how to write phd in capital letters

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When to Capitalize Degree Names

Academic degrees tell us what level of study a person has completed and often in what field or specialization. In its most basic form, a degree name will include only the level of study achieved—bachelor’s degree or master’s degree, for example. However, it will often also include a major and a minor, as well as any emphases, academic distinctions, and honors. 

Guidance on how to capitalize and style degree names varies according to style guide, but in general, the best practice is to capitalize terms only when using specific degree names and proper nouns. 

Let’s take a closer look.

Degree names

The Associated Press Stylebook recommends not capitalizing degree names when they are expressed in general terms and capitalizing them when they are used to refer to a specific, formal degree. General terms for a degree include the level of study, are often accompanied by an article or pronoun such as “a” or “her,” and can include the word “degree.” For example, we’d set the following terms all lowercase: 

associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctoral degree, doctorate

When using a specific, formal degree name, all parts of the name are capitalized:

Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Doctor of Philosophy 

However, the major, or field of study, is set lowercase unless it is a proper noun, as is a minor or emphasis:

Associate of Arts in photography

associate degree in chemistry

Bachelor of Science in English, emphasis in journalism

Master of Business Administration in organizational leadership, minor in accounting

master’s degree in engineering, minor in French

Doctor of Philosophy in psychology, minor in sociology

The Chicago Manual of Style offers a different approach and recommends setting all parts of all degree names, both general and specific names, lowercase when they are used generically and in running text (CMOS 8.29). 

associate of arts, associate degree, bachelor of science, master of business administration, master’s degree, doctor of philosophy

As with AP style, the major and a minor or emphasis are set lowercase unless they are proper nouns:

associate of arts in photography

bachelor of science in English, emphasis in journalism

master of business administration in organizational leadership, minor in accounting

master’s degree in engineering, emphasis in French

doctor of philosophy in psychology, minor in sociology

Chicago permits capitalizing the degree name when it appears and functions like a title rather than a description. 

Anita Falmer, Master of Fine Arts, magna cum laude

Casey Smoul, Bachelor of Music

This includes when the degree name is used in lists and directories and on diplomas, business cards, resumes, and promotional items. However, Chicago does not offer specific guidance on how majors should be styled in these uses, so this will be determined by your preference or house style. In this situation, majors can be set either capital or lowercase, as long as usage is consistent. 

Degree honors

Many U.S. colleges and universities award Latin honor distinctions in three levels of achievement with bachelor’s degrees and Juris Doctor degrees: cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude, which mean “with praise,” “with great praise,” and “with highest praise,” respectively.

When including Latin honors in the degree name, set them lowercase. The AP Stylebook and CMOS (7.55) are in agreement that these terms should not be italicized.

Bachelor of Science in nursing, summa cum laude (AP)

bachelor of science in nursing, summa cum laude (Chicago)

Degree abbreviations 

When degree names must be shortened, a mix of capital and lowercase letters are used depending on the established abbreviation. Some of the most common abbreviations use only capital letters: 

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Other degree abbreviations use a mix of capital and lowercase letters, including the most well-known graduate degree: the doctor of philosophy.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Master of Arts in Education (MAEd)

Master of Engineering (MEng)

Master of Science in Engineering MScEng)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Chicago recommends omitting periods unless “required for reasons of tradition or consistency with…established style” (10.21), and AP style recommends including periods. Both guides state that degree abbreviations should be used after full names and set off with commas.

What’s in a name?

There are so many options on what to include in a degree name and how to style it that it can feel overwhelming. Even the word “degree” can give us pause. We’ll often hear “bachelor of arts degree” just as often as “bachelor’s degree” or “Bachelor of Arts.” The AP Stylebook advises removing the word “degree” when using the full specific degree name, which would be simply “Bachelor of Arts.” Most style guides don’t weigh in on this however. And although including the word “degree” in the full name isn’t incorrect in most circumstances or for many style guides, it is redundant and not necessary. 

There’s also confusion around “associate degree” and it’s easy to see why. The general terms for bachelor’s and master’s degrees use the possessive form, so it’s understandable that people could assume the possessive form would also be used here. In fact, both “associate degree” and “associate’s degree” are widely used. The AP Stylebook advises using “associate degree,” but Merriam-Webster and Wordnik both include entries for “associate’s degree.” Google Ngram shows “associate degree” was used much more frequently from the 1980s to the 2000s, but since 2013 “associate’s degree” has been used nearly as often. The Chicago FAQ says both terms are “reasonable and logical” and allows for either. Using the possessive form will depend on the chosen style guide, consistency, and preference. 

Another degree name to pay close attention to is the doctorate. “Doctorate” is the degree name, just as “master’s degree” is. When part of a specific, formal name, “Doctor” and the degree designation are used, as in “Doctor of Dental Surgery.” “Doctoral” is an adjective related to doctor or a doctorate, as in a “doctoral dissertation” or, yes, a “doctoral degree.”

