Masters degree or master’s degree is a common question for students, job seekers, and writers. Many people feel unsure about which spelling is correct. The difference looks small, but it matters in formal writing.
This guide explains the correct form in simple words. You will learn the meaning, grammar, and proper usage. You will also see real examples and common mistakes. By the end, you will know when to use each version with confidence.
Whether you are writing a resume, college application, LinkedIn profile, or blog, this guide will help you avoid errors. Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
Quick Summary
- Correct form: Master’s degree
- Incorrect in standard English: Masters degree
- Reason: The apostrophe shows ownership.
- Meaning: A degree at the graduate level earned after a bachelor’s degree.
- Example: She earned a master’s degree in psychology.
- Use “master’s degree” in academic and professional writing.
- “Masters degree” appears online but is considered incorrect by most style guides.
What Is a Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree is a graduate-level academic qualification. Students earn it after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Most programs take one to two years. Some may take longer.
People study for a master’s degree to:
- Build advanced knowledge
- Improve career opportunities
- Increase earning potential
- Prepare for research or doctoral study
- Change careers
Examples include:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration
- Master’s degree in Computer Science
- Master’s degree in Education
- Master’s degree in Nursing
Why Is It Written as “Master’s Degree”?
The apostrophe makes the word possessive.
Originally, the phrase meant:
Degree of a master
Over time, English shortened it to:
Master’s degree
The apostrophe shows that the degree belongs to the level of “master.”
This follows the same grammar rule as:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Doctor’s appointment
- Children’s books
Masters Degree or Master’s Degree: Which Is Correct?
The correct form in standard English is master’s degree.
| Term | Correct? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s degree | ✅ Yes | Standard English spelling |
| Masters degree | ❌ No | Missing apostrophe |
| Master degree | ❌ Usually incorrect | Not accepted in standard grammar |
| Masters’ degree | ❌ No | Wrong apostrophe placement |
If you are writing:
- a resume
- a CV
- an academic paper
- a scholarship application
- a university website
always use master’s degree.
Why Do People Write “Masters Degree”?
Many people leave out the apostrophe because:
- They type quickly.
- Search engines show both versions.
- Some websites use incorrect grammar.
- People copy what they see online.
Search data shows that many users search for masters degree without the apostrophe. However, that does not make it grammatically correct.
Real-Life Examples
Here are correct examples.
Resume
✔ I earned a master’s degree in finance.
✔ Master’s degree in Data Science from XYZ University.
College Application
✔ I completed my master’s degree in engineering in 2025.
✔ I recently finished my master’s degree and would like to apply for this role.
Blog
✔ A master’s degree can improve career opportunities.
Common Grammar Rule
Think of these examples:
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | Bachelors degree |
| Master’s degree | Masters degree |
| Doctor’s office | Doctors office |
| Children’s toys | Childrens toys |
The apostrophe shows possession.
That is why master’s degree follows the same pattern.
Master’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree
Many people compare these two qualifications.
| Feature | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Undergraduate | Graduate |
| Entry Requirement | High school | Bachelor’s degree |
| Duration | 3–4 years | 1–2 years |
| Focus | Broad learning | Specialized learning |
| Career Impact | Entry-level jobs | Advanced careers |
| Salary Potential | Moderate | Often higher |
A master’s degree usually builds on what you learned during your bachelor’s degree.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many writers make these mistakes.
Mistake 1
❌ Masters degree
✔ Master’s degree
Mistake 2
❌ Master degree
✔ Master’s degree
Mistake 3
❌ Masters’ degree
✔ Master’s degree
Mistake 4
Using different versions in one document.
Choose one correct form and use it consistently.
Tips to Remember the Correct Form
These simple tricks help you remember.
- Think of Bachelor’s degree.
- Use the apostrophe every time.
- Proofread resumes carefully.
- Check spelling before submitting applications.
- Follow university style guides.
A simple memory trick:
If it ends with “degree,” it usually needs the apostrophe.
How to Use “Master’s Degree” in Daily Life
You may use this phrase in many situations.
Examples include:
- Writing your resume
- Updating LinkedIn
- Applying for graduate school
- Writing research papers
- Creating business profiles
- Completing scholarship applications
- Writing professional emails
Correct grammar creates a better first impression.
Synonyms and Related Keywords
Search engines understand related terms. These naturally support the main keyword.
Synonyms
- Graduate degree
- Postgraduate degree
- Advanced degree
- Graduate qualification
LSI Keywords
- master’s degree meaning
- master’s degree grammar
- master’s degree spelling
- graduate education
- postgraduate qualification
- master’s diploma
- master’s program
- master’s course
- higher education degree
- graduate school
Long-Tail Keywords
- Is it master’s degree or masters degree?
- How do you spell master’s degree?
- Why does master’s degree have an apostrophe?
- Master’s degree grammar rules
- Correct spelling of master’s degree
Expert Insights
Grammar experts agree that master’s degree is the accepted standard.
Major universities, dictionaries, and professional style guides use this version.
Using the correct form helps:
- Build credibility
- Improve professional writing
- Strengthen resumes
- Increase trust with employers
- Show attention to detail
Small grammar choices often create a stronger professional image.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it master’s degree or masters degree?
Master’s degree is correct. The apostrophe follows standard English grammar.
Why does master’s degree have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows possession. The phrase originally meant “degree of a master.”
Can I write masters degree on my resume?
No. Use master’s degree for professional writing.
Is master’s degree capitalized?
Use lowercase in general writing.
Example:
- master’s degree in biology
Capitalize it only when it is part of an official program name.
Example:
- Master of Science
Is Master’s Degree correct with capital letters?
Only in titles or official degree names.
Example:
Master of Business Administration
What is the abbreviation for master’s degree?
Common abbreviations include:
- MA
- MS
- MSc
- MBA
- MEd
- MFA
- MPH
The abbreviation depends on the program.
Is a master’s degree worth it?
It depends on your career goals. Many industries reward advanced education with higher salaries and better job opportunities.
Featured Snippet Answer
Master’s degree is the correct spelling in standard English. The apostrophe shows possession because the phrase originally meant “degree of a master.” Masters degree is a common search term but is considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing. Always use master’s degree on resumes, academic papers, job applications, and professional documents.
Conclusion
The answer is simple: master’s degree is the correct form in standard English. Although many people search for masters degree, the version without the apostrophe is not accepted in formal grammar. Using the correct spelling improves your writing and shows professionalism in resumes, academic work, and job applications.
Remember the easy rule: if you write bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe, you should also write master’s degree the same way. This small detail makes a strong impression and helps you communicate clearly. Whether you are applying to graduate school, updating your LinkedIn profile, or writing a blog, using master’s degree correctly reflects accuracy, credibility, and attention to detail.
Victoria Hughes is a writer and content researcher passionate about creating clear, helpful, and easy-to-understand content. She specializes in producing informative articles that simplify complex topics for everyday readers. Through thoughtful writing and careful research, she aims to deliver practical and reliable information.