Bachelor or Bachelors of Science- Which is Correct?
The Short Answer: It's "Bachelor of Science"
Here's the deal: Bachelor of Science is the correct term. Not "bachelors of science." Not "bachelor's of science." Just Bachelor of Science.
English speakers mess this up constantly. Even educated people. Even people who write professionally. But the correct form is singular and possessive, and it refers to a specific type of degree.
Why People Get This Wrong
The confusion comes from a few places:
- Plural confusion — You're earning a degree, so it feels like you should pluralize something. You don't.
- Apostrophe brain freeze — "Bachelor's degree" uses an apostrophe, so "Bachelor's of Science" seems logical. It's not.
- Casual speech — In conversation, people say "I got my bachelors" all the time. That's informal shorthand, not correct terminology.
The Grammar Breakdown
Let's be precise about what each term actually means:
Bachelor
A bachelor is the base word. It means an unmarried man (informal) or, in academic contexts, the entry-level degree classification. Think of it as the category.
Bachelor's Degree
This refers to any undergraduate degree at the bachelor's level — so Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, and so on. The apostrophe-s indicates possession: the degree that belongs to a bachelor.
Bachelor of Science
This is a specific degree type. The word "Science" is capitalized because it follows the proper noun form used in formal academic naming conventions. No apostrophe. No plural. Just those two words.
The Wrong Versions
- "Bachelors of Science" — This treats "bachelors" as a plural noun. Wrong. You're earning one degree.
- "Bachelor's of Science" — The apostrophe suggests possession, but "Science" doesn't possess anything here. Also wrong.
When to Use Each Form
Here's the practical breakdown:
| Correct Term | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science | Formal naming, transcripts, resumes, official documents | "She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology." |
| Bachelor's degree | General references to the degree level | "A bachelor's degree opens more doors." |
| B.S. or BSc | Abbreviations for the degree | "B.S. in Chemistry" |
What About "Bachelors"?
In casual conversation, people say "I got my bachelors" all the time. Nobody's going to correct you at a party. But if you're writing anything formal — a cover letter, a LinkedIn bio, a resume — use the correct form.
On LinkedIn specifically, the platform sometimes auto-fills your degree. Check it. Make sure it says "Bachelor of Science" and not some mangled version.
The Bottom Line
Use Bachelor of Science when naming the specific degree. Use bachelor's degree when talking about the general category. Never use "bachelors of science" or "bachelor's of science."
If you write it correctly, people notice. It signals attention to detail. That's worth something.