If you are wondering if to write “bachelor’s degree” or “bachelors degree,” the correct standard form is “bachelor’s degree.” The word bachelor’s is possessive, so it normally takes an apostrophe before the s. For example, you would write, “She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.”
The phrase refers to an undergraduate academic qualification usually completed at a college or university. You may see the term on résumés, university websites, job applications, and academic documents.
Because bachelor can also be used as a regular noun, it is easy to forget the apostrophe when forming the name of the degree. This guide explains why bachelor’s degree is correct, when to use it, common mistakes to avoid, and how the phrase differs from related expressions such as bachelor of arts and bachelor of science.
Quick Answer
“Bachelor’s degree” is the standard and grammatically correct form when referring to one undergraduate degree. The apostrophe shows possession: the degree is traditionally associated with a bachelor. “Bachelors degree” is generally incorrect in formal writing. For example: “He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering.”
Why Do People Confuse It?
The confusion usually comes from the pronunciation of the phrase. When people say bachelor’s degree, the apostrophe is not heard, so it can be easy to leave it out when writing.
Another reason is that bachelor and bachelors can look similar. However, they do not perform the same grammatical function.
- bachelor = singular noun
- bachelor’s = possessive singular form
- bachelors = plural noun
- bachelors’ = possessive plural form
When talking about an academic degree, the standard expression is bachelor’s degree.
For example:
The apostrophe is important because bachelor’s modifies degree in a possessive construction.
What Does “Bachelor’s” Mean?
Bachelor’s is the possessive form of the singular noun bachelor.
In the expression bachelor’s degree, the apostrophe indicates a relationship between bachelor and degree. It follows the same general pattern as other possessive expressions.
Examples:
- a bachelor’s degree
- a master’s degree
- a doctor’s appointment
- a student’s book
- a teacher’s desk
So, when you write the name of the undergraduate qualification as a general noun phrase, bachelor’s degree is the conventional form.
What Does “Bachelors” Mean?
Bachelors is simply the plural form of bachelor.
It means more than one bachelor and does not normally mean an academic degree.
For example:
- Several bachelors attended the event.
- The story follows three young bachelors.
- The organization offered housing for eligible bachelors.
Because bachelors is plural, it does not normally fit before degree in the phrase you want.
If you mean the academic qualification, use bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree vs. Bachelors Degree
| Form | Correct? | Meaning/Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | Yes | An undergraduate academic degree | She earned a bachelor’s degree. |
| bachelors degree | No, in standard formal English | Missing the possessive apostrophe | Avoid this form. |
| bachelor degree | Usually not the standard general form | Sometimes seen in informal or institutional usage | Prefer “bachelor’s degree.” |
| bachelors’ degree | Generally not correct for one degree | Plural possessive | Not the normal expression. |
| bachelor’s degrees | Yes | More than one bachelor’s degree | They offer several bachelor’s degrees. |
When Should You Use “Bachelor’s Degree”?
Use bachelor’s degree when you are referring generally to an undergraduate degree.
Examples:
- I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
- She is working toward a bachelor’s degree.
- He earned his bachelor’s degree last year.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for the position.
The phrase can be used with different fields of study:
- bachelor’s degree in education
- bachelor’s degree in computer science
- bachelor’s degree in business
- bachelor’s degree in psychology
- bachelor’s degree in engineering
10+ Examples of “Bachelor’s Degree”
Here are practical examples showing the correct form:
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.
- I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
- He completed his bachelor’s degree in 2025.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- My sister has a bachelor’s degree in education.
- They offer several bachelor’s degree programs.
- He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree after finishing college.
- She listed her bachelor’s degree on her résumé.
- The university offers a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
- I received my bachelor’s degree from a local university.
- Her bachelor’s degree prepared her for a career in finance.
- He is studying for a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Notice that bachelor’s contains an apostrophe before the s in every example.
Common Mistakes
1. Writing “bachelors degree”
This is the most common mistake.
❌ He has a bachelors degree in physics.
✅ He has a bachelor’s degree in physics.
2. Forgetting the apostrophe in formal writing
The apostrophe is part of the conventional spelling of the phrase.
❌ I completed my bachelors degree.
