You’re writing your resume, updating your LinkedIn profile, or filling out a job application. Everything looks fine until you reach your education section. Then you pause. Should you write bachelor degree or bachelor’s degree?
It feels like a small detail, but it matters. A missing apostrophe can make formal writing look rushed, especially on a resume, academic bio, cover letter, or professional profile.
The quick answer is this:
Use bachelor’s degree when you are talking about the degree in a general way.
Use Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or another official degree title when you are naming the exact degree.
So this sentence is correct:
I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
This sentence is also correct:
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
But this sentence is not the best choice in formal writing:
I have a bachelor degree in psychology.
The difference is simple once you understand the pattern. This guide explains the rule clearly, shows you how to write academic degrees on resumes, and gives you plenty of examples you can copy.
If you like practical GrammarFlare guides such as Your vs You’re: Simple Rule, Examples, and Easy Memory Trick, It’s vs. Its: Simple Rule, Examples, and Easy Memory Trick, and Comma Before But: Simple Rule and Examples, this article follows the same clear format.
Quick Answer: Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
The correct general form is bachelor’s degree.
Use the apostrophe because bachelor’s is possessive in this phrase.
Correct:
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
- He has a bachelor’s degree in business.
- Most applicants need a bachelor’s degree.
- I completed my bachelor’s degree last year.
Incorrect or less polished:
- She earned a bachelor degree in biology.
- He has a bachelors degree in business.
- I completed my Bachelor’s Degree last year.
There is one major exception. When you write the official title of the degree, use Bachelor of, not bachelor’s of.
Correct:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Education
Incorrect:
- bachelor’s of arts
- bachelor’s of science
- bachelor’s of business administration
Here is the rule in one sentence:
Use bachelor’s degree for the general term, but use Bachelor of… for the official degree name.
Bachelor Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree in One Table
| Form | Correct? | Use it for | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| bachelor’s degree | Yes | General degree reference | She has a bachelor’s degree. |
| bachelors degree | No | Missing apostrophe | She has a bachelors degree. |
| bachelor degree | Usually no | Informal or less polished wording | She has a bachelor degree. |
| Bachelor of Arts | Yes | Official degree title | He earned a Bachelor of Arts. |
| Bachelor of Science | Yes | Official degree title | She holds a Bachelor of Science. |
| bachelor’s of science | No | Incorrect mix of forms | He earned a bachelor’s of science. |
If you remember only one thing, remember this:
Degree after bachelor? Use bachelor’s.
Of after Bachelor? Use Bachelor of.
Why Is It Bachelor’s Degree?
The phrase bachelor’s degree uses an apostrophe because it follows a possessive pattern.
That does not mean the degree belongs to one specific person named Bachelor. It means the degree is connected to the bachelor level of study.
This pattern also appears in:
- master’s degree
- associate’s degree
- doctor’s degree
For example:
- She earned a master’s degree in education.
- He completed an associate’s degree in nursing.
- The university offers a doctor’s degree in physical therapy.
The same logic applies to bachelor’s degree.
GrammarBook.com explains that bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe is the correct form and notes that this phrase comes from the idea of a degree awarded to a bachelor. You can read their explanation here: GrammarBook.com: Is It Bachelors Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
Western Michigan University’s writing style guide gives the same rule: use an apostrophe with bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, but not with Bachelor of Arts or Master of Science. See their style guide here: Western Michigan University: Academic Degrees
Is “Bachelor Degree” Ever Correct?
You may see bachelor degree online, and people sometimes say it in everyday speech. It is common enough that readers will usually understand it.
However, in careful American English, bachelor’s degree is the better and more standard choice.
Use bachelor’s degree in:
- resumes
- cover letters
- university applications
- scholarship essays
- academic bios
- professional profiles
- formal emails
- job applications
- website author bios
For example:
Better:
I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Less polished:
I earned a bachelor degree in computer science.
The meaning is clear in both, but the first version looks more professional.
There are a few cases where bachelor degree may appear as part of a compound modifier, especially in phrases like:
- bachelor degree programs
- bachelor degree requirements
- bachelor degree courses
Even then, many editors still prefer:
- bachelor’s degree programs
- bachelor’s degree requirements
- bachelor’s programs
For most GrammarFlare readers, the safest advice is simple:
Use bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelor of Arts
This is where many people make mistakes.
You can write:
I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
You can also write:
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Both are correct.
The first sentence uses the general phrase bachelor’s degree. The second sentence uses the official degree title Bachelor of Arts.
Do not combine the two forms.
Incorrect:
I have a bachelor’s of arts in English.
Correct:
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Also correct:
I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
Here are more examples:
Correct:
- She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration.
- I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.
- They offer a Bachelor of Education program.
Incorrect:
- She earned a bachelor’s of science in nursing.
- He holds a bachelor’s of business administration.
- I completed a bachelor’s of fine arts.
- They offer a bachelor’s of education program.
