master's degree: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High in academic and professional contexts; medium in general discourse.Formal to neutral.
Quick answer
What does “master's degree” mean?
A graduate-level academic qualification awarded by universities upon completion of a specific course of study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study following a bachelor's degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A graduate-level academic qualification awarded by universities upon completion of a specific course of study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study following a bachelor's degree.
The term can also informally refer to the advanced knowledge or expertise acquired through such study. In some contexts, it distinguishes the holder as having specialised authority in a field.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'Master's degree' is the standard term. In the US, it is also standard, but 'graduate degree' is a common superordinate term that can include master's and doctoral degrees. The abbreviations 'MA' (Master of Arts) and 'MSc' (Master of Science) are universal, but the US often uses 'MS' for Master of Science.
Connotations
Similar connotations of advanced study and professional/specialist qualification in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both academic and professional contexts in the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “master's degree” in a Sentence
VERB + master's degree: earn, get, obtain, complete, pursue, enrol in, be enrolled in, award, conferADJECTIVE + master's degree: one-year, two-year, online, part-time, full-time, terminal, research-based, taughtVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “master's degree” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- She was awarded a distinction in her Master's in Literature.
- Many universities offer a one-year taught master's.
American English
- He's working on his master's while holding down a full-time job.
- An MS is often required for engineering licensure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Often a requirement or strong advantage for management positions and specialised roles (e.g., 'The role requires an MBA').
Academic
A standard prerequisite for doctoral study (PhD) and for many academic teaching/research positions.
Everyday
Used in conversations about career advancement, education plans, and personal achievement.
Technical
Specifies the exact type and field (e.g., 'Master of Science in Data Science', 'MEng').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “master's degree”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “master's degree”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “master's degree”
- Incorrect apostrophe: 'masters degree' (missing apostrophe) or 'master's degrees' (incorrect pluralisation of the possessive). The correct plural is 'master's degrees'.
- Capitalisation: Not capitalised unless part of a full, official title (e.g., 'She earned a Master of Science').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An MA (Master of Arts) is typically awarded in humanities, arts, and some social sciences. An MSc (or MS in the US, Master of Science) is typically awarded in sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Often yes, but it may require completing prerequisite courses or demonstrating relevant experience. This is known as a 'conversion master's' in some contexts.
No. A master's degree usually requires a dissertation or major project and carries more academic credit. A postgraduate diploma (PGDip) is a shorter qualification, often covering the taught component of a master's without the final research project.
In the UK, a full-time taught master's is usually one year. In the US and many other countries, it is typically two years of full-time study. Research-based master's can vary more in length.
A graduate-level academic qualification awarded by universities upon completion of a specific course of study, typically requiring one to two years of full-time study following a bachelor's degree.
Master's degree is usually formal to neutral. in register.
Master's degree: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːstəz dɪˈɡriː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæstərz dɪˈɡri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not typically idiomatic.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A 'master' has mastered a subject. A 'master's degree' proves you've mastered it beyond the bachelor's level.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A LADDER / HIERARCHY (bachelor's, then master's, then doctorate).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct plural form?