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One of my students once applied to graduate programs and wrote “I am interested in pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.” Then, in the same paragraph, she wrote “I want to become a masters-level professional.” She mixed both forms without realizing that one is correct and one is not. That moment taught me how common this confusion is — even advanced learners mix up master’s and masters .
The rule itself is simple: it’s almost always “master’s” with an apostrophe. The apostrophe shows possession — the degree that belongs to the “master” (the degree holder). I’ll walk you through when and why you use the apostrophe, what “masters” (without it) really means, and how to avoid the mistake entirely.
Key Takeaways
- Master’s (with apostrophe) is the standard spelling for any master’s degree — MBA, MA, MSc, M.Ed., etc.
- Possessive apostrophe rule: The apostrophe shows “belonging to the master” — similar to “teacher’s class” or “student’s assignment”.
- Masters (no apostrophe) is only correct as a plural noun meaning “multiple people who are masters in their field” — very rare in academic writing.
- Common mistake: Using “masters degree” (no apostrophe) because the plural form looks more natural — but this is technically incorrect in academic contexts.
- Email and formal writing: Always use “Master’s degree” in formal documents, university websites, and professional correspondence.
The Simple Rule: Master’s vs. Masters
When you talk about the degree, you need an apostrophe. When you talk about multiple people who have reached mastery, you don’t. Here’s the breakdown:
| Form | Meaning | Example | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s degree | The degree that belongs to the master/degree holder | She earned her master’s degree in psychology. | ✓ Yes |
| Master’s program | The program that leads to the master’s degree | He applied to five master’s programs. | ✓ Yes |
| Masters degree | Plural noun (multiple people who mastered something) | The two masters disagreed about technique. | ✗ Wrong in academic writing |
| Masters (alone) | Plural: people who are experts/masters | Chess masters compete in tournaments. | ✓ Yes (but rare) |
The key to remembering this is the possessive apostrophe . In English, we use apostrophes to show that something belongs to someone:
- The teacher’s class = the class that belongs to the teacher
- The student’s assignment = the assignment that belongs to the student
- The master’s degree = the degree that belongs to the master
Quick test: If you can replace “master’s” with “the master’s” (the degree of the master), then you need the apostrophe. If “master’s” refers to multiple people, you don’t need it — but this is extremely rare in academic contexts.
Why English Learners Make This Mistake
There are three reasons this confusion happens:
1. Plural forms usually don’t have apostrophes
Learners are trained to recognize that apostrophes do NOT create plurals in English. We write “cats” (not “cat’s”) and “dogs” (not “dog’s”). So when learners see a plural-looking word like “masters,” they assume no apostrophe is needed. But in this case, the phrase is not a plural — it’s a possessive.
✗ Incorrect thinking: “Masters is a plural noun, so no apostrophe.”
✓ Correct thinking: “Master’s is possessive (belonging to the master), so apostrophe is needed.”
2. Informal speech blurs the distinction
Native speakers often drop the apostrophe in casual conversation. You might hear someone say “I’m getting my masters in biology” in a café, even though the written form requires an apostrophe. This informal speech leaks into writing.
3. The degree initials add confusion
When we write degree titles like “MBA” or “MSc,” the apostrophe is not visible. This can make learners think the full phrase “Master of Business Administration” or “Master of Science” doesn’t need one either — but when you abbreviate it to “master’s,” the apostrophe reappears in the adjective form.
Tip: Remember that “Master of Science” and “master’s degree” are two ways of saying the same thing — “Master’s” is the shortened possessive form.
How to Use “Master’s” Correctly in Context
Let me show you three common situations and how to handle the apostrophe:
Situation 1: Referring to the degree itself
When you talk about the degree, always use the apostrophe.
✓ Correct: “I earned my master’s degree in English literature.”
✓ Correct: “She is pursuing a master’s degree in electrical engineering.”
✓ Correct: “He holds a master’s in finance from Yale.”
Situation 2: Referring to the program
When you talk about the program that leads to the degree, use the apostrophe the same way.
✓ Correct: “She applied to three master’s programs in counseling psychology.”
✓ Correct: “The master’s program requires a thesis.”
✗ Incorrect: “I’m enrolled in a masters program.” (missing apostrophe)
Situation 3: Referring to people (rare)
Only use “masters” without an apostrophe when you’re referring to multiple people who are experts in something — and even then, this is uncommon in academic writing.
✓ Correct: “The chess masters gathered in Stockholm for the tournament.”
✓ Correct: “These old masters of painting influenced generations of artists.”
Note: These uses are about expertise, not about degrees.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
✗ Incorrect: “I just finished my masters degree in business administration.”
✓ Correct: “I just finished my master’s degree in business administration.”
