Are you confused about whether it’s “masters degree” or “master’s degree”? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with the proper usage of these terms. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two commonly used phrases and provide you with examples to help you understand the correct usage.
Masters or Master’s
Understanding the Term ‘Master’s’
When it comes to postgraduate degrees, the term “Master’s” is often used. But what does it actually mean? In simple terms, a Master’s degree is an academic degree awarded by a university or college upon completion of a specific course of study. It is a type of graduate degree that provides advanced study after a Bachelor’s degree and is focused on a specialty or major.
The term “Master’s” can be used in different ways, and it’s essential to understand the differences to use it correctly. Here are some examples:
- Master’s degree: This refers to the degree itself, such as a Master of Arts or a Master of Science.
- Master’s program: This refers to the course of study leading to a Master’s degree.
- Master’s candidate: This refers to a student who is pursuing a Master’s degree.
It’s worth noting that the term “Master’s” is often capitalized when used as a title, such as “Master’s degree in Business Administration.” However, when used as a general term, it’s not capitalized, such as “He is a master in Psychology.”
When it comes to writing, it’s essential to use the correct spelling and punctuation for “Master’s.” It is used to indicate possession, as in “the degree of a master.” When you say “master’s degree,” you are referring to the degree that belongs to the master. Here are some examples:
- Master’s degree: This is the correct spelling and punctuation when referring to the degree itself.
- Masters degree: This is an incorrect spelling and should be avoided.
- Master degree: This is an incorrect term and should be avoided.
Let’s look at some examples to help clarify the difference:
- Incorrect: “She earned a masters in education.”
- Correct: “She earned a master’s degree in education.”
- Incorrect: “He holds a Master’s in Science.”
- Correct: “He holds a Master of Science degree.”
Masters or Master’s: Grammatical Differences
When it comes to discussing academic degrees, one of the most common sources of confusion is whether to use “masters” or “master’s.” In this section, we will explore the grammatical differences between the two terms.
Usage in Sentences
The primary difference between “masters” and “master’s” is their usage in sentences. “Masters” is used as a plural noun to refer to a group of people who have earned a master’s degree. For example, “Many of my friends are masters in their respective fields.” On the other hand, “master’s” is used as an adjective to describe a degree. For instance, “I have completed my master’s degree in literature.”
Punctuation and Apostrophe
Another significant difference between “masters” and “master’s” is the use of punctuation and apostrophes. “Masters” does not require an apostrophe because it is a plural noun. However, “master’s” requires an apostrophe because it is a possessive adjective. For example, “I am pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.”
Capitalization
The final difference between “masters” and “master’s” is capitalization. “Master’s” is always capitalized because it is a proper noun referring to a specific degree. On the other hand, “masters” is not capitalized because it is a common noun. For example, “She received her Master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University.”
To summarize, “masters” is a plural noun referring to a group of people who have earned a master’s degree, while “master’s” is an adjective describing the degree itself. “Masters” does not require an apostrophe or capitalization, while “master’s” requires an apostrophe and is always capitalized.
Masters | Master’s |
---|---|
Plural noun | Adjective |
No apostrophe | Requires apostrophe |
Not capitalized | Always capitalized |
Hopefully, this section has cleared up any confusion you may have had about the grammatical differences between “masters” and “master’s.”
Contextual Differences
When it comes to the use of the terms “masters” and “master’s,” context plays an important role. Depending on the context, one form might be more appropriate than the other. In this section, we will explore the differences in usage between the two forms in three different contexts: academic, professional, and informal.
Academic Context
In the academic context, “master’s” is the preferred form. This is because it is used to refer to a specific type of degree – a master’s degree. Using “masters” in this context is incorrect and can be seen as a misspelling. Here are some examples:
- She earned her master’s degree in psychology.
- He is currently pursuing a master’s in business administration.
Professional Context
In the professional context, both “masters” and “master’s” can be used, but “masters” is more common. This is because it is often used as a shorthand way of referring to a master’s degree. However, in formal writing, “master’s” is still the preferred form. Here are some examples:
- The job requires a master’s degree in engineering or a related field.
