Your Guide to Arranging Academic Degrees in Order

The Standard Hierarchy of Academic Degrees

Academic degrees follow a specific hierarchy based on their level of academic achievement. The standard sequence begins with bachelor's degrees, followed by master's degrees, and culminates with doctoral degrees. This progression reflects the increasing specialization and depth of knowledge required for each subsequent level.

When listing multiple degrees, the highest earned degree typically appears first, followed by others in descending order. For example, if someone holds both a Ph.D. and a Master's degree, the Ph.D. would be listed first. This convention helps readers quickly identify your highest level of educational attainment without having to scan through your entire credential list.

Proper Formatting for Academic Credentials

Formatting academic degrees correctly involves understanding abbreviations and punctuation conventions. Bachelor's degrees are commonly abbreviated as B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), B.S. (Bachelor of Science), or B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts). Master's degrees follow similar patterns with M.A., M.S., M.B.A., and others. Doctoral degrees include Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., and J.D., among others.

When including multiple degrees after your name, separate them with commas: Jane Smith, Ph.D., M.B.A., B.S. Some style guides recommend omitting periods in degree abbreviations (PhD, MBA), while others maintain them (Ph.D., M.B.A.). Consistency is key—whatever style you choose, apply it uniformly throughout your documents.

Professional certifications and licenses typically follow academic degrees and should be separated by commas as well. For example: John Doe, Ph.D., CPA, CFP. This organization helps readers distinguish between academic qualifications and professional credentials.

Degree Order for Different Professional Fields

Different professional fields may have specific conventions for listing credentials. In healthcare, medical degrees often take precedence over other academic achievements. A physician might list their credentials as Sarah Johnson, M.D., Ph.D., showing their medical degree first, followed by their doctorate.

In academia, the highest academic degree usually comes first, followed by professional certifications or fellowships. For instance, a professor might list their credentials as Robert Williams, Ph.D., FAAAS (Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science).

Business professionals often prioritize degrees that demonstrate specific expertise relevant to their field. An executive might list MBA first if it's more relevant to their current role than another advanced degree they hold. The American Psychological Association and other professional organizations provide specific guidance for their members regarding credential order.

Academic Degree Comparison

Understanding the differences between various degrees helps in recognizing their appropriate order. The table below compares common academic degrees and their characteristics:

Each institution may have slightly different requirements for these degrees. College Board provides comprehensive information about degree programs across various institutions. Meanwhile, The Chronicle of Higher Education offers insights into academic trends and degree valuations in different fields.

International Degree Considerations

International academic credentials add complexity to degree ordering. Different countries have unique educational systems and degree designations that may not directly translate to American equivalents. When presenting international credentials, it's often helpful to include the country of origin in parentheses for clarity.

For degrees earned outside the United States, credential evaluation services can help determine the U.S. equivalent. Organizations like World Education Services specialize in evaluating international credentials and can provide official assessments of how foreign degrees compare to their American counterparts.

Some international credentials have specific conventions for display. British degrees might use different abbreviations (e.g., MPhil for Master of Philosophy), while European degrees might follow the Bologna Process structure (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate). When in doubt about how to order international credentials, consult the guidelines provided by professional associations in your field.

Conclusion

Presenting academic degrees in their proper order demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Generally, list your highest degree first, followed by other degrees in descending order. Remember that context matters—different professional fields may have specific conventions worth following. When in doubt, consult style guides from relevant professional organizations or your institution's communications office. Whether you're updating your resume, designing business cards, or creating an email signature, properly ordered credentials enhance your professional presentation and ensure clarity about your educational background.

Citations

• https://www.apa.org/
• https://www.collegeboard.org/
• https://www.chronicle.com/
• https://www.wes.org/

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.