Is “master’s” capitalized in “master’s degree”? This is a common question that often arises when discussing academic qualifications. Understanding the capitalization rules for “master’s” in the term “master’s degree” is important for both formal writing and correct usage in everyday language.
The capitalization of “master’s” in “master’s degree” depends on the context in which it is used. In general, when “master’s” is used as an adjective to describe a degree, it is lowercase. For example, “She earned her master’s degree in English literature.” Here, “master’s” is used as an adjective to modify “degree,” and therefore, it is not capitalized.
However, when “master’s” is used as a noun to refer to the degree itself, it is typically capitalized. For instance, “He is pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration.” In this case, “Master’s” is used as a proper noun to denote the specific degree program, and as such, it is capitalized.
It is essential to note that capitalization rules can vary across different style guides and publications. The Associated Press (AP) style, for example, recommends using lowercase for “master’s” when it is used as an adjective. On the other hand, the Modern Language Association (MLA) style suggests capitalizing “master’s” when it is used as a noun to refer to the degree.
In summary, the capitalization of “master’s” in “master’s degree” depends on its grammatical role in a sentence. When used as an adjective, it is lowercase, while when used as a noun, it is capitalized. Being aware of these rules ensures clear and accurate communication in both formal and informal settings.
