The correct term is bachelor’s thesis because you need to show that the thesis belongs to the bachelor. E.g., “Her bachelor’s thesis was on 18th-century British poetry.” However, the term bachelor thesis, which is viewed as incorrect by some people, is more common.
The difference between the two terms is that the one with the apostrophe shows that the thesis belongs to the bachelor, which in this form is a noun.
- His bachelor’s thesis was on crime statistics in New York City.
In contrast, in the version without the apostrophe, the word bachelor is an adjective that describes the thesis.
- The college rejected her bachelor thesis for plagiarism.
The term bachelor thesis is unacceptable to many people. However, the word bachelor appears as an adjective in the dictionary. Furthermore, there are plenty of examples of people using the term without an apostrophe.
However, although the term bachelor thesis is common, the correct grammar is bachelor’s thesis, with an apostrophe and no capital letter.
Please keep reading the rest of the article to learn more about the different versions and to find out the rules regarding capitalization.
Bachelor’s Thesis
The term bachelor’s thesis is the correct way to refer to a thesis written by a bachelor.
The apostrophe is necessary to show that the thesis belongs to the bachelor.
- He wrote a bachelor’s thesis on the consistency of different types of concrete.
Furthermore, there is no need to use capital letters for a bachelor’s thesis because neither word is a proper noun.
However, if you are writing the full title of a bachelor’s degree, then you should use a capital letter.
- They awarded him with a Bachelor of Arts In French.
Bachelor Thesis
Although many people feel it is incorrect, people commonly use the term bachelor thesis to refer to a bachelor’s thesis.
In this form, the word bachelor is an adjective rather than a noun. Therefore, it doesn’t need an apostrophe.
- I did not do a bachelor thesis, so I didn’t graduate with honors.
- She is writing her bachelor thesis on the causes of poverty.
Please bear in mind that, although this version is common, if you are writing formally, it is best to stick to the correct grammatical version, which is bachelor’s thesis.
Bachelors Thesis
The term bachelors thesis is an incorrect form of bachelor’s thesis.
In this form, with the “s” at the end, the apostrophe is vital because you need to indicate that the thesis is the bachelors.
For example, it is similar to saying:
- The thesis is Johns.
- It is John’s thesis.
Therefore, you must always put an apostrophe in the word order where the bachelor comes first.
- Correct: John wrote a bachelor’s thesis on economic development in Vietnam.
- Incorrect: John wrote a bachelors thesis on economic development in Vietnam.
Bachelors’ Thesis
The term bachelors’ thesis is not correct because the thesis belongs to the bachelor. Therefore, you should always put the apostrophe before the “s.”
As shown in these examples:
- Correct: Her bachelor’s thesis is on river pollution.
- Incorrect: Her bachelors’ thesis is on river pollution.