Academic Degrees

Formal capitalization style of degrees, written in full and including area of study (often reserved for formal invitations, resumes, diplomas, and certificates only). Capitalize degree name and area of study. Examples:

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology
• Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Education
• Master of Fine Arts in Dramaturgy
• Master of Science in Chemistry
• Master of Social Work

General mention of academic degrees, such as "bachelor's" or "bachelor's degree" and "master’s" or "master's degree" must include a singular possessive apostrophe. Example:

• To date, the university has awarded 43,351 master’s degrees.
• Eduardo is planning to complete his bachelor's this spring.

Associate degree is singular non-possessive (not associate’s).

Omit periods in degree abbreviations whenever possible. Examples:

• Once she receives her MA degree this year, she will immediately join the PhD program.

Punctuation in the use of degrees, following a name, in running text: Use comma both before and after degree initials. Example:

• Ingrid Forsythe, PhD, will give a lecture on the medieval history of the Netherlands.

Degree initials after a name need only be mentioned in the first instance. Subsequent name mentions do not need to include degree initials. Example:

• Leiden University's Ingrid Forsythe, PhD, will give a lecture on the medieval history of the Netherlands. After the talk, slide presentation, and a break for refreshment, Professor Forsythe will take questions from the audience.