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