Usage Dictionary

capitalization of academic degrees

When the name of a degree takes a capital.

Lowercase the general name: a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in history, a doctorate. Capitalize the formal degree name: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, B.A., Ph.D. Do not write a Bachelor’s Degree as a generic.

Examples

UseShe earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

UseShe earned a Bachelor of Science.

AvoidShe earned a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry.