Bachelors or Bachelor’s: Common Mistakes You Should Avoid 

Few punctuation marks cause as much confusion in professional and academic writing as the apostrophe. When referring to an undergraduate degree, writers frequently struggle to decide between “bachelors,” “bachelors,” or “bachelor’s.” This confusion stems from how we talk about degrees versus how we formally write them.

If you are updating your resume, crafting a university application, or writing a professional bio, using the correct form is essential for maintaining credibility. In this guide, you will learn the exact rules for writing this term, why the common mistakes occur, and how to ensure your writing is always grammatically precise.

Quick Answer: The Correct Usage

The correct term for an undergraduate degree is bachelor’s degree (singular) or bachelors’ degrees (plural). You must always include the apostrophe because the degree belongs to the holder (it is a degree of a bachelor). Never use “bachelors” without an apostrophe, as that refers to the plural of the person, not the academic credential.

Comparison Table: Bachelor’s or Bachelors

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Understanding the Terminology

What is a Bachelor’s?

A bachelor’s is the possessive form of the noun “bachelor.” In an academic context, it denotes a degree held by a bachelor someone who has completed an undergraduate course of study. Because the degree technically belongs to the student, the apostrophe is required.

What are Bachelors?

Bachelors is the simple plural of the noun “bachelor.” It refers to more than one person who has not married, or more than one person holding a bachelor’s degree. If you write, “The party was full of bachelors,” you are referring to the people. You are not referring to their academic credentials.

Key Differences

• Possession vs. Pluralization: The primary difference lies in possession. If the degree is singular, you use bachelor’s. If you are referring to multiple degrees owned by multiple people, the apostrophe moves to the end, resulting in bachelors’.
• The Apostrophe Placement: The placement of the apostrophe dictates whether you are talking about one person’s degree or multiple degrees.
• Contextual Shift: Using “bachelors” without an apostrophe in a professional document often signals a lack of attention to detail, as it fails to identify the credential as a possessive entity.

Grammar Rules: Possession and Pluralization

In English, when a noun possesses something, we typically add an apostrophe and an “s” (‘s). Since the degree is a “degree of a bachelor,” the possessive form “bachelor’s” is the standard.

When you have plural possessives, such as “many bachelors’ degrees,” the rule dictates that the apostrophe follows the “s” because the word “bachelors” is already plural.

Exception: Some style guides allow for the omission of the apostrophe when the term is used as a proper noun in the name of a specific degree (e.g., “Bachelor of Arts”). However, when referring to the degree generally, the possessive is mandatory.

When to Use Each Form

• Academic Writing: Always use “bachelor’s degree.” Using the incorrect form can be seen as an error in formal documentation.
• Professional Resumes: Use “Bachelor’s degree” or “Bachelor of Science/Arts.” Never drop the apostrophe.
• Business Emails: Maintaining the apostrophe shows professional diligence.
• Daily Conversation: While people may not hear the apostrophe when you speak, using the correct form in writing is vital for your professional image.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common error is the “omission of the possessive apostrophe.” People often type “bachelors degree” because they see the word “bachelors” on signs or social media.

Incorrect: I earned my bachelors in 2024.

Correct: I earned my bachelor’s in 2024.

Incorrect: She has two bachelors degrees.

Correct: She has two bachelor’s degrees.

Tip: Always ask yourself, “Does this degree belong to a bachelor?” If the answer is yes, use the apostrophe.

20 Original Examples

1. She proudly displayed her bachelor’s degree on the office wall.
2. The university offers over fifty different bachelor’s programs.
3. After four years of study, he finally completed his bachelor’s.
4. Both candidates possess a bachelor’s in civil engineering.
5. Our firm requires at least a bachelor’s for entry-level positions.
6. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s at a local college.
7. Many students find that a bachelor’s is the minimum requirement for this career.
8. They hold two bachelors’ degrees between them, one in law and one in history.
9. “Do you have your bachelor’s?” the interviewer asked.
10. The curriculum for the bachelor’s has been updated this year.
11. He decided to leverage his bachelor’s to get a job in finance.
12. A bachelor’s provides the foundational knowledge needed for graduate school.
13. She wrote her thesis during the final year of her bachelor’s.
14. The total cost of the bachelor’s depends on the credit hours.
15. He is the first in his family to earn a bachelor’s.
16. The requirements for the bachelor’s vary by department.
17. Graduates with a bachelor’s tend to have higher lifetime earnings.
18. She keeps her bachelor’s diploma in a secure folder.
19. Preparing for a bachelor’s takes significant time and dedication.
20. His bachelor’s from the state university helped him land the role.

