Do you capitalize a Masters degree? This question often arises when individuals are drafting resumes, writing cover letters, or even when they are simply discussing their educational background. The answer, as with many grammatical rules, can be a bit nuanced. Let’s delve into the details to understand when and why you should capitalize a Masters degree.
In the context of formal writing, such as academic papers or professional documents, it is generally accepted to capitalize the term “Masters” when it is used as an adjective to describe a degree. For instance, if you are discussing a Master’s degree program or a Master’s thesis, the term should be capitalized. This is because it is being used to define or describe a specific type of academic qualification.
However, when “Masters” is used as a noun to refer to the degree itself, it is typically not capitalized. For example, you would say, “I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration,” rather than “I have a Masters degree in Business Administration.” This distinction is important because it reflects the proper use of capitalization in English grammar.
The confusion often stems from the fact that “Master” is a title that is capitalized when used as a proper noun, such as “Dr. John Master” or “Master Chef.” When referring to the degree, however, it is treated as a common noun and therefore not capitalized unless it is part of a title or heading.
It is also worth noting that the capitalization of “Masters” can vary depending on the style guide being followed. For instance, APA (American Psychological Association) style typically recommends capitalizing “Masters” when it is used as an adjective, while MLA (Modern Language Association) style does not specify capitalization for the term “Masters” when it is used as a noun.
In conclusion, the capitalization of “Masters” in the context of a degree depends on its usage. If it is being used as an adjective to describe a degree, it should be capitalized. If it is simply a noun referring to the degree itself, it should not be capitalized. Always consider the context and the style guide you are following to ensure accuracy in your writing.
