If you have ever written your education section and paused at bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree, you are not alone.
This is one of the most searched grammar questions related to education and resumes. Students, job seekers, teachers, and professionals often feel unsure about apostrophes, capitalization, and degree titles.
The confusion comes from how English handles possessive nouns and academic terms. Some people drop the apostrophe, others capitalize incorrectly, and many mix singular and plural forms.
Unfortunately, these small mistakes can make a resume, application, or academic document look careless.
This guide solves that confusion completely. You will learn the correct spelling, grammar rules, capitalization standards, and how to write degree names properly on resumes and formal documents.
By the end, you will know exactly what to write, and what to avoid.
Quick Answer
Bachelor’s degree is the correct form in standard English.
Bachelors degree (without an apostrophe) is incorrect in formal writing.
Correct Examples
- I earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. ✅
- She completed her bachelor’s degree in education. ✅
Incorrect Examples
- I earned a bachelors degree. ❌
- He has a bachelor degree. ❌
Rule: The degree belongs to a bachelor, so it is possessive → bachelor’s.
The Origin of Bachelor’s Degree
The word bachelor originally referred to a young knight or apprentice in medieval Europe. Over time, universities adopted the term to describe the first level of academic degree.
Because the degree is held by a bachelor, English grammar treats it as a singular possessive noun:
- bachelor → bachelor’s degree
This is why the apostrophe is required. The plural form bachelors refers to people, not the degree itself.
British English vs American English Usage
Both British and American English follow the same rule.
| Form | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | ✅ Correct | ✅ Correct |
| bachelors degree | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect |
| bachelor degree | ❌ Incorrect | ❌ Incorrect |
There is no regional difference here. Academic and professional standards agree worldwide.
Which Form Should You Use?
Use Bachelor’s Degree:
- On resumes and CVs
- In academic writing
- In job applications
- In formal emails
Avoid:
- bachelors degree
- bachelor degree
Simple Test:
If you can say degree of a bachelor, you need an apostrophe.
Common Mistakes with Bachelor’s Degree
- ❌ Dropping the apostrophe
- ❌ Capitalizing incorrectly
- ❌ Mixing plural and possessive forms
- ❌ Writing “bachelors of science”
Corrected Versions
- bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor of Science (formal title)
- bachelor’s degree in psychology
Bachelor’s Degree in Everyday Examples
Resume
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
Job Application
- “I hold a bachelor’s degree in education.”
Academic Writing
- “Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete core credits.”
Social Media
- “Finally finished my bachelor’s degree 🎓”
Capitalization Rules Explained
Bachelor degree or bachelor’s degree capitalized?
- Lowercase when general:
- bachelor’s degree in education
- Capitalize when part of an official title:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Correct Examples
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- He earned a Bachelor of Engineering.
Common Degree-Specific Questions
Is it Bachelor or Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume?
✔️ Bachelor’s degree (lowercase, with apostrophe)
Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Education
✔️ bachelor’s degree in education
❌ bachelor degree in education
Is it Bachelor or Bachelors of Science?
✔️ Bachelor of Science
❌ Bachelors of Science
(No apostrophe here because this is a formal degree title, not possessive.)
Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
✔️ bachelor’s degree in psychology
❌ bachelor degree in psychology
Bachelor or Bachelor’s of Arts
✔️ Bachelor of Arts
❌ Bachelor’s of Arts
(Do not add apostrophe in formal degree names.)
Bachelor or Bachelor’s of Engineering
✔️ Bachelor of Engineering
❌ Bachelor’s of Engineering
Bachelor’s Degree vs Master’s Degree
Is it Masters or Master’s Degree?
✔️ Master’s degree
❌ Masters degree
Same rule applies:
- master → master’s degree
- bachelor → bachelor’s degree
Comparison Table: Correct vs Incorrect Forms
| Phrase | Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | ✅ | bachelors degree |
| bachelor’s degree in education | ✅ | bachelor degree |
| Bachelor of Science | ✅ | Bachelors of Science |
| Bachelor of Arts | ✅ | Bachelor’s of Arts |
| Master’s degree | ✅ | Masters degree |
Bachelor’s Degree – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows:
- bachelor’s degree is used in resumes, universities, and job listings
- bachelors degree appears mostly in grammar-check queries
- Confusion is highest among ESL learners and early-career professionals
This confirms people are searching to avoid mistakes, not to use alternatives.
FAQs
Is bachelors degree ever correct?
No. It is grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
Why does bachelor’s degree need an apostrophe?
Because it is a singular possessive noun.
Should I capitalize bachelor’s degree?
No, unless it is part of a formal title.
Is Bachelor of Science capitalized?
Yes. It is an official degree name.
Can I write bachelor degree without apostrophe?
No. That form is incorrect.
Does this rule apply worldwide?
Yes. British, American, and global standards agree.
Is the rule same for master’s degree?
Yes. Both follow the same possessive structure.
Conclusion
The correct form is bachelor’s degree, not bachelors degree or bachelor degree. The apostrophe matters because the degree belongs to a bachelor, making it a singular possessive noun.
This rule applies across resumes, academic writing, job applications, and professional communication.
Use lowercase when speaking generally, and capitalize only when writing official degree titles like Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. Avoid common mistakes such as dropping the apostrophe or adding it where it does not belong.
Once you understand this pattern, writing degree names becomes easy and automatic. Mastering these small details helps your writing look polished, professional, and credible.
Eric White is a dedicated grammar enthusiast and content writer at Grammiffy, where he simplifies the rules of English for learners of all levels. With a clear, reader-first approach, Eric focuses on grammar fundamentals, common mistakes, sentence structure, and everyday language usage.
