If you’ve ever filled out a form and got stuck on a “master’s or master’s” degree, then you’ll relate to this article more. Come closer—which is it? Which did you write? Do you still remember which is the right one?
It can be tricky! We often misuse the terms master’s and master’s degree because we are unable to understand when each is most appropriate.
While this may pose a grammatical blunder and not much else, you should find out the actual meaning of each term and master when to use each.
This is what we will be dealing with today. Now, let’s find out which is the correct one and what both words mean.
Table of contents
What Is A Masters Degree?
A master’s degree is a degree that can be taken after completing an undergraduate degree (or some other suitable kind of undergraduate study). In this type of degree, students are to build on the degree they have previously studied by going into further depth of study.
Also, master’s degrees often allow you to study more specific subject areas in greater depth (although this may not always be true).
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Master’s Degree Or Masters Degree
The correct spelling is master’s degree, with an apostrophe. The term master’s degree is possessive; the degree belongs to a master. When talking about a specific degree, use capitals and format it as “Master of . . .” as in, “a Master of Science degree.”
When someone is awarded a master’s degree, they are recognized as having satisfactory knowledge in a field of study to be called a master of it. That’s why the correct way to spell master’s degree is with an apostrophe—it’s the degree of a master:
Joel enrolled in a university to get a master’s degree.
If referring to a degree in a specific field, like the arts or sciences, leave out the apostrophe and the s. Instead, capitalize both the word “master” and the field:
Writing a thesis is the last step before being awarded a Master of Arts degree in Linguistics.
Often enough, terms like Master of Arts and Master of Sciences are abbreviated, and the rules on how to do it vary from one university and style guide to another. The academic title Master of Arts can be abbreviated as MA or M.A. If the university is keen on Latin phrases, it may be abbreviated as AM or A.M., from the Latin Artium Magister.
You may want to see: Is a PGCE a Masters Degree Qualification (Question Answered)
How To Talk About Master’s Degrees
Knowing the rules and usage of a master’s degree is one thing, but how do you say, “I have a master’s degree,” — especially when the titles of master’s degrees are capitalized? Some instances are:
- How long does it take to attain a Master of Education degree?
- The university offers master’s degree programs in both science and arts.
- Joy’s been working toward her master’s degree for nine months now.
- To get this job, you’ll need a master’s in accounting, preferably financial accounting.
- I had to complete a master’s thesis for my M.S. degree.
- After earning my Master of Public Health degree, I plan to pursue a doctorate in the same field.
If you only mention that you have a master’s degree, the title should be in lowercase. However, if the master’s degree is attached to a specific field of study, it should be capitalized.
For example, if you had earned a master’s degree in History, you would write “Master of Arts in Philosophy.”
If you are including a master’s degree in a document such as a CV, you can abbreviate it to M.A. or M.S. (alternatively, a master’s degree in a scientific field can be written as MSc).
Should Master’s Degree Be Capitalised?
If you simply mention that you have a master’s degree, the title should be in lowercase. However, if the master’s degree is attached to a specific field of study, it should be capitalized.
For example, if you had earned a master’s degree in History, you would write “Master of Arts in History.”
If you are including a master’s degree in a document such as a CV, you can abbreviate it to M.A. or M.S. (alternatively, a master’s degree in a scientific field can be written as MSc).
See Also: Do Your A Levels Matter After Uni? Master’s Applications
How Long Does It Take To Get A Masters Degree?
A master’s degree requires 18 to 2 years of full-time study, although several variables might affect the time frame.
Is A Master’s Degree Worth It?
Whether it takes one year or three, pursuing a master’s degree represents a significant time commitment. Evaluating your career goals is essential before you decide whether one of these programs is right for you.
For entry-level positions in several professions, a master’s degree is required. Although a master’s degree is not necessary for some occupations, possessing one can help you advance more quickly within an organization or along your career path.
This is often true in business, education, healthcare, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
If you’re a working professional considering a master’s degree, you might qualify for employer sponsorship or reimbursement. Some companies, recognizing the value of highly-skilled employees who already know the company landscape, offer tuition assistance.
Also, read: What Percentage of Master’s Students Get a Distinction in the UK?
Requirements To Get A Master’s Degree
Master’s degree applicants need a bachelor’s degree. To increase their chances of getting accepted into a top master’s program, candidates must complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university or college and earn at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Some programs prefer candidates with higher grades.
Schools may demand test results depending on the master’s program students want to enroll in. Test results from the GRE, GMAT, and LSAT are typical.
The GMAT shows ready for an MBA, the LSAT shows readiness for law school, and the GRE shows a fundamental level of readiness for graduate school.
Even though current trends have eliminated the need for test scores, most programs still require at least GRE scores.
Master’s programs might also require students to submit a resume or portfolio. Career advancement programs prefer candidates with relevant work experience. For example, many MBA programs want applicants first to earn 1-2 years of business experience.
Also, see: How Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Communications Online? Schools, Programs, Cost
Aside from application requirements, a master’s program might set prerequisites for students, especially for learners with no experience in the field. In this instance, applicants must take prerequisite courses before the program begins. If a program requires work experience, students must earn work experience before the master’s degree starts.
FAQs
There are several reasons to pursue a master’s degree, including gaining advanced knowledge and skills in your field, increasing earning potential, improving career prospects, and potentially qualifying for more specialized roles.
There are various types of master’s degrees, including Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Engineering (MEng), Master of Education (MEd), and more. The type of degree you pursue will depend on your field of interest.
Yes, it’s often possible to pursue a master’s degree in a different field than your bachelor’s degree. However, prerequisites or additional coursework may be required to bridge the knowledge gap.
Consider your career goals, interests, strengths, program reputation, location, cost, and available resources. Research different programs and consult advisors and professionals in your chosen field for guidance.
Conclusion
A master’s degree can open doors to more advanced and specialized job opportunities, higher earning potential, and increased chances of career advancement in many fields.
Remember that the specific details and requirements of master’s programs can vary widely, so it’s important to research individual programs and institutions to get accurate and up-to-date information.
References
- coursera.org – Is a M-a-s-t–er’s Degree Worth It?
- thinkstudent.co.uk – M-a-s-ters or Ma-s-ter’s Degree?
- businesswritingblog.com – Is It a Ma-s-t-ers Degree or a M-as-te-r’s Degree?
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