As is often the case with style guidance, consistency is key. In general, it’s best practice to capitalize terms only when using specific degree names and proper nouns, and to avoid redundancy. 

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Heather E. Saunders is the co-owner of Nova Arc Content Co. She has more than 15 years of experience as a technical editor, writer, and proofreader specializing in the STEM, medical, and aerospace and defense sectors. You can find her on Twitter as @h_e_saunders.

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• Capitalization

Are Faculty and Academic Titles Capitalized?

Capitalize faculty titles and academic ranks when they appear before a name and form part of it.

• Your new faculty head is Professor Jane Holmes .
• Here is a note for Principal Cheung .

Avoid capitalizing such titles when they appear after instead of before a name in running text.

• We interviewed Luis Sanchez , professor of philosophy at University of Puerto Rico.

Also lowercase such words when they are used standalone as common nouns.

• The professor isn’t here yet.
• She became dean of admissions in 2001.
• Talk to the principal about this, please.

Academic titles

Academic institutions involved in teaching and research comprise faculty and staff with titles like professor , principal , chair , dean , chancellor , provost , rector , and fellow .

• Our philosophy professor used to be a basketball player.
• Anita has been appointed chair of the research committee.
• Who is the new dean ?
• We have asked Professor Dash to join us.
• Please wait for Principal Diaz to address the students.
• We’ll have to check with Vice-Chancellor Brown.
• Our new chancellor is Dr. Angus King.
• She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

In this article, we discuss when to capitalize academic ranks and faculty teaching positions in colleges and universities.

Before a name

Capitalize words like professor , principal , and dean when they are used as titles before a name.

• We were taught philosophy by Professor Lobo .
• This notice has been signed by President Jones .
• Submit your applications to Dean Williams .
• We have asked Principal Gomez for clarification.
• Has Chancellor Brown been informed?
• A thorough review was conducted by Vice-Chancellor Wu .
• The students will meet online with Dean Williams today at 2:30 p.m. PST.

To address someone

Also capitalize such words when they are used to address a person directly or on an envelope or cover letter.

• Please, Mr. Chancellor , allow me to clarify.
• Thank you, Madam Chair .
• The Dean of Admissions on an envelope
• Attention: The Dean of Admissions in an email

Words like sir and ma’am are generally not capitalized when addressing someone.

• Here are the documents, sir .
• No, ma’am .

After a name

Don’t capitalize academic ranks like professor , dean , president , and chancellor when they are used descriptively after a name rather than as titles before it.

• We asked Derek O’Brien, professor of economics at the Institute of Economic Studies, for his opinion.
• Have you met Ariana Cheung, principal of the School of Advanced Wizardry?
• Remiramen Femy, professor emeritus of economics at California State University, has published a new book.
• Grace Gabkwet, head of the physics department, opened the symposium.
• In February, Minerva Dash, president of the university, instituted certain new policies.
• Arindam Das, dean of student affairs, has refused to comment.
• Send your applications to Wendy Chung, provost of faculty affairs.
• Dr. Angela Reyes, distinguished alumna of the University of Santo Tomas, is our new chancellor .

But do capitalize such titles on nameplates, visiting cards, etc. and in lists and headings, when it makes sense to do so.

• Derek O’Brien, Professor of Economics on a nameplate outside an office
• Prof. Adedotun Adekunle Head , Department of Physics University of Lagos on a visiting card

In named professorships and fellowships

Named professorships and named fellowships are capitalized, even when the title follows the name.

• Ksenia Golovina, Martha Bellows Fellow of History
• William Whiston, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics

Standalone as common nouns

Don’t capitalize academic titles like professor , fellow , reader , and lecturer unless followed by a name. Lowercase such words when used as common nouns rather than as titles. In official designations as well, academic ranks and teaching positions are generally not capitalized.

• Who is your new professor ?
• My brother is a school principal .
• Have you checked with the dean ?
• She is a fellow of the Royal Society.
• He was promoted from research associate to senior researcher in 2013.
• Is she a senior lecturer or a reader ?
• He is a professor emeritus of physics at Princeton.
• The title of chancellor is equivalent to that of president of a university.
• The rector keeps changing the rules.
• Are any of the professors here yet?

Capitalization is a matter of style rather than grammar. As an editor , feel free to use your discretion. While the general advice is to lowercase titles, roles, and positions unless followed by a name, capitalization may be preferable in some cases. Take, for example, the sentence, “Here is a list of Aspen Institute Crown Fellows of 1998.” Lowercasing the word fellows would hamper readability.

The style guide followed by a college, university, or publication may mandate capitalization. As an editor or writer, respect and follow the capitalization guidelines of a house style .

Capitalizing university , college , class

Capitalize words like university , college , and class when they form part of a name (like you would any other proper noun ).

• He is a professor at the University of Exeter .
• She teaches at the College of Engineering .
• We belong to the Class of 2007 .
• Are you taking History 101 ?

When not part of a name (i.e., when used as common nouns), such words are lowercased.

