English learners often wonder whether “master’s degree” or “masters degree” is the correct spelling. The two forms look almost identical, and when spoken aloud, they sound the same. However, there is an important difference in standard written English: “master’s degree” is the conventional and grammatically correct form when referring to an academic degree.
The apostrophe matters because master’s is a possessive form. Understanding this small punctuation difference can help you write better applications, resumes, academic documents, emails, and essays. In this guide, we will explain master’s degree vs. masters degree in simple English, show common mistakes, and give you practical examples.
Why “master’s degree” and “masters degree” Are Confusing
The confusion between master’s degree and masters degree is common among English learners. There are several reasons for this.
Similar pronunciation
When people say master’s degree aloud, the apostrophe cannot be heard. The possessive ending -’s sounds like the plural ending -s in many contexts.
For example:
- “She has a master’s degree in English.”
- “She completed her master’s last year.”
The spoken form does not make the punctuation obvious, so learners may write masters degree after hearing it.
Similar spelling
Both forms contain the same basic words: master and degree. The only visible difference is the apostrophe:
- master’s degree ✔
- masters degree ✘ in standard usage when referring to one academic degree
Because the difference is so small, it is easy to overlook.
Context confusion
English uses apostrophes for possession, but learners sometimes assume that an apostrophe simply marks a plural. In this expression, however, master’s is not plural.
It historically means a degree associated with or belonging to a master.
Common learner mistakes
Some common mistakes include:
- Writing masters degree instead of master’s degree
- Writing Master’s degree when a lowercase form is appropriate
- Confusing master’s degree with master’s degrees
- Using masters when referring to several people who hold master’s degrees
Learning the role of the apostrophe makes these differences much easier to understand.
Master’s Degree vs. Masters Degree Explained Simply
Simple explanation
Master’s degree is the standard form used to describe an academic qualification awarded after advanced study at the graduate or postgraduate level.
Masters degree is generally considered incorrect when intended as the name of a single academic degree because it leaves out the apostrophe.
One-line distinction
“Master’s degree” is the standard correct form; “masters degree” is normally a punctuation error.
Example sentences
- Correct: Maria earned a master’s degree in computer science.
- Correct: I am applying for a master’s degree in business administration.
The apostrophe in master’s is important because it indicates the possessive form.
Quick answer: If you are writing about one academic qualification, use master’s degree.
Understanding Homophones in English
Although master’s and masters are not technically identical in every grammatical analysis, their pronunciation can be the same or very similar in ordinary speech. This creates the same kind of spelling problem that English learners often experience with homophones and near-homophones.
What Are Homophones?
Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings, spellings, or grammatical functions.
For example:
- right — correct or opposite of left
- write — to put words on paper
Consider this sentence:
“Please write the right answer.”
The words sound alike, but their spellings and meanings are different.
Why Homophones Cause Confusion
English spelling often does not match pronunciation perfectly. As a result, learners may hear a word correctly but choose the wrong spelling when writing it.
A similar problem occurs with master’s and masters. When someone says “master’s degree,” the apostrophe is invisible. Therefore, a learner might reproduce the sound as masters degree.
The solution is to learn the expression as a complete written phrase: master’s degree.
What Does “Master’s Degree” Mean?
Definition and Core Meaning
A master’s degree is an advanced academic qualification normally completed after a bachelor’s degree. It usually involves specialized study in a particular subject.
Examples include:
- master’s degree in English
- master’s degree in computer science
- master’s degree in education
- master’s degree in business administration
- master’s degree in psychology
Depending on the country and institution, a master’s program may include coursework, research, a thesis, a dissertation, practical training, or a combination of these.
Origin and Historical Use
The word master comes from an old term associated with authority, expertise, or a person who has achieved a high level of knowledge or skill. In medieval European universities, academic degrees developed as formal qualifications.
The possessive construction master’s degree follows the English convention of using an apostrophe and s to indicate a singular possessive relationship.
In other words, master’s is grammatically related to the noun master, rather than being a simple plural form.
Modern Usage and Synonyms
Today, master’s degree is the standard phrase used by universities, employers, government organizations, and educational institutions.
Depending on context, related terms include:
- master’s
- graduate degree
- postgraduate degree
- advanced degree
- master’s qualification
These terms are not always perfect synonyms. For example, graduate degree can include degrees other than a master’s degree.
