How to Write a Master’s Degree After Your Name

To include a master's degree after your name, follow the standard format:

Standard Format

The most common way to denote a master's degree is:

[First Name] [Last Name] [Degree Abbreviation]

Here are some of the most common degree abbreviations:

M.A. Master of Arts M.S. Master of Science M.B.A. Master of Business Administration M.Ed. Master of Education M.Eng. Master of Engineering M.S.W. Master of Social Work

Examples

For example:

Jane Smith M.S. Dillon Tomas M.A. Dr. Gary Cummings M.S. R.N.

Note that the degree abbreviation is placed after the last name, generally followed by a comma.

Country-Specific Practices

How you write your bachelor's degree can provide a clue as to the standard in your country, and this may be different from the standard for master's degrees. In some countries, the most recent degree is cited first, while in others, older degrees are listed first.

Personal Examples

Consider the following examples from a professional:

Dillon Tomas M.A. Dillon Tomas M.S. Dillon Tomas MA Dillon Tomas MS Dillon Tomas MBA

Desk Plate Example

On a desk plate, someone might proudly display:

Dillon Tomas MS JD PhD SOB

When to Use Postnominals

How you choose to use your degrees after your name depends on the degree itself. For instance, if you have both a Master of Arts (M.A.) and a Master of Laws (LLM), you can write:

Dillon Tomas MA LLM

This format is particularly useful when you are using postnominals in professional or academic contexts.

Professional Contexts

In professional settings, it is acceptable to omit your degrees unless explicitly asked for them. In other contexts, such as in a resume or on a professional networking site like LinkedIn, it is common to list your degrees in a section near the beginning.

Conclusion

Remember, the key is clarity and consistency. Choose a format that truly reflects your educational background and the context in which you are presenting it. Whether you opt to include your master's degree or not, your choice should enhance your credentials without being overly cumbersome.