Memory Trick: The “Belonging” Test

Think of the apostrophe as a hook. The degree “belongs” to the bachelor. Use the “hook” to attach the degree to the person. If you forget the apostrophe, the degree isn’t attached, and you are just talking about a group of bachelors the people themselves.

Mini Quiz

1. Which is correct?
   A) Bachelors degree
   B) Bachelor’s degree
   C) Bachelor degree
2. When referring to multiple degrees, where does the apostrophe go?
   A) After the s (bachelors’)
   B) Before the s (bachelor’s)
   C) No apostrophe
3. What does the word “bachelors” (no apostrophe) mean?
   A) An academic degree
   B) Plural of a person who is not married
   C) A job title
4. Is “bachelor’s” ever incorrect?
   A) Yes, when used in a title
   B) No, it is always the possessive form
   C) Yes, only in British English
5. Why do we use an apostrophe?
   A) To show pluralization
   B) To indicate possession
   C) To shorten the word

Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-B, 4-B, 5-B

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ever acceptable to write “bachelor degree” without the possessive?

While common in casual speech, it is grammatically imprecise. In formal, professional, or academic writing, “bachelor’s degree” is the standard because the degree belongs to the bachelor. Using the possessive demonstrates better command of English grammar and higher attention to detail.

How do I write “bachelor of arts” correctly?

When writing out the full title of a specific degree, such as “Bachelor of Arts,” you generally do not use an apostrophe because “Bachelor” is acting as a proper noun title. However, when referring to the degree generally, you must use “bachelor’s degree.”

Does the rule change in British English?

The rules for possession remain consistent across both American and British English. The apostrophe is required to indicate possession. If you are describing the degree, the possessive form “bachelor’s” is expected in professional British English as well.

Is “bachelor’s” always singular?

Yes. “Bachelor’s” with the apostrophe before the “s” is singular possessive. It describes one bachelor owning one degree. When you have multiple degrees, you use the plural possessive “bachelors’.”

What if I am writing a resume?

On a resume, always use “Bachelor’s Degree” or the full name, such as “Bachelor of Science in Biology.” Using the correct punctuation on a resume is critical, as it is a professional document that showcases your attention to detail and communication skills.

Can I use “bachelor” as an adjective?

Technically, “bachelor” can act as a noun adjunct, but when describing the degree, the possessive “bachelor’s” is the standard idiomatic construction in English. Stick to the possessive form to ensure your writing is accepted as grammatically correct.

Key Takeaways

• Possession is Key: Use “bachelor’s” because the degree belongs to the student.
• Pluralization: Use “bachelors” (no apostrophe) only when referring to people.
• Plural Possessive: Use “bachelors’” only when referring to multiple degrees owned by multiple people.
• Resume/Academic Standard: Never omit the apostrophe in professional or academic contexts.
• Consistency: When in doubt, perform the “Belonging” test to ensure you are using the possessive correctly.

Conclusion

Mastering the distinction between “bachelor’s” or “bachelors” is a simple but effective way to improve the quality of your writing. By remembering that the degree belongs to the individual, the need for the apostrophe becomes clear and intuitive.

 Whether you are applying for a job, writing an essay, or polishing a professional document, using the correct form of bachelor’s reflects a commitment to accuracy and professionalism. Always check your usage, and you will ensure your credentials are presented with the clarity and precision they deserve.

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Nathan Whitmore

Hi, I’m Nathan Whitmore, and I enjoy making English grammar easy for learners of all ages. I believe grammar should be practical, not confusing. I write simple, well-researched guides that help readers improve their writing, speaking, and overall communication skills.

I spend a lot of time studying grammar patterns, sentence construction, punctuation, and modern English usage. My goal is to create lessons that anyone can understand, whether they are students, teachers, or professionals.

Books

Clear English Grammar
The Smart Writer’s Grammar Handbook