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Capitalization of degrees and titles often go hand in hand, as both appear frequently throughout writing. A good rule of thumb with capitalization is less is more. Don't be afraid to make words lowercase! When referring to degrees in a general way, do not capitalize them. Note that bachelor's and master's end in 's. EXAMPLES: - master's in chemistry - bachelor's degree - doctoral degree - doctorate When full titles of degrees (Bachelor of Arts, etc., in place of bachelor's) are used, they should be capitalized. However, "degree" should never be capitalized. Also notice that it is not necessary to capitalize the specific discipline unless it is already a proper noun (i.e., English, French, etc.). EXAMPLES: - Master of Science in environmental engineering - MS in environmental engineering - a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry - BA in English When a title appears before a person's name, it is capitalized. When it appears after a person's name, it is lowercase. EXAMPLES: - Professor Brown - Professor of History Robert Brown - Robert Brown, professor of history - the professor - Mayor Long - James Long, mayor of Edittown - the mayor - Senator Rochelle Long - Rochelle Long, senator of Maryland - the senator - Captain Hook - the captain - Lieutenant McConnell - the lieutenant - Doctor Black - the doctor - Reverend Smith - the reverend EXCEPTION: In dialogue, a title can be capitalized without a name if it is being used as direct address. Correct: "Good morning to you, Reverend!" "Good morning to you, Reverend Smith!" He yelled a greeting to the reverend. Incorrect: "Good morning to you, reverend!" He yelled a greeting to the Reverend. |