How To Write Multiple Degrees After Name: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing your name with multiple degrees after it can feel a bit tricky. There’s a specific etiquette to follow, and getting it right conveys professionalism and respect for your achievements. This guide breaks down the process clearly, ensuring you can confidently display your earned credentials.

Understanding the Purpose of Listing Degrees

Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the “why.” Listing your degrees isn’t about showing off; it’s about providing context and credibility. It tells people what you’ve studied and achieved, and it can be particularly important in professional settings, academic circles, and when authoring publications. The degrees you list signal your expertise and education, which can be crucial depending on the situation.

The Basics: What Degrees to Include

Generally, you’ll want to include degrees that are relevant to the context. This usually means listing degrees that are pertinent to your profession, the subject matter at hand, or the audience you’re addressing.

  • Start with the highest degree earned. This is the most important rule. Always lead with your most advanced qualification. For example, a PhD comes before a Master’s.
  • Include relevant degrees. Only list degrees that are applicable to the situation. For example, if you’re writing a medical article, including your MD is essential, but your Bachelor of Arts in History is probably less relevant.
  • Consider your audience. Who are you writing for? What information is most important to them? Tailor your list accordingly.

Formatting Guidelines: The Order and Abbreviations

The proper order and abbreviations are crucial for clarity. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Order of Degrees: List degrees in descending order of academic rank, highest to lowest. This is the standard practice.

  • Abbreviations: Use standard, recognized abbreviations for degrees. Common examples include:

    • Bachelor of Arts: BA
    • Bachelor of Science: BS
    • Master of Arts: MA
    • Master of Science: MS
    • Juris Doctor: JD
    • Doctor of Philosophy: PhD
    • Doctor of Medicine: MD
    • Doctor of Education: EdD

  • Spacing and Punctuation: There is no space after the initials, but there is a comma between them. For example: Jane Doe, MD, PhD.

Using Degrees in Professional Correspondence

In professional settings, the context dictates how you list your degrees. Here’s how to approach different situations:

  • Formal Letters/Emails: Use your most relevant degrees after your name in the signature block. For example: Sincerely, John Smith, MD.
  • Business Cards: Include only the most relevant degree(s). If you have multiple degrees, choose the one(s) that best reflect your professional role.
  • Presentations and Publications: Follow the specific guidelines of the publication or event. Most will have a preferred format. Always include your most relevant degrees to your expertise.

Different professions and circumstances may call for variations in how you list your degrees.

  • Medical Professionals: Medical doctors often use MD. Other medical professionals might use their respective degrees, such as DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) or DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine).
  • Legal Professionals: Lawyers typically use JD (Juris Doctor).
  • Academic Settings: Academic institutions often have specific guidelines for faculty and staff. Always adhere to their standards.
  • Authoring a Book: Include degrees relevant to the book’s subject matter. If you have multiple relevant degrees, you can include them all.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common errors can undermine your credibility. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial.

  • Listing irrelevant degrees. Don’t include degrees that aren’t pertinent to the situation.
  • Using incorrect abbreviations. Always use the standard, recognized abbreviations.
  • Listing degrees out of order. Always list degrees in descending order of academic rank.
  • Overdoing it. While it’s okay to list multiple degrees, avoid listing every single credential you possess. Focus on the most relevant ones.
  • Inconsistent formatting. Maintain consistency in your formatting.

Practical Examples: Putting It All Together

Let’s look at some examples to illustrate how to apply these guidelines:

  • Example 1: Physician writing a medical journal article: Jane Doe, MD, PhD
  • Example 2: Lawyer writing a legal brief: John Smith, JD
  • Example 3: University Professor: Dr. Emily Carter, PhD, MA, BA

These examples demonstrate how to tailor the listing to the specific context and highlight the most relevant credentials.

The Impact of Correct Degree Listing

The way you present your qualifications impacts how others perceive you. Listing your degrees correctly builds trust and authority. It shows that you understand professional norms and are committed to accuracy. This is especially important in fields where credibility is paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that expand on the information above.

What if I have multiple degrees from different institutions? The institution doesn’t matter. The order of the degrees is based on the level of achievement, not the institution.

Is it okay to list honorary degrees? Generally, no. Honorary degrees are typically not listed unless specifically requested or in very specific circumstances (e.g., an official biography).

How do I know which degrees are most relevant? Consider the context. What is the purpose of including your degrees? Which degrees best support your expertise or the topic at hand?

Can I use titles like “Dr.” and list degrees? Yes, you can. Many people use the title “Dr.” before their name, followed by their degrees. This is common for medical doctors and those with PhDs.

What if I’m unsure about the correct format? When in doubt, consult style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook, or look at how other professionals in your field are listing their degrees.

Conclusion

Knowing how to write multiple degrees after your name is an essential skill for anyone who has invested in higher education. By understanding the purpose of listing degrees, adhering to formatting guidelines, and considering the context of your communication, you can present your credentials confidently and professionally. Remember to prioritize relevance, use standard abbreviations, and maintain consistent formatting. Following these principles will help you establish credibility and respect for your achievements.