Masters (Master’s) Degree/Dissertation/Thesis

One of the most common mistakes people make when writing about academic degrees, dissertation, or thesis is incorrectly using the terms "Masters degree," "dissertation," and "thesis." Let's clarify the correct usage of these terms:

Masters Degree

When referring to an academic degree, it is essential to use the correct possessive form. The proper way to write it is "Master's degree," with an apostrophe-s after the word "Master." Here are a few examples:

• She is pursuing a Master's degree in Business Administration.
• He completed his Master's degree in Psychology last year.

Dissertation and Thesis

Another common mistake is using the terms "dissertation" and "thesis" interchangeably. Although they are similar, there is a difference between the two:

• A dissertation is typically written as part of a doctoral degree or a research-based master's degree. It involves original research and contributes new knowledge to the field.
• A thesis, on the other hand, is usually required for a master's degree that is not research-based. It demonstrates the student's mastery of a particular subject.

Here are a few examples of correct usage:

• She is currently working on her dissertation on neuroscience for her Ph.D. program.
• His thesis focused on the impact of social media on society.

In conclusion, when writing about academic degrees, dissertations, and theses, it is essential to use the correct terms and grammatical forms. Pay attention to the use of the possessive form "Master's degree" and differentiate between a dissertation and a thesis based on the degree program requirements.

Linguix grammar checker is a useful tool that can help identify and correct these common mistakes, ensuring your writing is accurate and polished.