Diploma and Degree Abbreviations: HS, GED, AA, BA, MA, PhD and More
A high school diploma is usually abbreviated HSD or written as HS diploma. "HS" on its own simply means high school, so "HS degree" is an informal way of saying high school diploma. High school does not award a degree in the academic sense. Below is a quick reference for the abbreviations you will see on diplomas, transcripts, resumes and job postings.
High school abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| HS | High school |
| HSD | High school diploma |
| GED | General Educational Development, a high school equivalency credential (see what is a GED?) |
| HSE / HSED | High school equivalency (diploma) |
| HiSET | High School Equivalency Test, used in some states |
What does "HS degree" mean?
"HS degree" means a high school diploma. You may see it in job postings ("HS degree or equivalent required"). On a resume, write it out as "High School Diploma." Our post on listing a high school diploma on a resume shows examples.
Associate degree abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AA | Associate of Arts |
| AS | Associate of Science |
| AAS | Associate of Applied Science |
| AAA | Associate of Applied Arts |
An associate degree is the typical two-year degree. Read more about the Associate of Arts degree.
Bachelor's degree abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| BA / AB | Bachelor of Arts |
| BS / BSc | Bachelor of Science |
| BFA | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
| BBA | Bachelor of Business Administration |
| BSN | Bachelor of Science in Nursing |
Master's degree abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MA | Master of Arts |
| MS / MSc | Master of Science |
| MBA | Master of Business Administration |
| MEd | Master of Education |
| MFA | Master of Fine Arts |
Doctoral and professional degree abbreviations
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PhD | Doctor of Philosophy (see master's vs. PhD) |
| EdD | Doctor of Education |
| MD | Doctor of Medicine |
| JD | Juris Doctor (law) |
| PsyD | Doctor of Psychology |
Periods or no periods?
Both "B.A." and "BA" are correct. Many style guides, including AP, use periods (B.A., M.A., Ph.D.), while others drop them. Pick one style and use it consistently on your resume or signature.
More answers
For differences between credentials, see diploma vs. degree or browse our diploma, transcript and certificate guide.
