Following are some examples of academic degrees and their abbreviations. Writing for the web follows the departments style, which is based on the ap stylebook. What follows are summaries of some of the most common style rules. Ap style holds that a few universally recognized abbreviations are required in some instances and some other abbreviations are acceptable depending on the context, but in general, as a writer, you should avoid having your writing appear as if its alphabet soup. Spiralbound book, updated each spring 2019 ap stylebook. Degrees conferred for courseworkresearch after having attained a bachelors degree.
That is particularly important in science, mathematics, engineering, and business. Dont use an apostrophe when referring to a range of temperatures. Ap is in agreement with cmos that the field of study be written in lower case except when it contains a. For guidance on how and when to abbreviate bachelors degrees, please see our full page on ap style academic degrees. Ap stylebook type search query into the search bar below. The equivalent resource for the older apa 6 style can be found here. The basics ap style study guide compiled using the associated press stylebook j202j218 spring 2009 academic degrees. Washington ap sweltering temperatures across half the country had people doing what they could to stay cool today. The following formal names of specific degrees should always be capitalized in ap style. In other words, do not use abbreviations or acronyms that your readers will. Ap updates its stylebook to accommodate changes in conventions and usage. As a courtesy to others, please leave in the newsroom. Capitalize bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master of science, etc.
The associated press stylebook and briefing on media law official style guide of the associated press, a notforprofit news agency thats been around since 1846. When in doubt, check the style book which applies in your discipline. Style books differ widely in their advice on written and spelled out numbers. Please refer to the associated press ap stylebook for specific guidelines.
What you need to know before you write a bio statement main source. Consult the associated press stylebook for specific cases. Associated press click here to search the associated press retains all right, title and interest in and to the ap material that follows, including. Ap style composition titles the following guidelines are rules set out in the ap stylebook for ap style book titles, computer game titles, ap style movie titles, opera titles, play titles, poem titles, album titles, ap style song titles, radio and television titles, and the titles of lectures, speeches, and work of art. As a writer following the associated press stylebook, however. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. In text, use bachelors degree or bachelors rather than b. Care should be taken when referring to people with nonmedical degrees as doctors. Ap style normally does not use abbreviations for degree names, particularly in narrative writing. The chicago manual of style recommends writing academic degrees in lowercase except when using the degree as a title. Ap stylebook online is a searchable, customizable resource for writers and editors. The associated press stylebook ap recommends no capitals when referring to degrees in general terms bachelors, masters, doctorate, associate degree but always capitalizing specific degrees bachelor of arts, master of science. Please consult this resource if you have questions. If mention of a degree is necessary to establish someones credentials, the preferred form is to avoid an abbreviation and use instead a phrase such as.
Military titles can usually be shortened see ap stylebook 2010military titles pg. Communications the virginia tech brand virginia tech. Mar 27, 2020 purdue universitys online writing lab owl website provides information on many writing styles, including ap. A academic degrees use an apostrophe in bachelors degree and masters degree, but note that. The lieutenant governor, gavin newsom, was serving in the. In cases of conflict, the university of tampa style guide supersedes the ap stylebook and ap supersedes websters. Some common degree abbreviations i come across are. Abbreviations for states use postal service style, rather than ap style.
Ap style state abbreviations differ from their corresponding united states postal service abbreviations, provided in parentheses. The university of colorado does not award associate degrees. Other acronyms and abbreviations are acceptable but not required i. Smith, phd, then the reference entry refers to smith, s. The 2019 edition of the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law includes more than 200 new or revised entries, with chapters covering data journalism, business, fashion, food, religion and sports terms, as well as media law, news values, punctuation, social media, polls and surveys and a new chapter on health and science. Ap itself along with gi and eu are exceptions to this rule. Do not use abbreviations or acronyms on first reference if the reader would not. When noting the credentials for several individuals, however, use ap style rules for abbreviations if writing out phrases for each person would render the text cumbersome. As a general rule, though, you should avoid what the associated press stylebook calls alphabet soup. Writing style guide the office of communications uses the below writing style guide along with the associated press ap stylebook and websters dictionary as the standard for writing web content, employee communications, news releases, broadcast information, articles and other materials. The purpose is to help produce consistency throughout the universitys publications and website.
When a title stands alone or is offset from a name by commas, it should be lowercase. See datelines for guidelines on when a city name may stand alone in the body of a story. Here are the correct spelling and capitalization rules for some common technological terms. Some widely known abbreviations are required in certain situations, while others are. Northeasterns editorial style for marketing and communications writing adheres to the associated press stylebook. That includes newspaper names and magazine references. The associated press stylebook ap recommends no capitals when referring to degrees in general terms bachelors, masters, doctorate, associate degree but always capitalizing specific degrees bachelor of arts, master of science, whether or not they directly precede or follow a name. Did you know that unc asheville follows associated press style online in most instances. Common grammar and style terms college of charleston. Our blog capitalization of academic degrees addresses this. Abbreviations, academic degrees, and acronyms abbreviations in general, avoid abbreviations and follow ap style.
