Have you just graduated from college and found that it is time to start typing up that resume to move into the professional workforce?  If so, this topic is one that might be worth reading over.  Luckily, it’s quite simple once you learn the whole meaning and intention beyond the proper phrase.

You probably think of a bachelor as a single guy, but the term also signifies a person who has earned their college degree.  A bachelor in this sense can be either male or female.  As for the whole “bachelor’s degree” vs. “bachelors degree” argument, you want to choose the first option.  Since we are referring to a person who has graduated, it is their degree.  We use the possessive “bachelor’s” to express that the degree belongs to a bachelor.  In addition, it is important to note that you do not capitalize this phrase in a general sense.

Example:

Steven recently earned his bachelor’s degree in June.

While that takes care of the “bachelor’s degree” vs. “bachelors degree” argument, what about someone who receives advanced education?  It’s the same.  You would use the phrase “master’s degree.”

Example:

Jenny finally earned her master’s degree at the age of 32.