Academic Degrees: A Quick Guide

Date posted: December 4, 2024  Author:

Referring to academic degrees consistently is crucial for clear and professional communication. Bellevue College follows specific guidelines for when and how to reference degrees, including when to use full titles versus abbreviations.

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Academic Degrees: A Quick Guide 

Referring to academic degrees consistently is crucial for clear and professional communication. Bellevue College follows specific guidelines for when and how to reference degrees, including when to use full titles versus abbreviations. Here’s a breakdown of how to handle academic degrees effectively. 

Bachelor’s and Applied Bachelor’s Degrees 

When referencing Bellevue College’s bachelor’s programs, choose your terminology based on the context: 

  • Bachelor’s Degrees: Use this term when referencing a group that includes the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and/or the RN to BSN program. 
    • Example: Bellevue College offers bachelor’s degrees in nursing, computer science, and healthcare management. 
  • Applied Bachelor’s Degrees: Use this term for career-focused programs, excluding the BS in Computer Science and the RN to BSN. 
    • Example: Bellevue College’s applied bachelor’s degrees include the Bachelor of Applied Science in digital marketing and the Bachelor of Applied Arts in interior design. 

Abbreviations vs. Full Titles 

When to Use Full Titles 

Whenever possible, write out the full degree title to avoid confusion. 

    • Example: Sara Lee earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Washington. 

When to Use Abbreviations 

Use abbreviations for degrees only when listing multiple credentials or when space is limited. 

    • Example: Kevin Smith earned a BS in biology, Alice Wong an MS in chemistry, and Emily Davis a Ph.D. in linguistics. 

 

Formatting Abbreviations 

Abbreviations for Bellevue College Degrees: 

  • Associate in Science (AS) 
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) 
  • Master of Arts (MA) 
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 

No Periods Except for Ph.D. 

Abbreviations like BS, MS, and AA should be written without periods, but Ph.D. and similar compound forms retain them. 

Courtesy Titles and Degree Abbreviations 

Use either a courtesy title (like Dr.) or a degree abbreviation, but not both. 

  • Correct: Dr. Anita Rao 
  • Correct: Anita Rao, Ph.D. 
  • Incorrect: Dr. Anita Rao, Ph.D. 

 

Why This Matters 

By using consistent terminology and formatting, we ensure our communications remain clear and professional. Whether celebrating student achievements or discussing program offerings, following these guidelines helps maintain Bellevue College’s polished image. 

For more details, explore the full Bellevue College Style Guide. Clear writing reflects our commitment to excellence—one degree at a time! 

 

 

Last Updated December 4, 2024