When you’re planning for college, even small wording details can feel surprisingly important. One question that trips up a lot of families and students is whether the correct term is “Bachelor of Science” or “Bachelors of Science.” You might see both versions online, hear different phrases from advisors, or wonder how to list your future degree on applications and resumes—especially if you’re applying to schools in a particular city or region.
The good news: colleges care far more about the strength of your coursework, activities, and essays than about this one phrase. Still, using the right terminology does matter for professionalism, clarity, and confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk through what each version actually means, how universities typically use the terms, and how to list your intended or completed degree properly—whether you’re applying to public universities in California, private colleges in the Northeast, or flagship state schools across the South and Midwest.
“Bachelor of Science” vs. “Bachelors of Science”: What’s Grammatically Correct?
Strictly speaking, the grammatically correct base term for a single degree is Bachelor of Science, often abbreviated as B.S. or BS. The word “bachelor” here is singular—it refers to one degree. When you talk about the degree in general, or when a student completes one B.S. program, colleges will almost always use the singular form.
For example, a university catalog might say:
“Students may earn the Bachelor of Science in Biology.”
Notice that there’s no “s” at the end of “Bachelor.” You’ll see similar language across many accredited institutions. This consistency is intentional: degree names are formal academic designations, and schools maintain standardized phrasing to avoid confusion in transcripts, state records, and accreditation documents.
So where does “Bachelors of Science” come from? This phrasing is usually a casual or mistaken blend of two correct forms:
“bachelor’s degree” (possessive, referring to the type of degree)
“Bachelor of Science” (formal degree name)
People sometimes merge these into “bachelors of science,” dropping the apostrophe and adding an “s” in the wrong place. You might hear it in conversation or see it on informal websites, but it’s not the standard used by colleges, employers, or professional organizations.
Common Related Terms—and How to Use Them Correctly
To avoid confusion, it helps to separate the different ways we talk about undergraduate degrees. You’ll see three main constructions:
1. Bachelor of Science (B.S. or BS)
This is the formal degree title. Universities use this phrase on diplomas, in catalogs, and in official communications. For instance, a student might earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Chemistry, or Nursing.
2. bachelor’s degree
This is a general phrase, not tied to a specific major or discipline. Notice the apostrophe: you’re literally saying “a degree of a bachelor.” You might write, “I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering” or “Most entry-level positions in this field require a bachelor’s degree.”
3. Bachelor of Science degrees / bachelor’s degrees
When you want the plural, you don’t change “Bachelor” to “Bachelors.” Instead, you pluralize “degrees.” For example, “Our college offers several Bachelor of Science degrees” or “Many students at this campus earn bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields.”
Keeping these patterns straight will help you sound polished in applications, emails to admissions offices, and professional documents later on.
How Colleges Around the U.S. Refer to the Degree
Across the country, from large public research universities to small liberal arts colleges, the standard practice is remarkably consistent. Whether you’re looking at institutions in California, New York, Texas, Florida, or Illinois, you’ll almost always see “Bachelor of Science” listed in catalogs and on program websites.
Here’s how it usually appears in different contexts:
On a university website: “The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for…”
In an advising guide: “Students planning to complete the B.S. in Psychology must take the following core courses…”
On a diploma: “has fulfilled all requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Science.”
Some schools use “B.S.” while others prefer “BS” without periods, but both are widely accepted. The key is that “Bachelor” remains singular.
It’s also worth noting that regional variations in the U.S. tend to focus more on which majors are offered as B.S. versus B.A.—not on how the phrase itself is spelled. For example, one college might offer Psychology as a Bachelor of Arts, while another lists it as a Bachelor of Science, emphasizing lab work and statistics. The spelling of “Bachelor of Science” stays the same in both places.
How to List Your Intended Degree on College Applications
Students often worry about how to describe their future major and degree type on applications, especially when forms include free-response sections like “Academic Interests” or “Intended Major.” This is one place where consistent, correct phrasing can help you sound thoughtful and informed.
On most application platforms—such as the Common App, the Coalition Application, or state-specific portals—you’ll see degree options and majors presented in drop-down menus. In those cases, you simply select what applies; the system will use the correct formal language internally.
However, when you’re writing essays, activity descriptions, or additional information, you might mention your academic plans in your own words. In those cases, follow the standard patterns:
Use “Bachelor of Science” when naming a specific program: “I plan to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.”
Use “bachelor’s degree” when speaking more generally: “I’d be the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree.”
You generally don’t need to include the abbreviation (B.S. or BS) in application essays; spelling out the degree reads more smoothly and avoids jargon. Reserve abbreviations for resumes, short forms, or where space is limited.