Why: The degree belongs to the master — possessive apostrophe required.
✗ Incorrect: “She is a masters-level therapist with 10 years of experience.”
✓ Correct: “She is a master’s-level therapist with 10 years of experience.” OR “She holds a master’s degree and has 10 years of experience.”
Why: When “master’s” is used as an adjective before a noun, the apostrophe still applies. (Though this construction is awkward — the second option is clearer.)
✗ Incorrect: “The university offers masters in five different fields.”
✓ Correct: “The university offers master’s degrees in five different fields.”
Why: “Master’s” is possessive, not plural.
✗ Incorrect: “He earned his Masters in Computer Science from MIT.”
✓ Correct: “He earned his Master of Science degree from MIT.” OR “He holds a master’s degree in Computer Science from MIT.”
Why: When writing out the full degree name (“Master of Science”), the first word is capitalized but no apostrophe is needed in this formal construction. When you shorten it to “master’s,” the apostrophe returns.
Master’s vs. “Master of [Field]”: Which Form to Use?
There are actually two correct ways to write about the degree:
| Form | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s degree in [Field] | General, casual, or when you’re emphasizing “degree” | I earned a master’s degree in psychology. |
| Master of [Field] | Formal, official degree titles, transcripts, diplomas | Master of Science in Psychology (MSc) |
| M.A. / M.S. / MBA | When abbreviating, use only the initials (no words) | She holds an MBA from Harvard. |
Notice that “Master of Science” (the formal degree title) does NOT have an apostrophe — it’s a fixed title. But when you shorten it to “master’s,” the apostrophe reappears because you’re now using a possessive form.
Example comparison: “Master of Science” (formal title, no apostrophe) = “master’s degree” (shortened, possessive form with apostrophe).
Sample Dialogue: Getting the Grammar Right
In a graduate admissions office
Advisor: So you’re interested in our master’s program?
Student: Yes, I want to get my masters in engineering.
Advisor: Great! Just a note — in formal writing, we say “master’s degree” or “master’s program,” with an apostrophe. It shows that the degree belongs to the master.
Student: Oh, I see — so “master’s” is possessive, like “the teacher’s class”?
Advisor: Exactly! That’s a perfect way to remember it.
Quick Quiz: Master’s or Masters?
Choose the correct form
- She is pursuing a ________ in environmental science. (master’s / masters)
- The ________ program takes two years to complete. (master’s / masters)
- He earned his ________ from Oxford University. (master’s / masters)
- The chess ________ competed for the world title. (master’s / masters)
- I’m interested in applying to a ________ degree program. (master’s / masters)
Answers: 1. master’s · 2. master’s · 3. master’s · 4. masters · 5. master’s
Master’s in Your Professional Writing
If you’re writing résumés, cover letters, or official documents, use “master’s” with the apostrophe every time. Here are three examples:
On a résumé:
“Master’s degree in Business Administration, University of Toronto (2022)”
In a cover letter:
“With my master’s degree in software engineering and five years of industry experience, I’m confident I can bring…”
In an email to a professor:
“I am writing to inquire about your master’s program in linguistics. I am particularly interested in…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does “Master of Science” not have an apostrophe, but “master’s degree” does?
“Master of Science” is a formal, official degree title — it’s a fixed phrase like a proper noun. When you shorten it to “master’s,” you’re now using a possessive adjective form, which requires the apostrophe. Think of it like “New York” (no apostrophe in the city name) versus “New York’s libraries” (apostrophe when possessive).
Is it okay to drop the apostrophe in informal writing or social media?
Technically, no — it’s still incorrect. However, informal writing allows more flexibility, and many native speakers do drop the apostrophe casually. In formal contexts (academic papers, job applications, professional emails), always use the apostrophe.
What about the abbreviations M.A., M.S., and MBA?
Abbreviations don’t use apostrophes. You write “M.A.” (Master of Arts) or “MBA” without any possessive marker. When you expand them back to words, the apostrophe returns: “master’s degree in the arts.”
Can I use “master degree” without “Master’s” or “Master of”?
No, this is incorrect. You either need the apostrophe (“master’s degree”) or the full formal title (“Master of Science”). The phrase “master degree” is not standard in English.
Does the apostrophe rule change for plural master’s degrees?
No. If someone has two master’s degrees, you still write “master’s degrees” (with apostrophe on each instance) or “two master’s degrees.” The apostrophe remains because it shows possession each time.
What if I’m writing about degree holders — the people, not the degrees?
Use “master’s holders” or “people with master’s degrees” — the apostrophe still appears because you’re still referring to the degree. Only use “masters” (no apostrophe) when talking about people who are experts (“chess masters,” “old masters”), and this is rare in academic contexts.
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Grammar
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Confused Words (Pillar)
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