Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree: Truth No One Tells You

Many people get confused when writing bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree. Both phrases look similar, but using the wrong one can make your writing look unprofessional. If you’ve ever wondered which one is correct, you’re not alone!

This guide will make it easy to understand the difference. You’ll learn what each term means, how to use them in sentences, and common mistakes to avoid. With simple examples and practical tips, even beginners or students can write confidently. By the end of this article, you will be able to use bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree correctly in everyday conversation, emails, essays, and formal writing.

Let’s dive in and simplify this confusing grammar point so you can feel confident in your English skills!

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What Does Each Term Mean?

Bachelor’s Degree

A bachelor’s degree is a noun. It refers to the academic degree you earn after completing undergraduate studies at a college or university.

• Part of speech: Noun
• Meaning: One person’s undergraduate academic degree

Examples:

1. I just earned my bachelor’s degree in Biology.
2. She is proud of her bachelor’s degree from Harvard.
3. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he started working in IT.

Think of it as a single person owning that degree — the apostrophe ’s shows possession.

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Bachelors Degree

Some people write bachelors degree without the apostrophe, but this is considered incorrect in standard English.

• Part of speech: Noun (incorrect form)
• Meaning: Intended to refer to the same as “bachelor’s degree,” but missing the possessive apostrophe

Examples (incorrect usage):

1. I have completed my bachelors degree in Physics.
2. She received her bachelors degree last year.

While people may understand your meaning, formal writing, exams, and professional communication require the correct bachelor’s degree form.

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The Key Difference Between Bachelor’s Degree and Bachelors Degree

Here’s a simple comparison table for clarity:

Feature	Bachelor’s Degree	Bachelors Degree
Correct?	✅ Yes, standard English	❌ No, incorrect
Apostrophe	Yes, shows possession	No, missing apostrophe
Meaning	Degree belonging to a bachelor	Attempt to mean the same, but grammatically wrong
Example	She earned her bachelor’s degree in History.	She earned her bachelors degree in History.

Quick Tip: If you want to be correct, always add the apostrophe ’s after “bachelor.”

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Missing the apostrophe

• ❌ I earned my bachelors degree last year.
• ✅ I earned my bachelor’s degree last year.

Why it happens: People forget that the degree belongs to the bachelor (possession).

Mistake 2: Using “bachelors degree” in formal writing

• ❌ The report says she has a bachelors degree.
• ✅ The report says she has a bachelor’s degree.

Fix: Always remember, in formal writing, the apostrophe is required.

Mistake 3: Confusing plural bachelor degrees

• ❌ All students received their bachelors degree.
• ✅ All students received their bachelor’s degrees.

Tip: When talking about multiple people, make “degree” plural: bachelor’s degrees.

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When to Use Bachelor’s Degree

Use bachelor’s degree in these situations:

1. Talking about your own education:
   • I earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
2. Writing a resume or CV:
   • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, 2022.
3. Discussing someone else’s education formally:
   • She holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics.
4. Academic or professional documents:
   • Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.
5. Conversational English when referring to formal studies:
   • Did you finish your bachelor’s degree yet?

Memory Hack: Remember the apostrophe like a tiny crown — it shows the degree belongs to one bachelor. 👑

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When Not to Use “Bachelors Degree”

Avoid bachelors degree without the apostrophe in:

• School assignments or essays
• Job applications and resumes
• Official forms or reports

Quick Tip: If you’re ever unsure, just ask: “Does the degree belong to a bachelor?” If yes → add ’s.

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Quick Recap: Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree

• Bachelor’s degree ✅ — Correct, possessive, singular or plural (add “degrees” if plural).
• Bachelors degree ❌ — Incorrect, missing apostrophe.
• Always use bachelor’s degree in formal, academic, or professional writing.
• When plural, write bachelor’s degrees.
• Apostrophe shows possession: the degree belongs to a bachelor.

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Advanced Tips

• Origin: The word “bachelor” comes from Medieval Latin baccalarius, meaning a young knight or student.
• Formal writing: Always use the apostrophe in essays, reports, and cover letters.
• Texting & casual writing: People may drop the apostrophe in messages, but avoid it in formal contexts.

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Mini Quiz

Fill in the blanks with the correct form:

1. I just received my _______ degree in Chemistry.
2. All students completed their _______ degrees last month.
3. She is proud of her _______ degree from Oxford.
4. Have you finished your _______ degree yet?
5. The job requires a _______ degree in Accounting.

(Answer Key: 1. bachelor’s, 2. bachelor’s, 3. bachelor’s, 4. bachelor’s, 5. bachelor’s)

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FAQs

Q1: Is “bachelors degree” ever correct?
No, standard English requires the apostrophe: bachelor’s degree.

Q2: How do I write plural for bachelor’s degree?
Use bachelor’s degrees. The apostrophe stays; “degree” becomes plural.

Q3: Can I use “bachelors degree” in casual texts?
You might see it in informal texting, but it’s better to write correctly: bachelor’s degree.

Q4: Why do people confuse these forms?
Because the apostrophe is easy to forget, and many assume “bachelors degree” is fine.

Q5: Does the apostrophe change the meaning?
Yes! Without it, it’s grammatically wrong. With it, it correctly shows possession.

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Conclusion

Now you know the clear difference between bachelor’s degree and bachelors degree. The correct form always includes the apostrophe to show that the degree belongs to a bachelor. Using the right form improves your writing, whether for school, work, or personal communication. Remember the memory hack: the apostrophe is like a crown showing ownership.

Practice using bachelor’s degree in sentences, resumes, and emails. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel. Mistakes happen, but learning and applying the rules makes English simple and fun. Start writing confidently today, and soon using these terms correctly will become second nature!