Confusion between “bachelors” and “bachelor’s” is very common, especially when writing resumes, academic qualifications, or formal documents. Many people assume both forms are correct, but in proper English grammar, punctuation plays an important role.
If you’ve ever written “bachelors degree” and wondered whether it looks right, here’s a clear explanation to help you avoid mistakes.
Is It Bachelors or Bachelor’s?
The correct form in most cases is “bachelor’s” with an apostrophe.
- Bachelor’s = correct (shows possession or refers to the degree)
- Bachelors = incorrect in academic or formal writing
The apostrophe is important because it shows that the degree belongs to a bachelor level of study.
Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelors Degree?
The correct phrase is:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelors degree
Examples:
- She completed a bachelor’s degree in business.
- He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science.
Bachelor of Science or Bachelor’s of Science?
Another common question is about science degrees.
Correct usage:
- Bachelor of Science (formal degree title)
- Bachelor’s degree in Science (used in sentences)
Examples:
- He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
- She has a bachelor’s degree in science.
In official degree names, the phrase does not use “bachelor’s of science.”
Using It on a Resume
When writing professionally, especially on CVs or resumes, correct formatting is important.
Proper examples:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- BA in English Literature
Incorrect examples:
- bachelors degree
- bachelors in science
Using the correct form helps your resume look more professional and credible.
Grammar Explanation
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Bachelor’s = possessive form used for the degree
- Bachelors = plural form, rarely used in this context
Grammar rule:
Use an apostrophe when referring to the academic qualification.
A Bachelor’s Degree vs A Bachelors Degree
Correct usage:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A bachelors degree
Example:
- I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Bachelor vs Bachelor’s
To simplify:
- Bachelor = a person holding a degree or an unmarried man
- Bachelor’s = possessive form used for academic degrees
For education, the correct form is always bachelor’s.
Why People Get Confused
This confusion happens because:
- Spoken English doesn’t highlight punctuation
- Many informal texts skip apostrophes
- Auto-correct may remove them
- People assume plural form is correct
However, in formal writing, punctuation is essential.
Simple Rule to Remember
To avoid mistakes:
Use “bachelor’s” when referring to a degree.
Never write “bachelors degree” in formal documents.
A simple trick:
If it means “degree of a bachelor,” you need an apostrophe.
FAQs
Is it bachelors or bachelor’s?
The correct form is “bachelor’s.”
Is it bachelors degree or bachelor’s degree?
The correct phrase is “bachelor’s degree.”
How do you write it on a resume?
Use “Bachelor’s degree in…” or “Bachelor of Science in…”
Is bachelors correct in English?
Not in formal academic writing. The correct form uses an apostrophe.
What is the difference between bachelor and bachelor’s?
“Bachelor” is the noun, while “bachelor’s” is the possessive form used for degrees.
Conclusion
The difference between “bachelors” and “bachelor’s” comes down to one small punctuation mark, but it makes a big difference in formal English. The correct form is always “bachelor’s” when referring to academic degrees.
Using it correctly improves clarity, grammar accuracy, and professionalism in both academic and career writing.
