When to Capitalize 'Bachelor’s Degree': A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding when to capitalize 'bachelor’s degree' can be crucial for maintaining consistency and clarity in your writing. This article delves into the rules and provides examples to help you manage this common issue effectively.

Overview of Capitalization Rules for Academic Degrees

Academic degrees, including 'bachelor’s degree,' are generally not capitalized unless they are part of a formal title or specific degree name. However, different style guides may provide variations on these rules. This article covers the key points and offers practical examples based on popular style guides.

General Usage Without Formal Titles

In most cases, 'bachelor’s degree' is written in lowercase. This applies when it's used generically or in a sentence that doesn't specifically reference a formal title. For example:

She has a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering.

She earned a in 2019. Proper abbreviation.

In these instances, the term is not capitalized because it is used in a general context and does not carry a formal title with it.

Capitalization with Specific Degree Names

When referring to a specific degree title, the full name of the degree should be capitalized. This includes the degree level and the field of study. For example:

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

She has a Bachelor of Science.

In these cases, the full title 'Bachelor of Arts' or 'Bachelor of Science' is capitalized because it refers to a specific, formal degree. On the other hand, 'bachelor’s degree' in its lowercase form is used more frequently in general discussions about academic achievements without specifying the exact degree.

Capitalization in Personal Context

When discussing personal achievements or titles, capitalization rules can vary depending on the context. Here are some examples:

John Landenwald, Master of Political Science at your service.

Well no, Senator, technically I didn’t finish my degree.

In fact, I still have to complete a in criminal justice.
I expect to earn my BA in no time.

In these scenarios, the capitalization rules follow the stylistic conventions of the Chicago Manual of Style and the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. The AP recommends capitalizing the full names of degrees, such as 'Bachelor of Arts' or 'Master of Political Science,' when they directly precede or follow a name. However, it agrees that 'bachelor’s degree,' 'master’s degree,' etc., should remain lowercase in general usage.

Application in Different Documents

The treatment of academic degrees can vary depending on the type of document. For instance:

Personal Statements: Do not capitalize academic degrees unless the degree directly precedes or follows a name, as in 'Bachelor of Arts' or 'Master of Political Science.' Otherwise, use lowercase 'bachelor’s degree' or 'master’s degree.' For example: Resumes: Capitalize the full names of degrees such as 'Bachelor of Arts' or 'Bachelor of Science.' For example: Generic Text: Use lowercase 'bachelor’s degree' or 'master’s degree.' For example:

Regardless of the document type, it's important to be consistent in your capitalization choices within a single text to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Conclusion

Understanding how to capitalize 'bachelor’s degree' is essential for clear and professional writing. By following the guidelines provided by popular style guides and adhering to consistent usage, you can ensure that your writing is both accurate and effective. Whether in personal statements, resumes, or general text, the key is to be mindful of the context in which the term is used.