masters (master’s) degree/dissertation/thesis

Write "Master's degree" with an apostrophe in running text. Use the formal name "Master of X" on diplomas and CV headings. Use "thesis" for most master's projects and "dissertation" for doctoral work-check program wording for exceptions. Below are crisp rules, many concrete examples, and ready-to-use rewrites.

Quick answer

Use "Master's degree" (apostrophe + s) in prose. Use "Master of X" (no apostrophe) for formal degree names. Use "thesis" for most master's projects and "dissertation" for doctoral projects, unless the program specifies otherwise.

"Master's degree" = correct in sentences.
"Master of Science" = correct formal diploma title.
"Thesis" usually = master's project; "dissertation" usually = PhD project.

Core explanation: the grammar in one sentence

The apostrophe-s shows possession: the degree belongs to a master → Master's degree. When naming the formal credential on a diploma or CV, use the official title without an apostrophe (Master of Arts, Master of Science).

Practical default: in prose write "Master's degree in [field]"; on CVs or diplomas copy the university's exact wording: "Master of Science in [field]".

Prose: Master's degree in economics.
Formal: Master of Science in Economics.
If unsure for formal listings, copy the program catalog wording.

Possessive, capitalization, spacing, and hyphenation

Common slips come from treating the possessive as a plural or misplacing hyphens. Keep these quick checks in mind:

Don't pluralize: wrong - Masters degree; right - Master's degree.
Formal titles have no apostrophe: Master of Arts (not Master's of Arts).
Hyphenate when the phrase modifies a noun before it: master's-level seminar. Do not hyphenate after the noun: seminar at the master's level.
Capitalization: lowercase in running text (master's degree in physics); capitalize formal degree names (Master of Science).
Spacing: always separate words (never "Master'sdegree").

Wrong: He completed a Masters Degree in Economics.
Right: He completed a Master's degree in economics.
Wrong: She earned a Master degree of Arts.
Right: She earned a Master of Arts.
Wrong: She enrolled in Master'slevel courses.
Right: She enrolled in master's-level courses.

Thesis vs dissertation - short, practical guidance

Default rule: thesis = master's project; dissertation = doctoral project. Some research-based master's programs call their final work a dissertation-follow the program's language on CVs and abstracts.

Mixing these terms can make you look inaccurate about degree level; correct them where they matter most (CVs, titles, abstracts).

If the project is for a PhD, write "dissertation".
If the project is for a taught master's, write "thesis".
If the master's program calls the submission a "dissertation", use that term.

Wrong: I wrote my dissertation for my taught MA.
Right: I wrote my master's thesis for my taught MA.
Exception (school): She completed a dissertation for the research-based master's program (per university usage).

Real-usage templates: work, school, and casual - copy-paste friendly

Swap institution, field, year, or project title to match your situation. Use formal degree names on CVs and correct prose forms elsewhere.

Work - resume: Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of X - 2023. Concentration: Finance.
Work - cover letter: I hold a Master's degree in Information Systems and three years' experience in product analytics.
Work - email: I will finish my Master's degree in June and will be available to start in July.
School - CV entry: Master of Arts in Sociology, University Y, 2022. Thesis: "Housing Policy and Urban Change."
School - abstract: This master's thesis investigates X and shows Y.
School - supervisor note: I plan to submit my Master's thesis by April 30.
Casual - LinkedIn: Thrilled to have completed my Master's degree in Data Science today!
Casual - tweet: Defended my master's thesis this morning - what a relief!
Casual - text: Finished my Master's degree ✨ Dinner plans?

Try your own sentence

Test the whole sentence in context; that usually clears up whether you're using the formal title, a possessive phrase, or the correct project name.

Examples gallery: extra wrong/right pairs and quick rewrites

Concrete wrong/right pairs you can paste directly into documents. Change field, university, or date as needed.

