Masters or master’s can both look correct, but they have different uses in English. The correct form depends on what you mean. Master’s usually refers to a degree or something belonging to one master. Masters usually refers to more than one master or a verb meaning “controls” or “learns well.” Many writers confuse these forms because the apostrophe changes the meaning. This small punctuation mark can also affect formal writing, resumes, college applications, and academic documents. Understanding the difference helps you write more clearly and professionally. In this guide, you will learn when to use masters and when to use master’s. You will also see simple examples, common mistakes, and useful writing tips. By the end, choosing the correct form should feel easy.

Quick Summary: Masters or Master’s?

• Master’s usually means a master’s degree or something belonging to one master.
• Masters means more than one master.
• Masters can also be a verb meaning “controls,” “learns,” or “becomes highly skilled.”
• Use master’s degree when referring to a graduate degree.
• Use master’s as a singular possessive noun.
• Use masters as a plural noun or third-person singular verb.
• The apostrophe in master’s changes its grammatical function.

What Does “Master’s” Mean?

Master’s is the possessive form of the singular noun master.

It can show that something belongs to one master.

For example:

• The master’s house was large.
• I read the master’s instructions.
• The master’s decision surprised everyone.

However, master’s has another very common use.

It refers to a master’s degree, which is a postgraduate academic qualification.

Examples include:

• She earned a master’s degree in English.
• He is studying for a master’s in business.
• I want to pursue a master’s degree next year.

In academic English, master’s normally takes an apostrophe.

What Does “Masters” Mean?

Masters is usually the plural form of master.

It means more than one master.

For example:

• The masters met for a conference.
• Several masters attended the event.
• The students learned from their masters.

Masters can also work as a verb.

It can mean that someone becomes highly skilled at something.

For example:

• She masters difficult grammar rules quickly.
• He masters new skills with practice.
• The student masters every lesson.

Therefore, masters does not normally mean a master’s degree.

Masters vs Master’s: What’s the Difference?

The main difference is the apostrophe.

Word	Meaning	Common Use	Example
Master’s	Singular possessive	Belonging to one master	The master’s room
Master’s	Graduate degree	Academic writing	She has a master’s degree
Masters	More than one master	Plural noun	Several masters attended
Masters	Controls or learns	Verb	He masters the skill

The easiest rule is simple:

Use “master’s” for one master or a master’s degree. Use “masters” for multiple masters or a verb.

Is It “Master’s Degree” or “Masters Degree”?

The correct form is master’s degree.

The apostrophe is important because master’s traditionally means a degree associated with a master.

Correct:

• I have a master’s degree.
• She earned a master’s degree in psychology.
• He is applying for a master’s degree program.

Incorrect:

• I have a masters degree.
• She earned a masters degree in psychology.

You may see masters degree online, but standard formal English uses master’s degree.

Is “Master’s” Always About Education?

No.

Master’s can show possession.

For example:

• The master’s voice was calm.
• The master’s instructions were clear.
• The master’s artwork became famous.

It can also refer to a degree when the context makes the meaning clear.

For example:

She is studying for a master’s.

Here, master’s is short for master’s degree.

This shortened form appears often in everyday and academic conversation.

Real-Life Examples of “Master’s”

Here are practical examples you may encounter in daily writing.

Example 1: University

Maria completed her master’s degree in education.

Here, master’s refers to a graduate degree.

Example 2: Job Application

He listed his master’s degree on his resume.

The apostrophe belongs in master’s.

Example 3: Conversation

I am thinking about getting a master’s.

The word refers to a master’s degree.

Example 4: Possession

The master’s office is upstairs.

Here, the office belongs to one master.

Example 5: Plural

The two masters discussed the project.

Here, masters means two or more masters.

Example 6: Verb

She masters new software quickly.

Here, masters means she becomes skilled at using it.

How Do You Use “Masters” in a Sentence?

You can use masters in two main ways.

1. As a plural noun

Use it when you mean more than one master.

The masters gathered in the hall.

Several masters taught the apprentices.

2. As a verb

Use it when the subject is singular and means “becomes skilled.”

He masters difficult tasks quickly.

She masters new techniques through practice.

This distinction helps prevent many grammar mistakes.

Common Mistakes With Masters and Master’s

Many people make the same mistakes with these words.

Mistake 1: Writing “masters degree”

Incorrect:

She has a masters degree.

Correct:

She has a master’s degree.

The academic term needs an apostrophe.

Mistake 2: Using “master’s” for multiple masters

Incorrect:

Three master’s attended the meeting.

Correct:

Three masters attended the meeting.

You need the plural form without an apostrophe.

Mistake 3: Confusing a master’s with a master’s degree

Both can be correct depending on the sentence.

I earned a master’s degree.

I earned a master’s.

The second sentence uses master’s as a shortened form.