If you’re unsure about whether a particular college offers your major as a B.A. or B.S., check the school’s academic catalog, not just the marketing pages. Degree type can vary not only by region, but even by department within the same institution.
How to List Your Degree on a Resume or LinkedIn
Even if you’re still in high school, it’s smart to learn the correct formatting now—it will matter for internships, research positions, and early professional opportunities. Employers and recruiters quickly scan resumes, and clear, consistent degree language makes it easier for them to understand your background.
Here’s the structure many college career centers in the U.S. recommend:
For a completed degree:
Example University — City, State
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, May 2028
For a degree in progress:
Example University — City, State
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Expected May 2029
Notice that again, “Bachelor” is singular, “Science” is capitalized, and the field of study is usually capitalized as part of the formal degree title. If you’re short on space—for example, on LinkedIn or in a single-line resume entry—you can abbreviate:
BS, Computer Science, Example University (2028)
Either style is acceptable, but make sure you’re consistent across your materials. And if you’re ever drafting a resume for a program, lab, or employer in a particular city, follow the conventions used by that region’s universities and major employers—many of them publish sample resumes online.
Does Using the Wrong Term Hurt My College Chances?
For most students, the short answer is no. Admissions officers are evaluating the whole picture: your grades, course rigor, extracurricular impact, essays, recommendations, and context. A single wording slip like writing “bachelors of science” instead of “Bachelor of Science” will not make or break an application.
However, consistently using correct academic language is one of those subtle signals that you pay attention to detail and understand the environment you’re entering. It’s similar to formatting dates consistently on your activities list or avoiding casual slang in formal emails. None of these details will carry your application on their own, but together they support a professional, mature impression.
If you’re an international student or a first-generation applicant navigating U.S. terminology for the first time, colleges understand that there will be occasional phrasing differences. They’re far more interested in the substance of your story than in one minor grammatical point. Still, learning conventions like “Bachelor of Science” will help you communicate more clearly with advisors, admissions offices, and future employers across the country.
How Degree Names Interact with Your Major
Another common source of confusion is the relationship between your major and the degree type. In other words, how do you talk about your field of study in combination with the phrase “Bachelor of Science”?
At many universities, especially larger institutions, the same major can be offered as both a B.A. and a B.S. The Bachelor of Arts version might emphasize language and theory, while the Bachelor of Science version leans into math, lab work, and quantitative methods.
When you describe this in writing, it’s usually clearest to include all three pieces: the degree type, the major, and sometimes the concentration:
“I’m interested in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience.”
“I hope to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on finance.”
The capital letters matter because you’re citing a formal academic title, just as it appears in the catalog. Pay attention to how your target colleges list specific programs—some may use “Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,” while others use “Bachelor of Science in Business” as the umbrella term.
Regional Hiring Norms: Why Precision Can Matter Later
While admissions officers aren’t grading your grammar, professional recruiters sometimes do notice how you present your degree. This becomes more important in cities and regions with competitive job markets—think tech roles in major metro areas, finance and consulting hubs, or health sciences centers.
In those environments, clean, accurate phrasing on your resume and LinkedIn profile helps hiring managers quickly understand your academic background. It also aligns your materials with those of other candidates graduating from local universities, making it easier to compare experiences.
For example, an engineering firm might scan for “Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering” because that’s how partner schools list the credential. If you wrote “Bachelors of Science, Civil Engineering,” recruiters would still understand you, but it may come across as less polished—especially if they’re reviewing dozens or hundreds of applications at once.
These are small differences, but over time, constantly using the correct term becomes part of a broader habit: paying attention to detail, matching your language to your audience, and presenting yourself professionally across regions and industries.
What About Honors Colleges and Dual Degrees?
Many universities offer honors programs, dual degrees, or combined bachelor’s–master’s pathways. These can complicate how you list your credentials, especially if you’re studying in different disciplines.
For instance, you might see a student earning a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In that case, the correct phrasing on a resume would be:
Example University — City, State
Bachelor of Science in Data Science; Bachelor of Arts in Economics (Dual Degree)
You’ll notice that each degree type remains singular—“Bachelor of Science,” not “Bachelors of Science”—even though the student is completing two separate degrees.
Similarly, if you’re part of an honors college, the wording usually looks like this:
Example University, Honors College — City, State
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Honors Program
Or:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Example University, Honors College
Again, consistency and clarity are more important than squeezing every label into one line. When in doubt, follow the format your university’s career center recommends; most publish sample resumes tailored to regional employers.
Frequently Asked Questions About “Bachelor of Science” Terminology
Is “Bachelor of Science” capitalized?
