🤔 Masters or Master’s – What’s the Real Difference? 2026

People often pause when writing masters or master’s. Is it a masters degree or a master’s degree? Should there be an apostrophe? And why does it look different in some places online?

This confusion is common. Students, professionals, and writers search for masters or master’s because both forms appear everywhere. University websites use one style. Social media uses another. Even official emails sometimes get it wrong.

The problem is simple. The words masters and master’s look almost the same, but they mean different things. One shows possession. The other is plural. Mixing them up can change meaning and make writing look unprofessional.

This article clears that confusion fast. You will get a quick answer, clear rules, and real examples. You will learn where the words come from, how British and American English treat them, and which spelling you should use for your audience.

By the end, you will know exactly when to write master’s degree, master’s, or masters—without guessing.

---

Masters or Master’s – Quick Answer

Master’s (with an apostrophe) is correct when you mean the degree.

Masters (without an apostrophe) is only correct when talking about more than one master or in rare fixed phrases.

Correct examples

• She is doing a master’s degree in economics.
  
• He completed his master’s last year.
  

Incorrect examples

• ❌ She is doing a masters degree.
  
• ❌ I finished my masters in 2022.
  

Rule to remember:
If you mean the academic degree, use master’s.

---

The Origin of Masters or Master’s

The word master comes from Latin magister, meaning teacher or chief. In medieval universities, a master was someone qualified to teach.

Over time, universities began awarding the Master’s degree. The apostrophe shows possession. The degree belongs to the master.

That is why we write:

• master’s degree → the degree of a master
  

The confusion started because people hear the s sound at the end of master’s. In speech, master’s and masters sound the same. In writing, they are not.

English already struggles with apostrophes. This word became one of the most misused forms in academic English.

---

British English vs American English Spelling

Good news first. British English and American English follow the same rule here.

Both use master’s for the degree.

Key difference

The difference is not spelling. It is style preference.

• American English often writes master’s degree
  
• British English often shortens it to master’s
  

Comparison Table

Usage	British English	American English
Full form	master’s degree	master’s degree
Short form	master’s	master’s
Without apostrophe	❌ Incorrect	❌ Incorrect

There is no version where masters degree is correct in standard English.

---

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choose based on your audience.

For the United States

Use master’s degree or master’s.
This is expected in universities, resumes, and official writing.

For the UK and Commonwealth

Use master’s degree or master’s.
Short forms are common but still use the apostrophe.

For a global audience

Always use master’s degree.
It is the clearest and safest choice.

If you want to sound professional, never drop the apostrophe.

---

Common Mistakes with Masters or Master’s

Here are the most frequent errors and fixes.

Mistake 1: Dropping the apostrophe

• ❌ masters degree
  
• ✅ master’s degree
  

Mistake 2: Using plural instead of possessive

• ❌ I completed my masters.
  
• ✅ I completed my master’s.
  

---

Masters or Master’s in Everyday Examples

Emails

• “I am applying after completing my master’s degree.”
  

News

• “The university launched a new master’s programme.”
  

Social media

• “Finally done with my master’s 🎓”
  

Formal writing

• “Admission requires a recognized master’s degree.”
  

In all cases, the apostrophe stays.

---

Masters or Master’s – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data shows that masters degree (without apostrophe) is typed more often. This is because people search the way they speak.

However, edited content tells a different story.

• Universities use master’s degree
  
• Academic journals use master’s
  
• Style guides recommend master’s
  

The incorrect form is popular in searches, not in correct writing. This is a classic example of spoken English influencing search behavior, not grammar rules.

---

Comparison Table: Masters vs Master’s

Form	Correct?	Meaning	Example
master’s	✅ Yes	Degree of a master	master’s degree
masters	❌ No (for degree)	Plural of master	chess masters
masters degree	❌ No	Incorrect form	—
Master’s Degree	✅ Yes	Capitalized title	Master’s Degree in Law

---

FAQs:

1. Is it “masters degree” or “master’s degree”?

It is master’s degree. The apostrophe is required.

2. Can I say “I did my masters”?

It is common in speech but incorrect in formal writing. Use my master’s.

3. Why does master’s have an apostrophe?

It shows possession. The degree belongs to a master.

4. Is there any country where “masters degree” is correct?

No. It is incorrect in both British and American English.

5. Should I capitalize master’s degree?

No, unless it starts a sentence or is part of a title.

6. What about bachelor’s vs bachelors?

Same rule. Bachelor’s degree uses an apostrophe.

7. Is “Master of Science” different?

That is a formal title. It does not use an apostrophe.

8. Can content use “masters degree”?

It may target the keyword, but the correct form in writing is master’s degree.

---

Conclusion:

The confusion between masters or master’s is small but important. One missing apostrophe can change meaning and hurt credibility.

Here is the rule you should remember. If you mean the academic degree, always use master’s. The apostrophe matters because it shows possession. The degree belongs to the master.

Both British and American English agree on this. There is no standard version where masters degree is correct. It only appears often because people type what they hear.

For professional writing, resumes, university applications, and formal emails, master’s degree is the safest choice. For casual writing, master’s also works, as long as the apostrophe stays.

If you write for a global audience, clarity wins. Use master’s degree and avoid confusion completely.

Once you learn this rule, you will never hesitate again.