Stepping onto the campus for the first time, Emma felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The term Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree floated in her mind like a distant promise, a milestone she had dreamed about since high school.
Each lecture hall, each library aisle whispered opportunities and challenges that would shape her future. As she unpacked her books, she realized it wasn’t just about earning a piece of paper it was about growth, curiosity, and discovering her path.
That first day marked the beginning of a journey filled with knowledge, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
Meaning of Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by colleges and universities after completing a course of study, usually lasting three to four years.
Examples include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Arts
- Bachelor’s degree in Science
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
Key Point
The word bachelor’s shows possession.
It means:
A degree belonging to a bachelor
That’s why the apostrophe ’s is important.
Bachelor’s Degree: Correct Form Explained
Why “Bachelor’s Degree” Is Correct
The correct and grammatically accepted form is:
✅ Bachelor’s degree
Here’s why:
- Bachelor = a person who has completed undergraduate studies
- Degree = the qualification
- The apostrophe ’s shows ownership or association
So, bachelor’s degree literally means:
A degree of a bachelor
Grammar Breakdown
| Part | Explanation |
| Bachelor | A singular noun |
| ’s | Possessive apostrophe |
| Degree | The qualification |
Correct Usage Examples
- She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology.
- I’m studying for a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for this job.
What Does “Bachelors Degree” Mean?
Is “Bachelors Degree” Correct?
❌ No, “bachelors degree” is grammatically incorrect in standard English.
Why?
Because:
- Bachelors is a plural noun
- Plural nouns do not show possession unless followed by an apostrophe
So without an apostrophe, it incorrectly suggests:
Degrees belonging to multiple bachelors (but still written wrong)
Why People Make This Mistake
People often write bachelors degree because:
- They misunderstand apostrophes
- They think plurals sound more natural
- They see incorrect usage online
But popularity does not make it correct.
Bachelor Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree
Is “Bachelor Degree” Correct?
❌ Bachelor degree (without apostrophe) is also incorrect in formal English.
Correct Comparison
| Form | Correct? | Reason |
| Bachelor’s degree | ✅ Yes | Correct possessive form |
| Bachelors degree | ❌ No | Missing apostrophe |
| Bachelor degree | ❌ No | Lacks possession |
| Bachelor’s degrees | ✅ Yes | Correct plural possessive |
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelors Degree |
| Grammatically correct | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Uses apostrophe | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Accepted in academic writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| SEO-friendly usage | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Professional writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Understanding Apostrophes in Degrees
Why Apostrophes Matter in English
Apostrophes show:
- Possession
- Contractions
In bachelor’s degree, the apostrophe shows ownership.
Similar Correct Examples
- Master’s degree
- Doctor’s degree
- Children’s books
- Teacher’s desk
Common Wrong Apostrophe Examples
❌ Masters degree
❌ Doctors degree
❌ Bachelors degree
Correct forms:
✅ Master’s degree
✅ Doctor’s degree
✅ Bachelor’s degree
Bachelor’s Degrees (Plural Form)
When to Use “Bachelor’s Degrees”
Use bachelor’s degrees when referring to more than one degree.
Correct Structure
- Bachelor’s (possessive)
- Degrees (plural noun)
Examples
- The university offers several bachelor’s degrees.
- She holds two bachelor’s degrees.
- Many bachelor’s degrees are available online.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Forgetting the Apostrophe
❌ bachelors degree
✅ bachelor’s degree
2. Using Plural Instead of Possessive
❌ bachelors
✅ bachelor’s
3. Copying Incorrect Online Usage
Many websites incorrectly use bachelors degree, but that doesn’t make it right.
4. Inconsistent Writing
Using both forms in one document reduces credibility.
Spelling and Writing Tips
Easy Memory Trick
Ask yourself:
“Does the degree belong to a bachelor?”
If yes → use ’s
Simple Rule
- One degree → bachelor’s degree
- Many degrees → bachelor’s degrees
Pro Writing Tip
Always use bachelor’s degree in:
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Academic writing
- Professional emails
Bachelor’s Degree in a Sentence (Examples)
Simple Examples
- He completed his bachelor’s degree last year.
- A bachelor’s degree improves job opportunities.
Academic Examples
- Admission requires a bachelor’s degree in science.
- She pursued a bachelor’s degree in economics.
Professional Examples
- This role requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Bachelor’s Degree in Resume Writing
Correct Resume Usage
Always write:
✅ Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
Incorrect Resume Usage
❌ Bachelors Degree in Computer Science
❌ Bachelor Degree in Computer Science
Using the wrong form can make your resume look unprofessional.
British vs American English: Is There Any Difference?
Is the Usage Different?
❌ No difference.
Both American English and British English use:
✅ Bachelor’s degree
The rule is universal.
Formal vs Informal Writing
Formal Writing
Always use:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s degrees
Informal Writing
Even in casual writing, the correct form is still preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Master’s Degree
Comparison
| Degree | Correct Form |
| Undergraduate | Bachelor’s degree |
| Graduate | Master’s degree |
| Doctoral | Doctorate / Doctor’s degree |
All follow the same possessive rule.
FAQs:
Is it bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree?
The correct form is bachelor’s degree. “Bachelors degree” is incorrect.
Why does bachelor’s degree have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows possession, meaning the degree belongs to a bachelor.
Is bachelors degree ever correct?
No, not in standard English writing.
Can I write bachelors in informal text?
Even informally, bachelor’s is still the correct form.
What is the plural of bachelor’s degree?
The plural form is bachelor’s degrees.
Is bachelor degree acceptable?
No, it is grammatically incorrect.
Do universities use bachelor’s degree?
Yes, universities officially use bachelor’s degree.
Which is better for SEO?
Bachelor’s degree is better for SEO and professional writing.
Conclusion
The confusion between bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree is very common, but the rule is actually simple. Bachelor’s degree is the only grammatically correct and professionally accepted form. The apostrophe is not optional it shows possession and gives the phrase its correct meaning.
Whether you’re writing an essay, updating your resume, applying for jobs, or creating SEO content, always choose bachelor’s degree. Using the correct form improves clarity, credibility, and professionalism.