The word of is your clue. If the phrase uses of, write Bachelor of, not bachelor’s of.
Should Bachelor’s Degree Be Capitalized?
Usually, bachelor’s degree should be lowercase.
Correct:
- I have a bachelor’s degree in finance.
- She earned her bachelor’s degree in 2023.
- The role requires a bachelor’s degree.
- A bachelor’s degree can improve your job options.
Incorrect:
- I have a Bachelor’s Degree in finance.
- She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in 2023.
- The role requires a Bachelor’s Degree.
Capitalize only the official degree title.
Correct:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Bachelor of Education
- Master of Arts
- Master of Science
Compare these two sentences:
- She has a bachelor’s degree in biology.
- She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
The first one is general. The second one is a formal title.
This is the same kind of capitalization issue that appears in many grammar choices. If you want more help with small but important writing details, see Affect vs. Effect: What’s the Difference? Simple Rules + Examples.
How to Write Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume
On a resume, you can write your degree in more than one correct way.
The best format depends on how specific you want to be.
Option 1: General format
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
University of Texas, 2024
This works well when the exact title is not important.
Option 2: Formal degree title
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
University of Texas, 2024
This looks more precise and professional.
Option 3: Abbreviated format
B.B.A. in Marketing
University of Texas, 2024
This works if the abbreviation is familiar in your field.
The same pattern works for other degrees:
Bachelor’s degree in English
University of Florida, 2022
Bachelor of Arts in English
University of Florida, 2022
B.A. in English
University of Florida, 2022
All three can be correct. The key is consistency.
Do not write:
Bachelor’s of Arts in English
That mixes the general form and the formal title.
How to Write Bachelor’s Degree in a Cover Letter
In a cover letter, the general form often sounds natural and smooth.
Example:
I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and have three years of experience in client relations.
This sentence is clear, professional, and easy to read.
You can also use the official title if it strengthens your application.
Example:
I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio State University and later completed a certificate in project management.
Both versions work.
Use bachelor’s degree when the degree is just one part of your background. Use Bachelor of… when the official title matters for the role.
For example, if you are applying for a nursing, engineering, education, accounting, or science-based job, the official degree title may look stronger.
Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Bios
Professional bios often use the general form because it sounds less formal.
Example:
Maya Roberts is a content strategist with a bachelor’s degree in communication and more than five years of experience in brand writing.
That sentence sounds natural.
A more formal bio might use the exact title:
Maya Roberts earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Arizona.
Both are fine. The choice depends on tone.
For a friendly website bio, use bachelor’s degree.
For an academic profile, use the official degree title.
Bachelor’s Degree Examples in Sentences
Here are correct examples you can copy or adapt.
- I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
- She has a bachelor’s degree and five years of teaching experience.
- The job requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- He completed his bachelor’s degree online.
- My bachelor’s degree focused on creative writing.
- A bachelor’s degree is often the first step toward graduate school.
- She is finishing her bachelor’s degree this semester.
- I listed my bachelor’s degree in the education section of my resume.
- The program accepts students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- He used his bachelor’s degree to qualify for the management trainee program.
Now compare those with formal title examples:
- I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
- She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
- He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.
- They offer a Bachelor of Education for future teachers.
- My sister earned a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Notice that Bachelor is capitalized in the official titles but not in the general phrase bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Master’s Degree
The same apostrophe rule applies to master’s degree.
Correct:
- bachelor’s degree
- master’s degree
Incorrect:
- bachelor degree
- masters degree
Examples:
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in finance.
- He later completed a master’s degree in economics.
- The position requires a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree is preferred.
The formal titles also follow the same pattern:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Science
- Master of Arts
- Master of Science
- Master of Business Administration
Correct:
I earned a Master of Science in Data Analytics.
Incorrect:
I earned a master’s of science in data analytics.
Again, the rule is simple:
Use master’s degree for the general term.
Use Master of… for the formal title.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelors Degree
The phrase bachelors degree is missing the apostrophe.
That makes it incorrect in formal writing.
Incorrect:
She has a bachelors degree in nursing.
Correct:
She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The word bachelors can be a plural noun. It can refer to more than one bachelor, although that use is less common in modern everyday writing.
Example:
Several bachelors lived in the apartment building.
But when you mean the academic qualification, write bachelor’s degree.
This is similar to other apostrophe mistakes in English. For example, writers often confuse it’s and its because one form has an apostrophe and the other does not. If that mistake gives you trouble, read It’s vs. Its: Simple Rule, Examples, and Easy Memory Trick.
Bachelor’s Degree or Undergraduate Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is a type of undergraduate degree.
That means all bachelor’s degrees are undergraduate degrees, but not all undergraduate study automatically means a completed bachelor’s degree.
You might say:
- She is an undergraduate student.
- He is working toward a bachelor’s degree.
- They completed an undergraduate program.
- The job requires a bachelor’s degree.
If you have finished the degree, bachelor’s degree is more specific.
