Master’s Degree Capitalized: Why It Matters in Your Academic Writing

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master's degree capitalized
Capitalize "master's degree" when it is part of a specific program name, such as "Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership. " Use lowercase when you refer to degrees in general, such as "she earned a master's degree in business.

Capitalize “master’s degree” when it is part of a specific program name, such as “Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.” Use lowercase when you refer to degrees in general, such as “she earned a master’s degree in business.”

The same rule applies to bachelor’s and doctoral degrees. “Bachelor of Science” is capitalized, but “a bachelor’s degree” is not. Keep the apostrophe in “master’s” in both cases.

Consistency is what matters most. Pick one style and use it throughout your document. Check whether your school or publisher has a style guide and follow it.

On resumes, program names are usually capitalized: “Master of Business Administration, 2023.” In cover letters, general references stay lowercase: “I hold a master’s degree in public health.” See our abbreviations guide for short forms, our tips on graduate school applications, and the difference between master degree and masters degree.

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