8 Ways to Describe Someone With a Master’s Degree

There is no single general honorific for someone simply because they hold a master’s degree. In ordinary writing, it is clearer to say “master’s graduate,” “master’s degree holder,” or another descriptive phrase, while degree abbreviations such as MA, MSc, or MBA may be used after a name where appropriate.

Useful Descriptions in Different Contexts

  • Master’s graduate
  • Master’s degree holder
  • Holder of a master’s degree
  • Postgraduate
  • Postgraduate degree holder
  • Graduate degree holder
  • Master’s-qualified professional
  • Master’s-level graduate

Master’s graduate

A concise everyday description for someone who has completed a master’s degree.

Example: The program is open to master’s graduates from any discipline.

Master’s degree holder

Clear and unambiguous in formal, administrative, or eligibility wording.

Example: Applicants must be master’s degree holders or have equivalent experience.

Holder of a master’s degree

A more formal version suited to policies, biographies, and official documents.

Example: She is the holder of a master’s degree in public health.

Postgraduate

In British English, this can describe someone studying for or holding a postgraduate qualification, so context matters.

Example: She is a postgraduate with a master’s degree in public health.

Postgraduate degree holder

More precise than “postgraduate” when you need to make clear that a degree has been completed.

Example: The survey included both first-degree and postgraduate degree holders.

Graduate degree holder

Common in American English, where a master’s degree is one type of graduate degree.

Example: The role requires a graduate degree holder with relevant technical experience.

Master’s-qualified professional

Useful when the qualification is relevant to the person’s professional expertise.

Example: The service is led by a master’s-qualified professional with specialist training.

Master’s-level graduate

A descriptive option when distinguishing educational levels rather than naming a particular degree.

Example: The scheme recruits both bachelor’s- and master’s-level graduates.

Does a Master’s Degree Change Someone’s Title?

A master’s degree does not normally create a new everyday title such as “Dr.” The person usually keeps their normal form of address, while an earned degree may be shown as post-nominal letters where the relevant style or setting permits it.

Use the actual degree abbreviation only when you know it. For example, an MA, MSc, MEd, or MBA identifies the specific qualification more accurately than a generic label.