Have you ever typed bachelors degree in your resume or LinkedIn profile and wondered if it should have an apostrophe — bachelor’s degree? 🤔
You’re not alone! This is one of the most common grammar mix-ups in academic and professional writing.
In this simple guide, you’ll learn:
- The meaning and correct spelling of each form
- The difference between “bachelor’s degree” and “bachelors degree”
- How to use it correctly in sentences, resumes, and essays
- Common mistakes to avoid and easy memory tricks to remember it forever
By the end, you’ll know exactly which one is correct — and why!
📖 What Does Each Word Mean?
Let’s look at both words separately before combining them.
Bachelor’s Degree (Correct Form)
- Part of speech: Noun phrase
- Meaning: A college or university degree earned after completing undergraduate studies.
- The apostrophe (’s) shows possession — meaning the degree of a bachelor.
✅ Examples:
- She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
- I’m studying for my bachelor’s degree at Harvard.
- His bachelor’s degree helped him get his first job.
Bachelors Degree (Incorrect Form)
- This version is missing the apostrophe and therefore grammatically wrong.
- Without the apostrophe, it looks like many bachelors own a degree, which doesn’t make sense in standard English.
❌ Examples (Incorrect):
- She has a bachelors degree in English.
- He completed his bachelors degree last year.
✅ Corrected:
- She has a bachelor’s degree in English.
- He completed his bachelor’s degree last year.
🧠 Quick Memory Tip:
👉 If you’re talking about the degree belonging to a bachelor, use the apostrophe (’s).
🧩 The Key Difference Between Bachelor’s Degree and Bachelors Degree
Here’s a simple comparison table to make it crystal clear:
| Term | Correctness | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | ✅ Correct | The academic degree earned by a student (possession) | She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business. |
| Bachelors Degree | ❌ Incorrect | Missing the apostrophe; grammatically incorrect | ❌ She earned her bachelors degree in Business. |
💡 Quick Tip to Remember:
If the word shows ownership, it needs an apostrophe.
Just like:
- Children’s books → the books of children
- Bachelor’s degree → the degree of a bachelor
🚫 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Here are a few common errors people make — and how to fix them:
❌ Wrong: I have a bachelors degree in Computer Science.
✅ Right: I have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
❌ Wrong: He’s applying for his bachelors in engineering.
✅ Right: He’s applying for his bachelor’s degree in engineering.
❌ Wrong: She earned two bachelors degrees.
✅ Right: She earned two bachelor’s degrees.
Why these mistakes happen:
Many people forget that the apostrophe shows possession. In “bachelor’s degree,” the degree belongs to the bachelor. That’s why the apostrophe is necessary.
🎓 When to Use “Bachelor’s Degree”
Use “bachelor’s degree” when you’re talking about a specific type of undergraduate qualification or field of study.
✅ Examples:
- I completed my bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
- After finishing her bachelor’s degree, she started her master’s.
- A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete.
- You need a bachelor’s degree to apply for this job.
- His parents were proud when he earned his bachelor’s degree in Law.
🧠 Memory Hack:
If you can say the degree of a bachelor, add the apostrophe.
🎓 When to Use “Bachelors Degree”
The short answer: Never in formal writing.
“Bachelors degree” is always incorrect in academic, professional, or formal English.
However, you might see it online or in casual writing, especially in quick texts or social media captions. It’s still considered a grammar error in essays, resumes, and applications.
Example:
❌ “Just finished my bachelors degree!”
✅ “Just finished my bachelor’s degree!”
🧠 Quick Recap: Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree
Here’s a quick, simple summary to help you remember:
- ✅ Bachelor’s degree = Correct (shows possession)
- ❌ Bachelors degree = Incorrect (missing apostrophe)
- 💡 Rule: Always use the apostrophe (’s) before “degree.”
- 🧾 Example: “He earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics.”
- 📘 Tip: Think of it like “children’s toys” → the toys belong to children.
📚 Advanced Tips for Grammar Lovers
🏛️ 1. The Origin
The word “bachelor” comes from Middle English bacheler, meaning a young man or beginner in a field. In medieval universities, it referred to someone who had completed the first stage of education — hence, a bachelor’s degree.
✍️ 2. In Formal Writing
In academic or professional documents, always write:
- Bachelor’s degree (general)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (specific degrees)
✅ Example:
- She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Literature.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering.
💬 3. Online and Informal Use
On social media, people often drop apostrophes for speed. But in formal writing — resumes, job applications, essays, or LinkedIn — correct grammar matters. A small apostrophe can make a big difference in professionalism.
🧩 Mini Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct form in each sentence:
- She has a ____ in Fine Arts.
a) bachelors degree
b) bachelor’s degree - I earned my ____ in 2020.
a) bachelors degree
b) bachelor’s degree - Two of my friends have ____ in Education.
a) bachelors degrees
b) bachelor’s degrees - He applied for his ____ in Architecture.
a) bachelors degree
b) bachelor’s degree - A ____ usually takes four years to complete.
a) bachelors degree
b) bachelor’s degree
(✅ Correct answers: All b options.)
❓FAQs About Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree
1. What is the correct spelling: bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree?
The correct spelling is bachelor’s degree — with an apostrophe before the “s.”
2. Why does bachelor’s degree have an apostrophe?
Because the degree belongs to a bachelor (a person who has completed undergraduate studies). The apostrophe shows possession.
3. Is bachelors degree ever correct?
No. “Bachelors degree” is a common mistake. Always use bachelor’s degree in professional or academic writing.
4. How do I write it when naming a specific degree?
Use capital letters for the specific title:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
5. What about plural form?
Plural: bachelor’s degrees
Example: Many students earned their bachelor’s degrees last year.
🏁 Conclusion
Now you know — the correct form is bachelor’s degree, not bachelors degree.
That tiny apostrophe makes a big difference in grammar and professionalism.
Always remember: the degree belongs to a bachelor, so it needs ’s.
Use it confidently in resumes, applications, and essays — because small grammar wins build big confidence!
✨ Keep practicing, keep learning, and soon grammar mistakes will be a thing of the past.
Arwen Blythe is a passionate language and culture enthusiast, crafting clear, engaging guides on words, phrases, and modern English for Definevs.com readers.