Example sentences
- She has a master’s degree in education.
- He plans to pursue a master’s degree after completing his bachelor’s degree.
- A master’s degree can help students specialize in a particular field.
- I completed my master’s in economics in 2024.
- The university offers several master’s degree programs.
Notice that the apostrophe remains in master’s.
What Does “Masters Degree” Mean?
Definition and Core Meaning
Masters degree without an apostrophe is generally not the standard spelling for the singular academic term.
If you mean that one person has completed one academic qualification, write:
master’s degree
not:
masters degree
The form masters can be a legitimate word in other contexts, but it has a different grammatical function.
For example:
- “The masters of the craft demonstrated their skills.”
Here, masters is the plural of master. It refers to more than one master or expert.
Origin and Historical Context
The word masters is simply the plural form of master in ordinary English. It can also appear in specific names, titles, or contexts.
However, when discussing the academic qualification, the conventional construction is master’s degree.
The apostrophe distinguishes the possessive singular master’s from the plural masters.
Compare:
- master’s degree → an academic degree
- masters → plural noun, meaning more than one master
- master’s degrees → more than one academic degree
Modern Usage and Synonyms
When discussing education, the standard expression is master’s degree.
Useful related expressions include:
- master’s program
- master’s course
- master’s student
- master’s graduate
- graduate degree
- postgraduate degree
Example sentences
- Correct: He is studying for a master’s degree in finance.
- Correct: She holds a master’s degree in chemistry.
- Correct: They offer several master’s programs.
- Different meaning: The masters of the profession met for a conference.
The last example uses masters as a plural noun, not as part of the academic phrase.
Master’s Degree vs. Masters Degree: Key Differences at a Glance
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| master’s degree | Noun phrase | An advanced academic qualification | “I have a master’s degree in history.” |
| master’s | Possessive noun/adjectival form | Refers to something associated with a master or the degree | “She is completing her master’s.” |
| masters | Plural noun | More than one master | “The masters of the field attended the event.” |
| master’s degrees | Plural noun phrase | More than one master’s-level academic qualification | “The university offers several master’s degrees.” |
| masters degree | Nonstandard spelling in this context | Usually intended to mean “master’s degree” | “I earned a masters degree.” ✘ |
The easiest rule
If you are talking about the academic qualification, use:
master’s degree ✔
If you are talking about more than one master as a person, masters may be correct:
The masters shared their knowledge. ✔
If you are talking about several academic qualifications, use:
master’s degrees ✔
How to Remember the Difference Between Master’s Degree and Masters Degree
Easy memory tricks
A simple trick is:
One master → master’s degree
The apostrophe helps show that master’s is connected to the singular noun master.
Another useful rule is:
Degree = master’s, not masters.
Whenever you see the word degree immediately after the expression, remember the standard spelling:
master’s degree
Association techniques
Think of other possessive phrases:
- student’s book
- teacher’s desk
- doctor’s office
- master’s degree
In each case, the apostrophe helps indicate a relationship involving a singular noun.
You can also compare:
- one student’s degree
- one master’s degree
- many master’s degrees
Notice that adding degrees to make the phrase plural does not remove the apostrophe.
One memorable example
Imagine filling out a university application:
“I want to earn a master’s degree in English.”
The moment you see degree, think master’s with an apostrophe.
Common Mistakes and Confusions
Mistake 1: Leaving out the apostrophe
Wrong:
“I have a masters degree in marketing.”
Correct:
“I have a master’s degree in marketing.”
Explanation:
The standard academic expression uses the singular possessive form master’s.
Mistake 2: Treating “masters” as a plural degree
Wrong:
“She earned two masters degrees.”
Correct:
“She earned two master’s degrees.”
Explanation:
The word that becomes plural is degrees, not master’s.
Mistake 3: Confusing “master’s” with “masters”
Wrong:
“He is studying for his masters.”
Correct:
“He is studying for his master’s.”
Explanation:
Here, master’s is short for master’s degree.
Mistake 4: Removing the apostrophe in formal writing
Wrong:
“Please list your masters degree on the application.”
Correct:
“Please list your master’s degree on the application.”
Explanation:
Formal documents should use the conventional spelling.
Mistake 5: Assuming capitalization changes the apostrophe
The apostrophe and capitalization are separate issues.
You might write:
“She earned a master’s degree in physics.”
