AP Style Guide

If you are an educated person, you will come up with many places in which you have to write about your qualification. According to AP Style academic degrees, you cannot use an abbreviation for your degree in a phrase. There is a specific rule for the use of an abbreviation for your degree.

> The abbreviations like Ph.D., B.S., LL.D.,M.S., etc., cannot be used just after a last name. The correct way to use these abbreviations is that you can use them after a full name by setting off commas. For example,

“Bravo John, M.S., will come to show us his presentation.”

Use of an Apostrophe

If you are generally referring degrees, you should use lowercase and an apostrophe. For instance, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree.

However, if you are mentioning a subject with the degree, then, you should capitalize it without using an apostrophe. For instance, Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts.

Examples,

• I am in my final semester of Bachelor of Arts in Literature.

• I have to complete my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.

Note: There is an associate degree as well. For referring an associate degree, you should not use an apostrophe. For instance, I have to complete my associate degree.

Check Out: How Do We Write Academic Titles In AP Style?

How to List Multiple Degrees

When listing multiple degrees, separate them with commas and place the abbreviations after the full name.

1. Jane Doe, Ph.D., M.S., B.A.

2. Dr. Emily Carter, M.D., M.P.H., B.S., will be our keynote speaker.

This format ensures clarity and readability, while respecting AP Style rules.

When to Abbreviate Academic Degrees

Abbreviations for degrees, such as Ph.D. or M.S., should only be used after a full name and set off by commas.

Avoid abbreviating degrees in general references.

Instead, write out “bachelor’s degree” or “master’s degree” unless mentioning the specific degree.

Common Mistakes When Writing Academic Degrees

A common mistake is placing abbreviations directly after a last name.

1. Smith, Ph.D.

Always use the full name before abbreviations.

Another mistake is capitalizing general references like “Bachelor’s Degree”. It should be lowercase unless naming the specific degree, such as “Bachelor of Arts.”

What Did You Learn?

When writing academic degrees in AP Style, use abbreviations only after a full name and set off by commas. Use lowercase and apostrophes for general references, like “bachelor’s degree” or “master’s degree,” but capitalize specific degrees like “Bachelor of Arts.”

The ‘Academy Awards’ is also known as ‘Oscars’. It is an annual American awards ceremony managed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Both ‘Academy Awards’ and ‘Oscars’ are used as sign, symbol or logo. As, you know that a logo should be capitalized. It means that whenever you want to write ‘Academy Awards’ or ‘Oscars’, you should capitalize them within sentences.

Must Capitalize > ‘Academy Awards’ & ‘Oscars’

For example,

1. We will watch the Academy Awards together.

2. This time, the Oscars will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel.

However, if you will write the word ‘academy’ or ‘awards’ alone (i.e. no reference as a trademark), then you will not capitalize it. You should write these words in small letters.

No need to capitalize the word ‘academy’ or ‘awards’ as a separate word

For example,

1. The academy is deciding about the background theme of the stage.

2. Well! I think that he has received many awards as a dean.

Check Out: How Do We Write Academic Titles In AP Style?

When to Use ‘Academy Awards’ vs ‘Oscars’

‘Academy Awards’ is the official name of the annual ceremony hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and is used in formal contexts.

1. The Academy Awards recognize the best in film each year.

‘Oscars’ is the more casual and widely recognized term, often used in headlines or informal writing.

1. Did you watch the Oscars last night?

Use ‘Academy Awards’ in formal reports or press releases, while ‘Oscars’ works best in casual conversations or media.

General Capitalization Rules When Using AP Style

1. Capitalize specific names of people, places, organizations, and brands. (For example: Barack Obama)

2. Capitalize titles when they precede a name, but lowercase them when they follow a name or stand alone. (For example: President Barack Obama)

3. Always capitalize the first word of a sentence, including quoted sentences. (For example: We are going to the park)

4. Capitalize days of the week and months, but do not capitalize seasons.

5. Do not capitalize common nouns unless they are part of a proper noun. (For example: We visited the White House.)

What Did You Learn?

When writing about the Academy Awards or the Oscars in AP Style, always capitalize these terms as they refer to a specific event.

Use ‘Academy Awards’ in formal contexts and ‘Oscars’ for informal writing. Understanding and applying proper capitalization rules will ensure your writing remains professional and consistent.