Do you capitalize “masters degree” in your writing? This question often arises when people are unsure about the correct grammatical rules for capitalizing academic titles. Understanding whether to capitalize a “masters degree” is crucial for maintaining proper grammar and professionalism in various contexts, such as resumes, cover letters, and academic papers.
In general, when it comes to capitalizing academic titles, the rules can be a bit tricky. The most important thing to remember is that academic titles should be capitalized when they appear before a name, but not when they are used as a general term. So, let’s break down the rules and see how they apply to the phrase “masters degree.”
When used before a name:
When an academic title is used before a person’s name, it should be capitalized. For example, “John Smith, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, is a highly skilled professional.” In this sentence, “Master’s degree” is capitalized because it is directly associated with John Smith’s name.
When used as a general term:
On the other hand, if “masters degree” is used as a general term or when referring to a specific degree program without a name attached, it should not be capitalized. For example, “She is enrolled in a master’s degree program at a prestigious university.” In this sentence, “masters degree” is lowercase because it is simply referring to the type of degree without mentioning a specific individual.
Capitalization in titles:
It’s also important to note that when using “masters degree” in a title, it should be capitalized. For instance, “The Master’s Degree Program at XYZ University Offers Exceptional Opportunities” is a correctly capitalized title.
Remembering the rules:
To help remember the rules for capitalizing “masters degree,” you can think of it as follows: capitalize it when it’s directly related to a person’s name, use lowercase when it’s a general term, and capitalize it in titles. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is grammatically correct and professional. So, the answer to the question “Do you capitalize ‘masters degree’?” is yes, if it’s used in a title or before a name, but no if it’s a general term.