✅ I completed my bachelor’s degree.
3. Confusing “bachelor” with “bachelor’s”
Bachelor is the noun, while bachelor’s is the possessive form.
- He is a bachelor.
- He has a bachelor’s degree.
4. Using “bachelors” when you mean degrees
Bachelors means more than one bachelor, not multiple academic degrees.
❌ The university offers several bachelors in science.
✅ The university offers several bachelor’s degree programs.
What Is an Easy Memory Trick?
Remember this simple rule:
One bachelor → bachelor’s degree.
The apostrophe belongs to the singular possessive form:
bachelor + ’s = bachelor’s
You can also compare it with master’s degree. We normally write:
- bachelor’s degree
- master’s degree
Both use an apostrophe because both are possessive singular forms.
A quick memory sentence is:
American vs. British English
The expression bachelor’s degree is widely used in both American and British English.
The spelling of the degree phrase does not normally change simply because you are writing for an American or British audience.
However, educational terminology can differ between countries. Universities may use different names for qualifications, programs, or levels of study.
For example, a university may refer to a qualification as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc/BS). The exact abbreviation and educational structure can vary by institution and country.
When writing generally, bachelor’s degree is a safe standard expression.
Similar Words and Expressions
Several academic terms are closely related to bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a type of bachelor’s degree commonly associated with subjects in areas such as humanities, languages, social sciences, and related disciplines.
Example:
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc) is a type of bachelor’s degree commonly associated with scientific, technical, mathematical, and related subjects.
Example:
Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is generally a postgraduate qualification pursued after a bachelor’s degree.
Example:
Associate Degree
An associate degree is an undergraduate qualification that is generally shorter than a bachelor’s degree in systems where both qualifications are offered.
Example:
Undergraduate Degree
Undergraduate degree is a broader term that can include a bachelor’s degree and, depending on the educational system, other undergraduate qualifications.
Final Verdict
The standard form is bachelor’s degree.
Use the apostrophe because bachelor’s is the singular possessive form of bachelor:
bachelor + ’s → bachelor’s degree
Avoid bachelors degree in formal and standard English. If you are writing a résumé, application, essay, university document, professional profile, or article, bachelor’s degree is the conventional choice.
FAQs:
Is “bachelor’s degree” correct?
Yes. Bachelor’s degree is the standard form used when referring to one undergraduate academic degree.
Is “bachelors degree” grammatically correct?
In standard formal English, bachelors degree is generally considered incorrect because it leaves out the apostrophe in the possessive form bachelor’s.
Why does “bachelor’s degree” have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe marks the possessive form of the singular noun bachelor. The conventional expression is therefore bachelor’s degree.
Should I write “Bachelor’s Degree” with capital letters?
Usually, use lowercase when referring to the degree generally: bachelor’s degree. Capitalization may be appropriate when using the formal name of a specific degree, such as Bachelor of Arts.
Is “bachelor degree” correct?
Bachelor degree is not the usual standard expression in general English. Bachelor’s degree is the preferred form for most formal writing.
What is the plural of “bachelor’s degree”?
The plural is bachelor’s degrees.
Example:
The apostrophe remains because bachelor’s describes the type of degree.
Is “Bachelor of Science” the same as “bachelor’s degree”?
A Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc) is a specific type of bachelor’s degree. The broader term is bachelor’s degree, while Bachelor of Science identifies a particular degree type.
Remember This
Correct: bachelor’s degree
Incorrect in standard formal English: bachelors degree
The apostrophe in bachelor’s is the key. When you mean one undergraduate degree, write bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion
Choosing between bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree is simple once you understand the apostrophe. Bachelor’s degree is the standard form because bachelor’s is the singular possessive form of bachelor. The phrase is used for an undergraduate academic qualification and appears frequently in academic, professional, and everyday writing.
If you are writing a résumé, university application, essay, job description, or professional profile, use bachelor’s degree. Remember the pattern bachelor + ’s = bachelor’s, and you will be able to avoid this common spelling and grammar mistake.
Lucas Smith is a skilled language writer at Synomity.com, passionate about synonyms, vocabulary enrichment, and word meanings. He develops engaging content that helps readers strengthen communication skills and expand their understanding of language.
