The question of whether “Bachelor’s” needs to be capitalized is a nuanced one, particularly in academic and professional contexts. To address this, we’ll explore the rules of capitalization in English, the specific case of degree titles, and the broader implications for writing and communication.
General Rules of Capitalization
In English, capitalization is primarily used for: 1. Proper nouns: Names of specific people, places, or things (e.g., John, Paris, Google). 2. Titles and honorifics: Formal titles like Mr., Dr., or President when used before a name. 3. Beginning of sentences: The first word of a sentence is always capitalized. 4. Trademarks and brand names: Specific names of products or companies (e.g., iPhone, Coca-Cola).
Capitalization of Degree Titles
When it comes to academic degrees, the rules can vary depending on context: 1. Formal Titles: When referring to a specific degree program or title, it is often capitalized. For example: - She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. - He holds a Master of Arts in History.
- Generic References: When using the degree in a general sense, it is typically not capitalized. For example:
- She has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
- He is pursuing a master’s in business administration.
Specific Case: “Bachelor’s”
Formal Title: If you’re referring to the specific degree “Bachelor of Arts” or “Bachelor of Science,” it should be capitalized:
- He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.
Generic Reference: When using “bachelor’s” as a general term for any bachelor’s degree, it is not capitalized:
- Many jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Style Guide Recommendations
Different style guides (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) may have slightly different rules: - APA Style: Capitalizes formal degree titles (e.g., Bachelor of Science) but lowercase for generic references (e.g., bachelor’s degree). - Chicago Manual of Style: Follows similar guidelines, emphasizing capitalization for formal titles and lowercase for generic use. - MLA Style: Generally follows the same principles, capitalizing formal titles and using lowercase for generic references.
Practical Application
To ensure clarity and adherence to conventions: - Formal Contexts: Capitalize when referring to a specific degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science). - Informal or General Contexts: Use lowercase for generic references (e.g., bachelor’s degree).
Example Scenarios
- Formal: “She received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.”
- General: “A bachelor’s degree is often required for entry-level positions.”
Conclusion
“Bachelor’s” should be capitalized when referring to a specific degree title (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) but remains lowercase when used generically (e.g., bachelor’s degree). Understanding the context and following established style guides ensures consistency and professionalism in your writing.
Key Takeaway: Capitalize "Bachelor's" when referring to a specific degree title (e.g., Bachelor of Science), but use lowercase for generic references (e.g., bachelor's degree).
Should “bachelor’s degree” be capitalized in a resume?
+In a resume, if you’re listing a specific degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science), capitalize it. For generic references (e.g., “bachelor’s degree in Biology”), use lowercase.
Is “Bachelor’s” capitalized in academic papers?
+Follow the style guide required by your institution. Generally, capitalize formal titles (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) and use lowercase for generic references (e.g., bachelor’s degree).
Does capitalization change if the degree is abbreviated (e.g., B.A.)?
+Abbreviations like B.A. or B.S. are always capitalized, as they represent specific degree titles.