But a specific official degree title may use capitalization according to an institution’s style:
“Master of Science in Physics”
The exact capitalization can depend on the official title and style guide.
Examples Section: Correct and Incorrect Usage
Example 1
✔ Correct:
Ali completed a master’s degree in English literature.
✘ Incorrect:
Ali completed a masters degree in English literature.
Why? The academic expression requires master’s with an apostrophe.
Example 2
✔ Correct:
My sister is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.
✘ Incorrect:
My sister is pursuing a masters degree in computer science.
Why? The standard singular form is master’s degree.
Example 3
✔ Correct:
The university offers several master’s degrees.
✘ Incorrect:
The university offers several masters degrees.
Why? The plural is formed with degrees: master’s degrees.
Example 4
✔ Correct:
She completed her master’s last year.
✘ Incorrect:
She completed her masters last year.
Why? When master’s is used alone to mean master’s degree, it retains the apostrophe.
Example 5
✔ Correct:
The masters of the craft gathered for the ceremony.
✘ Incorrect:
The master’s of the craft gathered for the ceremony.
Why? Here, masters refers to multiple people, so the plural form is appropriate.
Self Assessment: Test Your Knowledge
Fill in each blank with master’s, masters, or master’s degrees.
- Sarah earned a __________ degree in psychology.
- The university offers several __________ in different fields.
- He is studying for his __________ at a local university.
- The __________ of the profession met to discuss their work.
Self Assessment Answers
- master’s
→ Sarah earned a master’s degree in psychology. - master’s degrees
→ The university offers several master’s degrees in different fields. - master’s
→ He is studying for his master’s at a local university. - masters
→ The masters of the profession met to discuss their work.
The key is to look at the meaning. When you mean an academic qualification, use master’s. When masters means more than one master, it is simply a plural noun.
FAQs:
Is “master’s degree” or “masters degree” correct?
Master’s degree is the standard and generally correct form when referring to an academic qualification. The apostrophe in master’s should be included.
Why does “master’s degree” have an apostrophe?
Master’s is a singular possessive form of master. The expression historically describes a degree associated with or belonging to a master.
Is “masters degree” ever correct?
As the standard name for the academic qualification, masters degree is normally considered incorrect because it omits the apostrophe. However, masters can be correct as a plural noun in other contexts.
Is it correct to say “I have a master’s”?
Yes. In informal and ordinary educational contexts, master’s can be used as a shortened form of master’s degree.
For example:
“I have a master’s in education.”
What is the plural of “master’s degree”?
The plural is master’s degrees.
For example:
“The university offers master’s degrees in several subjects.”
The apostrophe stays in master’s, while degree becomes plural.
Should “master’s degree” be capitalized?
Usually, master’s degree is written in lowercase when used as a general term.
For example:
“She earned a master’s degree in biology.”
However, an official degree title may be capitalized according to the institution’s naming conventions, such as Master of Arts or Master of Science.
Is “Master’s Degree” acceptable?
It can be acceptable as a heading or title depending on the writing style. In normal sentences, however, master’s degree is generally lowercase unless capitalization is required by a specific title or style convention.
Final Conclusion: Using “Master’s Degree” and “Masters Degree” Correctly
The difference between master’s degree and masters degree is small, but it is important in standard written English. When you are talking about an academic qualification, the correct conventional form is master’s degree, with an apostrophe before the s. The apostrophe helps distinguish master’s, a singular possessive form, from masters, which is normally the plural of master. Therefore, you should write, “I earned a master’s degree in business,” rather than “I earned a masters degree in business.”
The easiest way to remember the rule is to connect master’s directly with degree: master’s degree. When making the phrase plural, say master’s degrees, not masters degrees. On the other hand, masters without an apostrophe can be correct when it means more than one master or expert.
This distinction is especially useful in university applications, resumes, academic writing, professional profiles, and everyday communication. Although people may understand masters degree, omitting the apostrophe can make formal writing look careless.So, whenever you mean the academic qualification, choose master’s degree. A tiny punctuation mark can make your English more accurate—and learning these small details is an excellent step toward.
Edward Austen is a language and writing researcher at WordClarity.com, specializing in English word meanings, spelling comparisons, and language usage. He focuses on creating clear, easy-to-understand content that helps readers improve vocabulary and writing accuracy. His work combines practical language guidance with reader-friendly explanations.