Capitalizing academic degrees correctly allows for clear meaning.

Names of degrees in particular areas of study should be capitalized. 

Here are some examples:

            Bachelor of Arts degrees                      a Master of Science degree                        the Doctor of Sociology program

            bachelor’s degrees                               a master’s degree                                       the doctoral program

Names of academic degrees and honors should be capitalized when they follow a person’s name. Here are a couple of examples:

            Kenneth James, Doctor of Philosophy

            Carla Simmons, Doctor of Asian Literature, Fellow of the Royal Society, and visiting professor

In addition to our website, www.uhv.edu/ac, this week we are recommending the Northeastern University’s web page on academic terminology. This site has all the capitalization, abbreviation, and punctuation rules for academic degrees.

Visit Northeastern University’s web page at http://www.neu.edu/styleguide/3_0.html.

Test your understanding of capitalization of academic degrees by correcting the following sentences.

1. After Fredrick Nelson gets his Master’s Degree, he will move to Kansas with Jane.

2. My favorite teacher at this school is Susan Swanson, doctor of law.

3. Marcus hopes to get into the master of anthropology program.

4. Noel Jamison will soon receive her bachelor of science degree.

Answers

1. After Fredrick Nelson gets his master’s degree, he will move to Kansas with Jane.

2. My favorite teacher at this school is Susan Swanson, Doctor of Law.

3. Marcus hopes to get into the Master of Anthropology program.

4. Noel Jamison will soon receive her Bachelor of Science degree.

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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