Last Updated on June 15, 2026
Master’s is the correct spelling when referring to a graduate academic degree, such as a master’s degree in computer science or a master’s degree in business administration. Masters without the apostrophe is usually the plural form of master or part of proper names and titles. The confusion between masters or master’s is common because both words are valid, but they serve different grammatical purposes.
The question of masters or master’s frequently appears in academic writing, college applications, resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and professional documents.
Many students wonder which version is correct when describing a graduate degree.
For example:
- I earned a master’s degree in engineering.
- I earned a masters degree in engineering.
Only the first sentence follows standard English grammar.
The confusion arises because master’s contains an apostrophe, while many degree names do not.
Understanding the correct usage helps ensure professional and academic accuracy.
This guide explains:
- Correct spelling
- Grammar rules
- Degree naming conventions
- Common mistakes
- Resume examples
- SEO recommendations
- FAQs
Quick Answer
| Word | Correct for Degree? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s | Yes | Graduate academic degree |
| Masters | Usually No | Plural of master |
Simple Summary
When referring to a graduate degree, use master’s with an apostrophe.
What Does Master’s Mean?
Definition
Master’s is the possessive form of master.
In education, it refers to a degree awarded after completing advanced graduate studies.
Examples
- Master’s degree in Computer Science
- Master’s degree in Education
- Master’s degree in Psychology
Academic Usage
Universities, colleges, and employers commonly use master’s when referring to graduate programs.
What Does Masters Mean?
Definition
Masters is typically the plural form of master.
Examples
- Chess masters
- Karate masters
- The old masters of art
Proper Names
Masters may also appear in titles and names.
Examples:
- Masters Tournament
- Masters Swimming
Non-Degree Usage
In most situations, masters does not refer to an academic degree.
Main Difference Between Masters or Master’s
Grammar
Master’s
Possessive noun.
Masters
Plural noun.
Academic Degree
Master’s
Correct.
Masters
Incorrect in most academic contexts.
Professional Writing
Master’s
Preferred.
Masters
Usually considered an error.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Master’s | Masters |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Degree | Yes | No |
| Possessive Form | Yes | No |
| Plural Noun | No | Yes |
| Resume Usage | Yes | Usually No |
| Academic Writing | Yes | Usually No |
| Commonly Confused | Yes | Yes |
Why Is It Called a Master’s Degree?
Historical Origin
The term originates from the medieval university system.
Possessive Construction
A master’s degree originally meant a degree belonging to a master.
Traditional Grammar
The apostrophe reflects the possessive relationship.
Modern Usage
The grammar rule remains unchanged today.
Correct Ways to Write Master’s Degree
Full Degree Name
Examples:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration
- Master’s degree in Nursing
- Master’s degree in Computer Science
General Reference
Examples:
- She completed her master’s.
- He is pursuing a master’s degree.
Professional Profiles
Examples:
- Master’s in Data Science
- Master’s in Education
Common Degree Examples
Education
- Master’s in Education
Engineering
- Master’s in Mechanical Engineering
Business
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Technology
- Master’s in Information Technology
When Is Masters Correct?
Plural Form
Masters can be correct when referring to multiple experts.
Examples:
- The masters of the craft gathered together.
- Several chess masters attended the event.
Titles and Names
Examples:
- Masters Tournament
- Masters Championship
Organizations
Some organizations use masters as part of their official name.
Specialized Usage
Context determines whether masters is correct.
Common Examples of Master’s
Resume
- Earned a master’s degree in finance.
College Applications
- I plan to pursue a master’s degree.
Job Applications
- Applicants with a master’s degree are preferred.
Academic Research
- She completed her master’s program.
Common Examples of Masters
Sports
- The Masters golf tournament begins next week.
Art
- The old masters influenced modern painters.
Professional Skills
- Masters of the discipline shared insights.
Competition Titles
- National Masters Championship
Common Mistakes People Make
Omitting the Apostrophe
Incorrect:
- Masters degree
Correct:
- Master’s degree
Adding an Extra Apostrophe
Incorrect:
- Master’s’ degree
Correct:
- Master’s degree
Capitalizing Unnecessarily
Incorrect:
- Master’s Degree
Correct:
- Master’s degree
Unless part of an official title.
Using Masters on a Resume
Incorrect:
- Masters in Accounting
Correct:
- Master’s in Accounting
Master’s Degree vs Master of Science
Master’s Degree
General category.
Examples:
- Master’s degree
- Master’s program
Master of Science
Specific degree title.
Examples:
- Master of Science in Biology
- Master of Science in Data Analytics
Important Difference
Specific degree names often omit the apostrophe.
Master’s vs Master’s Degree
Master’s
Acceptable shorthand.
Example:
- She earned her master’s.
Master’s Degree
Full formal version.
Example:
- She earned her master’s degree.
Professional Writing
Both forms are acceptable.
Which Version Is Better for SEO?
Search Intent
Most users search for degree-related information.
Search Popularity
Master’s degree receives significantly higher search volume.
Educational Content
Universities and academic websites use master’s.
SEO Recommendation
Use master’s as the primary keyword while explaining the limited situations where masters is correct.
How to Remember the Difference
Think About Ownership
Master’s uses an apostrophe because it is possessive.
Degree Rule
Academic degree = Master’s
Expert Rule
Multiple experts = Masters
Easy Formula
Graduate education = Master’s
Multiple masters = Masters
Related Word Comparisons
Bachelor’s or Bachelors
Similar grammar rule.
Doctorate or PhD
Academic credential comparison.
Associate’s Degree or Associates Degree
Another common apostrophe question.
Masters or Master’s
One of the most searched academic grammar questions.
Exercises With Answers
Exercise 1
Which spelling is correct?
I earned a _____ degree.
Answer: Master’s
Exercise 2
Which word is the plural of master?
Answer: Masters
Exercise 3
Which form belongs on a resume?
Answer: Master’s
Exercise 4
Complete the sentence:
She is pursuing a _____ in psychology.
Answer: Master’s
Exercise 5
Which sentence is correct?
Answer: He earned a master’s degree.
FAQs
Is it masters or master’s degree?
The correct form is master’s degree.
Why does master’s have an apostrophe?
Because it is a possessive noun derived from historical academic terminology.
Can I write masters degree without an apostrophe?
No. Standard grammar requires master’s degree.
Is masters a real word?
Yes. It is the plural form of master and appears in many contexts.
How should I write it on my resume?
Use Master’s Degree or Master’s in [Subject].
What is the difference between master’s and Master of Science?
Master’s is a general degree category. Master of Science is a specific degree title.
Do universities use master’s or masters?
Universities typically use master’s when referring to graduate degrees.
Should master’s be capitalized?
Usually no, unless it is part of a formal title.
Which spelling is better for SEO?
Master’s generally matches educational search intent more effectively.
Is master’s grammatically correct?
Yes. It is the standard academic spelling.
Conclusion
The difference between masters or master’s comes down to grammar and context.
Key takeaways include:
- Master’s is correct for academic degrees.
- Masters is usually the plural form of master.
- Resumes, applications, and academic writing should use master’s degree.
- The apostrophe is required in standard English.
- Masters is only correct in certain non-academic contexts.
For education-related writing, professional documents, and SEO content in 2026, master’s is almost always the correct choice.
Whenever you refer to a graduate degree, remember:
Master’s degree = Correct
Masters degree = Incorrect
Justin Powell is a writer at GramBrix.com who focuses on grammar, clarity and effective communication, helping readers strengthen their language skills.
