Avoid abbreviations unless the spelled out version will be awkward on a first reference. Bachelor’s degree, a master’s, etc., are possessive and require an apostrophe. Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, an associate degree, etc. are not possessive. Capitalize the formal degree name (Master of Science in Project Management); lowercase the informal name of the degree (he has a bachelor’s in biology). Certificates should also follow this rule.
Note: Only capitalize a degree if it is actually offered by The Citadel.
When abbreviations are appropriate, please use the following degree abbreviations:
- B.A. – Bachelor of Arts
- B.S. – Bachelor of Science
- M.A. – Master of Arts
- M.A.T. – Master of Arts in Teaching
- MBA – Master of Business Administration (note: there are no periods)
- M.Ed. – Master of Education
- M.S. – Master of Science