Many students feel confused when writing the phrase bachelor’s degree. Some people write bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe, while others write bachelors degree without it. When you see both forms online, in emails, or on social media, it becomes hard to know which one is correct.
This confusion is very common, especially for students, ESL learners, and beginners. The two forms look almost the same, but one follows the correct grammar rule and the other usually does not.
The good news is that the difference is simple. Once you understand the small grammar rule behind it, the confusion disappears.
This article explains everything in very simple English so you can clearly understand which form is correct and when to use it.
Quick Answer
Here is the short and simple answer:
• Bachelor’s degree (with an apostrophe) is the correct and standard form.
• Bachelors degree (without an apostrophe) is usually incorrect in formal writing.
• The apostrophe shows possession in English grammar.
• Schools, universities, and academic writing almost always use bachelor’s degree.
Example:
✔ She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
✘ She earned a bachelors degree in biology.
Most style guides and universities use bachelor’s degree.
Simple Background of the Term
To understand why we use an apostrophe, it helps to know a little about the history of the phrase.
The word bachelor originally described a person who had completed the first level of university education. In medieval universities in Europe, students earned different levels of degrees. The first major level was called a bachelor.
Over time, the phrase bachelor’s degree developed. The apostrophe shows that the degree belongs to the bachelor level.
So the meaning became:
The degree of a bachelor.
That is why the apostrophe is used. It shows possession.
Even today, universities keep this traditional form.
The Main Difference Explained Clearly
Now let’s look closely at the two forms.
Bachelor’s Degree (Correct Form)
This form uses an apostrophe + s.
The apostrophe shows possession.
It means:
The degree that belongs to the bachelor level of study.
Example sentences:
• She completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
• He plans to start a bachelor’s degree next year.
• My sister has a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
This form is correct in:
• university documents
• academic writing
• resumes
• emails
• essays
Bachelors Degree (Usually Incorrect)
This version removes the apostrophe.
Without the apostrophe, the phrase does not follow the normal grammar rule.
Example:
✘ She completed a bachelors degree in engineering.
Although you may see this online sometimes, it is not the standard or preferred form.
In formal writing, it should be avoided.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelors Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Apostrophe | Yes | No |
| Grammar correctness | Correct | Usually incorrect |
| Used by universities | Yes | Rarely |
| Used in academic writing | Yes | No |
| Recommended for students | Yes | No |
Conclusion from the table:
Always choose bachelor’s degree.
Which One Should You Use and When?
The safest choice is very simple:
Use “bachelor’s degree” in almost every situation.
Use it in:
School Assignments
Example:
I am studying for a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Job Applications
Example:
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
Emails
Example:
I completed my bachelor’s degree last year.
Resumes
Example:
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
University Graduation Year: 2024
Articles and Reports
Example:
Many careers require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Using the correct form makes your writing look clear and professional.
Common Mistakes People Make
Students often make a few small mistakes with this phrase.
1. Forgetting the Apostrophe
Incorrect:
She earned a bachelors degree.
Correct:
She earned a bachelor’s degree.
2. Adding an Extra “s”
Incorrect:
She has a bachelor’s degrees in history.
Correct:
She has a bachelor’s degree in history.
If someone has two, you can say:
She has two bachelor’s degrees.
3. Capitalizing When It Is Not Needed
Usually, the phrase is not capitalized.
Correct:
He is studying for a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Capitalize only when it is part of a specific program name.
Example:
Bachelor of Science degree
4. Confusing Degree Names
Some people mix up these forms:
• Bachelor’s degree
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
All are correct but used in slightly different ways.
Example:
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in history.
Everyday Real Life Examples
Here are examples of how people use the phrase in daily life.
Email Example
Hello Professor,
I am interested in applying for the bachelor’s degree program in psychology. Could you please send more information?
Thank you.
Resume Example
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration
Graduated: 2023
Social Media Example
Finally finished my bachelor’s degree today. Feeling proud!
News Example
Many companies now require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level jobs.
Conversation Example
Friend 1: What did your sister study?
Friend 2: She completed a bachelor’s degree in architecture.
Learning Section for Students and Beginners
Here is a simple way to remember the rule.
Think of the phrase like this:
The degree belongs to the bachelor level.
Because of that, English uses the possessive form:
bachelor’s degree
Easy Memory Tip
Remember this pattern:
person + ’s + thing
Examples:
teacher’s desk
doctor’s office
student’s book
bachelor’s degree
The apostrophe shows ownership or connection.
So the correct phrase becomes:
bachelor’s degree
FAQ
1. Is it bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree?
The correct form is bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe.
2. Why is there an apostrophe in bachelor’s degree?
The apostrophe shows possession. It means the degree belongs to the bachelor level of education.
3. Do universities use bachelor’s degree?
Yes. Universities, colleges, and academic writing almost always use bachelor’s degree.
4. Can I write bachelors degree on a resume?
It is better to write bachelor’s degree because it follows correct grammar.
5. Should bachelor’s degree be capitalized?
Usually no.
Example:
She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
But it can be capitalized when part of an official title:
Bachelor of Science.
6. What is a bachelor’s degree?
A bachelor’s degree is the first major university degree students earn after finishing high school.
7. How long does a bachelor’s degree take?
In many countries, it usually takes three to four years of study.
8. Is bachelor degree correct?
No. The correct form is bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion
The difference between bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree is small but important.
The correct and standard form is bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows possession and follows normal English grammar rules.
Universities, teachers, and academic writing all use bachelor’s degree, which makes it the safest and most correct choice for students.
To remember the rule easily, think of it this way: the degree belongs to the bachelor level, so we write bachelor’s degree.
Once you understand this simple rule, the confusion disappears, and you can confidently use the correct form in essays, emails, resumes, and everyday writing.
Chase Dominic is a contributing author at GrammerPeak, dedicated to making English grammar simple and practical. His writing focuses on clear explanations, real-world examples, and common error correction, helping readers strengthen sentence structure, improve accuracy, and communicate confidently in academic, professional, and everyday English contexts.
