Do you often wonder whether to write “bachelor’s degree” or “bachelors degree”? You’re not alone. Many people get confused because both phrases sound similar. The difference may seem tiny, but using the wrong one can make your writing look unprofessional.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning of each phrase, their differences, correct usage, and real-life examples. By the end, even beginners will feel confident writing these terms correctly in essays, emails, or casual conversation. Think of this as your simple, step-by-step grammar cheat sheet!
What Does Each Phrase Mean?
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is a noun phrase that refers to an academic degree awarded by a college or university after completing undergraduate studies.
- Part of speech: Noun
- Possessive form: Shows that the degree “belongs” to the bachelor (student)
Examples:
- Maria earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology last year.
- He is proud of his bachelor’s degree from Harvard.
- A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.
Bachelors Degree
The phrase bachelors degree without an apostrophe is considered incorrect in formal English. It often appears due to a typo or misunderstanding. In English grammar, the apostrophe shows possession, which is required here.
Incorrect Examples:
- I completed my bachelors degree in History. ✅ Wrong
- She is studying for her bachelors degree. ✅ Wrong
The Key Difference Between Bachelor’s Degree and Bachelors Degree
| Feature | Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelors Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Correctness | ✅ Correct | ❌ Incorrect |
| Meaning | Degree earned by a bachelor | Not standard English |
| Grammar Tip | Use apostrophe to show possession | Missing apostrophe causes error |
| Example Sentence | She received her bachelor’s degree in Economics. | She received her bachelors degree. (wrong) |
Quick Tip:
Always add an apostrophe before s in bachelor’s. Think: the degree belongs to a bachelor.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Forgetting the apostrophe
- Wrong: I have a bachelors degree in Math.
- Correct: I have a bachelor’s degree in Math.
Mistake 2: Confusing plural with possessive
- Wrong: All bachelors degree holders must register.
- Correct: All bachelor’s degree holders must register.
Mistake 3: Mixing it with other degree types
- Wrong: He earned his masters degree and bachelors degree.
- Correct: He earned his master’s degree and bachelor’s degree.
Why it happens: People often forget that English uses apostrophes to indicate possession, not plural.
When to Use Bachelor’s Degree
Use bachelor’s degree in any situation where you refer to someone’s academic achievement. This includes:
- School or college transcripts – e.g., “Her bachelor’s degree is in Computer Science.”
- Job applications – e.g., “Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in Marketing.”
- Emails and reports – e.g., “He completed his bachelor’s degree last year.”
- Conversations – e.g., “I just got my bachelor’s degree!”
Memory Hack:
Think: “Degree of a bachelor.” The apostrophe replaces the word of.
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When to Use Bachelors Degree
Simply put, avoid using “bachelors degree” in formal writing. It is a common mistake and can make your text look unprofessional.
If you see it online:
- It’s usually an informal shortcut or typo.
- In exams, essays, official letters, always use bachelor’s degree.
Visual Trick:
Picture a single student holding a certificate. That certificate belongs to the bachelor, so the apostrophe is needed.
Quick Recap: Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree
- ✅ Bachelor’s degree: Correct, possessive, use in formal and informal contexts.
- ❌ Bachelors degree: Incorrect, missing apostrophe, avoid in writing.
- Remember: Apostrophe = possession (degree belongs to bachelor).
- Examples:
- Correct: She earned her bachelor’s degree in Art.
- Incorrect: She earned her bachelors degree in Art.
Advanced Tips
- Origin: The term comes from Latin baccalaureus, meaning a young student or apprentice.
- Formal writing: Always use bachelor’s degree in essays, research papers, resumes, and academic contexts.
- Online writing: In casual texting, you may see shortcuts like “bachelors degree,” but it’s not standard English.
Mini Quiz: Test Yourself
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase:
- Maria earned her ________ in Physics.
- All ________ holders must attend the ceremony.
- He is proud of his ________ in Literature.
- I applied to universities after finishing my ________.
- She wants to pursue a master’s after her ________.
FAQs
1. Can I write “bachelors degree” in informal writing?
It’s common but not correct. Always use “bachelor’s degree” for proper grammar.
2. Why is the apostrophe necessary in “bachelor’s degree”?
It shows possession — the degree belongs to a bachelor.
3. Is “bachelor degree” correct?
No, the correct form is always bachelor’s degree.
4. How do I remember the difference?
Think of a student holding their degree — it belongs to them, so the apostrophe is needed.
5. Can “bachelor’s degrees” be plural?
Yes, when talking about multiple degrees, e.g., “Many students earned their bachelor’s degrees this year.”
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree is simple once you know the rule: apostrophe shows possession. Always use bachelor’s degree in writing, speaking, and formal contexts. With practice, using the correct form will become second nature. Keep learning, and your English will improve every day!