If you are speaking broadly about college-level study before graduate school, undergraduate degree may work.
Example:
The scholarship is open to students pursuing an undergraduate degree.
Example:
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.
The second sentence is more specific.
Common Mistakes With Bachelor’s Degree
Mistake 1: Leaving out the apostrophe
Incorrect:
I have a bachelors degree.
Correct:
I have a bachelor’s degree.
Mistake 2: Writing “bachelor degree”
Incorrect:
She earned a bachelor degree in education.
Better:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education.
Mistake 3: Writing “bachelor’s of”
Incorrect:
He completed a bachelor’s of science.
Correct:
He completed a Bachelor of Science.
Also correct:
He completed a bachelor’s degree in science.
Mistake 4: Capitalizing the general term
Incorrect:
The company requires a Bachelor’s Degree.
Correct:
The company requires a bachelor’s degree.
Mistake 5: Mixing formats on a resume
Awkward:
Bachelor’s degree in English
Master of Arts in Education
B.A. in Psychology
Better:
Bachelor of Arts in English
Master of Arts in Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Or:
Bachelor’s degree in English
Master’s degree in Education
Bachelor’s degree in Psychology
Consistency makes your resume look more polished.
Quick Proofreading Test
Use this fast test whenever you are unsure.
Ask yourself: Is the word degree right after bachelor?
If yes, write:
bachelor’s degree
Example:
She has a bachelor’s degree.
Now ask: Does the phrase use of?
If yes, write:
Bachelor of…
Example:
She has a Bachelor of Arts.
Do not write:
bachelor’s of arts
That form mixes two different patterns.
Here is the easiest version:
- bachelor’s degree in history
- Bachelor of Arts in History
Both are correct.
Memory Trick for Bachelor’s Degree
Here’s a simple memory trick:
The apostrophe belongs with degree.
The “of” belongs with Bachelor.
So:
- bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor of Arts
- bachelor’s degree in biology
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
Think of the apostrophe as the “degree signal.” If you see the word degree, you probably need bachelor’s.
Think of of as the “formal title signal.” If you see of, you probably need Bachelor of.
American English Style Note
In American English, bachelor’s degree is the standard general phrase. Most American style guides lowercase general degree references and capitalize official degree titles.
That means this sentence is clean and natural:
She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism.
This sentence is formal and specific:
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.
Both work in American English.
The same advice generally applies in formal British English too, although degree titles and abbreviations can vary by country and institution.
Mini Quiz: Bachelor Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
Choose the correct form.
- She earned a bachelor degree / bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
- He completed a Bachelor’s of Science / Bachelor of Science.
- The job requires a Bachelor’s Degree / bachelor’s degree.
- I have a bachelors degree / bachelor’s degree in English.
- She holds a Bachelor of Arts / bachelor’s of arts in History.
Answers
- bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor of Science
- bachelor’s degree
- bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor of Arts
FAQ
Is it bachelor degree or bachelor’s degree?
The correct standard form is bachelor’s degree. Use the apostrophe when you are referring to the general academic qualification.
Is “bachelors degree” correct?
No. Bachelors degree is missing the apostrophe. Write bachelor’s degree.
Is bachelor’s degree capitalized?
No, not usually. Write bachelor’s degree in lowercase unless it starts a sentence. Capitalize official degree titles like Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Is “bachelor’s of science” correct?
No. The correct form is Bachelor of Science. You can also write bachelor’s degree in science, but not bachelor’s of science.
How do I write bachelor’s degree on a resume?
You can write Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, or B.B.A. in Marketing. Use the official title if it matters for the job.
Which is better: bachelor’s degree or Bachelor of Arts?
Both can be correct. Use bachelor’s degree when speaking generally. Use Bachelor of Arts when naming the official degree.
Is bachelor’s degree the same as undergraduate degree?
A bachelor’s degree is one type of undergraduate degree. Undergraduate degree is broader, while bachelor’s degree is more specific.
Related GrammarFlare Reading
If this guide helped, you may also like these GrammarFlare articles:
- Your vs You’re: Simple Rule, Examples, and Easy Memory Trick
- It’s vs. Its: Simple Rule, Examples, and Easy Memory Trick
- To vs Too: What’s the Difference? Simple Rules & Examples
- Comma Before But: Simple Rule and Examples
- Affect vs. Effect: What’s the Difference? Simple Rules + Examples
- Loaned or Lent: Which Word Should You Actually Use?
Sources
- GrammarBook.com: Is It Bachelors Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
- Western Michigan University Writing Style Guide: Academic Degrees
Final Takeaway
Use bachelor’s degree when you are talking about the degree in a general way.
Use Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or another official title when you are naming the exact degree.
So these are correct:
- I have a bachelor’s degree in English.
- I have a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Avoid these:
- I have a bachelor degree in English.
- I have a bachelors degree in English.
- I have a bachelor’s of arts in English.
That small apostrophe may seem minor, but it helps your writing look clear, professional, and correct.
