When you are polishing a resume or drafting a formal academic paper, the last thing you want is a preventable punctuation error undermining your credentials. One of the most frequent points of confusion for students and professionals alike is the placement or complete absence of that pesky apostrophe in academic titles. Should it be written with an apostrophe as “master’s degree,” or used without one as “masters degree”?
The short answer is: master’s degree (with an apostrophe) is the grammatically correct form for general usage. This punctuation mark is not just a stylistic choice; it serves a specific linguistic function. In this guide, we will break down the "why" behind the apostrophe, explore the nuances of capitalization, and provide a roadmap for listing your achievements with professional precision.
The Power of the Possessive: Why the Apostrophe Matters
To understand why we use an apostrophe, we have to look at the relationship between the person and the award. The term is short for "the degree of a master." In English grammar, when one thing belongs to or is associated with another, we use the possessive case.
When you say "master’s degree," you are indicating that the degree belongs to the category of a "master," someone who has achieved a high level of expertise in a specific field. Omitting the apostrophe turns the word "masters" into a simple plural, which implies multiple people rather than a level of qualification.
The Rule for Bachelor’s Degrees
This rule is consistent across the most common academic levels. An undergraduate qualification should be presented in the same manner as a postgraduate credential. It is the degree of a bachelor's degree. Interestingly, this rule does not apply to an associate degree, which typically lacks the possessive "s" entirely.
Pluralizing Multiple Degrees
What happens if you are an overachiever with more than one graduate qualification? When referring to multiple degrees, the apostrophe stays before the "s," and you pluralize the word "degrees."
- Correct: He holds two master’s degrees in different fields.
- Incorrect: He holds two master's degrees.
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When to Drop the Apostrophe
Language is rarely without exceptions. While "master’s degree" is the standard for general conversation and descriptive writing, the apostrophe vanishes when you use the formal, official title of the degree.
When you specify the "Master of [Subject]," you are using a prepositional phrase rather than a possessive one. In these instances, "Master" acts as a proper noun and does not require an apostrophe.
Comparison of Formal vs. General Usage
| General Reference (Use Apostrophe) | Formal Title (No Apostrophe) |
|---|---|
| I am earning my master’s degree. | I am earning a Master of Science. |
| She has a bachelor’s degree. | She has a Bachelor of Arts. |
| They offer various master’s programs. | The Master of Business Administration is popular. |
Capitalization: To Cap or Not to Cap?
Capitalization is the second most common area where writers stumble. The general rule of thumb is to look at how specific you are being. If you are speaking in broad, generic terms, keep it lowercase. If you are citing the exact name of a degree as it appears on a diploma, use uppercase.
Use Lowercase for General References
When you use "master’s" or "bachelor’s" as a general descriptor, lowercase is the standard.
- Example: “Completing my postgraduate studies required a duration of twenty-four months.”
- Example: “Numerous beginner positions ask applicants to possess an undergraduate qualification.”
Use Uppercase for Specific Titles
When the degree is followed by the field of study and acts as a proper title, capitalize the main words.
- Example: "She applied for the Master of Social Work program."
- Example: “He earned an undergraduate qualification in nursing studies.”
Common Abbreviations and Their Formatting
In the fast-paced world of LinkedIn and modern resumes, abbreviations like MA, MS, and MBA are often preferred. These abbreviations are derived from the formal titles (Master of Arts, Master of Science), and because they are not possessive, they never take an apostrophe.
Standard Degree Abbreviations
| Degree Type | Common Abbreviation | Full Formal Title |
|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | MA | Master of Arts |
| Science & Tech | MS or MSc | Master of Science |
| Business | MBA | Master of Business Administration |
| Fine Arts | MFA | Master of Fine Arts |
| Engineering | MEng | Master of Engineering |
Note on Punctuation:
Modern style guides (like APA or MLA) generally suggest omitting periods in abbreviations (MA rather than M.A.), though both are technically acceptable as long as you are consistent throughout your document.
Higher Education Hierarchy: A Quick Overview
Understanding where your degree sits in the academic landscape helps you use the right terminology in your writing.
Undergraduate Degrees
The bachelor’s degree is the standard undergraduate milestone. It is designed to provide a broad education with a focus on a "major" subject. It is the prerequisite for almost all graduate-level studies.
Graduate (Postgraduate) Degrees
The master’s degree is a graduate-level qualification. It represents specialized, advanced knowledge. In many professions, such as counseling, high-level engineering, or school administration, a master's is considered the "terminal" or final degree required for practice.
Doctoral Degrees
The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or EdD (Doctor of Education) is the highest academic honor. Unlike the master’s or bachelor’s, we do not refer to this as a "doctor’s degree." Instead, we use "doctoral degree" or "doctorate."
- Correct: She earned her doctorate in Chemistry.
- Also Correct: She earned her doctoral degree.
Best Practices for Resumes and CVs
Your resume is a formal document, so your choice of wording reflects your attention to detail. To remain professional, choose one of two paths:
- List the full, specific name of the degree. This is often the most impressive way to present your education. Master of Science in Cybersecurity, University of Example (2025)
- The Concise Route: Use the abbreviation. MS in Cybersecurity, University of Example (2025)
Avoid mixing the two. For instance, writing "Master’s of Science" is a common error that blends the general possessive form with the formal title. Choose one or the other.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Always use an apostrophe for a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree.
- Do not use an apostrophe for Master of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
- Capitalize only when referring to a specific, formal degree title.
- Abbreviations like MBA or MA never need an apostrophe.
- Use master’s degrees (apostrophe before the s) when talking about more than one.