• He’ll go to university next year.
• She studied philosophy in college .
• We’ll be late to class if you don’t hurry up.
• I am studying for my history exam.

Other official titles

Capitalization guidelines for other job titles , including civil , judicial , military , royal , and religious titles, follow the same general rule: capitalize when used as a title before a name or to directly address someone; lowercase otherwise.

• What does Coach Carter think?
• Anita is reading a book by President Obama .
• I need to speak with Captain Anand .
• Their only daughter is Princess Anne .
• You must ask Bishop Ramos .
• Angela Carter is our new coach .
• There are three presidents in U.S. history who have been impeached.
• I need to speak with the captain .
• Can peas hurt a princess ?
• He is now a bishop .

Share this article

Capitalize words like professor when they appear as titles before a name.

Capitalize titles like chair when used to address someone.

Titles like professor are generally lowercased when they appear descriptively after a name.

Named professorships and named fellowships are considered proper nouns and thus capitalized.

Don’t capitalize words like professor when they are used as common nouns instead of as titles.

When Can I Use The Title Doctor After PhD? When Can A PhD Be Called Doctor?

The PhD title is awarded to those who have completed a doctoral degree but, not many people know how to use it once they have it. You may wonder this – When can I use the title Doctor after PhD? When can a PhD be called Doctor?

You can use the title Doctor once you fulfilled graduation requirements. A PhD can be called Doctor when in less formal situations, such as when in speaking in classroom or when writing emails. 

This article will go through everything you need to know about using the PhD title and when you can start using it.

The “rules” are relatively simple and can be broken as they are not officially set in stone – other than when you can officially call yourself a doctor.

There is no one correct answer but it may be misleading if you use the PhD title incorrectly. Here are the recommendations for effective communication for a PhD graduate.

It very much depends on the setting. Here are some examples of how I would use both the titles awarded to me after my PhD degree.

How Do You Write PhD Correctly After A Name? Is It ph d, phd or ph.d? Abbreviation Explained

It can be confusing to know exactly how to write PhD after your name as a person with a doctoral degree. Which bits are capitalised for a person with a doctoral degree? Is there a ‘.’ In the middle?

When writing a name with a PhD after it, the correct way to do so is to use “PhD” or “Ph.D. or Ph D”

Depending on the preference of the individual, either form can be used.

However, if the individual has a business card that states their degree in full, then the more formal “Doctor of Philosophy” should be used.

It is important to note that using “PhD” without any periods is incorrect; this abbreviation should only be used in informal contexts such as emails or text messages. I tend to use PhD in my YouTube videos and some people have pointed out that this is incorrect…

Following the individual’s preferred format will ensure that their name and credentials are properly represented.

Should You Use Dr As Well As PhD?

Some people like to use Dr and PhD in their official titles. There are a couple of important points that you need to know about markers and academic titles.

This could mean that I have two PhD’s, it could mean that I have a PhD and is a medical doctor, or it could just be that I want to use both the doctor and the PhD tags for the one degree.

However, in my experience, I still like to use both the title of doctor at the front and the PhD tag at the end of my name for official purposes.

Academia members would rarely use the PhD suffix in everyday communication. They would much rather just use the doctor title.

What Is The Proper Title For A PhD With A Doctorate Degree?

The proper title for a PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. However, some teachers and professors like to be referred to without their official title.

If you are not sure about how your professor, lecturer, or friend with a PhD wishes to be officially addressed you can ask them.

Most of the time, I like to refer to my colleagues with their doctor title for official purposes, but I do not include the type of doctoral degree at the end of their name. That is much better suited to a business card.

Your lecture may wish to be referred to as:

• Dr [last name]
• Dr [first name]

Asking them in the early stages of your relationship is the best way to work out which one they prefer.

If in doubt, always go for the more formal name and nomenclature.

When Can You Start To Use Your PhD Title After Your Doctorate? As A PhD student? After Your PhD Thesis?

When you have earned your PhD, you, as a person with a doctoral degree, can start using your title immediately. Although, it can be a little bit confusing as to when you have actually passed your PhD.

Is it when you have submitted your dissertation for the advanced degree? Is it when you have received the comments back?

The University of Adelaide says that you can use it from your conferral date:

Students can be conferred on one of five dates during the year and for PhD students the conferral date will be the first available following the completion of all the academic requirements of your degree including final thesis lodgement and the disbursement of any outstanding financial obligations to the University.

I started using my PhD title as soon as my confirmation letter arrived at my house. It was the first letter from the University that referred to me as Dr Stapleton. I was incredibly excited.

Generally, it is acceptable to use the title “Dr.” both professionally and socially but socially, people very rarely use it – at least in Australia. But you should never use it if you are a PhD student, PhD candidate or enrolled in a PhD program without a previous PhD qualification. 

I do use it in professional settings but it always makes me feel a little bit awkward.

However, there may be some restrictions for certain settings . For example, if have a research degree resulting in a doctor title and you are working in a medical setting – some institutions do not like you to use Dr as it can confuse patients into thinking that you have a medical degree. 

