master's degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"master's degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to academic qualifications earned from a university or college after completing a postgraduate program. For example, "After three years of study, I earned my master's degree in accounting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He's got a master's degree in hydrology.

Huffington Post

"A master's degree in.

The New Yorker

Studied for her master's degree.

Independent

Master's degree from Teachers College.

The New York Times

"A master's degree in..

The New Yorker

Seánie got a master's degree!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She earned a master's degree.

The New York Times - Science

Master's degree from Stanford.

Princeton University

(master's degree) and D.Phil.

Stanford University

Huazhong agricultural university master's degree dissertation (2015).

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Education Masterr's degree interrupted by the Cultural Revolution.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always specify the field of study when mentioning a "master's degree" to provide context and relevance (e.g., "master's degree in computer science").

Common error

Ensure you include the possessive apostrophe when referring to a "master's degree". Omitting it can be perceived as grammatically incorrect. Instead of "master degree", use "master's degree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "master's degree" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a specific type of academic qualification. As Ludwig shows, it is widely used across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

26%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science & Research

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "master's degree" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to a postgraduate academic qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts such as news media, academia, and online encyclopedias. When using the phrase, remember to include the possessive apostrophe. Alternative phrases include "graduate degree" and "postgraduate qualification". Specifying the field of study (e.g., "master's degree in engineering") adds clarity. With a source quality score of 84 and an expert rating of 4.5, "master's degree" stands as a well-established and accepted term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

master's level qualification

More explicit about the level of qualification.

graduate degree

Broader term encompassing both master's and doctoral degrees.

postgraduate qualification

Focuses on the level of study rather than the specific degree.

advanced degree

Highlights the degree's position beyond a bachelor's degree.

master's program completion

Emphasizes the act of finishing the academic program.

master's award

Focuses on the formal granting of the degree.

master's diploma

Refers to the document received upon completing the degree.

master's certification

Implies a formal validation of skills and knowledge.

master's studies

Focuses on the period of study leading to the degree.

master's coursework

Highlights the academic components undertaken for the degree.

FAQs

What is a "master's degree"?

A "master's degree" is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice.

What are some alternative phrases for "master's degree"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "graduate degree", "postgraduate qualification", or "advanced degree".

Is it grammatically correct to say "master degree" instead of "master's degree"?

No, the grammatically correct form is "master's degree", with the possessive apostrophe indicating that it is a degree of a master. "Master degree" is generally considered incorrect.

How long does it typically take to complete a "master's degree" program?

The duration of a "master's degree" program varies depending on the institution and field of study, but it generally takes one to two years of full-time study after completing a bachelor's degree.