Many students stop while writing a form, an email, or a CV and think: should I write masters or master’s? This small apostrophe creates big confusion. You may see masters degree, master’s degree, and even masters’ degree online. All look similar, but only one is correct in standard English.
This confusion happens because English uses apostrophes for possession, not for making words plural. Learners, ESL students, and even native speakers often mix these rules. As a result, mistakes appear in applications, resumes, university websites, and social media posts.
This article solves that problem clearly and calmly. You will learn what masters and master’s really mean, why people confuse them, and which form to use in real life. By the end, you will have one simple rule that works every time, so you never hesitate again.
Masters or Master’s – Quick Answer
Master’s is correct when you talk about a degree.
Masters without an apostrophe is usually wrong in this context.
✅ Correct: She is doing a master’s degree in science.
❌ Incorrect: She is doing a masters degree in science.
Easy rule:
If you mean a degree, use master’s (with an apostrophe).
The Origin of Masters or Master’s
The word master comes from Latin magister, which means teacher or leader. Over time, English used master to describe someone with high skill or authority. Later, universities used the term for an advanced academic degree.
The confusion started because English shows ownership with an apostrophe. A master’s degree means a degree belonging to a master. However, many people think the s shows plural. So they write masters degree, which feels logical but is not correct.
Today, this mistake spreads easily. Students copy what they see online. Writers repeat it. Then the error feels normal, even though grammar rules did not change.
British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English here. Both follow the same rule.
British English: master’s degree
American English: master’s degree
However, usage style can vary slightly. In contrast, informal speech may drop words, but formal writing keeps the apostrophe.
Examples:
- UK: He completed a master’s in history.
- US: She earned her master’s degree in law.
So, no matter where you write, the correct form stays the same.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The correct choice depends on meaning, not country.
US audience: Use master’s degree
UK / Commonwealth: Use master’s degree
Global or professional writing: Always use master’s
If you mean more than one degree, then the form changes:
- ✅ She has two master’s degrees.
Here, degree becomes plural, not master’s.
Common Mistakes with Masters or Master’s
Writers often make the same errors again and again. Let’s fix them.
❌ I am applying for a masters degree.
✅ I am applying for a master’s degree.
❌ He finished his masters in 2024.
✅ He finished his master’s in 2024.
Why this matters:
Wrong usage can look careless, especially in academic or professional writing. Editors usually notice this mistake fast.
Masters or Master’s in Everyday Examples
Emails
I am currently enrolled in a master’s program.
Please submit your master’s transcripts.
News
- The university launched a new master’s degree.
- More students are choosing master’s studies abroad.
Social Media
- Just started my master’s journey 🎓
- Thinking about a master’s next year.
Formal or Professional Writing
- Applicants must hold a master’s degree.
- The role requires a master’s qualification.
Masters or Master’s – Usage Patterns & Search Interest
This keyword is popular because it appears in important places. Students search it while filling forms. Writers check it before publishing. ESL learners look it up to avoid embarrassment.
Overall, master’s dominates in books, academic papers, and official websites. In contrast, masters appears more in informal posts and learner mistakes.
One real problem happens during applications. Writing masters degree on a CV can create doubt about language skills. That is why this small detail matters more than people think.
Comparison Table: Masters vs Master’s
| Feature | Masters | Master’s |
| Meaning | Plural of master | Possessive form |
| Part of speech | Noun (plural) | Noun (possessive) |
| Used for degrees | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Formal writing | ❌ Avoid | ✅ Correct |
| Common mistake | Used instead of master’s | Rare |
| Correct example | Masters of art met today | Master’s degree in biology |
FAQs About Masters or Master’s
Is masters the same as master’s?
No. Master’s shows possession and is correct for degrees. Masters is just a plural noun.
Which one is correct in formal writing?
Master’s is always correct in formal and academic writing.
Can masters and master’s be used interchangeably?
No. They have different meanings and cannot replace each other.
Why do people confuse masters or master’s?
Because the apostrophe rule is often misunderstood, especially by learners.
Can grammar tools catch this mistake?
Sometimes, but not always. That is why learning the rule helps.
Is there a British vs American difference?
No. Both use master’s degree.
Conclusion
Overall, the confusion between masters or master’s comes from a small punctuation mark with a big role. Many writers think the s makes the word plural, but in this case, the apostrophe shows possession. That is why master’s degree is correct.
In short, always remember this:
If you mean an academic degree, use master’s.
Never write masters degree without an apostrophe.
Finally, this one rule can save you from common mistakes in emails, applications, and professional writing. Once you learn it, you will notice the error everywhere. More importantly, you will never make it again.
I am Ethan Blake, a passionate writer dedicated to crafting heartfelt messages that spread love, joy, and inspiration.
