Many students, job seekers, and professionals often get confused between master’s degree or masters degree when writing resumes, emails, or academic profiles. You might have seen both versions online on university websites, LinkedIn profiles, and even official documents. This creates a natural question: which one is correct, and does it really matter?
The confusion around master’s degree or masters degree usually comes from punctuation and grammar rules in English. Some people think both are interchangeable, while others worry about making a “wrong” academic impression. In reality, small differences like the apostrophe can affect clarity and professionalism in formal writing.
People search for master’s degree or masters degree because they want to avoid mistakes in important documents such as CVs, admission forms, or scholarship applications. The good news is that once you understand the rule, it becomes very simple.
This guide will clearly explain master’s degree or masters degree, how each form is used, and which one is preferred in academic and professional contexts. By the end, you will confidently know how to use master’s degree or masters degree correctly in any situation.
Master’s Degree or Masters Degree – Quick Answer
The correct and standard form is master’s degree (with an apostrophe).
- Master’s degree → Correct (possessive form)
- Masters degree → Informal / grammatically incorrect in formal writing
Examples:
- She completed her master’s degree in economics.
- He is applying for a master’s degree in engineering.
- Incorrect: She earned a masters degree last year.
The apostrophe shows that the degree belongs to a master level of study.
Independent Of or Independent From: Which One Is Correct?
The Origin of Master’s Degree or Masters Degree
The term comes from medieval Latin education systems. The word master referred to someone who had achieved a high level of academic authority in a subject.
- “Master” = expert or qualified teacher
- “Master’s” = possessive form meaning “degree of a master”
Over time, universities adopted the phrase “master’s degree” to describe postgraduate education above a bachelor’s level.
The confusion today exists because spoken English does not clearly show the apostrophe, so many people drop it when writing.
British English vs American English Spelling
Interestingly, master’s degree or masters degree is not mainly a British vs American difference—it is a grammar rule difference.
Both UK and US English officially prefer:
👉 Master’s degree
However, informal usage sometimes drops the apostrophe in casual writing, especially online.
Graduate College or Graduate From: Correct Usage?
Comparison Table
| Feature | Master’s Degree | Masters Degree |
| Grammar | Correct possessive form | Incorrect / informal |
| Academic use | Accepted worldwide | Not recommended |
| University writing | Required | Avoided |
| CV/Resume | Preferred | Weak impression |
| Formal documents | Standard | Not accepted |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
For US English Users
In the United States, universities, employers, and official institutions use master’s degree. It is the only acceptable formal version. Using “masters degree” may look careless in academic writing.
For UK and Commonwealth Users
In the UK, Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries, the same rule applies. The correct form is still master’s degree, especially in formal education and job applications.
For Global Use
If you are writing for international audiences, always use master’s degree. It is the safest, most professional, and widely accepted version across all English-speaking regions.
Common Mistakes with Master’s Degree or Masters Degree
- ❌ Writing “masters degree” without apostrophe
- ❌ Capitalizing unnecessarily (Masters Degree in text)
- ❌ Mixing plural forms incorrectly (“master degrees”)
- ❌ Using “master degree” instead of “master’s degree”
- ❌ Inconsistent spelling in the same document
Correct Usage:
- She earned a master’s degree in law.
- He is pursuing a master’s degree in business.
Master’s Degree or Masters Degree in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- I am writing to apply for a master’s degree program.
- Please find my master’s degree transcript attached.
Social Media:
- Excited to start my master’s degree journey!
- Just got accepted into my master’s degree program 🎓
News Articles:
- The university announced new master’s degree courses.
- Thousands applied for a master’s degree scholarship.
Formal Writing:
- A master’s degree is required for this position.
- Candidates must hold a master’s degree in engineering.
Master’s Degree or Masters Degree – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that:
- “master’s degree” → Dominates academic and official usage globally
- “masters degree” → Appears mostly in informal searches and social media
Regional trend summary:
- USA → High usage of “master’s degree”
- UK → Strong academic usage of “master’s degree”
- India & Pakistan → Mixed usage, but formal institutions prefer “master’s degree”
- Online forums → Both forms appear, but apostrophe version is recommended
Overall, search engines and universities strongly favor the apostrophe form.
Comparison Table: Master’s Degree vs Masters Degree Variations
| Variation | Status | Usage Context | Recommendation |
| Master’s degree | Correct | Academic, formal writing | Use always |
| Masters degree | Incorrect | Informal, casual typing | Avoid |
| Master degree | Incorrect | Rare misuse | Do not use |
| Master’s Degree | Correct (capitalized) | Titles, headings | Use in titles only |
FAQs About Master’s Degree or Masters Degree
1. Which is correct: master’s degree or masters degree?
Master’s degree is correct because it uses the possessive form.
2. Why is there an apostrophe in master’s degree?
It shows the degree belongs to a “master” level of study.
3. Is “masters degree” ever acceptable?
Only in informal writing, but it is not recommended.
4. Do universities use master’s degree or masters degree?
Universities always use “master’s degree” in official documents.
5. Is it different in UK and US English?
No, both prefer “master’s degree.”
6. Can I write a Master Degree?
No, it is grammatically incorrect.
7. Does the spelling affect job applications?
Yes, correct spelling improves professionalism and credibility.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between master’s degree or masters degree is essential for students, professionals, and job seekers. While both forms appear online, only “master’s degree” is grammatically correct and widely accepted in academic and professional writing. The apostrophe plays an important role because it shows possession, meaning the degree belongs to a master-level qualification.
Using the correct form is especially important in resumes, university applications, and formal communication. Small spelling errors like writing “masters degree” without an apostrophe may create a careless impression, even if your qualifications are strong. Fortunately, the rule is simple and consistent across both British and American English.
No matter where you study or work, always choose “master’s degree” for clarity and professionalism. It is recognized globally and aligns with academic standards. Once you remember this rule, you will never be confused again. Proper usage not only improves your writing but also strengthens your academic and professional image.
I’m BeaconRise, the author behind GrammarCircle, where I help readers understand English grammar, language differences, and writing concepts in a simple and practical way. I specialize in explaining confusing words, grammar rules, and “difference between” topics so learners can easily improve their writing and communication skills.
