Writing about education often looks simple until punctuation gets involved. One of the most common questions is whether the correct form is “bachelor’s degree” or “bachelors degree.” The two expressions look almost the same, but the apostrophe changes the grammar.
If you are writing a resume, CV, university application, email, academic paper, or professional profile, using the standard form can make your writing clearer and more polished.
The correct form in ordinary English is bachelor’s degree, with an apostrophe before the s. The word bachelor’s is a possessive form, and the phrase has become the standard way to describe an undergraduate academic degree.
You may also see formal degree names such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science, which follow a different capitalization pattern. This article explains why the apostrophe is needed, when to capitalize the term, how to use it on a resume, what the plural form is, and how bachelor’s degree compares with related expressions.
Quick Answer
The standard form is bachelor’s degree, with an apostrophe.
- ✅ bachelor’s degree
- ❌ bachelors degree
- ⚠️ bachelor degree — sometimes seen, but not the standard phrase in ordinary English
Example
I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
The apostrophe in bachelor’s is important because bachelor’s is the possessive form of the singular noun bachelor.
However, when you write the official name of a degree, the structure changes:
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History.
He completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
So, use bachelor’s degree when you are referring to the degree generally, but use the official title, such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, when naming a specific degree.
Is It Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
Bachelor’s degree is the standard expression.
The form bachelor degree is sometimes used informally or by non-native speakers, but it is not the normal grammatical form in standard English.
Compare these sentences:
She has a bachelor’s degree in education.
He is studying for a bachelor’s degree.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
In each example, bachelor’s degree is the natural choice.
The same pattern appears with other academic degrees:
- bachelor’s degree
- master’s degree
- doctoral degree
- associate degree
Notice that master’s degree also uses an apostrophe.
Why Does Bachelor’s Degree Have an Apostrophe?
The apostrophe is used because bachelor’s is traditionally a singular possessive form.
The basic grammatical structure is:
bachelor + ’s + degree
The phrase can be understood as a degree associated with a bachelor.
This is similar to expressions such as:
- a child’s education
- a student’s record
- a teacher’s certificate
- a bachelor’s degree
- a master’s degree
The apostrophe and s together indicate the possessive form.
That is why bachelors degree is not the standard spelling when you mean one academic degree.
Compare the forms
| Form | Correct? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | ✅ | Standard expression |
| bachelors degree | ❌ | Missing possessive apostrophe |
| bachelor degree | ⚠️ | Not the standard phrase |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Depends | Capitalization depends on context |
| Bachelor of Arts | ✅ | Formal degree title |
The important distinction is not simply spelling. It is also grammar and capitalization.
Is “Bachelors Degree” Ever Correct?
In standard English, bachelors degree without an apostrophe is generally considered incorrect when referring to the academic degree.
For example:
❌ I have a bachelors degree in education.
The standard version is:
✅ I have a bachelor’s degree in education.
The missing apostrophe is one of the most common mistakes people make when writing about educational qualifications.
Searches for bachelor degree or bachelors degree often come from people who are unsure whether the apostrophe is required. The answer is straightforward: when you mean the standard academic qualification, write bachelor’s degree.
Is “Bachelor Degree” Correct?
Bachelor degree is not the usual standard expression in English.
You may encounter it in informal writing, translated text, forms, advertisements, or websites written by non-native English speakers. However, in polished English, use:
bachelor’s degree
For example:
❌ She has a bachelor degree in marketing.
❌ She has a bachelors degree in marketing.
✅ She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing.
This distinction matters especially in formal contexts such as resumes, university applications, business documents, and academic writing.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelor of Arts
These expressions are related, but they are not interchangeable.
Bachelor’s degree is a general term for an undergraduate academic degree.
Bachelor of Arts is the formal name of a particular type of degree.
For example:
She has a bachelor’s degree in English.
This tells the reader that she has an undergraduate degree.
You could provide more specific information:
She has a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Comparison
| Expression | Meaning |
|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | General term for an undergraduate degree |
| Bachelor of Arts | Specific degree title |
| Bachelor of Science | Specific degree title |
| BA | Abbreviation for Bachelor of Arts |
| BS | Common US abbreviation for Bachelor of Science |
| BSc | Common abbreviation for Bachelor of Science in many countries |
Therefore, Bachelor of Arts is not simply another spelling of bachelor’s degree. It identifies a particular degree type.
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree in Education
If you are writing about an education qualification, the standard form remains bachelor’s degree.
Examples:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
He is working toward a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
A bachelor’s degree in education can prepare students for various careers in teaching and education.
The same rule applies regardless of the subject:
- bachelor’s degree in education
- bachelor’s degree in business
- bachelor’s degree in psychology
- bachelor’s degree in engineering
- bachelor’s degree in history
- bachelor’s degree in computer science
The field of study does not remove the apostrophe.
Should Bachelor’s Degree Be Capitalized?
Usually, bachelor’s degree is lowercase when it is used as a general term.
For example:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
I completed my bachelor’s degree last year.
However, official degree names are generally capitalized:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Fine Arts
The difference is important.
