A degree name specifies the level and discipline of an academic credential earned upon completing a structured program of study at a college or university. It combines a level designation-such as bachelor's, master's, or doctorate-with a field of study, such as computer science or psychology. For example, "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science" is a complete degree name.
Each degree name follows a standardized format recognized globally. The term "bachelor's" indicates an undergraduate degree typically requiring four years of full-time study. "Master's" denotes a graduate-level qualification usually taking one to three years beyond a bachelor's. "Doctorate" refers to the highest academic award, often involving original research and a dissertation. The field of study appears after the degree level, specifying the subject area.
The U.S. Department of Education defines degree names through the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), which assigns unique codes to fields of study. This system ensures consistency across institutions and enables accurate reporting of educational outcomes. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also maintains standards for degree naming and institutional accreditation.
Every formal degree name includes three core elements: the degree level, the field of study, and the conferral type. The level may be associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral. The field of study is specific-such as biology, finance, or mechanical engineering-and often includes a subfield. The conferral type specifies whether the degree is awarded as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or similar.
For example, "Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering" states the level (bachelor's), the field (environmental engineering), and the conferral type (BS). The BS indicates a focus on technical and scientific coursework, while a BA in the same field would emphasize broader liberal arts training. Institutions may offer both, depending on curriculum design.
Some programs use alternative naming conventions. A "Master of Fine Arts" (MFA) is a professional degree in creative disciplines, distinct from research-based master's degrees. Similarly, "Juris Doctor" (JD) is a professional doctorate in law, though it is not a PhD. These names reflect historical and disciplinary traditions rather than strict academic hierarchy.
Below is a breakdown of standard degree names by level and field:
| Level | Conferral Type | Field Example | Complete Degree Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | BA | Psychology | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology |
| Undergraduate | BS | Chemistry | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry |
| Graduate | MBA | Business Administration | Master of Business Administration in Finance |
| Graduate | MS | Computer Science | Master of Science in Computer Science |
| Doctoral | PhD | Physics | Doctor of Philosophy in Physics |
| Professional | JD | Law | Juris Doctor in Criminal Law |
Not all fields follow the same naming pattern. Some programs use "Bachelor of Applied Science" (BAS) for career-focused curricula. Others use "Associate of Arts" (AA) or "Associate of Science" (AS) for two-year programs. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tracks these variations and reports them in national datasets.
One common misunderstanding is that "degree name" refers only to the field of study. In reality, the full name-including level and conferral type-is required for official recognition. A resume listing only "computer science" as a degree is incomplete. Employers and graduate schools require the full name to verify credentials.
Employers use degree names to assess qualifications. A hiring manager reviewing a job application for a software engineer role expects to see "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science" or "Master of Science in Software Engineering." A vague term like "engineering degree" lacks specificity and reduces credibility.
Graduate schools also rely on precise degree names. The University of California's Graduate Division requires applicants to list their full degree name, including conferral type, in applications. An applicant with a "Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering" meets the criteria for certain engineering programs. Someone with a "Bachelor of Arts in Engineering" may not, due to differences in course rigor and focus.
I once reviewed a job application from a candidate who listed "BS in Engineering." The application was flagged for missing details. After contacting the candidate, I learned they had graduated with a "Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering." Correcting the entry improved their chances. This illustrates how accuracy in degree naming impacts real-world outcomes.
People often mistake the field of study for the entire degree name. For example, someone might say, "I have a degree in nursing," but omit the level. The correct phrasing is "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" or "Master of Science in Nursing." Omitting the level creates ambiguity-was it an undergraduate or graduate degree?
Another error is assuming that all degrees ending in "doctorate" are equivalent. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in sociology differs from a Doctor of Education (EdD) in curriculum development. The former emphasizes research and theory; the latter focuses on educational leadership and practice. Their names reflect different goals and career paths.
Even within the same field, degree names can differ based on institution. A student earning a "Bachelor of Arts in Economics" from a liberal arts college may take courses in economic history and policy. A student with a "Bachelor of Science in Economics" from a technical university may focus on econometrics and data modeling. The degree name reflects distinct academic approaches.
One non-obvious fact: some degree names include Latin terms derived from medieval universities. "Bachelor of Arts" comes from "baccalaureus artium," meaning "holder of the arts degree." "Doctor of Philosophy" originates from "doctor philosophiae," signifying a scholar of philosophy. These terms persist despite changes in curriculum and pedagogy.
Consider a recent graduate applying for a data analyst position at a tech firm. Her transcript shows she completed a 120-credit program with courses in statistics, Python programming, and database management. She earned a "Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics."
She updates her LinkedIn profile to read: "Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics, University of Colorado Boulder, 2023." This full name allows recruiters to verify her qualifications against job requirements. If she had written only "Data Analytics," the system might not recognize her as meeting the "BS in Computer Science or related field" requirement.
When submitting her résumé, she includes the full degree name under her education section. The hiring algorithm scans for exact matches. Her application passes automated filters because the term "Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics" appears verbatim.
Had she listed only "data analytics," her application would likely be filtered out. This demonstrates how precision in degree naming affects access to opportunities.