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

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Wordplay

English Is Easy? (Part 2)

Thanks to Ken H. for sending these in.

1. The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
2. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
3. They were too close to the door to close it.
4. The buck does funny things when the does are present.
5. A seamstress and a sewer fell down into the sewer line.
6. To help with the planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
7. The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
8. Upon seeing the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
9. I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
10. How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

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