In Text
2.1. In text, write out the name of the degree.

• Right: She earned a degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
• Wrong: She earned an MSE degree.

In General Reference
2.2. In a general reference, use the possessive form of "bachelor" (bachelor's) and "master" (master's). Use "doctorate" or "PhD" in general reference to a doctoral degree. Use "doctoral" for adjectival references to a PhD.

• Right: He earned a bachelor's degree.
• Wrong: He earned a bachelor degree.
• Right: He earned a master's degree.
• Wrong: He earned a master degree.
• Right: He earned a doctorate.
• Right: He earned a PhD.
• Right: He earned a doctoral degree.

In Specific Reference
2.3. In specific references, use the following forms as a guide:

• Right: She earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering.
• Right: She earned a bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
• Right: She earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science and Engineering.
• Right: She earned a master's degree in Materials Science and Engineering.
• Right: She earned a doctorate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
• Right: She earned a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
• Right: She earned a doctoral degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

In Parenthetical Reference
2.4. When making a parenthetical reference to a degree, department  and year of graduation, follow this format:

• (BSE '02) (department not specified)
• (BSE '99, MSE '01) (departments not specified)
• (BSE IOE '99, MSE EE '01) (undergraduate and graduate degrees from different departments)
• (BSE CS '99, MSE '01) (undergraduate and graduate degrees from same department)
• (BSE EE '99, MBA '01) (undergraduate and graduate degrees from different colleges)