Choosing between bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree can feel confusing. Both forms look similar, but standard English grammar favors one spelling. The correct choice matters when writing college applications, resumes, school assignments, and professional emails.
In most cases, bachelor’s degree is the correct form. The apostrophe shows that the degree relates to a bachelor. However, people often leave out the apostrophe when searching online or typing quickly.
This guide explains the difference in simple English. You will learn the correct spelling, the grammar rule, and how to use the phrase in real sentences. We will also cover common mistakes and similar degree names. By the end, you will know which form to use in formal and informal writing.
Quick Summary
- Bachelor’s degree is the standard and grammatically correct form.
- Bachelors degree usually represents a missing apostrophe.
- Bachelor’s is singular possessive in this phrase.
- Use bachelor’s degree in resumes, essays, applications, and professional documents.
- The plural form is bachelor’s degrees.
- The general term bachelor’s degree does not need capitalization in ordinary sentences.
What Does Bachelor’s Degree Mean?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by a college or university after a student completes an approved course of study.
Many programs take about three or four years of full-time study. However, the duration depends on the country, subject, institution, and program structure.
Common examples include:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE or BEng)
- Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS)
A bachelor’s degree can help students prepare for careers, qualify for further education, or develop skills in a chosen field.
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
Bachelor’s degree is the preferred spelling in standard English.
The word bachelor’s contains an apostrophe before the final s. This form indicates possession or association. In this phrase, it connects the degree with the traditional title bachelor.
For example:
- Correct: She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
- Incorrect in standard usage: She earned a bachelors degree in biology.
Although search engines and informal messages may contain the version without an apostrophe, that does not make it the standard grammatical form.
When writing for school, work, or official purposes, choose bachelor’s degree.
Why Does Bachelor’s Have an Apostrophe?
The apostrophe helps show the relationship between the word bachelor and the word degree.
English often uses possessive forms to connect people, titles, or concepts with something associated with them. For example, we write a doctor’s office and a student’s book.
The same general pattern appears in bachelor’s degree.
The word does not mean that a degree literally belongs to one particular person. Instead, it reflects the established name of an academic qualification.
Remember this simple rule: when you mean the undergraduate qualification, write bachelor’s degree, with an apostrophe before the s.
What Is the Difference Between Bachelor’s and Bachelors?
The difference depends on grammar and context.
| Term | Meaning or use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Possessive form used in the degree name | He earned a bachelor’s degree. |
| Bachelors | Plural noun referring to unmarried men | The event welcomed several eligible bachelors. |
| Bachelor’s degrees | Plural form of the academic qualification | The university offers several bachelor’s degrees. |
| Bachelor degree | Informal or nonstandard variation in many English contexts | Use bachelor’s degree in formal writing. |
The most important distinction is that bachelors does not normally replace bachelor’s in the standard name of the qualification.
How to Use Bachelor’s Degree in a Sentence
You can use bachelor’s degree when discussing education, qualifications, career plans, or academic achievements.
Here are some clear examples:
- I earned a bachelor’s degree in English.
- She wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
- He completed his bachelor’s degree last year.
- A bachelor’s degree may help you qualify for this position.
- They require a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
- My sister is studying for her bachelor’s degree.
- You can apply after completing your bachelor’s degree.
Notice that the phrase stays lowercase in ordinary sentences. Capitalize it only when a relevant title or style rule requires it.
Real-Life Examples of the Correct Spelling
The correct spelling becomes easier to remember when you see it in everyday situations.
On a resume
Correct: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
In a job application
Correct: I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
In an academic essay
Correct: A bachelor’s degree provides a foundation for advanced study.
In an email
Correct: I am completing my bachelor’s degree this semester.
In a university brochure
Correct: Students can pursue a bachelor’s degree in several fields.
In each example, the apostrophe remains part of the standard spelling.
Is It Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelor Degree?
The usual choice in standard English is bachelor’s degree.
Some people write bachelor degree, particularly in informal contexts or under the influence of other languages. However, the possessive form is widely preferred in standard English writing.
Compare these examples:
- Preferred: She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
- Less standard in general English: She has a bachelor degree in mathematics.
You may also see the official name of a qualification written without the word degree. For example, a university might award a Bachelor of Science.
That formal title is different from the general phrase bachelor’s degree. Follow the institution’s official wording when naming a specific qualification.
Bachelor’s Degree vs. Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science
These terms are related, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | General name for an undergraduate qualification | She earned a bachelor’s degree. |
| Bachelor of Arts | A specific degree title, often associated with humanities and related fields | He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. |
| Bachelor of Science | A specific degree title, often associated with science and technical subjects | She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. |
The exact subjects covered by each degree depend on the university and country.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writers often make small errors when describing academic qualifications. These mistakes are easy to correct.
- Leaving out the apostrophe: Write bachelor’s degree, not bachelors degree.
