Only list doctorate-level qualifications (like PhD, MD, or EdD) directly after your name; master’s and bachelor’s degrees are typically left off except in specific professional settings.

Should you put qualifications after your name?

Only doctorate-level degrees (PhD, MD, DDS, DVM, EdD, etc.) belong after your name, since these represent terminal credentials.

Master’s and bachelor’s degrees usually get left out—they don’t signal the same level of specialization. That said, certain professions make exceptions. Chartered accountants, for example, often include CPA after their name, while engineers might use CEng. Always double-check what your industry actually expects before adding any letters.

How do you list professional degrees after your name?

Start with academic degrees, then professional licenses, and finally certifications—all separated by commas.

Take Jane Doe, PhD, CPA, PMP as an example. The highest academic degree goes first, followed by professional designations in order of importance. Stick to official abbreviations (CPA, not C.P.A.)—and don’t clutter your name with outdated credentials that don’t add value.

How do you write master’s degree after your name?

Add the master’s abbreviation right after your name, separated by a comma, like “John Doe, MSW” for a Master of Social Work.

Common formats include M.A., M.Sc., MBA, or MFA. Always use your institution’s official abbreviation—no creative variations. In most cases, master’s degrees don’t go before the name unless a specific professional body (like some European chartered organizations) requires it.

How do you write qualifications after your name?

Pair the qualification name and its official abbreviation without any punctuation in between, such as “J. Murphy BA.”

  1. Use the exact abbreviation: BA (not B.A.), MSc (not M.Sc.)
  2. Add “(Hons)” if your program included honors: J. Murphy BA (Hons)
  3. Italicize the institution only if you’re including it: Jane Smith MBA, Harvard Business School
  4. Separate multiple credentials with commas, starting with academic, then professional, then other qualifications

Can I put MSc after my name?

You can include MSc after your name if it matters in your field, though it’s not mandatory.

While doctorates are the norm, some industries—like engineering, public health, or business—value the MSc credential. Check your field’s conventions: some prefer full titles (Master of Science in Nursing), while others accept abbreviations. Keep your CV, LinkedIn, and professional profiles consistent no matter what you choose.

Can I put BA Hons after my name?

Include “BA Hons” after your name if your degree was awarded with honors, especially in Commonwealth countries.

Format it as John Smith BA (Hons). This sets you apart from regular BA holders. Some universities prefer just “(Hons)” without BA, so check your institution’s style guide. Honors recognition highlights stronger academic performance, which can matter in competitive fields like law or academia.

What letters do you get after your name with a law degree?

Use “J.D.” for a U.S. law degree, followed by state bar admissions where applicable.

In the U.S., J.D. signals law school completion. Over in the UK, you’ll see LLB (Bachelor of Laws) or LLM (Master of Laws). Some lawyers also add state credentials like “Esq.” or “Admitted in New York.” Always follow your region’s professional rules.

How do you say you have a masters degree?

Say “I have a master’s degree in [field]” or “I earned a master’s degree”—always with an apostrophe in “master’s.”

For example: “I have a master’s degree in Education.” Never say “masters degree” or “master degree”—the possessive is required. In British English, “master’s degree” is still correct, though some drop the apostrophe in casual writing. When talking about the holder, try “He is a master’s graduate” or “She holds a master’s.”

What is short for Master’s degree?

The most common abbreviations are MA (Master of Arts), MSc (Master of Science), MBA (Master of Business Administration), and MS (Master of Science, preferred in the U.S.).

Degree TypeAbbreviation (UK/EU)Abbreviation (US)
Master of ArtsMAMA
Master of ScienceMScMS
Master of Business AdministrationMBAMBA
Master of EducationMEdM.Ed.
Master of Public HealthMPHMPH

“SM” (Scientiæ Magister) is rare and mostly used at Harvard. When in doubt, go with what your institution or industry prefers.

How do you say you have a bachelor’s degree?

Say “I have a bachelor’s degree in [field]” or “I earned a bachelor’s degree”, with that apostrophe in “bachelor’s.”

Correct: “I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.” Wrong: “I have a bachelors degree” or “bachelor degree.” In formal writing, capitalize only when part of a proper title: “Bachelor of Science.” In casual speech, people often drop “degree,” like “She has a BA in History.”

Which is better MSc or MS?

MSc is the UK/EU standard; MS is preferred in the U.S., though both mean Master of Science.

Use MSc in the UK, Ireland, and most Commonwealth countries. In the U.S., MS is the norm, though MSc sometimes pops up in international contexts. The academic weight is identical. If you’re applying abroad, check what the institution prefers to avoid any confusion.

What does MSc stand for after a name?

MSc stands for Magister Scientiae, Latin for “Master of Science”, marking a graduate-level science degree.

It shows expertise in a scientific field like biology, chemistry, or engineering. In the U.S., MS is more common, but MSc is widely understood worldwide. Both signal the same level of academic achievement.

Should you put BSc after your name?

Only include BSc after your name if it’s relevant to your profession, like in engineering or healthcare.

For most non-STEM roles, listing BSc adds little and might look unnecessary. But in technical or research jobs, it signals foundational knowledge. Focus on credentials that actually boost your credibility in your specific field.

Is it worth doing a foundation degree?

A foundation degree is worth it if you need academic prep, career direction, or a clear path to a full degree, especially if you’re missing formal qualifications.

These 1–2 year programs build core skills and often serve as a bridge to a bachelor’s. They’re great for mature students, career changers, or anyone returning to education. Research from the UCAS shows foundation years can boost degree completion rates by up to 15% in the UK. Before signing up, weigh the costs against alternatives like apprenticeships to see what fits best.

Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
Maya Patel

Maya Patel is a software specialist and former UX designer who believes technology should just work. She's been writing step-by-step guides since the iPhone 4, and she still gets genuinely excited when she finds a keyboard shortcut that saves three seconds.