Masters Degree or Master’s Degree: What’s the Difference?

Masters degree or master’s degree is a common question for students, job seekers, and professionals. Many people see both forms online. That makes the choice confusing. The good news is that the answer is simple. Most style guides prefer master’s degree because it shows the degree belongs to a master. However, you may also see masters degree without the apostrophe in informal writing, search queries, and website URLs.

This guide explains the correct spelling in clear, simple words. You will learn the grammar rule, compare both forms, and see many real-life examples. By the end, you will know exactly when to use each version with confidence.

Quick Summary

Featured Snippet Answer

• Master’s degree is the correct standard spelling.
• The apostrophe shows possession.
• Masters degree is common in searches but is not standard English.
• Use master’s degree in resumes, essays, applications, and formal writing.
• Most universities and style guides recommend master’s degree.

What Does “Master’s Degree” Mean?

A master’s degree is a graduate-level academic qualification. Students earn it after completing a bachelor’s degree.

Most master’s programs take one to three years. The length depends on the country and the subject.

Examples include:

• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education (MEd)

People earn a master’s degree to improve skills, qualify for better jobs, or continue their education.

Is It “Masters Degree” or “Master’s Degree”?

The correct form is master’s degree.

The apostrophe comes before the s because the degree belongs to a master.

✅ Correct:

• She earned a master’s degree in psychology.
• I am applying for a master’s degree program.

❌ Incorrect in formal writing:

• She earned a masters degree in psychology.

Although many people search for masters degree, it is not considered the standard spelling in formal English.

Why Does “Master’s” Need an Apostrophe?

The apostrophe shows possession.

Think of it this way:

• Bachelor’s degree = degree of a bachelor
• Master’s degree = degree of a master
• Doctor’s degree = degree of a doctor

This grammar rule has existed for many years and appears in major dictionaries and university publications.

Masters Degree vs Master’s Degree Comparison

Feature	Master’s Degree	Masters Degree
Standard English	✅ Yes	❌ No
Grammar Correct	✅ Yes	❌ No
Academic Writing	✅ Recommended	❌ Avoid
Resume	✅ Yes	❌ No
University Applications	✅ Yes	❌ No
Common Google Search	Moderate	Very Common
Professional Writing	✅ Yes	❌ No

Real-Life Examples

Here are examples of correct usage.

Education

• Maria earned a master’s degree in biology.
• Ahmed plans to start a master’s degree next year.

Resume

Education

Master’s Degree in Computer Science

University of California

Job Application

Applicants with a master’s degree receive extra consideration.

LinkedIn Profile

Master’s Degree in Marketing

Completed in 2025

Conversation

Friend: Are you studying?

You: Yes, I am completing my master’s degree.

When Should You Use “Master’s Degree”?

Use master’s degree in all formal situations.

These include:

• College applications
• University websites
• Research papers
• Academic essays
• Professional resumes
• LinkedIn profiles
• Business emails
• Scholarship applications
• Government forms

This spelling looks professional and follows standard English grammar.

Why Do People Write “Masters Degree”?

Many people leave out the apostrophe because:

• They type quickly.
• Search engines show both versions.
• Some website URLs remove punctuation.
• Social media users often skip punctuation.
• They do not know the grammar rule.

Even though it appears often online, it is still not the preferred form for formal writing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors.

❌ Masters degree

Correct:

✅ Master’s degree

❌ Masters Degree in Nursing

Correct:

✅ Master’s Degree in Nursing

❌ I completed my masters.

Better:

✅ I completed my master’s degree.

❌ Master degree

Correct:

✅ Master’s degree

Easy Trick to Remember the Correct Spelling

Remember this simple phrase:

The degree belongs to a master.

Since something belongs to a master, you need the apostrophe.

Think about these examples:

• Teacher’s desk
• Doctor’s office
• Master’s degree

If ownership exists, use the apostrophe.

Master’s Degree in Daily Life

You may see the phrase in many places.

Examples include:

• University admission pages
• Scholarship announcements
• Resume templates
• LinkedIn profiles
• Professional certifications
• Government education websites
• Immigration applications
• Job advertisements

Using the correct spelling creates a stronger first impression.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Here are related words and phrases.

Synonyms

• Graduate degree
• Postgraduate degree
• Advanced degree
• Graduate qualification
• Higher education degree

LSI Keywords

• master’s program
• graduate studies
• postgraduate education
• master’s qualification
• master’s diploma
• master’s course
• graduate school
• master’s certification
• master’s admission
• advanced academic degree

These terms help search engines understand the topic naturally.

Expert Insights

Professional editors and universities recommend master’s degree because it follows English grammar rules.

Using the correct spelling also shows attention to detail. Small grammar mistakes can affect first impressions on resumes, scholarship applications, and academic papers.

If you want your writing to appear professional, always use master’s degree.

This small change improves credibility and reflects strong communication skills.

FAQs:

Is it master’s degree or masters degree?

Master’s degree is correct. It follows standard English grammar.

Why is there an apostrophe in master’s degree?

The apostrophe shows possession. The degree belongs to a master.

Is masters degree wrong?

It is common in search queries, but it is not correct in formal English.

Should I write master’s degree on my resume?

Yes. Always use master’s degree on resumes and job applications.

Do universities use master’s degree?

Yes. Most universities use master’s degree in official documents and course catalogs.

Is the M in master’s capitalized?

Use lowercase in general writing.

Example:

• master’s degree in economics

Capitalize when writing the official degree name.

Example:

• Master of Science in Economics

Is bachelor’s degree written the same way?

Yes. Bachelor’s degree also uses an apostrophe.

Can I omit the apostrophe online?

Some search queries remove punctuation, but formal writing should always include the apostrophe.

Internal Linking Suggestions

You can strengthen your website by linking to related grammar articles such as:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree
• Associate Degree or Associate’s Degree
• Diploma vs Degree
• Affect vs Effect
• Ensure vs Insure vs Assure
• Chose vs Choose
• Other vs Others
• Involve or Envolve

These related articles improve user experience and SEO.

Conclusion

Understanding masters degree or master’s degree is easier once you know the grammar rule. The correct form is master’s degree because the apostrophe shows possession. Although masters degree appears often in online searches, it is not the preferred spelling in academic or professional writing.

Whether you are writing a resume, applying to graduate school, or updating your LinkedIn profile, always choose master’s degree. This small detail makes your writing look polished, accurate, and professional. When in doubt, remember the simple rule: the degree belongs to a master, so use the apostrophe.