If you’ve ever paused while writing “bachelors or bachelor’s degree” on a resume, college application, or LinkedIn profile, you’re not alone. This small punctuation mark confuses students, professionals, and even experienced writers. The good news is that the rule is actually pretty simple once you understand it.

In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between bachelors or bachelor’s, explain the grammar behind degree names, and show you the correct way to use phrases like bachelor’s degree, Bachelor of Science, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use an apostrophe — and when not to.

Is It Bachelors or Bachelor’s?

The correct form is usually “bachelor’s” with an apostrophe.

For example:

• bachelor’s degree
• bachelor’s in psychology
• bachelors degree

The apostrophe shows possession. Historically, the degree belongs to a bachelor, which is why English grammar uses the possessive form.

Correct Examples

• She earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• I’m applying for a bachelor’s program next year.
• He completed his bachelor’s in business administration.

Incorrect Examples

• bachelors degree
• bachelors in science
• bachelor degree

Although many people casually write “bachelors,” especially online, standard English grammar considers it incorrect in most formal writing.

Why Does “Bachelor’s” Have an Apostrophe?

English degree names follow traditional possessive grammar rules.

Think of it this way:

• A master’s degree is a degree of a master.
• A bachelor’s degree is a degree of a bachelor.

That’s why both include apostrophes.

This rule also applies to:

• associate’s degree
• master’s degree

But there’s one important exception that confuses many people.

Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelor of Science

Here’s where the wording changes.

When using the full official degree title, you do not use an apostrophe.

Correct Official Degree Names

• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Examples

• She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry.
• He completed a Bachelor of Arts in history.

Notice there is no apostrophe in “Bachelor of Science.”

Bachelors or Bachelor’s Degree: The Correct Usage

The phrase “bachelor’s degree” is the grammatically correct version.

Use “Bachelor’s Degree” When:

• Speaking generally
• Writing resumes
• Discussing education informally
• Referring to a non-specific degree

Examples

• A bachelor’s degree can improve career opportunities.
• Many jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Use “Bachelor of…” When:

• Mentioning the exact degree title
• Writing formal academic documents
• Listing credentials

Examples

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Arts in English Literature

Is It Bachelors or Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume?

If you’re updating your resume or LinkedIn profile, use one of these correct formats:

Correct Resume Examples

Informal Style

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Formal Style

• Bachelor of Science in Marketing

Abbreviated Style

• BS in Marketing

Avoid writing:

• Bachelors Degree
• Bachelor Degree

Recruiters and hiring managers often notice grammar mistakes, especially in professional documents.

Bachelors or Bachelor’s of Science?

Another common question is whether to write:

• bachelor’s of science
• Bachelor of Science

The correct version is:

Bachelor of Science

The phrase “bachelor’s of science” is grammatically incorrect because the official title removes the possessive apostrophe structure.

Correct Examples

• She has a Bachelor of Science in biology.
• He completed a Bachelor of Science degree.

Incorrect Example

• bachelor’s of science

Common Grammar Rules for Academic Degrees

Here’s a simple cheat sheet to remember.

Should Bachelor’s Be Capitalized?

Capitalization depends on how the term is used.

Lowercase When Used Generally

• I earned a bachelor’s degree last year.
• She is studying for a master’s degree.

Capitalize Official Degree Names

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Education

This follows standard academic style guides, including AP and Chicago style.

Why People Confuse Bachelors and Bachelor’s

There are a few reasons this mistake is extremely common.

1. Spoken English Hides the Apostrophe

When spoken aloud, “bachelors” and “bachelor’s” sound almost identical.

2. Internet Usage Is Inconsistent

Many websites, forums, and social media posts use incorrect grammar, spreading confusion.

3. Degree Titles Follow Different Rules

People see “Bachelor of Science” without an apostrophe and assume “bachelors degree” should also omit it.

Easy Trick to Remember the Correct Form

A simple way to remember the rule:

Use Apostrophes for General Degrees

• bachelor’s degree
• master’s degree

No Apostrophes for Official Titles

• Bachelor of Science
• Master of Arts

That one rule solves most confusion instantly.

Examples of Correct Usage in Sentences

Here are practical examples you can copy confidently.

General Usage

• A bachelor’s degree is often required for entry-level jobs.
• She completed her bachelor’s in economics.

Formal Degree Titles

• He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering.
• They offer a Bachelor of Arts in political science.

Resume Usage

• Bachelor of Business Administration, 2024
• Bachelor’s degree in communications

How Dictionaries and Style Guides Treat It

Major dictionaries and academic style manuals consistently recommend:

bachelor’s degree
master’s degree

Organizations such as:

• Merriam-Webster
• Oxford English Dictionary
• Associated Press (AP)
• Chicago Manual of Style

all recognize the possessive form as standard English.

FAQs About Bachelors or Bachelor’s

Is it bachelors or bachelor’s degree?

The correct phrase is bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe.

Is it bachelors or bachelor’s on a resume?

Use either:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Both are correct depending on style.

Is bachelor’s degree capitalized?

Only capitalize it when using the official degree title, such as Bachelor of Science.

Is “bachelor’s of science” correct?

No. The correct phrase is Bachelor of Science.

Why does bachelor’s have an apostrophe?

The apostrophe shows possession in traditional English grammar.

Can I write “bachelors degree” informally?

You may see it online, but it’s considered grammatically incorrect in professional and academic writing.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between bachelors or bachelor’s is easier once you know the grammar rules behind academic degrees. In most situations, the correct form is bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe. However, when using official degree titles like Bachelor of Science, the apostrophe disappears.

Remember these key points:

• Use bachelor’s degree for general references
• Use Bachelor of Science for formal degree titles
• Avoid writing “bachelors degree” in professional documents