Instead, they ask that you use the PhD tag at the end of your name rather than the doctoral title for official and professional communications.

What Is The Correct Way To Write PhD?

When writing about someone’s PhD, the correct way is to write the term in full and capitalize each letter.

This should be done for all academic degrees, not just PhDs.

For example, it would be “Doctor of Philosophy” or “PhD” instead of “Ph.D.”, “Dr.”, or “DPhil”.

Additionally, it is common to mention the field of study in which the degree was earned if known, such as “Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics”. It is also good practice to include the institution that granted the degree if it is a recognized one.

When writing about someone’s PhD, use proper capitalization and include relevant information like field of study and institution if known to ensure accuracy.

How Do You Put A PhD In A Title?

Putting a PhD in a title is not as complicated as it may sound.

Generally speaking, the proper way to list a PhD in an academic or professional setting is by writing “Dr.” before the name, followed by the person’s full name and the appropriate abbreviations for their degree.

For example, if John Smith has earned a doctorate in psychology, his credentials would be listed as “Dr. John Smith, Ph.D.”

In some cases, such as when addressing someone formally in speech or on a business card, it may also be acceptable to list their credentials as “John Smith, Ph.D.”

Depending on context and personal preference, some people may also choose to list their higher degrees after their names by writing out the entire degree instead of just its abbreviation.

For example, John Smith could choose to write his full title as “John Smith, Doctor of Psychology”

However, I have not seen this in real academic life.

Should The Font Size Of Ph.D. Be The Same As Someone’s Name?

The question of whether the font size of a Ph.D. should be the same as someone’s name is an interesting one.

On one hand, it could be argued that the Ph.D. deserves to be highlighted and therefore should be given a larger font size than someone’s name to denote its importance.

On the other, it could be argued that this would not be necessary or appropriate, and that treating everyone equally regardless of their title or degree is more important.

It depends on context and usage – if both names appear in the same document then they should likely have the same font size.

However, if one appears in a formal setting such as a diploma or certificate, then it may make sense to give it a larger font size than someone’s name to emphasize its importance and significance.

Ph.Ds (or PhDs) are an important academic achievement and should be respected accordingly but without going overboard by giving them overly large fonts sizes which can take away from rather than add to their importance.

Wrapping up – Doctoral Title Rules

This article has been over everything you need to know that using the PhD title properly and effectively, since the person has worked hard to earn a degree very few people have.

The doctor title can be used in place of the PhD and for incredibly formal communications, such as a business email or card, you can use both.

However, sometimes using both can cause confusion as to whether or not there is a reason first using both the doctor and PhD tags. Nonetheless, many people still use both.

When Can I Use The Title Doctor After PhD – Frequently Asked Questions

1. what does phd stand for.

A PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy , which is a doctoral degree that represents the highest level of academic achievement in a specific field of study.

2. Is Ph.d the same as PhD?

Yes, Ph.d is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy , and both terms are used interchangeably to refer to the same academic degree .

3. Can I use the title ‘Doctor’ with a PhD?

Individuals who hold a PhD have the right to use the title “Doctor” in front of their name as they are a person with a doctoral degree .

4. What is the correct way to write PhD?

The correct way to write PhD is with no spaces and with both letters capitalized, following the standard abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy .

5. How do I abbreviate Doctor of Philosophy?

You can abbreviate Doctor of Philosophy as PhD , which is the most commonly used abbreviation for this type of doctoral degree .

6. Can I use both the title ‘Dr.’ and ‘PhD’ together?

Yes, you can use both the title ‘Dr.’ and ‘PhD’ together to denote your academic achievement as a holder of a doctorate degree .

7. What is a dissertation in relation to a PhD?

A dissertation is a scholarly document that Ph.D candidates are required to submit as part of their research degree in a specific field.

8. Who is considered a PhD candidate?

A PhD candidate is a student enrolled in a PhD program working towards the completion of their doctoral studies.

9. Is a PhD also referred to as a Doctorate?

Yes, a PhD is also commonly referred to as a Doctorate , signifying the attainment of the highest

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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From admission to dissertation. Tips on making the PhD journey happy, productive and successful

How To Write PhD? Is it ph d or phd

How do you write phd correctly after a name is it ph d or phd, here are the steps to write phd correctly:.

• Firstly, “P” must be in a capital case.
• Secondly, “h” is in small case with no space after “P”
• Thirdly, use period/full-stop after “h”
• Fourthly, Write “D” in capital case.
• Fifthly, keep Period after “D”
• Finally, the correct way to write is Ph.D .
• Or, It can be also written as PhD in a sentence.
• As per APA style, write Ph. D
• As per Chicago style, write PhD
• As per MLA style, write it as Ph. D.

For example this is how to write PhD title after your name: Dr.John Mathew, Ph.D. You can write PhD after name on your business cards, resumes, CV’s or identity cards or on nameplates etc. Some have confusion with the use of comma and full stops while writing PhD title after name. Here is my indepth review how to write out properly PhD.

