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Capitalization of Academic Degrees

Perhaps you’ve wondered if and when academic degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, etc.) should be capitalized.

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) recommends writing academic degrees in lower case, except when using the degree as a title.

Examples:

Orlando is pursuing a bachelor of science in civil engineering.

He introduced Jennifer Miller, master of fine arts.

He introduced Master of Fine Arts Jennifer Miller.

However, CMS advises that academic degrees be capitalized when used in lists.

Example:

We are proud to announce our project team:

Jennifer Miller, Master of Fine Arts

Orlando Cruz, Bachelor of Science

Pierre Bettencourt, Bachelor of Arts

The Associated Press Stylebook recommends using lower case when referring to degrees in general but capitalizing when they follow a name.

Examples:

Orlando is thinking about getting a bachelor of science degree.

He introduced Orlando Cruz, Bachelor of Science.

My recommendation is to pick your resource and then be consistent.

Where there is agreement, however, is that abbreviations of academic degrees are to be capitalized. CMS recommends omitting periods unless required for tradition or consistency.

Examples: BA, BS, MA, MS, PhD

Pop Quiz

  1. The keynote speaker tonight will be Juris Doctor/juris doctor Michael Abercrombie.
  2. The keynote speaker tonight will be Michael Abercrombie, Juris Doctor/juris doctor.
  3. The textbook was authored by Azizah Bakar, Master of Science/master of science.
  4. Eleanor is finally reaching the end of her studies for her Doctorate in History/doctorate in history.
  5. After studying hard for so many years, I definitely feel that I’ve earned my MS/ms.

Answers

  1. Juris Doctor
  2. Juris Doctor OR juris doctor (Either choice is correct.)
  3. Master of Science OR master of science
    If you picked Juris Doctor in No. 2, then Master of Science is correct for No. 3.
    Similarly, if you picked juris doctor in No. 2, then master of science is correct for this one.
  4. doctorate in history
  5. MS

Posted on Sunday, March 29th, 2009 at 6:16 pm

Numbers as Adjectives

A subscriber recently wrote in with a question that’s a good followup to last week’s Tip of the Week, Writing Numbers:
“When are hyphens used with numbers? Is it 13 feet or 13-feet; 12 hours or 12-hours?”

Rule: Generally, hyphenate between two or more adjectives when they come before a noun and act as a single idea.

This rule can also be applied when a number and a measurement unit taken together form an adjective, that is, when they describe another object.

Examples:
A 22-inch monitor is too big for my desk.
Nurses work 12-hour shifts.
Anthony swung his five-pound hammer.
In the previous sentences, the measurements, such as 22-inch, describe specific objects, such as monitor.

When measurements are not acting as adjectives, hyphens are not needed.

Examples:
Suzanne won the race by 25 yards.
Twelve hours later, she was exhausted.
Anthony’s hammer weighs five pounds.

Pop Quiz: Choose A or B.

1. A. I can’t believe she wrote a 33-page treatise on how to screw in a light bulb.
1. B. I can’t believe she wrote a 33 page treatise on how to screw in a light bulb.

2. A. I can’t believe she wrote 33-pages on how to screw in a light bulb.
2. B. I can’t believe she wrote 33 pages on how to screw in a light bulb.

3. A. Harold found a 110-year-old book at the flea market.
3. B. Harold found a 110 year old book at the flea market.

4. A. Harold found a book that must have been 110-years-old at the flea market.
4. B. Harold found a book that must have been 110 years old at the flea market.

Answers

1. A.
2. B.
3. A.
4. B.

Posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 4:07 pm