Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree: Which One Is Correct?

The debate between Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree often confuses students, writers, and professionals alike. At first glance, the difference seems minor, but it actually reflects important rules in English grammar, punctuation usage, and academic writing standards. Understanding whether to include the apostrophe is not just about style—it also affects formal writing, academic documents, and even professional communication.

In standard English, the term Bachelor’s degree includes an apostrophe because it shows possession, meaning a degree “of a bachelor.” On the other hand, Bachelors degree drops the apostrophe and is often seen in informal contexts, though some modern style guides are becoming more flexible. This variation highlights the evolving nature of language rules, grammar conventions, and writing preferences across different regions and institutions.

For students preparing college applications, writing academic essays, or updating their resumes, knowing the correct form is essential. Using the right version demonstrates attention to detail, professionalism, and a strong grasp of grammar accuracy. Whether you follow AP style, Chicago style, or general usage, mastering this small distinction can make a big difference in how your writing is perceived.

Quick Answer

The correct form is “bachelor’s degree” with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows possession: the degree belongs to a bachelor. Writing “bachelors degree” without an apostrophe is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing.

Why this matters:

Using the correct form improves professionalism
Ensures your writing follows English grammar rules
Prevents confusion in academic or career contexts

Correct and Incorrect Usage

Here’s a quick reference of correct and incorrect usage to make it crystal clear:

Correct Usage	Incorrect Usage
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology.	I earned my bachelors degree in Psychology.
She completed her bachelor’s degree last year.	She completed her bachelor degree last year.
He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.).	He is pursuing a Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.).

Notice how the apostrophe in “bachelor’s” indicates possession, making the phrase grammatically correct.

Historical & Linguistic Background

The term “bachelor’s degree” dates back to medieval universities in Europe. Initially, “bachelor” referred to a young knight or a novice scholar who had completed a preliminary level of study. The degree itself “belonged” to the bachelor, hence the possessive form.

Over time, English grammar rules solidified this possessive usage. Today, writing “bachelors degree” without an apostrophe is widely regarded as incorrect, even though it sometimes appears in informal texts.

Fun Fact: In the 14th century, universities in Oxford and Cambridge already used possessive forms in Latin and early English texts. The modern apostrophe simply carries that tradition forward.

British English vs American English

You might wonder if the rules differ between British and American English. Here’s the breakdown:

American English: Always use “bachelor’s degree” with an apostrophe.
British English: Most universities also use the apostrophe, but informal references may occasionally drop it. Official documents and academic writing always include it.

Example from UK universities:

“She has been awarded a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Cambridge.”

Tip: When in doubt, always use the apostrophe. It’s safer and universally accepted.

When to Use “Bachelor’s Degree” vs “Bachelors Degree”

Use “Bachelor’s Degree”:

Writing resumes or CVs
Academic essays or publications
Job applications
Professional correspondence

Avoid:

Writing bachelors degree without an apostrophe
Using “Bachelor Degree” as a standalone phrase

Quick Rule: If you are writing formally, think “this degree belongs to a bachelor”—then add the apostrophe.

Read More: All of a Sudden vs All of the Sudden: The Definitive Guide for 2026

Degree-Specific Contexts

Different scenarios require slightly different phrasing. Here’s a practical guide:

Resume Writing

Recruiters immediately notice proper grammar. Use:

Correct: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Incorrect: Bachelors Degree in Computer Science

Pro Tip: Include your degree abbreviation in parentheses for clarity:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (BBA)

Job Applications

Avoid shorthand like “bachelor degree”. Instead:

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT.

Academic Writing

In essays, theses, or dissertations, formal correctness matters. Always write bachelor’s degree with the apostrophe.

Social Media & Informal Use

In casual posts, people sometimes drop the apostrophe. Example:

“Just finished my bachelors degree!”
While understandable, it’s not grammatically correct.

Capitalization Rules

Understanding capitalization is key to professional writing:

Scenario	Correct	Incorrect
General reference	bachelor’s degree	Bachelor Degree
Specific degree title	Bachelor of Arts	bachelor of arts
Abbreviations	B.A., B.Sc.	BA, BSc

Key tip: Capitalize specific degrees (e.g., Bachelor of Science) but not the general phrase (bachelor’s degree).

Common Degree Variations

Different fields may slightly change phrasing. Here’s a quick guide:

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) – Science fields like Biology, Physics
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Humanities and social sciences
Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) – Engineering disciplines
Bachelor in Psychology / Education – More flexible, often written as “bachelor’s degree in…”

Example sentences:

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.
He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

Comparison With Master’s Degree

The apostrophe rule applies to master’s degrees too:

Master’s Degree ✅
Masters Degree ❌

Mini Comparison Table:

Degree Level	Correct	Incorrect
Undergraduate	Bachelor’s Degree	Bachelors Degree
Graduate	Master’s Degree	Masters Degree
Doctorate	Doctorate / Ph.D.	Doctors Degree

Tip: When in doubt, always use the possessive form.

Usage Trends

Google Trends data shows “bachelor’s degree” overwhelmingly outperforms “bachelors degree” in search queries. Academic publications, university websites, and professional blogs all follow the apostrophe rule.

Example:

Harvard University site: 100% usage of bachelor’s degree
Oxford University: Same rule across official documents

This proves that using bachelors degree is not only incorrect grammatically but also less recognized online, affecting readability and.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bachelor’s degree is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form in formal writing and academic contexts.

While Bachelors degree may appear in casual use, it is generally less preferred. Choosing the correct version ensures clarity, credibility, and professional presentation in your writing.