Degree Initials question from new CSUDH NCRP Student

Hi everyone. I'm newly registered here on the forum but have been a lurker since 2005. I am very appreciative of the dilligent discussion and analysis that takes place on this forum. The peer support and overriding theme of encouraging each other to continue his/her education is commendable. I thank all of you for your posts. On a personal note, I've finally decided on starting a distance learning M.A. degree from CSU Dominguez Hills in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding (NCRP). I'm hoping to possibly complete an MPA degree at a later date. Wish me luck in the NCRP program (fingers crossed!). I'm registering for classes right now for the Spring term. Any other current or former NCRP students out there?

Anyways, I do have a "newbie" question for you all. I searched for this topic both on Degreeinfo as well as on the web but haven't found too much conclusive information. My question is this: When someone has more than one degree (lets say an M.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Engineering) do they use the acroym for BOTH degrees after their name or do they just list one of the M.S. degrees? The reason I'm asking is that I can't recall ever seeing anyone list two similar degrees initials after their name (Joe Smith M.S, M.S. or Jane Smith Ph.D., Ph.D.), even when they possess two such degrees, but I also could see why someone would want (and deserve) to have both separate degrees noted! Would it be "tacky" or viewed as redundant to list two similar degree intials on a business card, etc.? Are there any widely followed standards for this?

 

It is entirely appropriate to list all degrees, but it is also appropriate to leave one out, circumstantially. My wife did the MA at Dominguez Hills . . . and later, as part of her PhD program at Vanderbilt (not an uncommon practice), she was awarded their MA as a milestone along the doctoral path, after completing her qualifying exams. Because the CSU MA had a focus in philosophy, and the Vandy MA was in philosophy, she has seen no reason to list both of them in most places, but they both appear on her resume, making her a MA MA as well as a PhD.

The charming book called Epithetology (which I quote from to time) is adamant about listing all degrees at all times . . . but it was published 70 years ago, and is highly opinionated about nearly everything.

John Bear, B.A., M.J., Ph.D.
(and there's another odd thing. If a degree title is not a common one, or, as in my case, the same letters as a totally different and more common degree, it is appropriate, I find, to identify it. Mine is a Master of Journalism.)

 

Dr. Bear,

As a follow-up to the previous question, are multiple degrees listed alphabetically (ex. MA, MS) or is there an order of precedence such as a D.Crim before a Phd (degrees of equal level), or an FCGI before a Phd (a technical qualification vs an academic qualification)?

Thanks

Rich

 

It would be appropriate to list both an MS in Biology and an MS in Engineering on a resume when germain to a job. For example if one was working in the area of human factors/ergonomics, space capsule design, fighter aircraft cockpit design, medical equipment, or prosthesis (Interestingly enough CSUDH has a BS with a prosthesis opion http://www.csudh.edu/oandp/bsoption.htm although it is an on-campus only program).

Re the MA in NCRP: I met several NCRP students on campus at CSUDH - they were mostly police officers from local communities and they had positive comments about the program.

 

Rich: "...are multiple degrees listed alphabetically?"

John: This matter is addressed in chapter XI of the charming little book, Epithetology (by Curtis A. Bartholomew, LL.B., J.D., LL.D., B .S., M.S., Sc.D., Consulting Epithetologist . . . and it looks as if there might a clue already, from his own self-designation). Let's see.

It's a fairly long chapter, with many rules and some exceptions, and I have no idea how well accepted his 1948 opinions would be today.

He says, "The following order is preferred: the occupational title, if there is one, immediately follows the name with a semicolon placed after the occupational title abbreviation, then the educational degrees immediately follow with or without a specifis, in the sequence of their issue, and lastly, the professional society designation follows with a semicolon separating it from the last degree abbreviation. Observe the following examples:
John Doe, M.T.; B.S., M.S.; F.A.C.M.T.
Helen Doe, R.N.; B.S., M.S.
Donald Doe, B.S., M.S. (Chem.), LL.D. (Hon.); F.I.C.
Alice Doe, M.T., R.N .; B.S.
Henry Doe, R.Ph.; B.S., M.S., Phar.D..; F.I.C."

This is followed by many detailed examples, and some exceptions. He does make clear (and this is definitely still the case)" that when a title precedes a name, the degree abbreviation is never used after it. Dr. John Doe, Ph.D." is never right, even if a lot of people (many with unaccredited degrees) list themselves that way.

 

Thanks everyone for the swift responses. I was worried that my question might be viewed as trivial but I am greatly relieved. Dr. Bear, thank you so much for referencing the 1948 text which appears to give some formal standards for this issue. Your citations of this text are most useful. I'm amazed that there are (seemingly) no other contemporary guidelines out there, though.

One reason why this issue came up is my questioning of how individuals in non-academic settings (in the public and private sector) will reference their degrees on business cards. Its my cursory understanding that government agencies do have standards for how you are "able" to reference your degrees, since you are essentially representing your employer through your activities. For example, I'd imagine that it might only be allowable if the degree is directly related to your current job-related activities. For example, if I held a Ph.D. in biology, but I was working as a clerk in a county courthouse, I might not be allowed to reference my Ph.D. on a work-related business card since it could potentially "confuse" the public or misrepresent the capacity in which the person is currently employed. This is just conjecture....Any other thoughts about this topic (especially from folks that have experience working for governmental agencies)?

Also, thanks again guys for the feedback about the NCRP program. I will let you all know how it goes as I pursue my M.A. degree!

 

Re not listing certain degrees: I've told the story of how my wife did the Dominguez Hills MA in Humanities (focusing on philosophy), then did her Ph.D. in philosophy at Vanderbilt. When she applied for a job teaching philosophy at what is now called Berkeley City College, she told the interviewer about her Ph.D. in philosophy. She was told that a PhD in philosophy does not qualify one to teach philosophy in the California community college system. Since philosophy is in the Humanities department, she was told, one must have a Master's in Humanities. "Well I happen to have one of those, too," she said. And she taught there for 15 years.

Re the Epithetology book: I too am surprised that there is nothing else like it (as far as i know). It is both out of print and out of copyright (which expired in 2004), so it is ripe for bringing back in some form or other.

 

Thank You,

Rich

 

I looked up this book on "Google Books" web site.
There are a few copies available to buy at prices in the range $50 to $150.
If you check library copies you will find a list that includes the CA State Library, Los Angeles Central Library, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other university libraries. It makes sense that university libraries would have a copy of this book.

 

Epithetology by Curtis A. Bartholomew

Epithetology by Curtis A. Bartholomew

I just got a copy on ebay for $19.99 plus postage.

 

Wow - a great buy (I hope).

Here are the "epithetology" for Canadian Physiotherapists
http://www.alliancept.org/pdfs/alliance_resources_newsroom_use_title_eng.pdf

 

I am also a Canadian lawyer in good standing although inactive now. I am practicing as a school principal now so would I be

(name) Barrister & Solicitor; degrees in order of being granted

I also have the usual teaching certificates and administrative credentials but they are usually not listed on business cards (or should they be?)

When I was active in practicing law, the usual order was

(name) degrees in order of being granted, Barrister & Solicitor

Just curious!

Sidney