Writing a PhD title after name

Use capital “p” and “d” in the word ph.d..

You must write ‘P’ as capital and ‘D’ as capital letters. Though there is no strict rule on how to use capital and small letters, many of them do this way. Both letters which I have just mentioned must be written in Capital because those letters are the heart of the abbreviationPh.D. There is no other way of writing. Even if you search the whole world and ask many people and read many books, this is how PhD title is written.  Sometimes there are possibilities that both letters are written in small letters by mistake. You need to correct instantly if such is the case. Otherwise, it looks awkward when someone looks at it or reads it.  Usually, mistaken words are clearly observed than that of rightly written ones.

Use small letter ‘h’ in the word Ph.D.

The letter ‘h’ is what written small letter in this 3 letter word is.  We write it in a small letter after name because this letter ‘h’ is in the middle of the word Ph.D.  Here also don’t write mistake by using capital letters. This is the reason why many people write a PhD title after the name wrongly. They are confused about where to use capital letters and were not to use small letters. I suggest you practice all the letters in one or other way.

Why do we write a PhD title after the name?

We write a PhD title after the name to know that one has completed his doctoral studies and it is a sign of knowledge and status.  We write a Ph.D. even for other purposes. For example, if someone is working in a university, it is mandatory that his qualification must be known to all the students and as well as the staff. This is why we write the Ph.D. title after the name. Not only in the university but also to the competent authorities who come for an inspection to the university must know the status of the faculty profiles.  So the title Ph.D. is written after every faculty name as a title.

Should we use bold letters

I say a big no. You cannot write bold and fashioned way while writing PhD title after your name. As you write you must make it look similar along with the name without any difference. There is no way that you must write the Ph.D. title in bold fonts. This way, it looks very odd for those who look. Instead of reading your name, they will read Ph.D. firstly. So there is a chance of not remembering your name. So never use bold fonts while writing PhD title after your name.

Should we use Italic Letters

Again it is a big no. Do be too creative while writing a Ph.D. after your name. The use of italics is a big mistake. Do not use such writing in italics. Every time you use italic, again it looks very different from the original name adjacent to it.

Is Ph.D. a title after your name?

Do you think it is a PhD title or just a status?  It is both status and title.  Though in my personal opinion it is not a title, many call it as a title. But if you ask me I would tell it is a status word that is symbolically represented a matter of qualification. This is only my personal opinion about the title of Ph.D. So if at all you have some doubts about how this title arose as a part of history, you must read a vast number of history books about the Ph.D. title. It all requires for you to understand that a Ph.D. is not a title finally and just a resemblance of qualification.

Is it good to put PhD after title in your identity cards?

No, you must not use the title Ph.D. after your name in any type of identity card. These cards are existing irrespective of your qualification. This is meant to identify you as you are. There is no necessity what you have achieved. There is no need for knowing your qualifications. So in any type of identity card which is issued by the government like passport and voter card etc, you cannot use such title after your name. But there is one exception that the identity card at university or college or at job area must be given with Ph.D. title. If you ever need expert help with writing your Doctoral level papers, go to WriteMyPaperHub and send your request to  write my PhD thesis for me .

Should we use the subject name when using a Ph.D. with the name?

This thought is quite awkward. But I must still mention this. There are some who use the subject name after the Ph.D. title along with the name. Like for example Dr. Luke, Ph.D. in Linguistics. Using this way is quite reasonable if there are some important debates or international meetups. Otherwise, I don’t suggest such type of writing after your name.

What happens if you don’t use a Ph.D. after your name?

If you do not use the Ph.D. title after your name, people around you won’t know that you are a doctoral research fellow. So it is very important to let them know it. You can only use this if at all there are some students around you or any known people. If there are unknown people around you, then there is no way that it is mandatory to use a Ph.D. after your name. Anyhow, I say that there is no danger of not using Ph.D. after your name.

Should comma be addded before or after PhD

Yes, a comma is a mandatory thing to be added after Ph.D. This is a rule. Otherwise, it is mixed combined with your original name. It will become part of your name. So comma is good after your name. I have already given the example above on how to put a comma after your name. But let me give here one more example as a matter of understanding.  Dr.Mohima, Ph.D. If you see the name, for example, there is a comma used after the name to separate Ph.D. from it. So try to put a comma. But never use another punctuation mark as such full stop or colon after your name. I have seen people using other punctuation marks like semicolon after name and then they write the title Ph.D. Some don’t use at all. All such things are mistakes. Use the only comma after your name always.

Can we write Dr instead of Ph.D. after the name?

Writing a doctor instead of a Ph.D. means a different thing. So you cannot use such way. As this is not the right format. ‘Dr’ is used at the beginning of the name as another title. But after the name, it must be a Ph.D. and not ‘Dr’

Should we write a Ph.D. at all after one’s name that is too long?

