Master’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate qualification that students usually earn after finishing high school. A master’s degree is a graduate qualification completed after earning a bachelor’s degree. Knowing the difference matters because these terms describe different education levels and should be used correctly in both writing and conversation.
Although this is mainly an education topic, many English learners also wonder how to write and use these terms correctly in sentences, especially when writing resumes, emails, and academic documents.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is the first university degree most students earn after high school.
It usually takes:
- 3 years in some countries
- 4 years in many others, including the United States
Common bachelor’s degrees include:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
Examples
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
- I completed my Bachelor of Science last year.
- He is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
What Is a Master’s Degree?
A master’s degree is a higher qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Most master’s programs take:
- 1–2 years full-time
- Longer if studied part-time
Common master’s degrees include:
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Science (MS or MSc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (MEd)
Examples
- She has a master’s degree in Psychology.
- I’m applying for a Master of Science program.
- He completed his master’s before starting his research career.
Master’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree
| Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate qualification | Graduate qualification |
| First university degree | Earned after a bachelor’s degree |
| Usually takes 3–4 years | Usually takes 1–2 years |
| Provides broad knowledge | Focuses on advanced study |
| Entry-level qualification | Specialized qualification |
| Often required before graduate study | May improve career opportunities |
Which Comes First?
The order is simple:
- Finish high school.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree.
- Apply for a master’s degree if desired.
A master’s degree normally requires a completed bachelor’s degree.
Grammar Rule: Apostrophe in Master’s and Bachelor’s
Many English learners ask why master’s and bachelor’s include an apostrophe.
The apostrophe shows possession. Historically, the degree belonged to a master or a bachelor.
Correct
- master’s degree
- bachelor’s degree
Incorrect
- masters degree
- bachelors degree
When writing the full phrase, the apostrophe should remain.
Capitalization Rules
Capitalize the degree name only when using its official title.
Correct
- She earned a Master of Science.
- He completed a Bachelor of Arts.
Also Correct
- She has a master’s degree in biology.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree in history.
Notice that general references stay lowercase.
Singular and Plural Forms
Singular
- master’s degree
- bachelor’s degree
Plural
- master’s degrees
- bachelor’s degrees
Examples
- The university offers several master’s degrees.
- Many students pursue bachelor’s degrees after high school.
When to Use Each Term
Use bachelor’s degree when referring to undergraduate education.
Examples:
- She just earned her bachelor’s degree.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
Use master’s degree when referring to graduate education.
Examples:
- He plans to complete a master’s degree next year.
- Many teachers earn a master’s degree to advance their careers.
Common Writing Mistakes
Mistake 1
❌ I have a masters degree.
✅ I have a master’s degree.
Why?
The apostrophe is required.
Mistake 2
❌ She earned a bachelors degree.
✅ She earned a bachelor’s degree.
Why?
The singular possessive form needs an apostrophe.
Mistake 3
❌ I completed a master’s Degree.
✅ I completed a master’s degree.
Why?
General references should not capitalize degree.
Mistake 4
❌ He has Bachelor degree.
✅ He has a bachelor’s degree.
Why?
The standard phrase is “a bachelor’s degree.”
Master’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree in Everyday English
Conversation
- I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree this semester.
- She’s studying for a master’s degree overseas.
Job Interview
- I recently earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing.
- My master’s degree helped me develop research skills.
Resume
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Business Administration
- I plan to begin my master’s degree this fall.
- I completed my bachelor’s degree in 2024.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelor’s
Sometimes people shorten the phrase.
Correct:
- I’m finishing my bachelor’s.
- She’s working on her master’s.
In formal writing, it is usually clearer to write the complete phrase.
Quick Tips
- Use bachelor’s degree for undergraduate study.
- Use master’s degree for graduate study.
- Keep the apostrophe.
- Use lowercase for general references.
- Capitalize official degree names only.
- Check spelling before submitting resumes or applications.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- She earned a ________ degree in English.
- After graduation, he applied for a ________ degree.
- I completed my ________ degree before applying for graduate school.
Answers
- bachelor’s
- master’s
- bachelor’s
Multiple Choice
1. Which degree normally comes first?
A. Master’s degree
B. Bachelor’s degree
Answer: B
2. Which sentence is correct?
A. masters degree
B. master’s degree
Answer: B
Correct the Mistakes
- She has a masters degree.
- He earned a bachelors degree.
- I finished my Master’s degree in biology.
Answers
- She has a master’s degree.
- He earned a bachelor’s degree.
- I finished my master’s degree in biology.
Explanation: Add the apostrophe and use lowercase when referring to the degree generally rather than its official title.
Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite:
“He completed bachelors degree before graduate school.”
Answer:
He completed a bachelor’s degree before graduate school.
Conclusion
The difference between a master’s degree vs bachelor’s degree is simple. A bachelor’s degree is the first university qualification students usually earn after high school, while a master’s degree is a graduate qualification completed afterward. In English, remember to include the apostrophe in both terms and use lowercase unless writing an official degree title. Using these forms correctly makes your writing more professional and grammatically accurate.
For More Relevant Content Visit: GTFO Meaning in Text
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a master’s degree higher than a bachelor’s degree?
Yes. A master’s degree is an advanced qualification earned after completing a bachelor’s degree.
Which degree comes first?
A bachelor’s degree comes first, followed by a master’s degree.
Why do “master’s” and “bachelor’s” have apostrophes?
The apostrophes are part of the standard English spelling and show possession.
Can I write “masters degree” without an apostrophe?
No. The correct spelling is master’s degree.
Should I capitalize “master’s degree”?
Use lowercase unless writing the official degree title, such as Master of Arts.
How long does a bachelor’s degree take?
Most bachelor’s degrees take three to four years, depending on the country and program.
Is a master’s degree required for every career?
No. Many careers only require a bachelor’s degree, while others may benefit from or require a master’s degree.
