In most editorial uses, lowercase the names of academic degrees, whether in full or as generic terms: bachelor of arts, bachelor of science; master of arts, master of science; doctor of philosophy; bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, etc. The generic terms “bachelor’s degree” and “master’s degree” are always written with an apostrophe. The names of degrees can be capitalized in formal presentations.
The abbreviations for degrees are written without periods: BA, MA, PhD, DMA, EdD, etc.
In most University publications, the abbreviated title “Dr.” should not be used to indicate a person’s credentials in a field. Many style guides—particularly guides intended for use by the news media—recommend restricting the use of the abbreviation only to those who hold medical degrees, but in an institution such as the University, that can seem like an arbitrary limitation. On the other hand, using Dr. before the name of all who hold medical doctor degrees and doctorates is cumbersome for readers.
University style recommends that in most instances, a person’s credentials can and should be noted within the context of the publication, typically close to the first appearance of the person’s name.
Jennifer Johnson, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Strong Memorial Hospital, performed the procedure.
Arnold Smith, a professor of pediatrics, met the family in the child’s room.
Cynthia Jones, who holds a doctorate in toxicology, read the results.
Don James, a professor of physics, and his team are studying the origins of black holes.
On subsequent references in most editorial contexts, people should be referred to by their surnames without an honorific title. (Phrases such as “Dr. Jones” or “Professor Smith” should be limited to material directly quoted from a speaker or from another source.)
When the listing of academic credentials with a person’s name is standard practice (for example, in official bulletins of the University), the abbreviations for the credentials should be listed after the name and be set off by commas.
John Jones, PhD, Duke University
Sarah Smith, MPhil, Cambridge University
Plurals of academic degrees do not take an apostrophe.
BAs, BSs, PhDs