General reference
I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
Formal degree title
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English.
In a resume, capitalization may also depend on the style of the document and whether you are using the formal name of the degree.
Bachelor’s Degree Capitalization on a Resume
A resume often contains both general descriptions and formal degree names.
For example:
Correct general style:
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, University of Texas
Or, if giving the formal degree title:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
The second version uses the formal degree name.
A useful rule is:
Use lowercase for the general term “bachelor’s degree,” and capitalize the official name of a specific degree.
Resume examples
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
University of California, 2024
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, 2024
Both can work, depending on what you want to communicate.
How to Write Bachelor’s Degree on a CV
The same basic rule applies to a CV.
For example:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
ABC University, 2023
Or:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
ABC University, 2023
Avoid:
Bachelors degree in Psychology
The missing apostrophe makes the phrase grammatically incorrect in standard English.
If you are listing several qualifications, consistency is especially important.
What Is the Plural of Bachelor’s Degree?
The plural is:
bachelor’s degrees
Notice that the apostrophe remains before the s in bachelor’s, while degree becomes plural.
Singular
She earned a bachelor’s degree.
Plural
They earned different bachelor’s degrees.
You should not normally write:
❌ bachelors degrees
The phrase bachelor’s degrees is the standard form.
Examples
- Several students completed their bachelor’s degrees.
- The university offers several bachelor’s degrees.
- She has two bachelor’s degrees in different fields.
- Many careers require a bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s or Bachelors?
When referring to an academic degree, bachelor’s is usually the form you need.
Bachelor
Bachelor is the singular noun.
He is a bachelor.
Bachelors
Bachelors is the plural noun.
The organization welcomed several bachelors.
Bachelor’s
Bachelor’s is the singular possessive form and appears in the standard phrase:
bachelor’s degree
Therefore:
- bachelor = singular noun
- bachelors = plural noun
- bachelor’s = possessive singular
- bachelor’s degree = standard academic expression
This distinction explains why bachelors degree is not the standard form.
Bachelor’s Degree in Academic Writing
Academic writing requires consistent grammar and punctuation. When referring generally to an undergraduate qualification, use bachelor’s degree.
Examples:
Students must complete a bachelor’s degree before applying to the program.
She received her bachelor’s degree from a university in London.
The research examined employment outcomes among people with a bachelor’s degree.
When naming the exact qualification, use its official title:
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
This distinction makes academic writing more precise.
Bachelor’s Degree in Emails and Business Writing
The phrase also appears frequently in professional communication.
Email example
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and have three years of experience in sales.
Another example:
Please provide proof of your bachelor’s degree before the interview.
In business writing, avoid informal or incomplete forms such as:
I have bachelor degree.
Instead, write:
I have a bachelor’s degree.
The same applies to websites, job applications, professional profiles, and official correspondence.
Bachelor’s Degree in Everyday Conversation
In casual conversation, people often shorten the phrase.
For example:
I have a bachelor’s degree in history.
What did you study for your bachelor’s degree?
She’s working on her bachelor’s degree.
In informal speech, someone might simply say:
I have a degree in history.
That is perfectly natural when the specific degree level is already understood.
However, when you need to specify the qualification, bachelor’s degree is the standard expression.
Common Mistakes With Bachelor’s Degree
1. Leaving out the apostrophe
Incorrect:
I have a bachelors degree.
Correct:
I have a bachelor’s degree.
2. Using “bachelor degree”
Incorrect in standard general usage:
I completed a bachelor degree.
Better:
I completed a bachelor’s degree.
3. Capitalizing every word
Usually unnecessary:
I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English.
Better:
I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
If you are using the formal degree title, write:
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English.
4. Using “Bachelors of Arts”
Incorrect:
Bachelors of Arts
Correct formal title:
Bachelor of Arts
The formal degree title uses singular Bachelor, not plural Bachelors.
5. Confusing the degree with the field
Bachelor’s degree in Biology
Here, bachelor’s degree describes the level and Biology identifies the field.
Bachelor or Bachelors of Arts?
The correct formal degree name is:
Bachelor of Arts
Not:
❌ Bachelors of Arts
And not:
❌ Bachelor’s of Arts
For example:
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English.
The same principle applies to other formal degree titles:
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Business Administration
The word Bachelor is singular in these official titles.
Bachelor or Bachelors of Science?
The correct form is:
Bachelor of Science
For example:
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
Not:
❌ Bachelors of Science
And generally not:
❌ Bachelor’s of Science
When referring to the qualification generally, however, you can write:
He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
This gives you two correct structures with different purposes:
| General expression | Formal degree title |
|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | Bachelor of Science |
| bachelor’s degree | Bachelor of Arts |
| bachelor’s degree | Bachelor of Engineering |
| bachelor’s degree | Bachelor of Education |
Why Is a Bachelor’s Degree Called an Undergraduate Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is generally considered an undergraduate degree because it is normally completed before graduate-level study.
A typical higher-education progression may look like:
- Associate degree or equivalent qualification
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral degree
The exact structure varies between countries and education systems.
A bachelor’s degree is therefore commonly described as a first university degree or undergraduate qualification.
