As an academic writer, it is crucial to adhere to the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, the industry standard for journalistic writing. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of AP style guidelines for academic degrees, ensuring accurate and consistent usage in academic writing, journalism, and other professional communications.
Understanding AP Style for Academic Degrees
AP style dictates that academic degrees should be abbreviated using the following format:
- Associate’s degree: A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.
- Bachelor’s degree: B.A., B.S., or B.F.A.
- Master’s degree: M.A., M.S., or M.F.A.
- Doctorate: Ph.D., D.D., or D.M.A.
When writing out the full name of a degree, capitalize the following words:
- Associate: Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts
- Bachelor: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Master: Master of Science in Computer Science
- Doctor: Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Abbreviating Academic Degrees
In general, AP style recommends abbreviating academic degrees only when they appear after a person’s name. For example:
- John Doe, Ph.D.
- Mary Smith, M.S.
If an individual holds multiple degrees, list them in order from highest to lowest, with a comma separating each degree:
- John Doe, Ph.D., M.A., B.A.
Exceptions to Abbreviation Rules
There are a few exceptions to the abbreviation rules:
- Common degrees: Do not abbreviate common degrees such as “M.D.” (medical doctor) or “J.D.” (juris doctor).
- First mention: In the first instance, write out the full academic degree name, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses:
Example: Dr. John Doe holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology.
- Subsequent mentions: After the first mention, use the abbreviation alone.
Using Academic Degrees in Text
When referring to a person’s academic degree in text, use the following guidelines:
- General references: Use the appropriate abbreviated or full form of the degree, depending on the context.
- Formal introductions: Use the full name and abbreviation of the degree when formally introducing a person.
- Simultaneous degrees: If an individual holds multiple simultaneous degrees, list them in order of importance, separated by slashes (/):
Example: John Doe has a B.A./M.S. in Computer Science.
Table 1: AP Style Abbreviated Academic Degrees
| Degree | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree | A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. |
| Bachelor’s degree | B.A., B.S., or B.F.A. |
| Master’s degree | M.A., M.S., or M.F.A. |
| Doctorate | Ph.D., D.D., or D.M.A. |
Table 2: AP Style Full Academic Degree Names
| Degree | Full Name |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree | Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science |
| Bachelor’s degree | Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Fine Arts |
| Master’s degree | Master of Arts, Master of Science, or Master of Fine Arts |
| Doctorate | Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Divinity, or Doctor of Musical Arts |
Table 3: Examples of Acceptable AP Style Usage
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dr. Jane Doe, Ph.D. | Abbreviated degree used after the person’s name |
| John Doe holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology. | Full degree name used in the first mention, followed by abbreviation |
| Sarah Jones has a B.A./M.S. in Computer Science. | Multiple simultaneous degrees listed using slashes |
| Dr. Smith holds a M.D. | Common degree not abbreviated |
Table 4: Examples of Unacceptable AP Style Usage
| Example | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Doe, Jane, Ph.D. | Comma placed incorrectly |
| John Doe, BA | Incorrect abbreviation format |
| Mary Smith holds a MS in Computer Science. | Full degree name not used in the first mention |
| Dr. Green has two M.A. | Incorrectly listed multiple degrees |
| J.W. Jones, Jr., M.D. | Common degree abbreviated incorrectly |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are academic degrees abbreviated?
Academic degrees are abbreviated to save space and streamline text, particularly when referring to individuals with multiple degrees.
2. When should I use the full name of a degree instead of the abbreviation?
Use the full name in the first mention of the degree, when formally introducing a person, or when clarity is needed.
3. How do I list multiple academic degrees?
List multiple degrees in order of importance, separated by commas or slashes, depending on whether the degrees were earned simultaneously or consecutively.
4. Are there any exceptions to the abbreviation rules?
Yes, common degrees like M.D. and J.D. are not abbreviated, and the full name of the degree should be used in the first mention.
5. How do I use academic degrees in text?
Use abbreviated or full forms of degrees as appropriate, and follow AP style guidelines for proper capitalization and punctuation.
6. What are some examples of correct AP style usage of academic degrees?
- Dr. Jane Doe, Ph.D.
- John Doe holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology.
- Sarah Jones has a B.A./M.S. in Computer Science.
7. What are some examples of incorrect AP style usage of academic degrees?
- Doe, Jane, Ph.D.
- John Doe, BA
- Mary Smith holds a MS in Computer Science.
- Dr. Green has two M.A.
- J.W. Jones, Jr., M.D.
8. Where can I find more information on AP style for academic degrees?
Refer to the AP Stylebook, online style guides, or university writing centers for additional guidance.
Conclusion
Understanding and adhering to AP style for academic degrees is essential for professional academic writing, journalism, and any other written communication where accuracy and consistency in representing educational credentials are paramount. By following the guidelines outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your written work reflects the highest standards of professionalism and clarity.