Sometimes it so happens that your name is too long to write Ph.D. after it. During this trouble, you must cut out some part of the name and type PhD as a title after your name. There is no other way to do it.  Usually, longs name are common in some countries like Germany and India. But in the USA we have shorter names. Whatever may be the length, you must try to use the most used name and eliminate the rest of the name. This way you can use the title Ph.D. comfortable after your name. Always try to use the same name. Don’t change the name or cut your name in different ways on different days. These will again a problem to your recognition.

Should we write phd or ph d on business card, welcome banners during functions?

On welcome banners and business cards, it is very important to mention the title Ph.D. This will be more serious if you do not use the Ph.D. title after the name. There are many people watching that public banner. If you do not write the title after the name, you are disrespecting the guest totally. So be aware of using the title ofPh.D. whenever you have public functions or welcome banners or during some important meetings.  This is a sign that others should treat the guest better than the other out there.

Should the font size of Ph.D. be the same as someone’s name?

The name and the title Ph.D. must be in the same size. There must not be unusual differences. Font sizes matter a lot. Don’t use wrong font size or awkward fonts while using your title Ph.D. after your name. The best font could be like Ariel, Lato, Times New Roman, etc. These fonts will look better as a Ph.D. title after your name. Initially, there is some confusion about using the right font. But once you learn the size usage, you are comfortable using them rightly. Even when you write manually, you can easily write with similar size throughout. This requires a good amount of practice to write the Ph.D. title after your name with good font limitations.

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Syam Prasad Reddy T

Hello, My name is Syam, Asst. Professor of English and Mentor for Ph.D. students worldwide. I have worked years to give you these amazing tips to complete your Ph.D. successfully. Having put a lot of efforts means to make your Ph.D. journey easier. Thank you for visiting my Ph.D. blog.

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How to Write PhD

How to Write PhD – Once you’ve completed your doctorate (PhD), you’ll want to put this achievement at the top of your resume envelope. The problem is how to put this academic milestone to good use if you decide to explore new career opportunities in business or discovered that you truly enjoy academic research.

Writers often use Ph.D. after their names to boost their credibility and professionalism, but what does it mean when the abbreviation doesn’t immediately follow your name?

Table of Contents

How do you Write PhD correctly after a name? Is it ph d or phd?

Here are the steps to write phd correctly:.

• Firstly,  “P”  must be in a capital case.
• Secondly,  “h”  is in small case with no space after  “P”
• Thirdly, use period/full-stop after  “h”
• Fourthly, Write  “D”  in capital case.
• Fifthly, keep Period after  “D”
• Finally, the correct way to write is  Ph.D .
• Or, It can be also written as PhD in a sentence.
• As per APA style, write  Ph. D
• As per Chicago style, write  PhD
• As per MLA style, write it as  Ph. D.

For example this is how to write  PhD title  after your name:  Dr.John Mathew, Ph.D.  You can write PhD after name on your business cards, resumes, CV’s or identity cards or on nameplates etc. Some have confusion with the use of comma and full stops while writing PhD title after name. Here is my indepth review how to write out properly PhD.

Writing a PhD title after name

Use capital “p” and “d” in the word ph.d..

You must write ‘P’ as capital and ‘D’ as capital letters. Though there is no strict rule on how to use capital and small letters, many of them do this way. Both letters which I have just mentioned must be written in Capital because those letters are the heart of the abbreviationPh.D. There is no other way of writing. Even if you search the whole world and ask many people and read many books, this is how PhD title is written.  Sometimes there are possibilities that both letters are written in small letters by mistake. You need to correct instantly if such is the case. Otherwise, it looks awkward when someone looks at it or reads it.  Usually, mistaken words are clearly observed than that of rightly written ones.

Use small letter ‘h’ in the word Ph.D.

The letter ‘h’ is what written small letter in this 3 letter word is.  We write it in a small letter after name because this letter ‘h’ is in the middle of the word Ph.D.  Here also don’t write mistake by using capital letters. This is the reason why many people write a PhD title after the name wrongly. They are confused about where to use capital letters and were not to use small letters. I suggest you practice all the letters in one or other way.

Why do we write a PhD title after the name?

We write a PhD title after the name to know that one has completed his doctoral studies and it is a sign of knowledge and status.  We write a Ph.D. even for other purposes. For example, if someone is working in a university, it is mandatory that his qualification must be known to all the students and as well as the staff. This is why we write the Ph.D. title after the name. Not only in the university but also to the competent authorities who come for an inspection to the university must know the status of the faculty profiles.  So the title Ph.D. is written after every faculty name as a title.

Should we use bold letters

I say a big no. You cannot write bold and fashioned way while writing PhD title after your name. As you write you must make it look similar along with the name without any difference. There is no way that you must write the Ph.D. title in bold fonts. This way, it looks very odd for those who look. Instead of reading your name, they will read Ph.D. firstly. So there is a chance of not remembering your name. So never use bold fonts while writing PhD title after your name.

Should we use Italic Letters

Again it is a big no. Do be too creative while writing a Ph.D. after your name. The use of italics is a big mistake. Do not use such writing in italics. Every time you use italic, again it looks very different from the original name adjacent to it.