The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other questions of language usage. Before we begin to enlist the abbreviations, it is mandatory for one to learn and garner information about what ap is, with a brief, supplementary note on the history of the same. Typically apa style reference list entries and intext citations do not include the authors academic credentials or professional titles. J marion sims, often called the father of gynecology, is a controversial historical figure whose methods are questioned by modern ethicists. A academic degrees use bachelors degree, masters degree, doctorate. For academic degree abbreviations, see abbreviations and. The forms bachelors degree, bachelors, masters degree and masters are acceptable. If youre new to news writing or switching from one to another, youll want to keep this ap cheat sheet handy and.
On wednesday, professor james currier, who has a doctorate in biology and a masters in economics, will argue that improving automobile fuel efficiency from an average of 17 to 22 miles per gallon would save billions of dollars and protect endangered. Sep 19, 2012 professional journalists and business communicators in the united states commonly write in associated press ap style. The university of tampa style guide provides guidelines for writers on campus. Instead, all relevant information, if crossreferenced, will appear in its entirety in both places. The guidelines are based on the associated press ap stylebook, websters new world dictionary, and local usage. The associated press stylebook, first published in 1977, clarified the news organizations rules on grammar, spelling, punctuation and usage. Apr 27, 2017 capitalize bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master of science, etc.
Ap agrees with chicago that you should lowercase bachelors degree, masters, etc. For slide presentations of ap style basics, go here. Its mobile optimized so you can use it on your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet. For more detail or when the ap stylebook does not address a topic, use the chicago manual of style. To stay current with trends and keep up with changes, the stylebook is updated continuously. While relief was in sight after one more day of misery in the northeast, the south was forecast to stay hotter than usual at least through the end of the week. Aug 20, 2015 with tripledigit temperatures affecting large areas of the country, here are some ap style terms when describing weather and temperatures. The division of strategic communications uses the associated press stylebook as a guide for all copy the office produces, which includes journalistic and marketing pieces. So, temperatures are expected to rise in the area friday, not temperatures are expected to warm up in the area friday. Unlike the ap stylebook, however, you will not find the dreaded see instruction, which directs you to look elsewhere. Please follow ap styleand its companion websters new world college dictionaryfor any topics and words not addressed by university of hartford editorial style.
Select the sentence free of errors in ap style for abbreviations in print copy. The associated press stylebook recommends using lowercase when referring to degrees in general but capitalizing when they follow a name. Use an apostrophe in bachelors degree and masters degree. As a general rule, alluppercase abbreviations have no periods. Do not add the word degree after an abbreviation of the degree or after the. Associated press ap citation and style guides libguides. Bachelor of arts is capitalized as an academic degree, as are b. The purpose of a style guide is to provide editorial guidance for individuals producing collegerelated text, for print or the web, particularly in instances when empire state college has determined a style specific to the institution.
Editorial style guide university of colorado denver. For spelling, style, and usage matters that arent covered in the associated press stylebook, please consult websters new world college dictionary. If you must mention a persons degree to establish credentials, avoid abbreviations by using. Abbreviate junior or senior directly after a name, with no comma to set it off. Learn ap stylebook with free interactive flashcards.
Writing style guide communications and marketing suny. Select the sentence free of errors in ap style for abbreviations for print publications. Rules for capitalizing academic degrees in ap style bka. Ba, bs, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science ma, ms, master of arts, master of science edd, phd, doctor of education, doctor of philosophy mba, master of business administration do not add the word degree after an abbreviation of the degree or. The associated press stylebook ap recommends capitalizing the full names of degrees bachelor of arts, master of political science whether or not they are next to a name. Its updated throughout the year and valuable onlineonly resources, including ask the editor, topical guides and pronunciation guide, expand on the print book s guidance. Ap stylebook, also known by its full name the associated press stylebook and briefing on media law, is an english grammar style and usage guide created by american journalists working for or connected with the associated press to standardize mass communication.
Use abbreviations for degrees only when you need to include a list of credentials after a name. Ba, bs, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science ma, ms, master of arts, master of science edd, phd, doctor of education, doctor of philosophy mba, master of business administration do not add the word degree after an abbreviation of the degree or after the full name of. May 21, 2009 for words not in this book use the firstlisted abbreviation in websters new world college dictionary. The ap style as its known in the trade is quite different from the new york times style or chicago manual of style. Associate degree is never plural associates or possessive associates. In apa, abbreviations should be limited to instances when a the abbreviation is standard and will not interfere with the readers understanding and b if space and repetition can be greatly avoided through abbreviation. The ap therefore strives to keep its writing style easy to read, concise and free of bias. Temperatures get higher or lower, not warmer or cooler. The word degree should not follow a degree abbreviation. When you need to do this, the ap stylebook prefers you to write out the title of a degree in a phrase and to avoid using an abbreviation. Oct 23, 2019 for postgraduates, first level are certificates with abbreviation of gcert graduate certificateor gradcert followed by diplomas postgraduate diplomas pgraddip. In conjunction with the name of a city, town, village or military base in text. Associated press style quick reference guide to subscribe to the associated press stylebook online, or to find out about purchasing hard copies of the book, start here. The associated press style is the goto style for journalism and news writing.
