Master’s Degree Vs Masters Degree? The Correct Way To Write Master’s Degree!

Students, job applicants, and professionals all face a common confusion: That is the inability to decide how to write the term ‘master’s degree’ correctly. While it might not sound like a topic to write a blog about, it is worth mentioning that it does lead to confusion, which might derail your chances of getting a job in some cases. The master’s degree vs masters degree debate has raged for a long time now, and we are about to put it to rest. In this blog, we will discuss the correct way to write master’s degree, and the rules of master’s degree capitalization. This way, you will be able to get familiar with academic degree capitalization rules and learn how to write the names of different degrees in different ways.

Master’s Degree Vs Masters Degree: What Is The Correct Spelling?

Okay, so it’s time that we finally settle this debate once and for all. The apostrophe is the key here; without it, the spelling is incomplete. Here you have the answer: The correct way to write master’s degree is, well, ‘master’s degree.’ The apostrophe is critical, so never forget that. Now you might ask: “What was the need for such an elaborate blog just to answer this simple question?”

Well, we won’t just discuss the actual spelling; we will also discuss the master’s degree capitalization and grammar rules in this section. Here are some grammar rules that you need to follow while writing the names of degrees.

Master’s Degree Grammar Rules

1)    Grammar Logic

The apostrophe signals the possessive singular form. The degree belongs to one master only. You can interpret a master’s degree as ‘the degree of a master.’

2)    Incorrect Forms to Avoid

Avoid writing ‘masters degree,’ it treats the term ‘masters’ like an adjective, which it isn’t. Also, avoid using the apostrophe after the ‘s’ (masters’), because that signifies the possessive plural (a degree belonging to multiple masters).

Why Does The Correct Spelling Matter?

1)    Professionalism

Using the correct form of the word indicates that the writer has an advanced understanding of writing conventions. This is especially important if you have to list master’s degree in resumes, CVs, or cover letters.

2)    Style Guide Adherence

Citation style guides are universally followed in academia. Different styles also have different degree name writing connotations. For example, Chicago style degree names don’t use periods (M.A. instead of MA), whereas APA and MLA format master’s degrees will be written with (MLA) and without (APA) a period.

3)    Clarity and Precision

Most importantly, correct spelling helps in avoiding ambiguity. Official university documents and diplomas always use the possessive form when referring to the general degree type. Managing degrees in your assignment is important, so if you need management assignment help, remember that we are always here to help.

How To Write Master’s Degree On Resume?

It’s going to sound strange, but the ability to write a master’s degree on CVs and resumes could mean the difference between getting selected or rejected. While it might sound like a small thing to focus on, there are some recruiters who pay close attention to every detail. You might want to avoid having the intricacies of your resume scrutinised by a keen-eyed recruiter. Here is how to write master’s degree on resumes and CVs.

1.    General (In Running Text)

Use the possessive form when referring to the general category of the degree. Always use the possessive singular term ‘master’s degree’. For example: “I am seeking a position where my master’s degree in organisational leadership can be utilised.”

2.    Formal Full Title (The Gold Standard)

This is the most formal and professional way of listing the degree in your education section. Always use the full name of the degree as it appears on the diploma, without the possessive apostrophe.

3.    Using Abbreviations (Parenthetical Use)

Abbreviations like MA, MS, etc. are useful, but if you do use them, be consistent with their usage. Always use the abbreviation that corresponds to the formal degree title. Use periods only if your citation style allows you to. Don’t forget to place the degree abbreviation immediately after the full, formal title of the degree. {For eg: Master of Science (MS))

How To Write Degrees On LinkedIn?

While there are recruiters who couldn’t care less about your LinkedIn profile, there are some who will take a close look at it. In this section, we will learn how to write degrees on LinkedIn so that your profile appears as professional as possible.

a)    Utilising the Specific LinkedIn Fields

While adding your degree to your LinkedIn profile, the platform guides you through specific input fields. The degree field should be used to put the common name of the degree, which is usually an abbreviation or something simple such as a ‘master’s degree.’ Then use the ‘field of study’ section to state the exact field in which you have a master’s degree.

b)   Prioritising Keywords for Searchability

Employers often use LinkedIn to sort candidates based on their qualifications. Instead of plainly listing your specialisation as ‘history,’ write more specific terms like ‘modern European history.’ This will help recruiters find your profile more easily, and thus, your chances of getting selected will improve.

c)    Capitalisation and Abbreviations on the Platform

While LinkedIn allows for more informal language than a resume, always remain consistent with abbreviations. Capitalise the abbreviations everytime you use them, and if you are using periods, then make sure that you use them everytime.

d)   Maximising the Description Box

Use the description box beneath the degree entry to add more value and depth to your degree. State some projects you undertook during your study or mention some extra courses or certifications you have gained in your area of expertise.

Bachelor’s Degree Vs Master’s Degree: How To Write Both These Degrees Differently?

There are some common conventions that we have to follow while writing the names of bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees. There is not much difference between the two, but we will look at a table that will help you analyse the differences and similarities in the ways we write the names of both degrees. Here is a bachelor’s degree vs master’s degree name writing conventions and their differences/similarities.

How To Write Degrees In Each Major Citation Style?

Some people probably do not realise that writing the names of degrees can differ with different citation style. While the difference isn’t super obvious at first, it is still important to take note of it to maintain consistency and professionalism. In this section, we will learn how to write degrees correctly in different citation styles.

APA (American Psychological Association)

Writing APA style master’s degrees is pretty much the most basic way of writing degrees that you might come across. The rules are simple: Use the possessive form and lowercase (for eg: she holds a master’s degree…) and capitalise full names, but abbreviate without periods (MS instead of M.S.).

MLA (Modern Language Association)

MLA format master’s degrees are not too different. You have to use the possessive form and lowercase, but you also have to use periods while abbreviating (M.A. instead of MA). When discussing the degree in general, use lowercase letters, but when specifically naming the degree, capitalise the abbreviations. 

Chicago/Turabian (CMOS)

For Chicago style degree names, you have to use the possessive form and lowercase letters, as we have been doing so far. Full degree names are to be capitalised. Now here’s the tricky part: Chicago A (author-date) style uses periods to write the names of degrees, whereas Chicago B (notes/bibliography) omits periods entirely. In formal lists or tables, degree names without abbreviations are allowed.

AP Style (Associated Press)

This one’s different. Lowercase the general degree, but do not use the possessive form (this is to save space in journalistic writing). For example: He has a masters degree (instead of a master’s degree). So remember the master of science vs master’s degree difference that the AP style follows. The AP style generally avoids using abbreviations, but if you do, use periods.

Note on Doctoral Degrees

Just remember this thing, all major style guides typically recommend writing the general term as a doctoral degree or a doctorate. However, the term Ph.D. is almost universally used and capitalised. Although APA and Chicago style degree names obviously have a difference in their opinions on whether or not the degree name has to be abbreviated or not.

Conclusion

As you can tell, this is a small thing to focus on, but it can have severe consequences if you are not mindful about how to write degrees correctly. Sure, most recruiters or professors probably don’t care, but if you have big dreams and you want to make your name in some high-end university or company, it’d do you well to know the master’s degree vs masters degree difference. However, we would like to remind you that it is one of the many academic writing conventions that you have to follow. If you want to learn more about basic and advanced academic writing rules, contact us at Do My Assignment Australia and we’ll help you learn like a champ!