- She is a masters-level therapist with over 10 years of experience.
Informal Context
In informal contexts, both forms can be used interchangeably. However, “masters” is more commonly used because it is faster to write.
- I’m thinking of going back to school to get my master’s/masters.
- He’s a master/masters of grilling – his burgers are always the best!
It’s important to note that while “masters” is more common in informal contexts, using “master’s” is the only technically correct and can make your writing sound more polished and professional.
Common Misconceptions
When it comes to the difference between masters and master’s degrees, there are a few common misconceptions that many people have. Let’s take a closer look at some of these.
Misconception 1: Masters and Master’s Degrees are the Same Thing
One of the most common misconceptions is that masters and master’s degrees are the same thing. However, this is not true. A master’s degree is a specific type of degree that is earned after completing a graduate-level program. On the other hand, masters can refer to someone who has achieved a high level of skill or expertise in a particular field.
Misconception 2: Master’s Degree is Always Spelled with an Apostrophe
Technically it’s correct. However, in informal contexts, the apostrophe can me omitted without changing the meaning of the degree.
Misconception 3: Master’s Degrees are Always Required for Advanced Careers
Finally, there is a common misconception that master’s degrees are always required for advanced careers. While it is true that some careers do require a master’s degree, this is not always the case. In fact, there are many careers where a bachelor’s degree or even a high school diploma is sufficient. It is important to research the requirements for the specific career you are interested in pursuing to determine whether a master’s degree is necessary.
It is important to understand the distinctions between these terms to avoid confusion and ensure that you are using the correct terminology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between “masters” and “master’s” is a matter of possessive apostrophe. “Masters” is a plural noun meaning more than one master, while “master’s” is a singular noun indicating the possession of a master’s degree. In informal context, “masters” can be used in place of “master’s” for convenience.
It is important to note that the usage of “masters” is not incorrect, but it may cause confusion if used in the context of a degree.
On the other hand, using “master’s” in the wrong context, such as “He has two master’s in engineering” is grammatically incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree?
A Master’s degree is a higher level of education than a Bachelor’s degree. A Bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that usually takes four years to complete, while a Master’s degree is a graduate degree that typically takes one to two years to complete. A Master’s degree program is usually more specialized and focuses on a specific field of study.
What is the abbreviation for a Master’s degree?
The abbreviation for a Master’s degree is usually “M.A.” or “M.S.” depending on the type of degree. The “A” stands for “Arts” and is used for degrees in humanities and social sciences, while the “S” stands for “Science” and is used for degrees in natural sciences and mathematics.
How do you correctly list a Master’s degree after your name?
When listing a Master’s degree after your name, you should use the abbreviation for the degree type (e.g., “M.A.” or “M.S.”) followed by the name of the degree program and the name of the institution that granted the degree. For example, “John Smith, M.A. in English, University of California, Los Angeles.”
What is the difference between a Master’s degree and a Post-Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree is a graduate degree that usually takes one to two years to complete, while a Post-Master’s degree is a program of study that is pursued after completing a Master’s degree. Post-Master’s degrees are usually more specialized and focus on a specific area of study within a broader field.
How do you write ‘Master’s’ or ‘Masters’ correctly?
The correct way to write “Master’s” or “Masters” depends on the context. When referring to a specific degree, such as a Master’s degree in Business Administration, you should capitalize the “M” and use an apostrophe (e.g., “Master’s degree”). When referring to the plural form of the word, such as “masters of the arts,” you should not use an apostrophe (e.g., “masters degree”).
Is there an apostrophe in ‘Master’s program’?
Yes, there is an apostrophe in “Master’s program” because the program belongs to the Master. However, when referring to a program that offers multiple Master’s degrees, such as a graduate school that offers Master’s degrees in multiple fields, you would use the plural form without an apostrophe (e.g., “Masters programs”).
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