This is why searches such as “why is bachelor degree called undergraduate?” and “bachelor degree means which class?” can be confusing. A bachelor’s degree is not simply a school “class.” It is a level of higher education.
What Does a Bachelor’s Degree Mean?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by a college or university after a student completes the required program of study.
The length and structure vary by country, institution, and subject.
Common examples include:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Engineering
- Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
A bachelor’s degree can prepare students for employment, professional training, or further education such as a master’s degree.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees
There are many kinds of bachelor’s degrees. The exact names vary between universities and countries.
| Degree | Common abbreviation | Typical area |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | BA | Humanities, arts, social sciences |
| Bachelor of Science | BS/BSc | Science, technology, mathematics |
| Bachelor of Business Administration | BBA | Business |
| Bachelor of Engineering | BEng | Engineering |
| Bachelor of Education | BEd | Education |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | BFA | Fine arts and creative fields |
These are examples of formal degree titles. In general writing, you can refer to any of them as a bachelor’s degree.
Regional and Style Considerations
Unlike spelling pairs such as colour/color, bachelor’s degree is not primarily a British-versus-American spelling issue. The apostrophe form is standard across major varieties of English.
You may find differences in:
- degree abbreviations
- capitalization
- university terminology
- the length of undergraduate programs
- the names of particular qualifications
For example, BSc is common in British and many international contexts, while BS is common in American English.
The core phrase, however, remains:
bachelor’s degree
So you do not need to choose between bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree based on whether your audience is American or British. The apostrophe is normally required in both.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Master’s Degree
The same possessive pattern appears in both expressions.
| Qualification | Standard form |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | bachelor’s degree |
| Graduate degree | master’s degree |
| Doctoral qualification | doctoral degree |
Examples:
She has a bachelor’s degree in economics.
He has a master’s degree in finance.
This can make the apostrophe easier to remember. If you would write master’s degree, you should also write bachelor’s degree.
Practical Tips for Using Bachelor’s Degree Correctly
Use these simple rules when writing:
Rule 1: Use the apostrophe
Write:
bachelor’s degree
Rule 2: Keep the general term lowercase
Write:
She earned a bachelor’s degree.
Not normally:
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree.
Rule 3: Capitalize formal degree titles
Write:
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Rule 4: Use “degrees” for the plural
Write:
bachelor’s degrees
Rule 5: Keep your resume consistent
If you use formal degree titles for one qualification, use the same style for the others.
Rule 6: Do not write “Bachelors of Arts”
Use:
Bachelor of Arts
These small details can make academic and professional writing look much more polished.
Quick Comparison: Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree
| Point | Bachelor’s degree | Bachelors degree |
|---|---|---|
| Apostrophe | ✅ Included | ❌ Missing |
| Standard English | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Academic writing | ✅ Recommended | ❌ Avoid |
| Resume/CV | ✅ Recommended | ❌ Avoid |
| Business writing | ✅ Recommended | ❌ Avoid |
| Meaning | Undergraduate degree | Intended meaning is usually the same, but form is incorrect |
| Plural | bachelor’s degrees | bachelors degrees ❌ |
The choice is therefore simple: use bachelor’s degree.
FAQs
1. Is it “bachelor degree” or “bachelor’s degree”?
Bachelor’s degree is the standard form. The apostrophe is part of the possessive construction, so it should normally be included.
2. Is “bachelors degree” grammatically correct?
No. When referring to the academic qualification, bachelors degree without the apostrophe is not the standard form. Write bachelor’s degree.
3. Why does “bachelor’s degree” have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe marks the singular possessive form of bachelor. The established phrase is therefore bachelor’s degree, rather than bachelors degree.
4. Should “bachelor’s degree” be capitalized?
Usually, no. When used as a general term, write bachelor’s degree in lowercase. Formal titles such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science are capitalized.
5. What is the plural of “bachelor’s degree”?
The plural is bachelor’s degrees. The apostrophe stays in bachelor’s, while degree becomes plural.
6. Can you say “bachelor degree” without an apostrophe?
You may see bachelor degree in informal or nonstandard writing, but bachelor’s degree is the normal standard expression in English.
7. Is it “Bachelor of Arts” or “Bachelor’s of Arts”?
The formal degree title is Bachelor of Arts. Do not normally write Bachelor’s of Arts or Bachelors of Arts when giving the official degree name.
Conclusion
When deciding between bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree, the correct choice is straightforward: use bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe.
The apostrophe forms the singular possessive bachelor’s, creating the standard expression used for an undergraduate academic qualification. The form bachelors degree is missing this apostrophe and should be avoided in polished English.
Likewise, bachelor degree is not the normal standard expression when referring to the qualification generally.
Remember that bachelor’s degree is a general term, while official names such as Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science use a different structure and capitalization. On resumes, CVs, emails, academic papers, and professional websites, use the form that accurately reflects what you mean and keep your capitalization consistent.
For the plural, write bachelor’s degrees. Once you understand the difference between bachelor, bachelors, and bachelor’s, this common grammar question becomes much easier to handle.
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