How Do You Write Your Degree After Your Name?

Here’s the quick fix: List only doctorate-level degrees after your name—never bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

What’s Happening

Listing academic credentials after your name follows specific conventions to communicate expertise clearly. Most professional and academic guidelines—including those from résumé experts and universities—agree that only doctorate-level degrees (PhD, MD, JD, etc.) belong in this spot. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees don’t fit here, even though they’re valid credentials.

(Honestly, this makes sense—doctorates represent the highest academic achievement, so they deserve that prime real estate after your name.) These conventions also align with standards set by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and career development resources from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. First, identify your highest earned degree. Only doctorates (PhD, EdD, MD, DVM, DDS, DO, etc.) go after your name.
2. Next, list the degree using the standard abbreviation. For example:
   • Jane Smith, PhD
   • Robert Lee, MD
   • Priya Patel, DVM
3. Now, if you have multiple doctorates, list them in descending order of prestige. Separate them with commas:
   • Alex Carter, MD, PhD
4. Don’t include bachelor’s or master’s degrees, even if they’re in your field. For example, avoid: John Doe, BA, MA, PhD.
5. Finally, place the degree immediately after your name, separated by a comma. Example: “Dr. Sarah Chen, PhD.”

If This Didn’t Work

• If you’re unsure whether a degree qualifies, check its level. Only degrees at Level 8 or higher on the UK Qualifications Framework or equivalent (doctoral-level in the U.S.) should be listed.
• Consult your institution’s style guide or alumni office for clarification on abbreviations.
• For international degrees, verify their U.S. equivalency using a resource like the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

Prevention Tips

To avoid missteps:

• Adopt a résumé template from a reputable source like MLA or Chicago Manual of Style to standardize formatting.
• Update your signature block or business card annually to reflect your highest degree accurately.
• When in doubt, omit the degree after your name. Your name carries your identity; the degree is secondary.
• Review academic and professional guidelines every two years, as conventions may evolve (the APA last updated theirs in 2024).