring to your undergraduate program, write a bachelor’s degree with the apostrophe to indicate possession (the degree belonging to a bachelor).
• Master’s Degree in Education: This is a master’s program that signifies a more specialized level of study after completing an undergraduate degree. When mentioning your master’s degree in education or any other field, use the apostrophe correctly, as it indicates the degree awarded to someone who has mastered a specific subject area.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics: This title refers to the highest level of advanced study. The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a top-tier degree and typically follows the completion of a master’s degree.

Context Matters: Formatting Degree Titles Correctly

When writing about your educational qualifications, make sure the degree title reflects its formal nature and follows the correct capitalization rules:

• Taught master’s programs, such as a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc), often follow a set curriculum and are distinct from research-based master’s degrees.
• While referencing general education courses in your degree, it’s important to note that they form the foundation of your undergraduate degree, providing the broad knowledge needed for more specialized study in advanced programs.

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Using Degree Titles to Demonstrate Skills

Correctly using degree titles helps convey your competencies. For example, a master’s degree can show you’ve developed the analytical skills necessary for advanced research and complex problem-solving. It signals that you have a liberal arts background or specialized knowledge that can be applied in various professional contexts.

Moreover, using the correct term shows you can teach freely in your area of expertise, reflecting that your master’s degree has expanded your subject knowledge and refined your ability to pass on that knowledge to others.

In summary, whether you are pursuing an undergraduate program or a master’s program, presenting your qualifications accurately is crucial in maintaining professionalism and communicating your academic achievements clearly. Each level of study builds upon the foundation laid by previous degrees, and using the right terminology ensures your qualifications are fully understood and respected in both academic and professional circles.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even experienced writers and native English speakers sometimes make mistakes regarding academic degrees. Here are some of the most common errors — and how to correct them.

This is one of the most frequent mistakes:

This mixes the possessive form with the formal title format:

This version omits the possessive form.

Final Thoughts: Use It Right — And Get the Support You Need

Knowing how to write master’s degree correctly is more than just a grammar rule — it’s essential for maintaining professionalism in both academic and career contexts. Whether preparing a resume, working on a thesis, or discussing your educational goals, getting the spelling right demonstrates clarity and attention to detail. This is especially important when applying to European universities or preparing for further study in your field.

Correct spelling of a master’s degree shows you have a broad understanding of the terms and critical thinking skills required in higher education. It’s not just about the correct word usage — it’s about reflecting your analytical skills and broad education, especially when engaging in complex research projects or teaching master’s programs that demand precision in every detail. Using the word master correctly also highlights your command over specialized knowledge, demonstrating that you’ve mastered the subject at an advanced level.

Getting Help with Writing: Don’t Do It Alone

Of course, knowing the correct spelling is just one part of your academic journey. Earning your degree is a much bigger challenge, and if you’re currently pursuing a graduate program, you don’t have to handle everything by yourself.

Expert support from professional thesis writers can be a game-changer if you’re struggling with writing tasks in your first degree or higher-level courses. Write your thesis with guidance from experienced professionals who can help you polish your ideas, improve your writing, and submit high-quality work that reflects your research project skills.

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Staying on Track with Timely Assistance

If you’re dealing with tight deadlines or need support with advanced coursework, services offering master’s-level essay writing can help keep you on track. Outstanding masters-level essays can help you stay on top of your assignments and manage your workload more effectively. These resources are designed to help you manage your workload efficiently, not to replace your learning.

With the right support, you can stay focused on your academic goals, develop your liberal arts knowledge, and keep moving toward your doctorate or advanced academic qualifications.

In short, always write a master’s degree with confidence — and if the writing part of your degree is proving difficult, rest assured that expert assistance is available when you need it most. Whether you’re working on a research project, need to complete a BA degree, or are tackling more advanced research or further study, getting the details right will always enhance your professionalism and ensure you stand out.