(You can’t own) bachelors vs. bachelor’s degree

You’d think
Grammar someone with a college education would know whether or not to use an apostrophe, but apparently they don’t teach this anymore.



The professor says use an apostrophe. Why you ask, o seeker of knowledge? Because bachelor has two meanings: An unmarried man and someone (male or female) who has earned a college degree. Since the degree is owned by this graduate, an apostrophe is needed to show possession.


One more thing: Lowercase bachelor unless giving the name of a specific degree. So you can have a bachelor’s degree or a Bachelor of Arts Degree.



Bonus for advanced students seeking additional coursework: The same rules apply for masters degree vs. master’s degree.



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Published on May 15, 2013 04:33
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