Ever been filling out a resume, LinkedIn profile, or university application and suddenly frozen at the degree line? You start typing “Bachelor of Science,” then second-guess yourself and wonder if it should be “Bachelor’s of Science” instead. Maybe you’ve even seen both versions floating around online and figured they must be interchangeable.
You’re definitely not alone. This is one of the most common grammar mistakes in academic and professional writing, and honestly, it trips up native English speakers just as often as English learners. The apostrophe placement seems small, but it changes the meaning (and correctness) of the phrase entirely.
Let’s clear up the confusion once and for all with examples, tables, memory tricks, and everything else you need to never second-guess this again. 📝
Quick Answer: Which One Is Correct?
“Bachelor of Science” (no apostrophe) is the correct, official term for the degree itself. “Bachelor’s of Science” is a common but grammatically incorrect mix-up though “Bachelor’s degree” (with an apostrophe) is correct when you’re not naming the specific degree type.
That’s the short version. Now let’s break down why this happens and how to get it right every single time.
Understanding “Bachelor of Science” vs. “Bachelor’s of Science”
What Is “Bachelor of Science”? 🔍
“Bachelor of Science” is the official, formal name of an academic degree, usually abbreviated as B.S. (American English) or BSc (British English). It’s a proper noun-like title, similar to how you’d write “Master of Arts” or “Doctor of Philosophy.”
Because it’s a formal title, it does not take an apostrophe.
Examples:
- She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from State University.
- His resume listed a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
- The university offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.
- I’m currently working toward my Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
What About “Bachelor’s of Science”? ❌
“Bachelor’s of Science” is a common error. People add the apostrophe because they’re used to saying “bachelor’s degree,” and they mistakenly carry that apostrophe over when naming the specific degree type. But grammatically, this creates an awkward, incorrect phrase it’s like saying “science’s degree” instead of “degree of science.”
Incorrect:
- ❌ She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry.
- ❌ He completed his Bachelor’s of Science degree last spring.
Correct:
- ✅ She has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
- ✅ He completed his Bachelor of Science degree last spring.
Where Does “Bachelor’s” (With Apostrophe) Actually Belong?
Here’s the twist that causes most of the confusion: “bachelor’s” with an apostrophe is correct just not paired with “of Science.”
You use the possessive apostrophe when you’re referring to the general category of degree, not the specific formal title.
Examples:
- ✅ I’m getting my bachelor’s degree next year.
- ✅ Do you need a bachelor’s to apply for this job?
- ✅ She holds a bachelor’s in Biology. (informal shorthand)
Notice the difference: “bachelor’s degree” is a general, possessive phrase (like “master’s degree” or “someone’s book”). “Bachelor of Science” is a specific, official title that doesn’t need the apostrophe because “of Science” already shows the connection.
📊 Comparison Table: Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor’s Degree
| Term | Correct? | Type of Phrase | Example |
| Bachelor of Science | ✅ Correct | Formal degree title | She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. |
| Bachelor’s of Science | ❌ Incorrect | Common error | ~~She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.~~ |
| Bachelor’s degree | ✅ Correct | Possessive general term | He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2020. |
| Bachelors degree (no apostrophe) | ❌ Incorrect | Missing apostrophe | ~~He earned a bachelors degree in 2020.~~ |
| B.S. / BSc | ✅ Correct | Abbreviation | Her B.S. is in Environmental Science. |
Why Does This Mistake Happen So Often? 🤔
There are a few reasons this mix-up is everywhere:
- Autocorrect confusion: Phones and word processors sometimes “helpfully” insert apostrophes where they don’t belong.
- Verbal habit: When people say “bachelor’s degree” out loud so often, they assume the apostrophe carries over to every related phrase.
- Visual similarity: “Bachelor of Science” and “Bachelor’s degree” look and sound similar, so the brain blends them.
- Lack of formal grammar teaching: Degree titles aren’t usually covered in standard grammar lessons, so people rely on guesswork.
Memory Trick to Never Mess This Up Again 🧠
Here’s a simple mnemonic:
“Of” replaces the apostrophe.
If the sentence already has the word “of” right after “Bachelor,” you don’t need an apostrophe the word “of” is already doing the possessive job for you.
- Bachelor of Science → no apostrophe needed (the “of” already shows ownership/connection)
- Bachelor**’s** degree → no “of,” so you need the apostrophe to show possession
Think of it like this: “of” and apostrophe never travel together. If one shows up, the other stays home. ✈️
Real-Life Examples Across Different Contexts
📧 In Emails
“Please find attached my resume. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from XYZ University, and I’m excited to apply for this role.”
💼 On LinkedIn or Resumes
“Bachelor of Science, Computer Science ABC University, 2022″
Common resume mistake to avoid:
❌ “Bachelors of Science, Computer Science ABC University, 2022″
📱 On Social Media
“Just got my acceptance letter! Starting my Bachelor of Science in Nursing this fall! 🎉 #college #nursingstudent”
🎓 In Academic Writing
“The study included participants who had completed a Bachelor of Science degree within the past five years.”
