Have you ever wondered whether to say Master of Science or Masters of Science? 🤔
You’re not alone! Many students, professionals, and even universities sometimes mix up these two terms. Both look similar, but only one is grammatically correct in formal writing and academic use.
In this guide, we’ll make it super easy to understand the difference between Master of Science and Masters of Science, how to use each term correctly, and when to use them in sentences or your CV. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one to use — and why. 💡
Let’s dive in! 🚀
🧠 What Does Each Term Mean?
🎓 Master of Science (M.Sc. or MS)
Meaning:
“Master of Science” is the correct academic title for a postgraduate degree focused on science, technology, or related fields.
Grammar Tip:
It is singular, referring to one degree — “Master” (not “Masters”) of a particular field.
Part of Speech: Noun phrase (used as a title).
Examples:
- She completed her Master of Science in Physics from Oxford University.
- He earned a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Engineering.
- My sister has a Master of Science in Environmental Studies.
Think of it this way: it’s like saying “Doctor of Philosophy” — we don’t say “Doctors of Philosophy” for one degree. 👩🔬
🧑🏫 Masters of Science
Meaning:
“Masters of Science” is not the standard form in formal English when referring to a degree. It could only make sense if you are talking about multiple people who each hold a Master of Science degree.
Part of Speech: Noun phrase (plural form).
Examples:
- Several Masters of Science attended the alumni event.
- The university invited all Masters of Science graduates to the ceremony.
- She met two Masters of Science working in the lab.
So, “Masters of Science” refers to people, not the degree itself. 🧑🔬
🧾 The Key Difference Between “Master of Science” and “Masters of Science”
Here’s a quick visual comparison to make it easy:
| Feature | Master of Science | Masters of Science |
|---|---|---|
| Grammatical Form | Singular | Plural |
| Used For | One degree | Multiple degree holders |
| Correct in Formal Writing | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Only when referring to people |
| Example | She has a Master of Science in Biology. | They are Masters of Science from Cambridge. |
| Abbreviation | M.Sc. or MS | None officially used |
💡 Quick Tip to Remember:
If you’re talking about your degree, always say Master of Science.
If you’re talking about people who have that degree, you can say Masters of Science.
🚫 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Let’s look at some common errors people make with these terms.
❌ Incorrect: I am studying for my Masters of Science in Chemistry.
✅ Correct: I am studying for my Master of Science in Chemistry.
❌ Incorrect: She received a Masters of Science last year.
✅ Correct: She received her Master of Science last year.
❌ Incorrect: He applied for Masters of Science programs.
✅ Correct: He applied for Master of Science programs.
👉 Why it happens:
People confuse the word “Masters” with the plural form of “Master’s degree.”
But “Master of Science” is a specific degree name, not a plural noun.
🎓 When to Use “Master of Science”
Use Master of Science when referring to:
- A specific degree title
- Your education or someone else’s qualification
- Application forms, resumes, or academic discussions
Examples:
- I am pursuing a Master of Science in Data Analytics.
- She earned her Master of Science in Nursing last year.
- A Master of Science degree requires two years of study.
- Many engineers hold a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.
- He wants to get his Master of Science before starting a PhD.
🧩 Memory Trick:
Think “one Master, one Science.” It’s one person mastering one field. 🎯
👩🔬 When to Use “Masters of Science”
Use Masters of Science only when you are referring to multiple people who have earned the degree.
Examples:
- The conference was attended by several Masters of Science.
- All Masters of Science were honored during the graduation ceremony.
- The panel consisted of Masters of Science from different countries.
- We met three Masters of Science working on the new research project.
- The alumni club includes hundreds of Masters of Science.
💭 Visual Hack:
Picture a group of scientists together — that’s when you can use Masters of Science! 👨🔬👩🔬👩🔬
🧩 Quick Recap: Master of Science vs Masters of Science
✅ Master of Science
- Refers to the degree itself.
- Singular form.
- Correct in resumes, academic writing, and formal documents.
✅ Masters of Science
- Refers to multiple people holding the degree.
- Plural form.
- Not used for describing your qualification.
🧠 Remember:
“I have a Master of Science.”
“They are Masters of Science.”

🌍 Advanced Tips for Learners
✨ Origin of the Term:
The term “Master of Science” comes from the Latin Magister Scientiae, meaning “teacher or master of knowledge.”
📝 In Formal Writing:
Always capitalize Master of Science when used as a degree title:
She earned a Master of Science in Psychology.
💬 In Informal Writing or Texting:
You might see people write “masters in science” (lowercase and plural). It’s fine casually, but in professional or academic contexts, always use Master of Science (M.Sc.).
🎯 Grammar Rule Reminder:
Don’t add an apostrophe (like “Master’s of Science”) — that’s incorrect for this title.
🧩 Mini Quiz — Test Yourself!
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase:
- She completed her _________ in Chemistry.
- Many _________ attended the university reunion.
- He wants to earn a _________ in Computer Science.
- The lab was full of brilliant _________.
- I plan to apply for a _________ program in Physics.
📝 Answers:
- Master of Science
- Masters of Science
- Master of Science
- Masters of Science
- Master of Science
🌟 Conclusion
Now you know the difference between Master of Science and Masters of Science — one refers to the degree, and the other refers to people who hold it. 🎓
So, next time you write your resume, application, or LinkedIn bio, you’ll know exactly which phrase to use.
Keep practicing, keep learning, and soon grammar rules will feel as easy as science experiments! 🧪✨
💬 FAQs
1. Which is correct: Master of Science or Masters of Science?
✅ “Master of Science” is correct when referring to the degree itself.
2. Is it okay to say “Masters of Science” in formal writing?
Only if referring to multiple people who have that degree. Otherwise, use “Master of Science.”
3. Should I capitalize “Master of Science”?
Yes, always capitalize academic degree titles.
4. Can I say “Master’s of Science”?
No. “Master’s of Science” is grammatically incorrect.
5. What is the abbreviation for Master of Science?
Common abbreviations are M.Sc., MS, or M.Sci., depending on the country.

Arwen Blythe is a passionate language and culture enthusiast, crafting clear, engaging guides on words, phrases, and modern English for Definevs.com readers.