This material may not be resold, sublicensed, or distributed without written permission. Jane doe holds a bachelor of arts in music from university of coloradoboulder. When identifying many individuals at once, however, it is acceptable to use degree abbreviations to prevent writing from becoming unwieldy. Formal titles in ap style should be capitalized when they immediately precede one or more names. You should use abbreviations like these only after full names, never after just a last name. Ap style abbreviations home ap style ap style abbreviations ap style holds that a few universally recognized abbreviations are required in some instances and some other abbreviations are acceptable depending on the context, but in general, as a writer, you should avoid having your writing appear as if its alphabet soup.
Choose from 100 different sets of ap stylebook flashcards on quizlet. Use an apostrophe in bachelors degree and masters degree, but theres no apostrophe when referring to an associate degree. The associated press stylebook provides an az guide to issues such as capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and many other. Although it is sold as a guide for reporters, it has become the leading reference. Ap style also aims to avoid stereotypes and unintentionally offensive language.
In this post, we will summarize all of the ap stylebook state abbreviations rules. In the context of a bio, youd spell out degrees, as shown above. Jane doe holds a bachelors degree in music from university of coloradoboulder. Generally, omit periods in acronyms unless the result would spell an unrelated word. For cases unique to the university of alabama and other exceptions to ap style, as well as matters not addressed by ap, the ua editorial style manual that follows provides. Ba, bs, bachelor of arts, bachelor of science ma, ms, master of arts, master of science edd, phd, doctor of education, doctor of philosophy mba, master of business administration do not add the word degree after an abbreviation of the degree. Capitalization of academic degrees grammar and punctuation. Aug 25, 2019 when it is necessary to establish an individuals academic credentials, ap style guidelines advise that you use a phrase instead of an abbreviation.
A baccalaureate is another name for a bachelors degree. We also have unique key terms and style points that we return to again and again to tell our story. Use the state abbreviations listed at the end of this section. Now in its sixth edition, the stylebook is the standard style. Here are a few more common errors that journalists make when copy editing for ap style. Ap style terms for academic degrees gatehouse newsroom. There are other news writing style guides, such as the new york times style guide and the chicago manual of style, but the ap stylebook is by far the most widely used. In a news story, can you start a sentence with an acronym.
The associated press stylebook and libel manual is used specifically for news releases, virginia tech magazine, other university magazines, brochures, and most documents targeting a general audience. Use abbreviations for degrees only when you need to include a list. Writing center quick reference associate press style guide. If you want to know all about the ap style state abbreviations, you have been a wise soul to click on this article. Here is a sampling of frequently asked questions, with examples of ap style used in answers. The associated press recognizes only one allamerica football and basketball team each year. Ap style state abbreviations differ from their corresponding united states postal service. The best ap style cheat sheet every writer needs free. Rules for capitalizing academic degrees in ap style bka content. Do not use periods in abbreviations that are in headlines, unless they are needed for clarity.
A bachelors degree or bachelors can be used, but not capitalized. When referring to degrees in general, lowercase the first letter of the degree and use the s ending. Ap style is what the general public is accustomed to seeing because it is the official stylebook of the newspaper industry. There are clear guidelines for capitalizing academic degrees in ap style. Supplement to the 2011 ap stylebook the daily universe. If a states name is standing alone or in conjunction with a city or town in your text, spell out the entire states name. The ap stylebook is widely used as a writing and editing reference tool in newsrooms, classrooms, and offices worldwide. Generally awarded with a research project and thesis. There are quite a few rules in the ap stylebook for state names and ap style state abbreviations. Ap style recommends spelling out state names in the body of stories effective may 1, 2014 and using abbreviations in datelines. The forms bachelors degree, bachelors, masters degree and masters are acceptable as general terms.
Key terms and style northeastern university branding. What you need to know before you write a bio statement. As we mention in the article, capitalization and especially capitalization of academic degrees is a thorny area, open to interpretation. Ap style does use periods in most twoletter abbreviations.
To subscribe to the associated press stylebook online, or to find out about purchasing. In some cases, an academic degree may be abbreviated after an individuals name see academic degrees. For words not in this book use the firstlisted abbreviation in websters new world college dictionary. Capitalize and do not use possessive in bachelor of arts or master of science. These are the rules for common abbreviations following ap style. In most cases, however, the stylebook suggests using a generic reference such as. The guidelines are based on the associated press ap stylebook, websters. As noted earlier, epa has an online subscription to the ap book on our intranet. For any given discipline and writing purpose, pick one and stick with it. Refer to the associated press stylebook affiliate link below for how and when to use abbreviations for degrees. In football, only walter camps selections through 1924, and the ap selections after that, are recognized. What you need to know before you write a bio statement main. It isnt necessary to spell out the most common abbreviations on first reference, like nba, nfl, mlb allamerica, allamerican. Apply the following guidelines to the titles of books, computer games, movies.
Its often used by news organizations, magazines, and web publications, but brands often use it to form the basis of their own style guides, too. If youd like a more visually appealing way to reference ap style state name abbreviations, save this map weve created with all the names you need. I have two bachelor degrees, one bachelor of arts and one bachelor of science. Entries address questions that may commonly arise when writing about the university, such as building and place names.