🗣️ In Everyday Speech
“I’m working on my bachelor’s right now it’s a Bachelor of Science in Biology.”
Notice how in casual speech, people often just say “bachelor’s” as shorthand and that’s perfectly fine! It’s only when you write out the full formal title that the apostrophe needs to disappear.
British English vs. American English: Any Differences? 🌍
Good news this rule is consistent across both British and American English. However, there are some regional naming differences worth knowing:
| Region | Common Term | Abbreviation |
| 🇺🇸 American English | Bachelor of Science | B.S. or BS |
| 🇬🇧 British English | Bachelor of Science | BSc |
| 🇦🇺 Australian English | Bachelor of Science | BSc |
| 🇨🇦 Canadian English | Bachelor of Science | B.Sc. |
Whether you’re writing “B.S.” or “BSc,” the apostrophe rule stays exactly the same never insert one into “Bachelor of Science.”
Other Related Degree Titles (Same Rule Applies!)
Once you understand this pattern, it applies to nearly every academic degree title:
- Bachelor of Arts (not “Bachelor’s of Arts”)
- Master of Science (not “Master’s of Science”)
- Master of Business Administration (not “Master’s of Business Administration”)
- Doctor of Philosophy (not “Doctor’s of Philosophy”)
But:
- ✅ master’s degree
- ✅ doctorate’s (less common, but follows the same possessive logic)
Quick Keyword Table for SEO & Search Reference:
| Search Term | Correct Form |
| bachelor of science or bachelors of science | Bachelor of Science |
| bachelor’s degree or bachelors degree | bachelor’s degree |
| master of science or masters of science | Master of Science |
| BS vs BSc | Both correct (regional) |
Common Mistakes to Watch Out For 🚩
- Adding an apostrophe to formal degree titles ❌ Bachelor’s of Science ✅ Bachelor of Science
- Forgetting the apostrophe in general terms ❌ bachelors degree ✅ bachelor’s degree
- Mixing plural and possessive forms ❌ Bachelors’ of Science (plural possessive still wrong here) ✅ Bachelor of Science
- Inconsistent capitalization ❌ bachelor Of science ✅ Bachelor of Science (capitalize when naming the specific degree, especially on resumes/diplomas)
- Confusing it with the plural “bachelors”
- “Bachelors” (no apostrophe) can correctly refer to multiple unmarried men a totally different meaning! 😄
FAQs: People Also Ask 🙋
1. Is it “Bachelor of Science” or “Bachelor’s of Science”?
It’s “Bachelor of Science” no apostrophe. This is the correct, official name of the degree.
2. Is “bachelor’s degree” correct with an apostrophe?
Yes! When you’re using the general term “bachelor’s degree” (not naming a specific field), the apostrophe is correct because it shows possession.
3. Why doesn’t “Bachelor of Science” need an apostrophe?
Because “of Science” already shows the relationship between “Bachelor” and the subject area. Adding an apostrophe would be redundant and grammatically incorrect.
4. How do you abbreviate Bachelor of Science?
In American English, it’s usually B.S. or BS. In British and Commonwealth English, it’s typically BSc.
5. Is “Bachelors of Science” ever correct?
No this version, with an apostrophe after “Bachelor,” is always considered incorrect in standard English usage, whether in academic, professional, or casual writing.
6. What’s the difference between Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts?
Both are undergraduate degree types. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) typically focuses on math, science, and technical subjects, while Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) often emphasizes humanities, social sciences, and liberal arts though this varies by university.
7. Should I write “Bachelor of Science” on my resume or just “bachelor’s degree”?
Use the full, official title (“Bachelor of Science in [Your Major]”) for clarity and professionalism, especially on resumes, LinkedIn, and formal documents.
8. Is there an apostrophe in “Master’s of Science” too?
No following the same rule, it should be written as “Master of Science,” not “Master’s of Science.”
Final Takeaway: The Key Difference in One Sentence 🎯
“Bachelor of Science” never takes an apostrophe because it’s a formal degree title where “of” already links “Bachelor” to “Science” while “bachelor’s degree” correctly uses an apostrophe because it’s a general possessive phrase without “of.”
Once you remember that simple “of vs. apostrophe” rule, you’ll never second-guess your resume, LinkedIn profile, or diploma wording again. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or writer polishing your English usage and correct spelling, this small grammar fix makes a big impression. ✨
Sophia Collins is a passionate English grammar writer at GrammBoost.com who loves making the English language simple and easy to understand. She creates clear, beginner-friendly guides on grammar, spelling, word differences, and common language mistakes. Her goal is to help students, writers, and English learners build confidence and improve their writing through practical, easy-to-follow explanations.
