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University Marketing and Communications

Degrees

  • Academic degrees and certificates may be spelled out or abbreviated.

  • When abbreviated, the principal words in the degree are capitalized. There is no space between the letters, and periods are typically required: B.S., M.A., Ph.D. An exception is there are no periods in MBA.

  • When abbreviated, the principal words in the degree are capitalized. There is no space between the letters, and periods are typically required: B.S., M.A., Ph.D. An exception is there are no periods in MBA.

  • When referencing degrees in a generic sense, there is no need to capitalize: They have a bachelor’s degree.

  • To note a degree year when writing about an alum, the year should follow a person’s name without a comma for an undergraduate degree or certificate: Jane Doe ’82

  • Use commas to note a degree year when the degree received is a master’s or doctorate: Jane Doe ’82, M.S. ’84, Ph.D. ’90

  • Do not use commas to separate more than one of the same type of degree: Jane Doe ’03 ’09 (for two bachelor’s) or Jane Doe, M.S. ’03 ’09 (for two master’s)

  • For alumni from class years more than 100 years ago, list the alum’s name, followed by the class year set off by commas. Example: Jane Doe, class of 1922, founded the organization.

  • Do not place the planned year of graduation next to the names of current students.