Is Ph.D. a title after your name?

Do you think it is a PhD title or just a status?  It is both status and title.  Though in my personal opinion it is not a title, many call it as a title. But if you ask me I would tell it is a status word that is symbolically represented a matter of qualification. This is only my personal opinion about the title of Ph.D. So if at all you have some doubts about how this title arose as a part of history, you must read a vast number of history books about the Ph.D. title. It all requires for you to understand that a Ph.D. is not a title finally and just a resemblance of qualification.

Is it good to put PhD after title in your identity cards?

No, you must not use the title Ph.D. after your name in any type of identity card. These cards are existing irrespective of your qualification. This is meant to identify you as you are. There is no necessity what you have achieved. There is no need for knowing your qualifications. So in any type of identity card which is issued by the government like passport and voter card etc, you cannot use such title after your name. But there is one exception that the identity card at university or college or at job area must be given with Ph.D. title. If you ever need expert help with writing your Doctoral level papers, go to WriteMyPaperHub and send your request to  write my PhD thesis for me .

Should we use the subject name when using a Ph.D. with the name?

This thought is quite awkward. But I must still mention this. There are some who use the subject name after the Ph.D. title along with the name. Like for example Dr. Luke, Ph.D. in Linguistics. Using this way is quite reasonable if there are some important debates or international meetups. Otherwise, I don’t suggest such type of writing after your name.

What happens if you don’t use a Ph.D. after your name?

If you do not use the Ph.D. title after your name, people around you won’t know that you are a doctoral research fellow. So it is very important to let them know it. You can only use this if at all there are some students around you or any known people. If there are unknown people around you, then there is no way that it is mandatory to use a Ph.D. after your name. Anyhow, I say that there is no danger of not using Ph.D. after your name.

Should comma be addded before or after PhD

Yes, a comma is a mandatory thing to be added after Ph.D. This is a rule. Otherwise, it is mixed combined with your original name. It will become part of your name. So comma is good after your name. I have already given the example above on how to put a comma after your name. But let me give here one more example as a matter of understanding.  Dr.Mohima, Ph.D. If you see the name, for example, there is a comma used after the name to separate Ph.D. from it. So try to put a comma. But never use another punctuation mark as such full stop or colon after your name. I have seen people using other punctuation marks like semicolon after name and then they write the title Ph.D. Some don’t use at all. All such things are mistakes. Use the only comma after your name always.

Can we write Dr instead of Ph.D. after the name?

Writing a doctor instead of a Ph.D. means a different thing. So you cannot use such way. As this is not the right format. ‘Dr’ is used at the beginning of the name as another title. But after the name, it must be a Ph.D. and not ‘Dr’

Should we write a Ph.D. at all after one’s name that is too long?

Sometimes it so happens that your name is too long to write Ph.D. after it. During this trouble, you must cut out some part of the name and type PhD as a title after your name. There is no other way to do it.  Usually, longs name are common in some countries like Germany and India. But in the USA we have shorter names. Whatever may be the length, you must try to use the most used name and eliminate the rest of the name. This way you can use the title Ph.D. comfortable after your name. Always try to use the same name. Don’t change the name or cut your name in different ways on different days. These will again a problem to your recognition.

Should we write phd or ph d on business card, welcome banners during functions?

On welcome banners and business cards, it is very important to mention the title Ph.D. This will be more serious if you do not use the Ph.D. title after the name. There are many people watching that public banner. If you do not write the title after the name, you are disrespecting the guest totally. So be aware of using the title ofPh.D. whenever you have public functions or welcome banners or during some important meetings.  This is a sign that others should treat the guest better than the other out there.

Should the font size of Ph.D. be the same as someone’s name?

The name and the title Ph.D. must be in the same size. There must not be unusual differences. Font sizes matter a lot. Don’t use wrong font size or awkward fonts while using your title Ph.D. after your name. The best font could be like Ariel, Lato, Times New Roman, etc. These fonts will look better as a Ph.D. title after your name. Initially, there is some confusion about using the right font. But once you learn the size usage, you are comfortable using them rightly. Even when you write manually, you can easily write with similar size throughout. This requires a good amount of practice to write the Ph.D. title after your name with good font limitations.

10 tips for writing a PhD thesis

Writing up a PhD can often take place in a frenzy of activity in the last few months of your degree study, after years of hard work. But there are some steps that you can take to increase your chances of success.

