Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
If you are writing a resume, college application, academic document, professional email, or website content, you may wonder whether the correct form is “Bachelor’s degree” or “Bachelors degree.” Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
The short answer is: “Bachelor’s degree” is the standard and grammatically correct form when referring to the academic qualification.
The apostrophe in Bachelor’s is important because the expression traditionally means a degree belonging to or associated with a bachelor. By contrast, “bachelors degree” without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect in standard English when used as the name of an academic degree. Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
However, there are some situations where the word bachelor appears without an apostrophe. Understanding the difference can help you write correctly in academic, professional, and everyday contexts. Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
Bachelor’s Degree vs. Bachelors Degree
The most important distinction is simple:
- Correct: Bachelor’s degree
- Generally incorrect: Bachelors degree
The word bachelor’s is possessive, which is why it contains an apostrophe before the “s.”
For example:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
A bachelor’s degree can qualify graduates for many professional careers.
In these examples, “bachelor’s degree” refers to an undergraduate academic qualification.
Why Does “Bachelor’s” Have an Apostrophe?
The apostrophe indicates possession.
In English, a singular noun commonly forms its possessive by adding ’s. Therefore:
- bachelor → bachelor’s
- student → student’s
- teacher → teacher’s
- university → university’s
The expression bachelor’s degree follows this grammatical pattern.
Historically, the term refers to a degree associated with a bachelor. Over time, “bachelor’s degree” became the standard expression used for undergraduate degrees awarded by colleges and universities.
That is why “bachelor’s degree” is the preferred spelling in formal English.
Is “Bachelor Degree” Correct?
You may also see “bachelor degree” without an apostrophe and without the “s.”
This form is common in some non-native English usage, job listings, and informal online writing, but in standard American and British English, “bachelor’s degree” is generally preferred. Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
For example:
Preferred:
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Less standard:
Applicants must have a bachelor degree from an accredited university.
If you are writing a resume, academic application, professional article, or business document, bachelor’s degree is the safest choice.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree typically awarded after completing a prescribed program of study at a college or university.
Depending on the country, institution, and field, bachelor’s programs can have different lengths and structures.
Common bachelor’s degrees include:
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
A Bachelor of Arts, commonly abbreviated as BA, is often awarded in subjects such as:
- English
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Political science
- Communication
- Languages
Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc)
A Bachelor of Science is commonly awarded in fields such as:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer science
- Mathematics
- Engineering-related subjects
The exact degree title depends on the university and academic program. Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?
Examples of Correct Usage
Knowing how to use the phrase in a sentence makes the rule easier to remember.
Example 1
I completed my bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Example 2
She plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Example 3
The position requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.
Example 4
After earning his bachelor’s degree, he enrolled in a master’s program.
Example 5
A bachelor’s degree can provide students with specialized knowledge and professional skills.
Each example uses the apostrophe correctly.
Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume
When listing your education on a resume, Bachelor’s degree is generally correct.
For example:
Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
University Name
2022–2026
You can also use the formal name of the qualification:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
In many professional resumes, the degree title is written without the generic phrase “degree” because Bachelor of Science already identifies the qualification.
Should “Bachelor’s Degree” Be Capitalized?
Capitalization depends on how the phrase is being used.
When used generally in a sentence, bachelor’s degree is normally lowercase:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics.
However, when it is part of a formal degree title, capitalization may be appropriate depending on the institution’s style:
Bachelor of Arts in English
Bachelor of Science in Biology
The specific name of an academic degree is often capitalized, while the generic phrase “bachelor’s degree” is usually lowercase.
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree in Search Queries
Interestingly, people frequently search Google for both “bachelor’s degree” and “bachelors degree.”
This happens because users often omit apostrophes when typing search queries.
For SEO purposes, writers should still use correct grammar throughout the article. Search engines are generally capable of understanding variations and related terms, so there is no need to deliberately use incorrect grammar repeatedly.
A useful SEO strategy is to naturally address the common variation in a heading or FAQ, such as:
“Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree: Which Is Correct?”
This allows the article to answer the exact question people may search while maintaining grammatically correct writing in the main content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common errors related to bachelor’s degree terminology.
1. Bachelors degree
Incorrect in standard usage:
He has a bachelors degree.
Correct:
He has a bachelor’s degree.
2. Bachelor degree
Less standard:
She earned a bachelor degree.
Preferred:
She earned a bachelor’s degree.
3. Bachelor’s Degree in a General Sentence
Capitalizing every word is unnecessary when the phrase is being used generically.
Preferred:
He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
4. Confusing Bachelor’s and Bachelors
“Bachelor’s” is singular possessive, while “bachelors” is the plural form of “bachelor.”
For example:
The university awarded her a bachelor’s degree.
But:
Several bachelors attended the event.
The two words have completely different grammatical functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Bachelor’s degree” correct?
Yes. Bachelor’s degree is the standard form used in English when referring to an undergraduate academic qualification.
Is “Bachelors degree” wrong?
In standard English, “bachelors degree” without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect when referring to an academic degree.
Should I write Bachelor’s degree on my resume?
Yes. If you are referring to the qualification generally, bachelor’s degree is appropriate. You can also list the specific degree, such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Is “Bachelor of Science” correct?
Yes. Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc) is a formal degree title. The exact abbreviation and naming convention can vary by institution and country.
Is bachelor’s degree capitalized?
Usually, bachelor’s degree is lowercase when used as a general description. Formal degree names such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are commonly capitalized.
What is the plural of bachelor’s degree?
The plural is bachelor’s degrees.
For example:
The university offers several bachelor’s degrees in technology.
Final Answer: Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree?
If you are unsure which version to use, remember one simple rule:
Use “bachelor’s degree” with an apostrophe.
The apostrophe is part of the standard possessive construction, making “bachelor’s degree” the preferred form in formal and professional English.
Whether you are writing a resume, university application, academic paper, job description, or online article, using bachelor’s degree will help ensure your writing follows standard English conventions.
If you are referring to a specific qualification, you can also use the formal degree title, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc).
