Master’s Degree or Masters Degree: Which is Correct?
A master’s degree offers an excellent opportunity for furthering your knowledge in a specific field after completing your undergraduate studies. However, the question arises: should it be written as a master’s degree or masters degree? In this article, we’ll guide you on punctuating a master’s degree, whether to capitalize the ‘M,’ and provide sentence examples to clarify the usage.
Understanding a Master’s Degree
To distinguish between a master’s and masters, let’s first comprehend the essence of this degree. A Master’s degree is an advanced academic credential granted at the postgraduate level, signifying a high level of expertise in a specialized area of study. It indicates that the individual has undertaken a program and attained mastery in a specific subject.
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Bestowing a master’s degree acknowledges the recipient as a proficient master in their chosen field. Consequently, the term should be written as “a master’s degree,” employing the possessive apostrophe.
Pursuing a Master’s degree is a wise decision if you seek to enhance your knowledge in a specific subject, advance your career prospects, or explore new areas of interest. Enrolling in a master’s degree program typically follows the completion of a bachelor’s degree and typically requires at least 2 years of study, depending on the discipline.
Correctly Formatting Master’s Degree
The question often arises whether to use an apostrophe when referring to a master’s degree. The correct form is “a master’s degree.” This is because the term “master’s” functions as a possessive noun and should be accompanied by an apostrophe.
An apostrophe signifies possession, indicating that something belongs to someone. Writing “masters” without the apostrophe changes its function; it becomes an adjective or a plural form of “master.” For instance, if you’re discussing two individuals esteemed as ‘masters,’ you might refer to them as ‘masters.’
Examples of Proper Usage
To accurately punctuate “master’s degree” in various contexts, consider these illustrative examples:
– He completed a master’s degree in computer science in 2022.
– After immense dedication, John was granted a master’s degree in physics.
– What is the duration required to attain a Master of Computer Science degree?
– The university offers programs for both arts and science master’s degrees.
– To acquire my M.A. degree, I had to complete a master’s thesis.
– Once I obtain my Master of Political Science degree, I plan to pursue a doctorate in the same field.
– Andrew has been diligently working towards his master’s degree for a year.
– For employment at this company, a master’s in business, preferably business management, is a prerequisite.
– She holds a master’s degree in psychology, showcasing her intelligence.
– My colleague is taking a leave to pursue a master’s degree.
– They excel in their respective fields, being true masters.
– Submission of a nursing thesis is the final step before earning a Master of Marine Technology.
Always bear in mind that when discussing a master’s degree, the proper form is to use the possessive apostrophe to convey ownership of the knowledge and skills that the degree represents.
Bachelor’s Degree vs. Bachelor
To understand the correct punctuation for a bachelor’s degree, let’s briefly explore “bachelor’s” and its usage. A bachelor’s degree represents the initial level of education attained at a university. Once an individual achieves a bachelor’s degree, they can proceed to pursue a master’s or a doctorate.
If you’re uncertain about whether to write “a master’s degree” or “a master’s degree,” it’s likely you also have queries about “a bachelor’s degree” or “a bachelor’s degree.” The key to deciding between “bachelor’s” and “bachelor’s degree” is understanding the context, the intended audience, and the usage.
The same principles apply to “a master’s degree” and “a bachelor’s degree.” Use an apostrophe with “bachelor’s” when indicating possession. For example:
– To earn a bachelor’s degree, you need to study for four years.
– Without diligence in your studies, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is challenging.
When referring to a group of graduates, the term remains possessive but not singular. For instance:
– The entire class of bachelor’s degree graduates is ready for graduation.
When mentioning a specific field of study, omit the apostrophe and capitalize both “bachelor” and the area of expertise. For example:
– She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from an international university.
– His Bachelor of Science in Statistics from the University of Illinois has aided him in his job search.
Abbreviating a bachelor’s degree can take various forms. For instance, a Bachelor of Education may be abbreviated as BEd, B.E, or B.Ed.
Correct Writing of a Master’s Degree
Ensuring accurate spelling of your degree is essential. The proper form is “a Master’s degree.” This acknowledges the recipient as a master in their chosen field, emphasizing ownership. Therefore, the possessive apostrophe is essential.
Using “a Master’s degree” without an apostrophe would refer to the degree in a more general sense, focusing on the academic achievement rather than individual ownership. For instance, “a master of science.”
Capitalizing the ‘M’ in Your Master’s Degree
“Master’s” is considered a common noun, and it does not require capitalization. For example:
– He attained his master’s degree in 2019.
– My aspiration is to earn a master’s degree in medicine one day.
– My educational background includes a master’s degree in computer science.
However, when specifying a particular degree or program, it becomes a proper noun and should be in title case. In this case, capitalize “Master” and the specialized field. The term “master” itself does not require an apostrophe, as it signifies a category rather than possession. For example:
– He graduated with a Master of Planning in 2019.
– My ambition is to obtain a Master of Physics in the future.
– He successfully completed a Master of Leadership program at MIT.
Similarly, when addressing an individual who holds a master’s degree, follow the same rule:
– She is a Master of Agriculture.
– To work in that capacity, one needs to hold a Master of Medicine.
– He earned a Master’s of Accounting in 2020.
Note that when referring to the degree title, capitalize “Master’s.” For example, “I possess a Master of Physics degree.”
However, when discussing it in a general context, such as “I earned a master’s in statistics,” capitalization is not required, as “master’s” remains a common noun.
When abbreviating specific master’s degrees, capitalize both “master’s” and the field. For example, Master of Science (M.S.).
Including Your Master’s Degree on Your Resume
Incorporating your master’s degree into your resume demands careful consideration. A master’s degree is conferred after completing a two-year postgraduate program. When listing it on your resume, adhere to reverse chronological order, presenting the most recent degree first, followed by earlier degrees. You can also utilize abbreviations in your resume.
Here are some abbreviation examples:
– Masters of Engineering (M.Eng., M.E, MEng, ME)
– Master of Science (M.S, MSc, M.Sc. MS)
– Master of Arts (MA, M.A)
– Master of Education (MEd, M.Ed.)
– Master of Business Administration (MBA, M.B.A)
Here are some tips for effectively presenting your degrees on your resume:
– Create an education section within your resume.
– Decide whether to place it before or after your work experience section.
– List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent.
– Provide additional details about your degree, such as coursework, GPA, etc.
– Ensure consistent formatting for all your degrees.
– Include degrees that are in progress, but never falsify your credentials.
For recent graduates, include the degree, university, dates, and noteworthy achievements such as extracurricular activities. For experienced candidates, list the most recent degrees in reverse order. Avoid unnecessary details; include only the degree name, school, and date.
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In Conclusion
Are you grappling with the correct way to write about the degree you hold—whether it’s “a master’s degree” or “a master’s degree”? This comprehensive guide clarifies the punctuation of “a master’s degree.” Review the information provided to master the use of possessive apostrophes, a skill that is valuable when crafting a compelling resume.
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