Quick Ans: Bachelor’s is usually the correct form when referring to a degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Bachelors without an apostrophe is the plural form of bachelor and refers to more than one unmarried man or more than one bachelor’s degree in certain contexts. The confusion mainly comes from the apostrophe.
English punctuation can completely change the meaning of a word, and bachelor’s or bachelors is a perfect example. Many people are unsure whether they should write bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree on resumes, applications, and academic documents.
Understanding the difference can help you avoid common writing mistakes and appear more professional.
This guide explains the meanings, grammar rules, examples, and when each form should be used.
Bachelor’s or Bachelors: What’s the Difference?
What Does Bachelor’s Mean?
Bachelor’s is the possessive form of bachelor.
It is most commonly used in the phrase bachelor’s degree, meaning a degree belonging to or associated with a bachelor-level program.
Examples:
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
- He completed his bachelor’s degree last year.
- A bachelor’s program usually takes three or four years.
What Does Bachelors Mean?
Bachelors is simply the plural form of bachelor.
It refers to:
- More than one unmarried man.
- More than one bachelor’s degree in rare contexts.
Examples:
- Several bachelors attended the event.
- The university offers multiple bachelors in engineering and business.
| Word | Part of Speech | Correct Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s | Possessive noun | ✅ Yes | Related to a bachelor’s degree or bachelor-level program |
| Bachelors | Plural noun | ✅ Contextual | More than one bachelor or multiple bachelor’s degrees |
Quick Recap
- Bachelor’s degree is the correct academic term.
- Bachelors degree is incorrect because it is missing the apostrophe.
- Bachelors is only correct when referring to more than one bachelor.
Is Bachelor’s or Bachelors a Grammar, Vocabulary, or Usage Issue?
Grammar
Yes.
This is primarily a punctuation and grammar issue involving apostrophe usage.
Vocabulary
No.
Both words exist in English.
Usage
Yes.
Using bachelors degree instead of bachelor’s degree is considered an error in formal writing.
Are Bachelor’s and Bachelors Interchangeable?
No.
Although they look similar, they have different meanings and cannot always replace one another.
Formal Writing
Always write:
✅ bachelor’s degree
✅ bachelor’s program
✅ bachelor’s thesis
Avoid:
❌ bachelors degree
❌ bachelors program
Casual Writing
People sometimes omit the apostrophe in informal writing, but it is still grammatically incorrect.
Understanding Bachelor’s
Meaning
Bachelor’s is the possessive form of bachelor and is most commonly used to describe an undergraduate degree.
Workplace Example
The job requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Academic Example
She earned her bachelor’s degree from a prestigious university.
Resume Example
Applicants should list their bachelor’s degree accurately on their resumes.
Everyday Example
My brother recently completed his bachelor’s degree.
Usage Recap
Use bachelor’s when referring to:
- A bachelor’s degree
- A bachelor’s program
- Academic qualifications
- Undergraduate education
Understanding Bachelors
Meaning
Bachelors is the plural of bachelor.
It generally refers to multiple unmarried men.
Social Example
Several bachelors attended the wedding.
Lifestyle Example
The apartment complex is popular among young bachelors.
Academic Example
The university offers several bachelors in science and business fields.
Usage Recap
Use bachelors only when referring to:
- More than one bachelor
- Multiple undergraduate degree programs in a broad sense
Why Do People Write Bachelors Degree?
The mistake happens because many people assume bachelor works like an adjective.
However, the official term is bachelor’s degree, where the apostrophe indicates possession.
Think of it as:
a degree of a bachelor = a bachelor’s degree
This historical expression eventually became the standard academic term.
Historical Background of Bachelor’s Degree
The phrase bachelor’s degree dates back to medieval universities in Europe.
Students who completed a certain level of education earned the title of bachelor, and the qualification became known as a bachelor’s degree.
Today, universities around the world still use this traditional term.
When You Should Not Use Bachelors
Common Situations to Avoid
Do not write:
❌ bachelors degree
❌ bachelors in computer science
❌ bachelors program
Instead, write:
✅ bachelor’s degree
✅ bachelor’s degree in computer science
✅ bachelor’s program
Common Mistakes and Decision Rules
Common Mistakes
| Correct Sentence | Incorrect Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She has a bachelor’s degree. | She has a bachelors degree. | The apostrophe is required. |
| He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering. | He earned a bachelors degree in engineering. | Use the possessive form. |
| Several bachelors attended the event. | Several bachelor’s attended the event. | No apostrophe is needed for a simple plural noun. |
| The company requires a bachelor’s degree. | The company requires a bachelors degree. | The official term includes an apostrophe. |
Decision Rule
Use bachelor’s when talking about:
- Degrees
- Academic programs
- Undergraduate qualifications
Use bachelors when talking about:
- More than one unmarried man
- Multiple bachelors in a general sense
Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Education
A bachelor’s degree is one of the most common academic qualifications worldwide.
Employers often list a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement for professional positions.
Universities also offer various types of bachelor’s degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
Expert Opinion
Style guides and educational institutions consistently use bachelor’s degree with an apostrophe.
Major universities, government agencies, and dictionaries all consider bachelors degree a punctuation mistake.
Case Studies
Case Study One
A job applicant wrote Bachelors Degree in Marketing on a resume.
A recruiter recommended changing it to Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing to maintain professionalism.
Case Study Two
A university admissions office noticed that many international applicants omitted the apostrophe in bachelor’s degree because of differences in grammar rules across languages.
Error Prevention Checklist
Always Use Bachelor’s When
- Referring to a degree
- Writing a resume
- Completing applications
- Describing academic qualifications
- Mentioning undergraduate programs
Use Bachelors When
- Talking about multiple unmarried men
- Referring to several bachelors in a social context
- Using the word as a simple plural noun
Related Word Confusions You Should Master
- Master’s or Masters
- Associate’s or Associates
- Its or It’s
- Students or Student’s
- Principal or Principle
- Than or Then
- Affect or Effect
- Who’s or Whose
- Complement or Compliment
- Stationary or Stationery
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bachelor’s or bachelors degree?
Bachelor’s degree is correct.
Why does bachelor’s have an apostrophe?
The apostrophe shows possession because the degree belongs to the level of a bachelor.
Is bachelors degree grammatically wrong?
Yes. In formal writing, bachelors degree without an apostrophe is considered incorrect.
Can I write Bachelors on my resume?
Only if you are referring to multiple bachelors. For your education section, write Bachelor’s Degree.
Is bachelor’s capitalized?
Usually, no.
Write:
✅ bachelor’s degree in psychology
Capitalize only when it is part of an official degree name.
Is bachelor’s degree singular or plural?
The phrase bachelor’s degree is singular.
The plural form is bachelor’s degrees.
Conclusion
When comparing bachelor’s or bachelors, the correct choice depends on meaning. Bachelor’s with an apostrophe is the proper form when referring to an academic qualification, such as a bachelor’s degree. Bachelors without an apostrophe is simply the plural of bachelor and usually refers to more than one unmarried man. Remember this simple rule: if you are talking about education or degrees, you almost always need the apostrophe and should write bachelor’s degree.
Ava Richardson is a professional content writer dedicated to producing high-quality, well-researched, and engaging articles. With a strong focus on clarity, accuracy, and user value, she creates content that simplifies complex topics and keeps readers informed.
