Admin You’re filling out a form, updating your CV, or writing a university application. Everything feels easy until you reach one line that makes you stop: “Education: Bachelor or Bachelor’s?” You stare at the screen, unsure what to write. Should there be an apostrophe? Does one word mean the degree and the other something else? Many students and job seekers face this exact moment, and it often leads to second-guessing.
You may have seen both versions used online, on certificates, or even on official documents, which only adds to the confusion.
This problem doesn’t mean your English is weak. English uses small punctuation marks to create big meaning changes, and the apostrophe is one of the trickiest. Because both forms look similar and are used around education, people assume they can be used the same way.
Although they look similar, they serve completely different purposes. Once you clearly understand what bachelor and bachelor’s really mean, everything becomes simpler. You’ll know which one belongs in formal writing, which one refers to a person, and how to avoid mistakes that can look unprofessional.
1. What Does Bachelor Mean?
Bachelor is a noun.
It refers to a person, not a degree.
A bachelor is an unmarried man. This is the original and traditional meaning of the word.
Examples:
- “He is a bachelor and lives alone.”
- “The show follows a famous bachelor.”
So, bachelor = a person, not an academic qualification.
2. What Does Bachelor’s Mean?
Bachelor’s is also a noun, but it is possessive.
It refers to a degree, not a person.
The apostrophe shows ownership.
Ownership of what?
Ownership of a degree level.
Examples:
- “She completed her bachelor’s degree.”
- “A bachelor’s in computer science is required.”
So, bachelor’s = a degree.
3. Why Bachelor or Bachelor’s Is So Confusing
This confusion happens because:
- The words look almost identical
- The apostrophe is small and easy to miss
- People shorten “bachelor’s degree” incorrectly
- Universities and students use casual language
Many learners think the apostrophe is optional.
It’s not.
In English, apostrophes change meaning.
4. Is Bachelor Short for Bachelor’s Degree?
No. This is a very common mistake.
- Bachelor alone does NOT mean degree
- Bachelor’s refers to the degree
Saying “I completed my bachelor” is informal and grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
Correct form:
- “I completed my bachelor’s degree.”
5. What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic qualification.
It usually takes 3 to 4 years to complete.
Common bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor’s of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor’s of Science (BS)
- Bachelor’s of Engineering (BE)
The apostrophe always stays.
6. Singular and Plural Forms Explained
Here’s where many people get confused.
- One degree → bachelor’s degree
- More than one degree → bachelor’s degrees
Example:
- “The university offers several bachelor’s degrees.”
Never write:
❌ “bachelors degree”
❌ “bachelor degree”
7. Key Differences Between Bachelor and Bachelor’s
| Feature | Bachelor | Bachelor’s |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Unmarried man | Academic degree |
| Refers to | A person | Education |
| Apostrophe | No | Yes |
| Used in resumes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Formal writing | Rare | Very common |
8. Real-Life Sentence Examples
Correct:
- “He is a bachelor.”
- “She earned a bachelor’s degree.”
Incorrect:
- ❌ “She earned a bachelor degree.”
- ❌ “I finished my bachelor.”
One missing apostrophe can change everything.
9. Spoken English vs Written English
In spoken English, people often say:
- “I did my bachelor.”
Listeners usually understand.
But writing is different.
In resumes, applications, and emails, this mistake looks unprofessional.
Always write the full and correct form.
10. Common Mistakes People Make
- Dropping the apostrophe
- Using “bachelor” for education
- Writing “bachelors degree”
- Mixing spoken English with formal writing
These mistakes can confuse employers and universities.
11. How Universities Use the Term
Universities always use:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s program
They never use “bachelor” alone for academics.
If you’re writing formally, follow their example.
12. How Employers Read It
Recruiters notice small details.
Wrong:
- “Education: Bachelor in IT”
Correct:
- “Education: Bachelor’s in IT”
Small grammar errors can affect first impressions.
13. Easy Memory Trick
Remember this rule:
- No apostrophe = person
- Apostrophe = degree
If it’s education, the apostrophe stays.
14. Bachelor vs Bachelor’s vs Bachelors (Quick Guide)
- Bachelor → a man
- Bachelor’s → one degree
- Bachelor’s degrees → many degrees
Never use bachelors alone for education.
15. Why Correct Usage Matters
Using the wrong form can:
- Change meaning
- Look careless
- Reduce credibility
Correct grammar shows clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is “bachelor” ever correct for education?
No. Formal English requires “bachelor’s.”
Q2: Can I write “Bachelor of Science”?
Yes. That is a full official degree title.
Q3: Is “bachelors degree” correct?
No. It must be “bachelor’s degree.”
Q4: Why does bachelor’s have an apostrophe?
It shows possession of the degree level.
Q5: Can I shorten it on a CV?
Yes, but use BA, BS, or BSc correctly.
Fun Facts You’ll Remember
- “Bachelor” comes from Latin, meaning a young man.
- The apostrophe in bachelor’s has caused confusion for decades.
Small mark, big meaning 😊
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between bachelor or bachelor’s is simpler than it looks. A bachelor is a person. A bachelor’s is an academic degree. That tiny apostrophe changes the meaning completely. Once you remember that education always needs the apostrophe, mistakes become easy to avoid. This small detail can improve your writing, your CV, and your confidence. Next time you see bachelor or bachelor’s, you won’t guess—you’ll know exactly which one is correct.
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