Master’s Degree: Capitalization and Apostrophe Rules

Choosing between “master’s degree” and “masters degree” may seem like a small grammar question, but the apostrophe matters. 

If you are writing a résumé, university application, email, academic paper, or professional profile, you want to use the correct form.

The correct spelling is “master’s degree” when you mean a degree earned after completing a master’s-level program. 

The apostrophe shows possession: the degree is associated with a master. “Masters degree” is usually incorrect when used as a singular degree name.

People often search for masters degree or master’s degree because they see both versions online. Search results, social media posts, job profiles, and even informal writing can make the difference unclear. 

There is also confusion about whether British and American English use different spellings.

This guide explains the correct form, the reason for the apostrophe, British and American usage, common mistakes, everyday examples, and usage trends. 

By the end, you will know exactly when to write master’s degree, master’s, or master of science.

Master’s Degree or Master’s Degree

“Master’s degree” and “master’s degree” are the same correct spelling. The only difference is typographic: the curly apostrophe (’) and straight apostrophe (‘).

The standard form is:

master’s degree

The form “masters degree” is generally incorrect when referring to one academic degree because it leaves out the possessive apostrophe.

Examples

• She earned a master’s degree in sociology.
• I am applying for a master’s degree in business.
• He has a master’s degree from a UK university.
• My goal is to complete a master’s next year.

When the phrase comes before another noun, you can also use:

• master’s degree program
• master’s degree student
• master’s degree application

Quick comparison

Variation	Correct?	Example
master’s degree	✅ Yes	She has a master’s degree.
master’s degree	✅ Yes	He earned a master’s degree.
masters degree	❌ Usually incorrect	He earned a masters degree.
masters’ degree	❌ Incorrect for one degree	She has a masters’ degree.
Master’s Degree	⚠️ Depends on style	Used in some titles or headings.

The Origin of Master’s Degree

The word master has a long history. It comes from the Old French maistre and ultimately from Latin magister, meaning a teacher, leader, or person with authority.

The academic use of master developed from the idea of someone who had reached a high level of knowledge or skill.

A master’s degree became a way to describe an advanced academic qualification earned after undergraduate study.

The apostrophe is important because master’s is possessive. It originally carries the sense of a degree belonging to or associated with a master.

For example:

• master → master’s degree
• bachelor → bachelor’s degree
• doctor → doctor’s degree

However, academic degree names can also be written in other forms, such as:

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

The spelling “masters degree” often appears because people hear the phrase and assume masters is simply a plural word. But in the standard expression, the apostrophe is needed.

British English vs American English Spelling

British and American English generally agree on the spelling master’s degree.

The main difference is not the apostrophe. Instead, differences can appear in degree names, capitalization, abbreviations, and university style guides.

For example:

• American English: master’s degree, master’s program
• British English: master’s degree, master’s programme

Notice that both use the apostrophe.

Comparison table

Feature	American English	British English
Correct singular form	master’s degree	master’s degree
Without apostrophe	masters degree ❌	masters degree ❌
Program	master’s program	master’s programme
Degree holder	master’s student	master’s student
Common abbreviation	MA, MS, MBA	MA, MSc, MBA
Possessive apostrophe	Required	Required

So, if you are wondering whether British English prefers masters degree while American English prefers master’s degree, the answer is no.

Both normally use master’s degree.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Your best choice depends on your audience, but master’s degree is the safest form for almost all professional and academic writing.

For a US audience

Use:

master’s degree

Example:

I completed a master’s degree in economics.

American universities commonly use this form.

UK or Commonwealth audience

Use:

master’s degree

You may also see master’s programme instead of master’s program.

Example:

She applied for a master’s degree programme in international relations.

For a global audience

Use:

master’s degree because it is widely understood and grammatically standard.

This is especially useful for:

• CVs
• résumés
• LinkedIn profiles
• university applications
• academic websites
• professional emails
• international applications

If you are following a specific university or publication style guide, follow its capitalization and formatting rules.

Common Mistakes with Master’s Degree

The most common mistake is removing the apostrophe.

Writing “masters degree”

❌ I have a masters degree in sociology.

✅ I have a master’s degree in sociology.

Using “masters” as a singular degree

The word masters can be plural in other contexts, but it is not the standard spelling for the singular academic qualification.