Wrong: Masters degree in Finance, University of Y, 2022.
Right: Master's degree in Finance, University of Y, 2022.
Wrong: Finished Masters Degree, proud.
Right: Finished my Master's degree - proud of the journey.
Wrong: Masters Degree in law, 2020.
Right: Master of Laws (LL.M.), 2020.
Wrong: I did my dissertation on marketing.
Right: I completed my dissertation on digital marketing as part of my PhD program.
Wrong: Bachelors degree in English, 2018.
Right: Bachelor's degree in English, 2018.
Wrong: Ph.D thesis completed in 2020.
Right: PhD dissertation completed in 2020.
Rewrite:
Original: "Finished Masters degree, proud." →
Rewrite: "I finished my Master's degree today - grateful for the support along the way."
Rewrite:
Original: "I wrote my dissertation for a master's program last year." →
Rewrite: "I wrote my master's thesis for my taught MA program last year."
Rewrite:
Original: "Master degree of Science, 2021." →
Rewrite: "Master of Science, 2021."

How to fix your own sentence: a compact checklist

Run these five quick checks before saving or sending any professional document.

1) Prose or formal title? If prose, use "Master's degree in [field]". If a formal diploma/CV line, use the university's exact title (Master of X).
2) Project name: thesis for most master's projects, dissertation for PhD projects-confirm with the program.
3) Apostrophe and spacing: avoid "Masters degree" and "Master'sdegree".
4) Hyphenation: master's-level course (before a noun); seminar at the master's level (after a noun).
5) For public documents, prefer the program catalog wording; for casual posts keep it concise and correct.

Rewrite: "Masters degree in biology (2019)" → "Master's degree in biology (2019)."
Rewrite: "dissertation for my MA" → "thesis for my master's program" (if the MA was taught).
Rewrite: "Master's Degree on resume" → "Master of Arts, University Z, 2023."

Memory trick: a single image to stop the error

Imagine a diploma being handed to "the master" - the diploma belongs to them. That ownership is the apostrophe-s: Master's degree. Repeat the image once to avoid dropping the apostrophe.

Rule of thumb: in a sentence use the apostrophe (Master's). For the official diploma title use "Master of X".

Similar mistakes to watch for

Fixing "Masters" often exposes other inconsistencies: Bachelor's vs Bachelors, PhD vs Ph.D., or mixing formal and prose forms. Choose a style and apply it consistently.

Bachelor's degree (prose) vs Bachelor of Arts (formal).
PhD vs Ph.D. - pick one style and stick to it.
Degree abbreviations: include periods only if your style guide requires them (B.A. vs BA).

Wrong: Bachelors degree in English, 2018.
Right: Bachelor's degree in English, 2018.
Wrong: Ph.D thesis completed in 2020.
Right: PhD dissertation completed in 2020. (Or: Ph.D. dissertation - be consistent.)

FAQ

Is it "Masters degree" or "Master's degree"?

Use "Master's degree" in prose. The apostrophe shows possession: the degree belongs to a master. Use the formal title (Master of Science) for diplomas and CV headings.

Should I capitalize "master's degree"?

Lowercase in running text: "master's degree in physics." Capitalize formal degree names: "Master of Science in Physics." Follow your organization's style guide if it differs.

When should I write thesis vs dissertation?

Generally, "thesis" = master's project and "dissertation" = doctoral project. Some research-based master's programs call their final submission a dissertation-always check the program's language.

How should I list degrees on LinkedIn or a CV?

On a CV use the official program name (Master of Business Administration). On LinkedIn you can use either the formal name or "Master's degree in [field] - University (year)". Be consistent and accurate.

Do I hyphenate "master's-level"?

Yes, hyphenate when it comes before a noun: "master's-level coursework." Do not hyphenate when it follows the noun: "coursework at the master's level."

Quick check before you send

When in doubt, paste the sentence into a grammar checker or compare it to your university catalog. Small fixes like adding an apostrophe or choosing "thesis" versus "dissertation" protect your professionalism and take seconds to apply.