Mistake 4: Adding an unnecessary apostrophe

Incorrect:

He masters’ the subject.

Correct:

He masters the subject.

Here, masters is a verb.

When Should You Use “Master’s Degree”?

Use master’s degree when you clearly want to name the qualification.

For example:

• master’s degree in English
• master’s degree in computer science
• master’s degree in education
• master’s degree in business
• master’s degree in engineering

Examples:

I plan to pursue a master’s degree in English.

She completed her master’s degree last year.

He is applying for a master’s degree program.

This form works well in resumes, university applications, articles, and formal documents.

Can You Say “Masters” for a Degree?

In standard English, masters without an apostrophe is not the preferred spelling for the degree.

Use:

master’s degree

or:

master’s

For example:

She has a master’s in marketing.

You can also use the formal term:

She has a Master of Arts degree.

The exact degree title can vary by institution and field.

Master’s vs Master’s: Does the Curved Apostrophe Matter?

You may see two versions:

• master’s
• master’s

Both represent the same word.

The difference comes from typography.

The first uses a straight apostrophe.

The second uses a curly or smart apostrophe.

In professional writing, master’s often looks more polished.

However, both forms represent the possessive ending.

For example:

She earned a master’s degree.

and

She earned a master’s degree.

Both are grammatically correct.

Masters or Master’s in Academic Writing

Academic writing usually favors master’s degree when discussing the qualification.

For example:

The university offers a master’s degree in history.

You can shorten it when the context is obvious.

The university offers a master’s in history.

However, always follow the style guide or institution’s preferred terminology when writing official documents.

Degree names may also require capitalization in specific contexts.

For example:

Master of Science in Biology

But:

master’s degree in biology

The capitalization depends on whether you use the formal degree title.

Masters or Master’s in a Resume

When listing education on a resume, clarity matters.

You can write:

Master’s Degree in Business Administration
University Name — 2026

Or:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University Name — 2026

Avoid:

Masters Degree in Business Administration

For professional documents, the apostrophe helps you follow standard usage.

Easy Trick to Remember Masters vs Master’s

Use this simple test.

Ask: “Do I mean one master?”

If yes, use master’s for possession.

The master’s office.

Ask: “Do I mean a graduate degree?”

If yes, use:

master’s degree

or simply:

master’s

Ask: “Do I mean more than one master?”

If yes, use:

masters

Ask: “Is it a verb meaning becomes skilled?”

If yes, use:

masters

This four-question test solves most cases.

Expert Insights: Why the Apostrophe Matters

The apostrophe does more than change the appearance of a word.

It can change the grammatical meaning.

Compare these examples:

The master’s book

This suggests that one master owns the book.

The masters’ books

This suggests that multiple masters own the books.

He masters the subject

Here, masters acts as a verb.

She earned a master’s degree

Here, master’s refers to an academic qualification.

Therefore, punctuation provides useful meaning clues.

In professional writing, small punctuation details can affect clarity and credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masters or Master’s

Is it “masters” or “master’s degree”?

The correct form is master’s degree. The apostrophe is part of the standard spelling.

Is “master’s” grammatically correct?

Yes. Master’s is the singular possessive form of master. It also commonly refers to a master’s degree.

Is “masters” a correct word?

Yes. Masters can be the plural of master. It can also function as a third-person singular verb.

Can I say “I have a master’s”?

Yes. I have a master’s is acceptable when the context clearly means a master’s degree.

Is “masters degree” wrong?

In standard formal English, masters degree is not the preferred form. Use master’s degree.

Should master’s degree have an apostrophe?

Yes. Standard English uses master’s degree with an apostrophe.

What is the plural of master’s degree?

The usual plural is master’s degrees.

For example:

The university offers several master’s degrees.

Should “master’s degree” be capitalized?

Usually, no.

She earned a master’s degree in English.

Formal degree names may use capitals:

She earned a Master of Arts in English.

Quick Grammar Checklist

Before publishing your sentence, check these points:

• ✅ master’s degree = graduate qualification
• ✅ master’s = one master’s degree when shortened
• ✅ master’s = possession by one master
• ✅ masters = more than one master
• ✅ masters = singular verb
• ❌ masters degree = avoid in standard formal writing
• ❌ master’s = do not use for multiple masters

Conclusion

The difference between masters or master’s becomes easy once you understand the apostrophe. Use master’s when you mean a master’s degree or something belonging to one master. Use masters when you mean multiple masters or the verb “masters.” For academic writing, the standard form is master’s degree. You can also shorten it to master’s when the meaning is clear. Remember the simple rule: one master or one degree uses “master’s,” while multiple masters use “masters.” This small punctuation mark can make your writing clearer and more professional. Whether you are writing a resume, application, blog post, or academic paper, choosing the right form helps your readers understand your meaning quickly.

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