Many English learners, students, and even professionals often get confused about If it is masters or master’s when talking about degrees like Master of Arts or Master of Science. You might see someone writing “I have a Masters degree,” while another person writes “I have a Master’s degree,” which makes the confusion even stronger.
This is why people frequently search is it masters or master’s they want to know the correct grammar rule for academic writing, resumes, and official documents.
The confusion happens because both forms appear online, in universities, and in casual writing. However, only one is grammatically correct in formal English. Understanding is it masters or master’s helps you avoid mistakes in CVs, emails, and academic applications. It also improves your professional writing style and makes your English more accurate.
In this article, we will clearly explain If it is masters or master’s, its origin, correct usage, differences between British and American English, and real-world examples so you never get confused again.
Is It Masters or Master’s – Quick Answer
The correct form is “Master’s degree” (with an apostrophe).
- ✔ Correct: I have a Master’s degree in English.
- ❌ Incorrect: I have a Masters degree in English.
Simple Rule:
- “Master’s” shows possession → meaning degree of a master
- “Masters” without apostrophe is informal and often incorrect in academic writing
The Origin of “Master’s”
The word master comes from Latin “magister”, meaning teacher or expert. In medieval universities, a Master was someone who had reached the highest level of academic achievement.
Later, the possessive form “Master’s degree” developed, meaning:
the degree belonging to a master-level scholar
Over time, the apostrophe became standard in formal English writing to show possession. This is why Master’s is grammatically correct today.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both British and American English use Master’s degrees, but casual usage may differ.
| Feature | British English | American English |
| Correct form | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
| Informal usage | Sometimes “Masters” in speech | “Masters” common in speech |
| Academic writing | Always Master’s | Always Master’s |
| Formal documents | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
👉 Conclusion: Both follow the same formal rule.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- Academic Writing: Always use Master’s degree
- Resume/CV: Use Master’s degree for professionalism
- USA Universities: Prefer Master’s degree
- UK & Commonwealth: Same rule applies
- Casual Speech: “Masters” is often spoken but not written formally
👉 If you want to stay safe globally, always write Master’s degree.
Common Mistakes with “Master’s”
- ❌ Masters degree
- ❌ Master degree
- ❌ Master’s Degree (random capitalization in mid-sentence)
- ❌ Master’s Degree (without consistency in formatting)
✔ Correct:
- Master’s degree in Computer Science
- Master’s in Business Administration (informal abbreviation)
“Master’s” in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- I have completed my Master’s degree in Economics.
Social Media:
- Proud to graduate with my Master’s in Psychology 🎓
News Writing:
- She earned a Master’s degree from Harvard University.
Formal Documents:
- Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Engineering.
Master’s – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows:
- Highest searches: India, Pakistan, UK, USA
- Common query intent: grammar clarification and resume writing
- Peak usage: during admission season and job application periods
👉 Insight: Most users search this keyword because they are writing CVs or academic applications.
Comparison Table: Masters vs Master’s
| Form | Correct? | Usage Type | Example |
| Master’s | ✔ Correct | Formal academic writing | Master’s degree in Biology |
| Masters | ❌ Incorrect (formal) | Casual / incorrect usage | I have masters degree |
| Master’s Degree | ✔ Most correct | Official documents | Master’s Degree in Arts |
FAQs
1. Is it Masters or Master’s degree?
The correct form is Master’s degree.
2. Why do people write “Masters”?
Because in speech and informal writing, people skip the apostrophe.
3. Is “Masters” wrong?
It is not formal English. It is considered incorrect in academic writing.
4. Do I need an apostrophe in Master’s?
Yes, it shows possession (degree of a master).
5. What is the abbreviation of Master’s degree?
Commonly: MA, MSc, MBA
6. Can I write Masters in CV?
It is better to write Master’s degree for professionalism.
7. Is it different in UK and US English?
No, both use Master’s degree in formal writing.
Conclusion
The confusion between is it masters or master’s is very common among students and professionals, especially when writing resumes, academic papers, or online profiles. The correct and widely accepted form in formal English is “Master’s degree”, which uses an apostrophe to show possession.
It means the degree belongs to a master-level qualification. While the word “masters” is often used in casual speech, it is not considered grammatically correct in formal writing.
Both British and American English follow the same rule, so there is no difference in official usage. Whether you are applying for a job, writing a CV, or filling out an academic form, always use “Master’s degree” to maintain professionalism and accuracy. Understanding this small grammar rule can significantly improve your written English and prevent common mistakes.
In short, if you want to sound correct, clear, and professional, always choose Master’s degree over “masters.”