• Do not be daunted by the task of “writing up”. Work on the text as your PhD takes shape, remember that all writers need editing, and help yourself by using these basic tips to make life easier. Read what great writers say about how to write before you start, and take their advice to heart. There is no dark art to clear, concise work; it is mostly a result of editing, and editing again. Above all, keep Elmore Leonard’s advice in mind: “If it reads like writing…rewrite it.”
• Plan the structure of your thesis carefully with your supervisor. Create rough drafts as you go so that you can refine them as you become more focused on the write-up. Much of writing comprises rewriting so be prepared to rework each chapter many times. Even Ernest Hemingway said: “The first draft of everything is shit.”
• Academic writing does not have to be dry. Inject some flair into your work. Read advice on writing and remember George Orwell’s words in  Why I Write : “Never use the passive where you can use the active”; and Mark Twain’s on adjectives: “When you catch an adjective, kill it.” If you prefer, Stephen King said: “The road to hell is paved with adverbs.”
• Do not write up in chronological order. Work on each chapter while it is fresh in your mind or pertinent to what you are doing at that moment, but come back to it all later and work it up into a consistent, coherent piece, restructuring sections where necessary.
• Think carefully about your writing. Write your first draft, leave it and then come back to it with a critical eye. Look objectively at the writing and read it closely for style and sense. Look out for common errors such as dangling modifiers, subject-verb disagreement and inconsistency. If you are too involved with the text to be able to take a step back and do this, then ask a friend or colleague to read it with a critical eye. Remember Hemingway’s advice: “Prose is architecture, not interior decoration.” Clarity is key.
• Most universities use a preferred style of references. Make sure you know what this is and stick to it. One of the most common errors in academic writing is to cite papers in the text that do not then appear in the bibliography. All references in your thesis need to be cross-checked with the bibliography before submission. Using a database during your research can save a great deal of time in the writing-up process. Helpful software includes EndNote or Paperpile. Managing your bibliography from day one may seem obsessive but it will save you a great deal of time and stress by the end of the PhD process.
• Use a house style. Professional publications such as  Times Higher Education  use a house style guide to ensure consistency in spelling. For example, do not use both -ise spellings and -ize spellings, stick to British spelling and be consistent when referring to organisations or bodies. Because dictionaries vary in their use of hyphenation, use one dictionary and stick to it throughout the writing process. If you consult the  New Oxford Dictionary for Writers and Editors , you will note the extraordinary number of words with alternative spellings. It can also be a very useful guide to preferred spellings, use of italicisation and foreign phrases.
• Take care when quoting from other sources. Ensure you note whether the italic emphasis is in the original and take careful notes when you are collecting quotes for your thesis. Transcribe them accurately to save work later and keep original spellings (even if they differ from your chosen style) to ensure fidelity to your source.
• Think about plagiarism. If you are quoting from works, quote from them accurately and paraphrase where necessary for your argument. This is where careful note-taking and use of references is invaluable and will help you to avoid even inadvertently plagiarising another work.
• Remember that your thesis is your chance to present your work in the best possible light. Consider your opening paragraphs, entice your reader with your writing and above all be clear about your hypothesis and your conclusion. Append material where it adds value but not where it merely bulks out your work. Consider your reader at all times. This is your chance to showcase your work.

If you stick to these simple rules, your writing will be clear and jargon-free. Above all, take to heart Orwell’s advice: “Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word, or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.”

In the academic world, having a PhD after your name means you have been awarded a prestigious three-year doctoral degree from a university or college. A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy degree and can be earned in a variety of subjects.

Capitalization of degrees

Published August 17, 2021. Updated May 10, 2022.

Capitalizing Academic Degrees Definition

Capitalize academic degrees when writing the full name of a degree.

Overview of Capitalizing Academic Degrees

An academic degrees is a measure of educational expertise of a person in a particular field. In writing the certificate for a degree, universities use the expanded version. An academic degree’s abbreviation should be written in capital letters without any punctuation marks. When referring to a degree in generic terms, it should not be capitalized.

Guidelines to C apitalization of Degrees

These guidelines will help you capitalize degrees and maintain consistency in your writing:

• Capitalize a degree when writing the full name of the degree.
• Write degree abbreviations in capital letters without any punctuation marks.
• Do not capitalize a degree when referring to it in generic terms.

Guideline 1 examples

Correct:                Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Incorrect:            Bachelor of science in Computer engineering

In the second example, we do not see the capitalization of the word science and engineering. Hence the format is incorrect.

Guideline 2 examples

Correct:                Mr. Edward John BSc has written this article on the “effect of gravitational forces.

Incorrect:            Mr. Edward John B.Sc has written this article on the “effect of gravitational forces.”

BSc is the abbreviation for Bachelor of Science, and as per the guideline, we do not use periods.

In the second example, the writer has used the period in the degree mentioned, hence the format is incorrect.

Guideline 3 examples

Correct:                Susan is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science.

Incorrect:            Susan is pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science.

These examples mention the degrees in generic terms. As per the guideline, we do not capitalize degrees mentioned in generic terms.

In the second example, the writer has capitalized the degree, and hence it is incorrect.

Key takeaways

• Capitalize academic degrees when writing the full name of the degree.
• Write academic degree abbreviations in capital letters without any punctuation marks
• Do not capitalize when referring to the degrees in generic terms.

Capitalization Rules

Capitalization basics.

• Academic degrees
• After colon and semicolon
• Days and months
• Family titles
• Historical events
• Languages and nationalities
• Religious terms
• Schools and universities

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