Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

Druker/UI

Capital letters--when to use them

Basic rule:  only capitalize the words that indicate a specific or exact title.

 Capitalize specific degree titles:

…a bachelor’s degree in business administration

…a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration

I am majoring in electrical engineering   /  mechanical engineering

I am working on a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering.

I am studying environmental science.

I am earning a degree through the Environmental Science Program at the University of

Idaho.

Capitalize specific course titles:

           I have taken many computer science courses.

            I have taken Computer Science 370, Digital Design.

            I took a digital design course.

            I took a course on systems analysis during the fall semester.

            I took Systems Analysis and Design during the fall semester.

  Capitalize names of languages, countries, months, days:

            I took German, English, and literature classes.

            I am interested in American studies.

            I will graduate in May, 2001.

            I will graduate at the end of spring semester, 2002.

Capitalize person’s titles:

            Vice President Jerry Wallace stood ….   (capitalize when in front)

            Jerry Wallace, vice president of finance at the University of Idaho, stood ….

            (Capitalize all titles in the address and salutation of a letter.)

  Capitalize specific place names:

            the Northwest               (no directions:  Go northwest.)

            the Snake River

 Capitalize trademarks and some abbreviations:

            Xerox

            PDT

            DOT

            IBM