Should "Bachelor of Science" Be Capitalized?
The capitalization of "Bachelor of Science" depends on its context. Generally, the answer is yes, you should capitalize it. Here's a breakdown:
When to Capitalize "Bachelor of Science":
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As a Formal Degree Name: When referring to the degree itself, it's always capitalized. Think of it like proper nouns. For example: "She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology." "He's pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science." "My degree is a Bachelor of Science."
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In a Title or Heading: Similar to the above, if it appears in a title or heading, it should be capitalized. For example: "Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree."
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Abbreviations: The abbreviation B.S. or BS is also capitalized.
When You Might Not Capitalize "Bachelor of Science":
- In General Sentence Structure: If you're using it descriptively within a sentence and not referring to the specific degree, capitalization might be optional, depending on style guides. For example: "She has a bachelor's degree in science." (Note the lowercase "bachelor's.") This is less common and generally only used in informal contexts.
Why Capitalize It?
The capitalization of "Bachelor of Science" follows the same rule as other formal degree names (like Master of Arts, Doctor of Philosophy). These are considered proper nouns because they represent specific and named academic achievements. Similar to how you'd capitalize "President" when referring to the office of the President but not always when referring to an individual acting as president, you should capitalize “Bachelor of Science” when referring to the degree itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAAs):
Should "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" be capitalized?
Yes, the entire phrase "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" (BSN) should be capitalized when referring to the degree. It follows the same rule as "Bachelor of Science," as "Nursing" is also a specific area of study.
Is it okay to abbreviate Bachelor of Science as BS or B.S.?
Yes, both BS and B.S. are acceptable abbreviations for Bachelor of Science. Always capitalize them.
How should I write "Bachelor of Science" in an academic paper?
In academic papers, maintain consistent capitalization throughout. Use the full "Bachelor of Science" when first mentioned and use the abbreviation (B.S. or BS) thereafter for consistency. Refer to the specific style guide of your institution or publication for more detailed rules.
Do all degrees need to be capitalized?
Yes, formal degree names like Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Science (MS), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), etc., generally require capitalization when referring to the degree itself.
In summary, while there might be extremely rare exceptions in informal writing, consistently capitalizing "Bachelor of Science" and its abbreviations is the best practice for maintaining clarity, accuracy, and adherence to standard writing conventions.