Writing “masters’ degree”

❌ She earned a masters’ degree.

✅ She earned a master’s degree.

The plural possessive form masters’ does not normally describe one person’s academic degree.

Confusing “master’s” with “Master”

Degree titles can sometimes be capitalized when they are formal names.

For example:

Master of Arts in English

But when using the general degree description, lowercase is usually appropriate:

She earned a master’s degree in English.

Always check the style guide you are following.

Master’s Degree in Everyday Examples

The phrase master’s degree appears in many types of writing.

In an email

Dear Professor,
I am interested in applying for a master’s degree program in sociology.

In a résumé

Education
Master’s Degree in Sociology, ABC University

On LinkedIn

I recently completed my master’s degree in computer science.

In a university application

I am applying for a master’s degree because I want to develop advanced research skills.

In a news article

The university has introduced a new master’s degree in environmental studies.

On social media

Excited to start my master’s degree this fall!

In formal academic writing

A master’s degree can provide advanced knowledge in a specialized field.

These examples show that master’s degree works naturally in casual, professional, and academic contexts.

Master’s Degree – Trends & Usage Data

Search interest for “masters degree” and “master’s degree” can look different because search engines often handle punctuation flexibly.

People frequently type masters degree without an apostrophe when searching. This does not mean that the spelling is grammatically preferred. 

Search engines can understand variations and often return results for the standard phrase.

Usage can also vary by country and context.

In English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, people commonly search for information about master’s degrees because of university applications, career planning, admissions, and postgraduate study.

The phrase also appears frequently in searches involving:

• master’s degree requirements
• master’s degree programs
• online master’s degree
• master’s degree cost
• master’s degree application
• master’s degree jobs

When writing for people rather than search engines, grammatical accuracy should come first. Therefore, use master’s degree in your actual content, even if users sometimes search for masters degree.

Search variation comparison

Keyword variation	Typical use	Recommended in writing?
master’s degree	Standard phrase	✅ Yes
master’s degree	Standard phrase with straight apostrophe	✅ Yes
masters degree	Search/query variation	❌ No
masters’ degree	Incorrect possessive form	❌ No
master degree	Missing possessive form	❌ Usually no

Master’s Degree or Master’s Degree: Side-by-Side Comparison

Phrase	Meaning	Grammar	Best use
master’s degree	One postgraduate degree	Correct	Academic and professional writing
master’s degree	Same as above	Correct	General digital writing
masters degree	Intended to mean one master’s degree	Incorrect	Avoid
masters’ degree	Incorrect plural possessive	Incorrect	Avoid
master’s	Short form of master’s degree	Correct	Informal or context-based writing
Master of Arts	Specific degree title	Correct	Formal degree name
Master of Science	Specific degree title	Correct	Formal degree name

FAQs:

Is “master’s degree” correct?

Yes. Master’s degree is the standard and grammatically correct form when referring to one academic degree.

Is “masters degree” wrong?

In standard English, masters degree is generally considered incorrect because the apostrophe is missing.

Should I write “master’s degree” or “masters degree”?

Write master’s degree. The apostrophe is part of the standard spelling.

Is “master’s degree” capitalized?

Usually, no. Write master’s degree when using it as a general description. Formal degree names such as Master of Arts are capitalized.

Is “master’s program” correct?

Yes. Master’s program is standard American English. In British English, master’s programme is also common.

What is the plural of master’s degree?

The usual plural is master’s degrees.

Example:

The university offers several master’s degrees.

The apostrophe remains because master’s is part of the established expression.

Can I say “I have a masters”?

In casual speech, people may say this, and context can make the meaning clear. However, in formal writing, “I have a master’s degree” is clearer and more professional.

Conclusion:

When choosing between masters degree or master’s degree, the answer is simple: both are correct. They use different apostrophe styles, but they represent the same standard phrase. The important point is to include the apostrophe.

The form master’s degree is correct in both American and British English. British English may differ in related words, such as programme instead of program, but it does not normally remove the apostrophe.

Avoid “masters degree” and “masters’ degree” in formal writing. Use master’s degree for résumés, university applications, professional emails, websites, academic writing, and other polished content.

If you are writing a formal degree title, you may also use names such as Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master of Business Administration.

In short, remember one easy rule: one academic degree = master’s degree. This small apostrophe makes your writing clearer, correct, and professional.

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