If you’ve ever searched online for Master’s degree vs Masters degree, you’re not alone. Thousands of students, job seekers, and professionals confuse these two terms every year. They look almost identical, sound the same, and often appear interchangeably in conversations about higher education.
But although the spelling varies by just one apostrophe, the difference between Master’s degree and Masters degree affects grammar, professionalism, and even how your qualifications appear on resumes.
In this simple, friendly guide, we’ll break down what each term really means, how to use them correctly, and where most people make mistakes. You’ll also find examples, dialogues, a comparison table, and tips to ensure you never mix them up again.
Let’s clear the confusion — without the jargon. 🎓✨
What Is a Master’s Degree? (Correct Form)
A Master’s degree is the grammatically correct and widely accepted term for a postgraduate academic qualification awarded by a university.
The apostrophe ’s shows possession, representing:
➡️ A degree of a master
So the full form would be:
“Master’s degree” = the degree belonging to someone who has mastered a field.
Where It’s Used
- Universities and academic institutions
- Official documents
- Websites, brochures, university catalogs
- Job portals and professional resumes
- International academic publications
Examples in Sentences
- “She completed her Master’s degree in Data Science in 2025.”
- “A Master’s degree typically takes 1–2 years to finish.”
- “He is applying for a Master’s degree program in Public Health.”
Why the Apostrophe?
In English grammar, the apostrophe shows possession:
- Master’s degree = degree of a master
- Bachelor’s degree = degree of a bachelor
This is why the apostrophe is essential — it describes the type of degree, not the person holding it.
Quick Summary
✔ Correct spelling
✔ Accepted globally
✔ Used in official academic communication
What Is “Masters Degree”? (Incorrect or Informal Form)
“Masters degree” is the incorrect form because it removes the apostrophe and changes the meaning grammatically.
Without the apostrophe, “Masters” becomes:
➡️ A plural noun (more than one master)
Which would technically imply:
✔ A degree of multiple masters 😅
Of course, that’s not what people intend.
Why People Use It
Even though “Masters degree” is grammatically wrong, it is commonly used because:
- People type fast and skip the apostrophe
- Many think it’s modern spelling
- Some college marketing materials use simplified variations
- Search engines auto-correct queries
Examples of Incorrect Use
❌ “I finished my Masters degree last year.”
❌ “She is doing a Masters program online.”
❌ “This university offers Masters education.”
When Is It Ever Acceptable?
The only time “Masters” can be used correctly is when it is part of a proper noun/title, such as:
✔ “Masters Tournament” (golf)
✔ “Masters Programs at Harvard University” (some universities choose title case without punctuation)
But this does NOT apply to the academic qualification.
⭐ Key Differences Between Master’s Degree vs Masters Degree
Below is the simplest way to understand the difference instantly:
Comparison Table: Master’s Degree vs Masters Degree
| Feature | Master’s Degree | Masters Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Correctness | ✔ Correct | ✘ Incorrect |
| Grammar | Possessive noun (degree of a master) | Plural noun “masters” |
| Apostrophe | Yes ( ’s ) | No |
| Used In | Academic writing, resumes, applications | Informal writing, mistakes |
| Accepted Globally | Yes | No |
| Professional Use | Strongly recommended | Not recommended |
| Example | “I earned a Master’s degree.” | “I earned a Masters degree.” (wrong) |
In simple terms:
📝 Master’s degree = Grammatically correct, official
❌ Masters degree = Common mistake, incorrect
🎭 Real-Life Conversation Examples (3–5 Dialogues)
Dialogue 1
Ayan: “Bro, should I write Masters degree or Master’s degree on my CV?”
Bilal: “Always write Master’s degree. HR professionals care about proper grammar.”
🎯 Lesson: Apostrophe = accuracy and professionalism.
Dialogue 2
Sara: “My university website says Masters Programs without an apostrophe. Is that wrong?”
Hina: “Not always. Program names can follow branding rules, but the qualification is still Master’s degree.”
🎯 Lesson: Marketing titles may vary, the degree name does not.
Dialogue 3
Ahmed: “Does adding the apostrophe really matter?”
Raza: “Yes! It changes the meaning completely. Without it, you’re saying masters degree — like multiple masters.”
🎯 Lesson: Small punctuation, big difference.
Dialogue 4
Faiza: “I wrote Masters Degree on LinkedIn. Should I fix it?”
Maham: “Definitely! Write Master’s degree for credibility.”
🎯 Lesson: Correct spelling improves professional profiles.
Dialogue 5
Omar: “Some websites say Masters degree is acceptable now.”
Zain: “Maybe informally, but universities still use Master’s degree.”
🎯 Lesson: Official English still prefers the apostrophe.
🧭 When to Use Each Term
✔ Use Master’s degree when:
- Writing a resume
- Filling education sections online
- Applying for jobs
- Writing academic papers
- Describing your qualification
Correct Examples
- “I hold a Master’s degree in Economics.”
- “She is applying for a Master’s degree program.”
❌ Do NOT use “Masters degree” when referring to the qualification.
It appears unprofessional and grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
Incorrect Examples
- “I have a Masters degree in Law.”
- “He received his Masters degree from Oxford.”
🎓 Fun Facts / History
- The term “master” comes from the Latin magister, meaning teacher or one who has authority.
- The Master’s degree originated in medieval European universities.
- Degrees were originally referred to as “the degree of master of arts,” later shortened to Master’s degree.
- Today, Master’s degrees are offered in thousands of disciplines worldwide, including STEM, arts, business, and healthcare.
🏁 Conclusion
Although Master’s degree and Masters degree may look similar, they are not the same.
The correct, professional, and globally accepted spelling is:
➡️ Master’s degree (with the apostrophe)
Using “Masters degree” is a common mistake and should be avoided in resumes, academic writing, and official documents. With this clear understanding, you can confidently use the correct term wherever needed — and explain it to others just as easily.
DISCOVER MORE ARTICLES
Losing vs Loosing: What’s the Difference? (Clear Guide for 2026)
Make Do or Make Due: What’s the Difference? (Clear Guide for 2026)
