Should "Bachelor of Science" Be Capitalized?
The capitalization of "Bachelor of Science" (and similar academic degrees) depends on the context. Generally, you should follow these guidelines:
When to Capitalize:
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As a formal title: When used as a formal title before a name (like "Dr." or "Professor"), "Bachelor of Science" should be capitalized. For example: Bachelor of Science John Smith presented his research. Note that in this instance, only "Bachelor" and "Science" are capitalized; "of" is not.
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In a degree name: When referring to the specific name of a degree, it should be capitalized. For example: She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Again, only "Bachelor" and "Science" are capitalized.
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At the beginning of a sentence: Like any other noun, "Bachelor of Science" is capitalized when starting a sentence. For example: Bachelor of Science degrees are popular choices for many students.
When Not to Capitalize:
- In general use: When "bachelor of science" is used generally or descriptively, not as a formal title or part of a degree name, it's typically not capitalized. For example: He's pursuing a bachelor of science degree.
Abbreviations:
The abbreviation B.S. (or BSc.) is always capitalized.
Consistency is Key:
Regardless of your chosen style guide (like APA, MLA, Chicago), maintaining consistency throughout your writing is crucial. Choose a style and stick to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Capitalizing Academic Degrees
Here are some common questions people have about capitalizing academic degrees, answering them to clarify the matter further:
Q: Should I capitalize "Bachelor's Degree" or "Bachelor of Science Degree"?
A: Both "Bachelor's Degree" and "Bachelor of Science Degree" would follow the same capitalization rules as above. "Bachelor's" is capitalized when it's part of a formal title or degree name; otherwise, it is not. "Of Science" should follow the standard capitalization in the formal use cases mentioned above.
Q: What about other degrees like Master of Arts or Doctor of Philosophy?
A: The same capitalization rules apply to other academic degrees. Capitalize them when used formally or as part of a degree name. For instance, "Master of Arts" should be capitalized in "Master of Arts Jane Doe received her diploma." but not in "She has a master of arts degree."
Q: Do I need to capitalize "science" when it's not part of "Bachelor of Science"?
A: No, "science" would only be capitalized if it's part of a formal degree name (Bachelor of Science) or if it starts a sentence. Otherwise, use lowercase "science."
Q: What if I'm writing a list of degrees?
A: Maintain consistency. If you capitalize the first degree in your list, capitalize all subsequent degrees. It's preferable to capitalize them all for clarity and to avoid any ambiguity.
By following these guidelines and considering the context, you can ensure the correct capitalization of "Bachelor of Science" and other academic degrees in your writing. Remember that maintaining consistent capitalization throughout your work is paramount.
