Masters degrees are some of the most complex abbreviations and titles associated with these degrees can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the field of higher education.
Even though the general rules are:
To abbreviate a master’s degree, start with “M” for “Master,” then add key term initials, like “A” for “Arts” (MA) or “S” for “Science” (MS). In some cases, use multiple letters from a term or combine initials of multiple terms for clarity, e.g., MEng, MPA, or MSN.
Deciphering the various masters degrees can be an extensive task for a student or even parents who aid the child in selecting the courses.
My master’s degree is in chemistry and the abbreviation is MChem. The abbreviation helped me know what I was actually applying for, and I was able to contrast that and a typical Masters of Science (MSc).
This article will unlock the mystery of master’s abbreviations by decoding the different titles bestowed upon students.
Whether it’s an MSc, MA, or MPhil, understanding what each one means and what qualifications they bring can be an important factor in determining the right course for you or your child.
How do you abbreviate a “master’s degree” title?
The common abbreviation for master’s degree is “M.A.” or “M.S.”. Both abbreviations refer to a type of graduate degree that requires an individual to have completed a bachelor’s degree program. “M.A.” stands for “Master of Arts” and is typically used for degrees related to humanities, social sciences or communication disciplines.
There are a few general rules and patterns for creating abbreviations for master’s degree programs:
- Most abbreviations start with the letter “M,” which stands for “Master.”
- The subsequent letters typically represent words or phrases within the full degree name. For example, “A” for “Arts,” “S” for “Science,” “B” for “Business,” and “F” for “Fine.”
- In some cases, abbreviations use two or more letters from a single word to create a clearer distinction. For instance, “Eng” for “Engineering” (MEng) or “Stat” for “Statistics” (MStat).
- When a degree name has multiple key terms, the abbreviation often includes the first letter of each term. For example, “Master of Public Administration” is abbreviated as “MPA” and “Master of Science in Nursing” as “MSN.”
- In a few cases, the abbreviation uses a combination of the first letters of key terms and one or more additional letters from a term for better clarity. For instance, “Master of Science in Real Estate Development” is abbreviated as “MSRED.”
While these rules and patterns can be helpful in creating abbreviations for master’s degrees, it is essential to remember that not all abbreviations follow these exact guidelines. Always consult official sources or professional organizations to ensure the accuracy of abbreviations for specific degree programs.
Is the “M” in masters capitalised?
When referring to a master’s degree in a sentence, there is no need to capitalize the “m” in masters. This is because the word “master’s” is not a proper noun, but rather a common noun.
Proper nouns refer to specific names of people, places, or things, while common nouns refer to general categories or concepts.
Therefore, the word “master’s” falls into the latter category and should not be capitalized unless it appears at the beginning of a sentence.
However, when using the abbreviated form you should capitalize the “M” in master’s degree abbreviations.
Capitalizing the “M” in master’s degree abbreviations is necessary because abbreviations are typically written in uppercase letters to maintain consistency and clarity across academic and professional settings.
Uppercase letters in abbreviations help differentiate them from regular words and clearly signify that they represent a shortened form of a longer term or title.
Especially if you are using them at the end of your name in a professional setting.
Do you use a period when writing a degree abbreviation?
It is generally accepted to use a period when writing a degree abbreviation.
This convention ensures clarity and consistency in written communication, preventing any confusion or misinterpretation of the degree abbreviation.
For example, the abbreviation for Bachelor of Science is “B.S.” while the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy is “Ph.D.”
The use of a period after each letter of the abbreviation helps to distinguish it from a word or acronym.
There are some exceptions to this rule, particularly regarding more specialized degrees or professional certifications.
It is always best to follow the specific formatting guidelines provided by the academic institution, university or organization.
Should You Include Your Master’s Abbreviation After Your Name? How to use the abbreviations.
Including a Master’s degree abbreviation after your name is entirely up to personal preference and depends on the situation.
Personally, I do not like to include any of my qualifications after my name unless I am performing professional duties.
For example, I would include my MChem and PhD if:
- I was applying for a grant
- I was giving a talk and they needed a bio
- I was acting on behalf of my supervisor or department
I generally didn’t use them in emails or other everyday communications.
In academic and professional settings, it is encouraged to do so because it shows your level of education and expertise in a particular field.
It can also be useful for networking purposes or when applying for jobs that require advanced degrees.
Common masters abbreviations
Here are some common masters abbreviations that may help you if you are looking for specific examples.
| Abbreviation | Degree Name |
| MA | Master of Arts |
| MS | Master of Science |
| MSc | Master of Science |
| MBA | Master of Business Administration |
| MFA | Master of Fine Arts |
| MEd | Master of Education |
| MPA | Master of Public Administration |
| MEng | Master of Engineering |
| MPP | Master of Public Policy |
| MSW | Master of Social Work |
| MLIS | Master of Library and Information Science |
| MPH | Master of Public Health |
| MM | Master of Music |
| MDiv | Master of Divinity |
| MFT | Master of Fine Teaching |
| MAT | Master of Arts in Teaching |
| MSEE | Master of Science in Electrical Engineering |
| MArch | Master of Architecture |
| MURP | Master of Urban and Regional Planning |
| MIM | Master of Information Management |
| MFin | Master of Finance |
| MStat | Master of Statistics |
| MPharm | Master of Pharmacy |
| MISt | Master of Information Studies |
| MHM | Master of Hospitality Management |
| MISM | Master of Information Systems Management |
| MSTM | Master of Science in Technology Management |
| MTax | Master of Taxation |
| MSA | Master of Science in Accounting |
| MIS | Master of Information Systems |
| MPM | Master of Project Management |
| MCRP | Master of Community and Regional Planning |
| MSN | Master of Science in Nursing |
| MAcc | Master of Accounting |
| MMgt | Master of Management |
| MHRM | Master of Human Resource Management |
| MCM | Master of Construction Management |
| MEcon | Master of Economics |
| MIST | Master of Information Science and Technology |
| MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology |
| MDes | Master of Design |
| MCMSc | Master of Clinical Medicine (Science) |
| MPAS | Master of Physician Assistant Studies |
| MSL | Master of Studies in Law |
| MPAff | Master of Public Affairs |
| MTM | Master of Technology Management |
| MRE | Master of Real Estate |
| MSRED | Master of Science in Real Estate Development |
Wrapping up
Understanding the abbreviations for various master’s degrees is essential for students and professionals alike.
These abbreviations provide clarity about the specific field of study and the level of expertise one has achieved.
As you navigate through the world of higher education, keep these general rules for abbreviating master’s degrees in mind, and remember that capitalizing the “M” in abbreviations is necessary for consistency and clarity across settings.
Key takeaways:
- Master’s degree abbreviations usually start with “M” for “Master” and use key term initials.
- Capitalize the “M” in master’s degree abbreviations.
- Abbreviations help differentiate between various degree programs and specializations.
- Always consult official sources to confirm the accuracy of abbreviations for specific degree programs.
- Including your master’s abbreviation after your name in professional settings showcases your level of expertise.
