Acronyms

Acronyms for degree designations at Laurentian University follow the Canadian Press Style Guide in order to reflect both English and French designations within the same guidelines.

In English, the overarching rule is that the acronym will not require periods if the acronym begins and ends with the first letter of the word, nor if the last character is the last character of the word. For instance: B.Sc. requires periods; BScN does not.

In French, all abbreviated words require a period after the standing character. For instance: B.Sc.Inf. / B.A.

Please note that the acronym used in both English and French is the acronym designated for the actual program from which the individual graduated, and not a translation for that program name.

BA – Bachelor of Arts
BAS – Bachelor of Architectural Studies
BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
H.B.Com. – Honours Bachelor of Commerce
H.B.Com. SPAD – Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Sports Administration
B.Cosc. – Bachelor of Computer Science
B.Ed. – Bachelor of Education
B.Eng. – Bachelor of Engineering
BFA – Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.H.Sc. – Bachelor of Health Sciences (Midwifery)
BPHE – Bachelor of Physical and Health Education
B.Sc. – Bachelor of Science
BScN – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
HBSW – Honours Bachelor of Social Work
MA – Master of Arts
M.A.Sc. – Master of Applied Science
MBA – Master of Business Administration
MHK – Master of Human Kinetics
MIR – Master of Indigenous Relations
M.Sc. – Master of Science
MScN – Master of Nursing
M.Eng. – Master of Engineering
MSW – Master of Social Work
PhD – Doctorate

Undergraduate student – someone enrolled in a program leading to an undergraduate degree; typically a three- or four-year bachelor degree
Graduate student – someone having an undergraduate degree and enrolled in a program leading to a graduate degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree
Master’s degree – a program that follows the bachelor’s degree, typically involving two years of study and a thesis, practicum or research paper
Professional degree – academic work that follows undergraduate studies and is required to practise a profession such as chiropractic, dentistry, law, medicine, optometry and pharmacy

Minor – requires 24 credits within a distinct field of study*
Concentration – requires 36 credits within a distinct field of study*
Major – requires 42 credits within a distinct field of study*
Specialization – requires 60 credits within a distinct field of study*

*minimum number of credits required for most programs - some programs may require more