Yes—when you’re using the full, formal name of a specific degree, capitalize it: “Bachelor of Science in Physics.” When you’re speaking generally, you typically write “bachelor’s degree” in lowercase: “Many jobs require a bachelor’s degree.”
Is it “BSc,” “B.Sc.,” or “BS” in the United States?
In the U.S., “BS” or “B.S.” is more common. “BSc” or “B.Sc.” appears more often in some other countries. If you’re applying to American colleges or internships, default to the version your own institution uses. You can usually find it on the registrar’s or catalog site.
What if I already wrote “bachelors of science” in an essay?
You do not need to panic or try to reopen your application just for this. If you catch the error before submitting, fix it. If not, rest assured that admissions officers are reading for big-picture substance, not minor wording choices in one phrase. Focus your energy on strengthening the parts of your application you can still influence.
How do community colleges and transfer pathways handle this term?
Many community colleges award associate degrees but participate in transfer pathways that lead to a Bachelor of Science at a four-year institution. In those cases, you might see language like “Associate in Science for transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Biology.” The same grammatical rules apply: “Bachelor” stays singular.
Does the degree name affect my chances at graduate school?
Graduate admissions committees care about your coursework, research, grades, and fit for the program, not whether your undergraduate diploma reads “Bachelor of Science” or “Bachelors of Science.” However, when you fill out applications or write statements of purpose, using the standard term “Bachelor of Science” signals professionalism and familiarity with academic norms.
Using Degree Language Strategically in Your College Planning
While this whole question might seem purely grammatical, it connects to a much larger topic: understanding the structure of higher education so you can make informed choices. When you learn to read degree titles accurately, you’re better equipped to compare programs, ask good questions, and design an academic path that fits your goals.
For example, suppose you’re deciding between two universities. One offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; the other offers a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a quantitative concentration. The specific wording tells you something about the curriculum, emphasis, and even the kind of internships local employers might expect.
Similarly, if you’re exploring pre-health options, you might encounter both Bachelor of Science in Biology programs at research universities and interdisciplinary health science majors at smaller colleges. Reading past the marketing language to understand exactly what “Bachelor of Science” entails at each institution will help you evaluate lab access, required math, and preparation for entrance exams.
Once you start paying attention, you’ll notice that degree names are effectively short summaries of an academic philosophy. Learning to interpret them—down to the correct use of “Bachelor,” not “Bachelors”—is one of those subtle skills that gives you an edge in conversations with admissions officers and academic advisors.
When You’re Still Unsure: How to Get a Clear Answer
If you’re ever uncertain about how a particular school phrases its degrees, the most reliable sources are:
The university catalog or bulletin (usually under “Programs of Study” or “Academic Degrees”)
The registrar’s office website
The department page for your intended major
If those sources conflict—or if you’re planning to reference a specific university in your application and want to get the local terminology just right—you can always email the admissions office or department. A brief, professional question such as, “Could you confirm the official name of the degree for the Computer Engineering program (Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Arts)?” is completely appropriate and shows that you’re detail-oriented.
For students working with a college counseling service, this is exactly the kind of nuance an experienced counselor can help you sort through—from choosing between a B.A. and B.S. track at your dream school to double-checking the way you list degrees on your activity descriptions or early resumes.
Getting Support as You Navigate Degree Choices and Terminology
Choosing the right degree type is about much more than grammar. It influences the courses you’ll take, the skills you’ll build, and the opportunities available to you during and after college. That’s where personalized guidance can be especially valuable.
In one-on-one conversations with counselors, students can:
Clarify whether a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts better supports their academic strengths and career plans.
Understand how regional employers in fields like tech, finance, healthcare, and public service view different degree types.
Translate their intended path into clear, correct language on applications, resumes, and outreach emails to professors or admissions offices.
Along the way, using terminology—like “Bachelor of Science”—accurately but naturally allows you to focus on the bigger questions: What excites you? Where will you grow the most? How can your college years set you up for a fulfilling future?
If you’re ready to dig deeper into which degree paths make sense for you—and how to talk about them effectively—you might find it helpful to schedule a personalized consultation with a knowledgeable advisor. A short conversation with an expert can save you hours of second-guessing and help you approach your applications with more confidence.
Next step: If you’d like tailored advice on choosing between B.A. and B.S. programs, building a balanced college list, or polishing the details of your applications, consider setting up a consultation with a college counseling professional. Together you can review your goals, your academic profile, and your questions—down to how to phrase your intended “Bachelor of Science” correctly—so that every part of your application tells a clear, compelling story.
