Guidelines for Named Degrees

Various options exist at the university concerning degree titles for bachelor and masters degrees.  Many degrees are “general title degrees”.  These are typically Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and the major is listed separate from the title of the degree.  Examples include: Bachelor of Science with a major in Animal Biotechnology, Bachelor of Arts with a major in History, Master of Science with a major in Geological Sciences.

Some degrees are “named degrees” incorporating the name of the discipline into the title of the degree.  Examples include: “Bachelor of Science in Chemistry”, “Bachelor of Music”, “Bachelor of Social Work”, and “Master of Fine Arts”.

The following are criteria that typically distinguish “named degrees” from “general title degrees”.

• A professional or accrediting organization exists that establishes specific criteria for the named degree.

• There is a tradition among peer institutions to have named degrees in this discipline.

• Named degrees typically do not have multiple majors and do not require that students complete a minor

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Degree Information Appearing on Transcripts and Diplomas

“General title degree” 

• Diploma for “general title degree” has the degree title and the major (i.e. Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology)

• Transcript for “general title degree” shows the degree title, major, option (if any) and minor (if any)

“Named degree”

• Diploma for “named degree” has the degree title and typically does not have a major because this is part of the name of the degree usually

• Transcript for “named degree” has the degree title.  Usually there is no major, option, or minor but these will show in those cases where they occur.