Hatrack River Forum: Calling all grammar nazis: Is it "master's degree" or something else?

This is topic Calling all grammar nazis: Is it "master's degree" or something else? in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :

When talking about degrees, is it bachelor's and master's degrees, or bachelors and masters?

I lean toward the first, but I'm not positive, and sources conflict. So, I came to the most comprehensive of all sources: Hatrack. [Big Grin]

[ April 11, 2005, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: Megan ]

Posted by sarcasticmuppet (Member # 5035) on :

put something about "grammar nazis" in the title and you'll get more bites. [Smile]

I really don't know for sure, but I'd also lean toward the first.

Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :

I also lean towards the first, because you get degreed as a "Bachelor of Science" or a "Master of Fine Arts". I'm curious to know the official answer, though. [Smile]

Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :

I'll look at my degree after work. [Smile]

Edit: Oh, wait, because of the phrasing my degree wouldn't show it that way.

[ April 11, 2005, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: twinky ]

Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :

Amen to that - I think its listed as "Bachelors" on my resume.

Fortunately, not of English, so I feel safe. [Big Grin]

-Trevor

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

I use "Bachelor's" and "Master's" in informal writing, but on, say a resume, I have no clue how it would go.

Posted by Cow-Eating Man (Member # 4491) on :

My resume says B.S.E. and M.S.E. for brevity's sake.

Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :

On my resume I write it out formally, so it's moot.

Posted by imenimok (Member # 7679) on :

Everything I'm seeing has apostrophes--Wiki and www.dictionary.com.

Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :

Ok, thanks, y'all. [Smile]

Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :

The Chicago Manual of Style says to use apostrophes. And be sure to lowercase them (of course, you already have). Lots of people seem to think that degrees should be capitalized.

Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :

In the context of writing, I know they're not supposed to be capitalized. In the context of a resume or CV, though, shouldn't they be?

As in:

Megan

Education:
Master of Music in Music Theory

Posted by KrabbyPatty (Member # 7055) on :

According to the AP Stylebook (the self-proclaimed "Journalist's Bible"), it's bachelor's and master's degrees. And yes, in a resume, capitalize. In text, it would be "John Doe, who has a bachelor's degree in underwater basket-weaving."

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

That looks good to me!

Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :

Ok, thanks again! You all completely rule.

[Cool]

Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :

quote:
In the context of writing, I know they're not supposed to be capitalized. In the context of a resume or CV, though, shouldn't they be?

I don't know if there are any real rules or guidelines about that, but it looks fine to me.

Posted by Susie Derkins (Member # 7718) on :

Luckily, my bachelor's degree is in French, so I can be snobby and evasive at the same time by calling it a bachelier.

Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :

Sad sad sad sad that folks allow functional illiterates to define grammar.
JohnLennon interview
MarthaStewart home decorations
TigerWoods sportswear worn at the Masters tournament
Masters degree

Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :

This from a guy who doesn't know when to put spaces between words.