The correct way to write Master of Education depends entirely on context: are you listing it on a resume, writing a formal diploma, citing it in a research paper, or using it in a casual email? Because this credential carries specific grammatical rules—particularly regarding the apostrophe and capitalization—misusing it can signal a lack of attention to detail to admissions committees, hiring managers, or academic peers. This guide breaks down every scenario so you can write the degree name with confidence and precision.
This changes depending on context. Keep that in mind.
The Golden Rule: It Is a Possessive, Not a Plural
The single most common error is writing "Masters of Education" (plural) instead of "Master’s of Education" or "Master of Education" (singular possessive) No workaround needed..
Grammatically, the degree belongs to the master (the graduate). You have achieved the status of a master in the field of education; therefore, you hold a Master’s degree. Think of it like Bachelor’s degree or Doctor’s degree (though the latter is rarely used that way) The details matter here..
- Correct: Master of Education (Full formal title)
- Correct: Master’s degree in Education (Generic reference)
- Incorrect: Masters of Education (Implies multiple masters)
- Incorrect: Masters degree in Education (Missing apostrophe)
Formal Usage: Diplomas, Transcripts, and Official Documents
When the degree appears on a diploma, official transcript, commencement program, or formal contract, every major word is capitalized. This is a proper noun—the specific name of the award And it works..
Master of Education
Do not add the apostrophe-s here. Also, g. In real terms, " The possessive form ("Master’s") is reserved for when you are describing the type of degree generically (e. The formal title of the degree is "Master of Education," not "Master’s of Education., "She earned a Master’s in Education").
Specializations and Concentrations
If your degree includes a formal concentration, the official title usually follows this structure:
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Check your specific university’s registrar guidelines. Some institutions use "Master of Education with a concentration in..." while others fold the concentration into the official degree title.
Abbreviations: M.Ed., M.Ed, MEd, or Ed.M.?
There is no single universal standard for abbreviating Master of Education; it varies by institution, style guide (APA, Chicago, MLA), and country. Consistency within a single document is very important.
1. M.Ed. (with periods) — Most Common in US Academia
This is the standard for the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) and many university style guides in the United States.
- Example: Jane Doe, M.Ed.
2. Ed.M. (with periods) — Harvard & Ivy League Convention
Harvard Graduate School of Education and several other elite institutions historically use Ed.M. (Magister Educationis), Latin for Master of Education. If you graduated from Harvard, use Ed.M. If you did not, using Ed.M. may look like an error to informed readers No workaround needed..
3. MEd (no periods) — UK, Australia, Canada, and Modern Minimalist Style
Many Commonwealth universities and modern style guides (like the Chicago Manual of Style for some contexts) prefer omitting periods in academic abbreviations.
- Example: John Smith, MEd
4. M.S.Ed. or M.S.Ed
Used specifically for a Master of Science in Education. This is a distinct degree type (often more research-heavy) from the Master of Education (often practitioner-focused). Do not use M.S.Ed. for a standard M.Ed.
Summary Rule for Abbreviations:
Use the abbreviation your specific university uses on its official diploma and transcript. If your diploma says "M.Ed.," do not write "MEd" on your LinkedIn profile or resume.
Resume, CV, and LinkedIn Best Practices
Your professional documents are marketing tools. Clarity beats cleverness.
In the Education Section
Spell it out fully on first reference, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses if the abbreviation is standard in your field. List the institution, location, and graduation year It's one of those things that adds up..
Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX | May 2023
After Your Name
On a resume header or LinkedIn name field, the abbreviation is standard. Do not use the full title after your name.
Correct: Maria Garcia, M.Ed. Incorrect: Maria Garcia, Master of Education
Critical Tip: Only list the degree after your name if it is a terminal or required credential for your target role (e.g., K–12 administration, higher ed administration, instructional design). If you are pivoting to corporate L&D or EdTech, the degree goes in the Education section, not next to your name Most people skip this — try not to..
Capitalization in Bullet Points
When describing coursework or projects in bullet points, treat the degree name as a proper noun only when using the full formal title. Use lowercase for generic references.
- Formal: Completed Master of Education capstone project on...
- Generic: Completed master’s capstone project on...
Cover Letters and Personal Statements: Narrative Flow
In prose, the rules shift slightly toward readability. You generally spell out the degree on first mention Small thing, real impact..
"After completing my Master of Education in Special Education, I joined the district’s intervention team."
On second mention, you can use the abbreviation or the generic possessive But it adds up..
"My M. coursework focused heavily on behavioral analysis.Ed." "During my master’s program, I collaborated with...
Avoid: "I have a Masters in Education." (Missing apostrophe, plural error). Prefer: "I hold a master’s degree in education" (lowercase, generic) or "I hold a Master of Education" (capitalized, specific title).
Academic Writing: Citations and References
If you are citing your own thesis or dissertation, or referencing someone else’s M.Ed. work, follow your required citation style (APA 7th, Chicago, MLA, Harvard) Small thing, real impact. And it works..
APA 7th Edition (Reference List)
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of thesis (Publication No. XXXXXX) [Master’s thesis, University Name]. Database Name. Note: APA uses "Master’s thesis" in the description bracket, but the degree abbreviation in the author byline follows the university's preference (usually M.Ed.).
In-Text Citations
You generally do not include degree credentials in in-text citations.
(Smith, 2022) — Not (Smith, M.Ed., 2022).
Common "Edge Cases" and How to Handle Them
1. "Master's in Education" vs. "Master of Education"
- Master of Education = The specific, formal degree title (Proper Noun, Capitalized).
- **Master's
