Masters Degree or Master’s Degree:

Last updated on August 24, 2024 by Emma Grace

Even people who have one of these degrees probably struggle with how exactly to spell it correctly. If you’re trying to write about the degrees you hold on a job application though, it can become a little stressful when you’re not sure exactly how to spell it.

Thankfully, this guide will take you through everything you need to know. When we ask the question ‘Is it masters degree or master’s degree?’ we’re really talking about something called possessive apostrophes. Let’s explore that a little more first.

Masters Degree or Master’s Degree:

Key Takeaways

  • “Master’s degree” is the correct term to use when referring to the academic degree granted to individuals who have completed a specific course of study at the graduate level.
  • “Masters degree” is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided in formal writing.
Masters Degree or Master's Degree
Masters Degree or Master’s Degree – Created by 7ESL

Definition and Overview

A Masters Degree signifies advanced academic achievement in a specific field of study. Achieving this degree means we have pursued education beyond the undergraduate level, typically entailing one to two years of additional study. This degree is often pursued after obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree and can be essential for certain career paths or for continuing education towards a doctoral program.

  • Structure: Most Masters Degree programs require the completion of coursework, examinations, and occasionally a thesis or a capstone project.
  • Types: The degree encompasses a variety of disciplines, each with its own specific title, such as:
    • Master of Arts (M.A.)
    • Master of Science (M.S.)
    • Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

It’s our understanding that when referring to the degree in writing, the term “Master’s Degree” is possessive, indicating that the degree belongs to an individual who has mastered the subject area. When discussing the degree informally or in a non-specific way, we might not capitalize it. However, when we mention the specific name of the degree, such as “Master of Arts in Education,” we must capitalize it to reflect its proper noun status.

Masters Degree vs. Master’s Degree: Correct Usage

When somebody becomes a ‘master’ in a specific field of study, they are awarded a degree to show that they possess sufficient knowledge to be considered a master. As you can see, we are talking about possession again, so we need to use the possessive apostrophe to show it. In short, the correct way to spell it is ‘Master’s degree’ because the person possesses that degree and the knowledge they need to be considered a Master. Here’s how it should look in a sentence then:

  • Dave holds a master’s degree from the local University.

Because you are indicating that Dave possesses a degree at the level of ‘master’, you need to include the possessive apostrophe. Remember though, possessing something doesn’t mean you have to physically be able to hold it. It is likely this misconception that started the confusion around whether it is masters degree or master’s degree, to begin with.

You can possess a number of things that are not physical. You can possess knowledge, personality traits, and beauty – these are all things that are intangible but you can possess or own. It works the same with master’s degrees. You possess the degree and you possess the knowledge that was required in order for you to be considered a master of your chosen field of study.

Why Is ‘Masters degree’ Not Flagged As Being Wrong?

When you’re filling out a job application online and typing ‘Masters degree’, you’ll notice that the little red squiggly line to indicate a misspelling isn’t there. That’s because ‘Masters’ as a word is correct. Masters is simply the plural of master. So if there were two people considered a master, then you could refer to them both as ‘Masters’. Here’s an example.

  • Dave and Natalie were both masters in their respective fields.

Because you are using the word masters to talk about two people who are considered to be a master in something, you do not need to use the possessive apostrophe, because you are trying to express the plural of master, not the possession of something.

What Is a Possessive Apostrophe?

A possessive apostrophe is simply the apostrophe (‘) that we place in a word to show that something belongs to somebody else. Take a look at some of these examples to see how a possessive apostrophe should be used correctly:

  • Incorrect: Is that Natalies dog?
  • Correct: Is that Natalie’s dog?
  • Incorrect: That’s Daves car.
  • Correct: That’s Da
  • Incorrect: I have a master’s degree in Psychology. – Grammatically it may not be wrong, but stylistically it is for a CV or job application.
  • Correct: I am a Master of Psychology.

When referring to yourself as a Master in terms of the degree level you hold, it should always be capitalized, and so too should your area of study in which you were awarded your master’s degree.

Some More Examples

It can become slightly confusing when you are looking at somebody referring to themselves as a ‘Master’ of a subject, and when you are referring to a master’s degree. So, we’re going to take you through some more examples of each and it will hopefully give you an idea about how to use them correctly.

  • ‘My friend has a master’s degree.’ – this would be correct because you are indicating that your friend possesses a master’s degree.
  • ‘They really are masters at what they do.” – again, this is correct because you are simply referring to more than one person you think of as being a master.
  • ‘Jenny is a Master of Marine Biology.’ – because you have opted to refer to them as a Master of something, it must be capitalized along with the subject that they studied in order to be awarded the degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct way to write the title of the degree?
We always use “master’s degree” with an apostrophe to show possession, indicating that the degree belongs to the master.

Should we capitalize the term “master’s degree”?
In generic use, it is not capitalized (e.g., master’s degree), but when referring to a specific degree, capitalize it (e.g., Master of Science).

Is “masters degree” ever correct?
No, the term should include an apostrophe, as in “master’s degree” to be grammatically correct.

Can you provide an example of how to use it correctly in a sentence?

  • Correct: I am studying for a Master of Science degree.
  • Incorrect: I am studying for a masters degree.
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