If you have ever wondered whether bachelor’s degree or bachelor degree is the correct form, you’re not alone.
This is one of the most common grammar questions in English writing, especially when filling out applications, writing resumes, or discussing education.
The short answer is that bachelor’s degree is the standard and grammatically correct expression in most contexts, while bachelor degree appears only in limited or nonstandard usage.
In this article, you shall learn the difference between these two forms, the grammar rules behind them, when each may be appropriate, and how to avoid common mistakes.
You shall also find clear sentence examples, practical usage tips, and notes on American and British English where relevant, so you can write with confidence every time.
Quick Answer
The correct phrase in everyday English is bachelor’s degree.
The phrase bachelor degree is generally considered incorrect in standard English, although it may appear in some regional or institutional writing.
Examples:
- ✅ She earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology.
- ❌ She earned a bachelor degree in Biology.
Bachelor’s Degree vs Bachelor Degree: Main Difference
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Correct? | Best Used For | Example |
| Bachelor’s degree | An undergraduate university degree | ✅ Yes | Everyday, academic, and professional writing | I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics. |
| Bachelor degree | A shortened version sometimes seen in limited regional usage | ❌ Usually no | Avoid in standard English | She completed a bachelor degree. |
What Does Bachelor’s Degree Mean?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification awarded by a college or university after completing a course of study.
The apostrophe shows that the degree belongs to a bachelor. This is the traditional and accepted form in English.
Examples
- She received a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
- He is studying for a bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- A bachelor’s degree is required for this position.
- After earning her bachelor’s degree, she started working.
- My brother completed his bachelor’s degree last year.
What Does Bachelor Degree Mean?
The phrase bachelor degree is sometimes used in conversation or appears on a few websites and documents. However, it is not the standard form in English.
People often confuse it with official degree titles such as:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BS or BSc)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
Because these official names do not contain an apostrophe, some people mistakenly remove it from bachelor’s degree as well.
Examples of Incorrect Usage
- ❌ I completed my bachelor degree in Marketing.
- ❌ She has a bachelor degree in Psychology.
- ❌ A bachelor degree is required.
- ❌ He earned his bachelor degree abroad.
- ❌ They are applying after finishing a bachelor degree.
How to Use Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelor Degree
Use bachelor’s degree whenever you are talking about the qualification in general.
Use the official degree title when naming the exact program.
Correct
- I have a bachelor’s degree.
- She earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance.
- He completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
- She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English.
Incorrect
- ❌ I have a bachelor degree.
- ❌ She earned a bachelor degree in Finance.
Simple Rule
- Use bachelor’s degree for general statements.
- Use Bachelor of… when writing the official degree name.
Where to Use Bachelor’s Degree or Bachelor Degree
School Writing
Always use bachelor’s degree unless writing the official degree title.
Formal Writing
Use bachelor’s degree in reports, applications, and official documents.
Emails
Write:
- I recently completed my bachelor’s degree.
Everyday Conversation
People normally say:
- I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree this year.
Messages
Using bachelor’s degree sounds natural and correct.
Professional Communication
On resumes and job applications, write either:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science
Regional Usage
American English
- Bachelor’s degree is the standard form.
British English
- Bachelor’s degree is also the standard form.
Canada
- Mostly use a bachelor’s degree.
Australia
- Bachelor’s degree is the preferred expression.
India
- Official universities often use Bachelor of… for degree names, while bachelor’s degree is common in general writing.
Pakistan
- Universities commonly use official titles like Bachelor of Science, while everyday English uses bachelor’s degree.
Why People Get Confused
There are two main reasons.
First, official degree names begin with Bachelor, such as Bachelor of Arts.
Second, many people assume that because the official title has no apostrophe, the general phrase should not have one either.
In reality, these are two different grammar patterns.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong:
I have a bachelor degree.
Correct:
I have a bachelor’s degree.
The apostrophe is needed.
Wrong:
She earned a Bachelor’s of Science.
Correct:
She earned a Bachelor of Science.
Official degree titles do not use an apostrophe.
Wrong:
He finished Bachelor degree last year.
Correct:
He finished his bachelor’s degree last year.
Use the complete standard phrase.
Wrong:
I’m studying for a Bachelor’s in Engineering.
Correct:
I’m studying for a Bachelor of Engineering.
Use the official program title.
Real-Life Examples
Meeting
“I recently completed my bachelor’s degree in Accounting.”
School
“Our university offers several Bachelor of Science programs.”
Work
“A bachelor’s degree is required for this role.”
Message
“I’ll finish my bachelor’s degree next summer.”
Conversation
“My sister earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing.”
Job Application
“I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration.”
Easy Trick to Remember
Think of it this way:
Talking about the qualification? → bachelor’s degree
Naming the official program? → Bachelor of…
Mini Quiz
1. Which is correct?
A. bachelor degree
B. bachelor’s degree
Answer: B
2. Which is the official degree title?
A. Bachelor’s of Science
B. Bachelor of Science
Answer: B
3. Fill in the blank.
She earned a ________ in Economics.
Answer: bachelor’s degree
4. Which sentence is correct?
A. I have a bachelor degree.
B. I have a bachelor’s degree.
Answer: B
5. Which is correct?
A. Bachelor of Arts
B. Bachelor’s of Arts
Answer: A
6. True or False
Official degree names use an apostrophe.
Answer: False
Related Confusing Words
- gray or grey
- canceled or cancelled
- traveling or travelling
- your or You are
- its or it’s
- affect or effect
- there or their
- who or whom
FAQs
Is bachelor’s degree correct?
Yes. It is the standard expression in English.
Is bachelor degree correct?
Generally, no. Use bachelor’s degree instead.
What is the difference between bachelor’s degree and Bachelor of Science?
A bachelor’s degree is the general term. Bachelor of Science is the official name of a specific degree.
Which one should I use on my resume?
Use Bachelor’s degree when speaking generally, or write the official degree title, such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.
Is bachelor’s degree formal?
Yes. It is appropriate for academic, professional, and everyday writing.
Conclusion
The correct phrase in standard English is bachelor’s degree.
Use it whenever you are talking about an undergraduate qualification in general.
When writing the official name of a program, use forms like Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science without an apostrophe.
Remember this simple rule, and you shall avoid one of the most common writing mistakes about university degrees.
James Holloway is an American author at WordsSign. He writes clear and well-researched articles on symbols, meanings, culture, and spiritual insights.