- Using the wrong plural: Write bachelor’s degrees when discussing multiple qualifications.
- Capitalizing unnecessarily: Write a bachelor’s degree in a normal sentence.
- Confusing the degree and its title: Bachelor’s degree is a general term, while Bachelor of Science is a specific title.
- Using inconsistent spelling: Keep the same correct form throughout your article, resume, or application.
- Ignoring official degree names: Check your university certificate when entering your qualification on formal documents.
Avoiding these mistakes makes your writing clearer and more professional.
How to Remember the Correct Spelling
Use these simple tips to remember the correct form.
Tip 1: Remember the apostrophe. The standard expression contains an apostrophe before the s.
Tip 2: Learn the complete phrase. Memorize bachelor’s degree as one expression instead of learning each word separately.
Tip 3: Check your documents. Review resumes, cover letters, and applications before submitting them.
Tip 4: Use spelling tools carefully. A grammar checker can identify missing apostrophes, but always review its suggestions.
Tip 5: Practice with examples. Write a few sentences using bachelor’s degree until the spelling feels natural.
These small habits can help you avoid repeated grammar errors.
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree on a Resume?
Use bachelor’s degree when describing your education in a resume or CV. However, you can often make the entry more precise by using your official degree title.
For example:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
ABC University | 2024
Alternatively, you can write:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
ABC University | 2024
Both formats can communicate your qualification clearly. The first is preferable when it matches your official degree title.
You do not need to write a complete sentence in every resume entry. Keep your education section brief, accurate, and easy to scan.
Bachelor’s Degree Synonyms and Related Terms
Several expressions relate to bachelor’s degree. However, they are not always interchangeable.
- Undergraduate degree: A broad term for a degree earned at the undergraduate level.
- Bachelor’s qualification: A general expression for a qualification at bachelor’s level.
- College degree: A broad term whose meaning depends on the education system.
- Four-year degree: An informal expression commonly used in the United States, although some programs take less or more time.
- Bachelor of Arts: A specific academic degree title.
- Bachelor of Science: Another specific academic degree title.
- First degree: A term used in some countries for an initial university degree.
Use the term that best matches your meaning. For official documents, use the qualification’s recognized name.
Expert Tips for Writing About Academic Degrees
Correct spelling is only one part of clear academic writing. The way you describe a qualification also matters.
First, use the full degree title when it adds useful information. For example, Bachelor of Science in Biology tells readers more than bachelor’s degree alone.
Second, avoid claiming that every bachelor’s program takes four years. Program length varies by location and institution.
Third, distinguish between a degree you have earned and one you are still pursuing. Write earned a bachelor’s degree after graduation. Use pursuing a bachelor’s degree when your studies remain in progress.
Finally, check the requirements of employers, universities, or professional bodies. Some positions require a specific subject, accreditation, or qualification level.
These details help readers understand your education without confusion.
FAQs:
Is bachelor’s degree grammatically correct?
Yes. Bachelor’s degree is the standard form in English. The apostrophe appears before the s.
Is bachelors degree ever correct?
It is not the standard spelling for the academic qualification. Use bachelor’s degree in formal and professional writing.
Is it bachelor’s or bachelors?
Use bachelor’s when referring to the degree. Bachelors is a plural noun that can refer to unmarried men.
What is the plural of bachelor’s degree?
The plural is bachelor’s degrees. For example, the university offers several bachelor’s degrees.
Should bachelor’s degree be capitalized?
Usually, no. Write a bachelor’s degree in ordinary sentences. Capitalize the official degree title, such as Bachelor of Science, according to the applicable style guide.
Is it a bachelor’s degree or an bachelor’s degree?
The correct expression is a bachelor’s degree. The word bachelor’s begins with a consonant sound, so use a, not an.
How do I write bachelor’s degree on a CV?
Use your official degree title when possible. For example, write Bachelor of Science in Information Technology followed by your university and graduation year.
Does a bachelor’s degree always take four years?
No. Many bachelor’s programs take three or four years of full-time study. The length depends on the country, institution, subject, and course structure.
Conclusion
When choosing between bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree, the correct standard form is bachelor’s degree. The apostrophe before the s is an important part of the spelling. Use this form in resumes, university applications, essays, emails, and professional documents.
Remember that bachelor’s degree is a general term for an undergraduate qualification. A title such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science names a specific type of degree. Also, use bachelor’s degrees when referring to more than one qualification.
Correct grammar helps your writing look clear and professional. If you are unsure, check the official name of your qualification and follow standard English usage. The simplest rule is easy to remember: write bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe.
Lily Watson is a content writer and digital researcher who specializes in creating simple, helpful, and reader-focused content. She writes about compression tools, file optimization, and practical online solutions with clarity and accuracy. Her goal is to make technical topics easy to understand for everyday users.