8 Oct 2026
4 min readThe standard spelling is “master’s degree,” with an apostrophe before the “s.” Use lowercase for the general term, capitalize an official degree name, and retain the apostrophe when referring to more than one degree.
- Correct: “She earned a master’s degree.”
- Correct: “He holds two master’s degrees.”
- Usually incorrect in formal writing: “She earned a masters degree.”
Master’s degree or masters degree: the standard spelling
“Master’s degree” is the standard form in formal English. The apostrophe indicates possession: the degree is associated with a master. “Masters degree” without an apostrophe is common in searches and informal writing, but it is not the usual standard spelling.
The phrase describes a graduate-level credential. Its exact name depends on the program. For example, “master’s degree” is a general description, while “Master of Divinity” is the name of a specific degree.
If you are comparing study formats as well as terminology, you can review online degree options and check the exact credential name used by each program.
Why the word master’s has an apostrophe
The apostrophe marks a possessive relationship: the degree is understood as belonging to or being associated with a master. Write “a master’s degree,” not “a masters degree,” when using the general term.
Examples:
- “She is working toward a master’s degree in theology.”
- “He completed a master’s degree before beginning ministry work.”
The apostrophe stays in place even when the phrase is used before another noun: “master’s degree program” and “master’s degree requirements.”
How to refer to more than one degree
The standard plural is “master’s degrees.” Add the plural ending to “degree,” but keep the apostrophe in “master’s.”
- “The university offers several master’s degrees.”
- “They each earned a master’s degree.”
- “She holds two master’s degrees.”
“Masters” without an apostrophe can be correct in other contexts, such as a reference to a group of masters, but it is not the standard spelling of the degree phrase.
When to capitalize master’s degree
Use lowercase for the general phrase, including in the middle of a sentence: “He earned a master’s degree in ministry.” Capitalize the first word if it begins a sentence, as with any other word.
Capitalize the official name of a degree when you use its full title. For example, “Master of Divinity” is capitalized as a degree name. If you describe it generically, use lowercase: “She earned a master’s degree in divinity.”
When in doubt, check the institution’s official wording and follow its capitalization. Our overview of a master’s degree can help with related questions about degree terminology.
Use the phrase in titles and formal writing
In a document title, use the capitalization style required by the document or organization. For example, a title in sentence case might read “Applying for a master’s degree in ministry.” In title case, capitalization rules vary, but “master’s” is not automatically capitalized just because it names a degree level.
On a resume, keep the wording clear and use the credential’s official name when you know it:
- “Master of Divinity, Northwestern Christian University”
- “Master’s degree in theology”
Do not write “masters degree” in a formal resume entry. If you are comparing online master’s degree programs, check how each institution names its credential and use that exact title when listing a completed degree.
In a formal sentence, the general phrase remains lowercase: “She earned a master’s degree and now serves in ministry.” Use the apostrophe whether the sentence is academic, professional, or personal.
Choose the right form for your context
A quick check can prevent most spelling and capitalization errors:
- If you mean the degree level generally, write “master’s degree.”
- If you mean more than one, write “master’s degrees.”
- If you are using an official credential title, copy its exact name and capitalization.
- If the phrase starts a sentence, capitalize its first letter: “Master’s degrees can have different program requirements.”
- In a resume or application, distinguish a general field of study from the formal degree title.
These rules apply whether you are writing about a theology credential, a ministry program, or another graduate course of study. The key distinction is between the lowercase general phrase and a capitalized official degree name.
Master’s Degree FAQs
Do you capitalize the M in a Master’s degree?
Usually, no: write “a master’s degree” in lowercase when referring to the degree level generally. Capitalize the official name, such as “Master of Divinity.”
Is it masters or Master’s degree on a resume?
Use “master’s degree” for a general credential description, or list the degree’s official name. The word “masters” without an apostrophe is not standard in this phrase.
How do I say I have a Master’s degree?
You can write, “I have a master’s degree in theology,” or state the official credential name. On a resume, include the institution and degree title as appropriate.
Do people with a master’s degree get called Dr.?
A master’s degree alone does not generally confer the title “Dr.” That title is commonly associated with certain doctoral credentials, though usage can vary by context.
What is harder, a PhD or a master’s degree?
A PhD generally involves more advanced, sustained research than a master’s degree, but difficulty varies with the discipline, program requirements, and a student’s strengths.
How do you abbreviate a master’s degree?
There is no single abbreviation for every master’s degree. Use the credential’s specific abbreviation, such as M.A., M.S., or M.Div., and follow the institution’s official wording.
How do you write more than one master’s degree?
Write “master’s degrees.” The apostrophe remains in “master’s,” while “degrees” takes the plural ending: “She earned two master’s degrees.”
Can you say master’s without the word degree?
Yes, when the context makes the meaning clear. For example, “She is pursuing her master’s” is understandable, while formal documents should name the credential precisely.
Recommended next steps
When editing, check whether you are describing a degree generally or naming a specific credential. Use “master’s degree” for the general term, “master’s degrees” for the plural, and the official title when precision matters.
Rachel Bennett holds a master’s degree in theological studies and has more than a decade of experience supporting adult learners in online ministry education. She writes about ministry degree pathways, thesis and dissertation planning, and prior learning assessment, with an emphasis on explaining academic requirements clearly. Her work helps prospective students compare flexible study options and make informed decisions about their education.