The terms “master’s degree” and “master’s program” are often used interchangeably, but they point to slightly different things. A master’s degree is the credential you earn. A master’s program is the course of study that leads to it. In practice, people say either one and are understood.
Spelling matters in formal writing. The general term takes an apostrophe: “master’s degree.” It is a possessive form, the degree of a master. The same rule applies to “bachelor’s degree.”
Specific degree names work differently. Write “Master of Science” or “Master of Business Administration” with a capital M and no apostrophe. Never write “Master’s of Science.” The pattern is the same for bachelor’s degrees: “Bachelor of Arts,” not “Bachelor’s of Arts.”
These rules hold on resumes and CVs too. Use the full degree name for clarity, such as Master of Arts in History. Abbreviations like MA, MS, and MBA are fine when space is tight, as long as they are standard in your field.
Consistency is what readers notice. Pick one style and stick with it through the whole document. If you follow a particular style guide for work or school, check its rules for academic degrees and follow those. For more on degree names, see when to capitalize a master’s degree and whether master degree should be capitalized, and professional resume writing tips.
