how to write phd candidate on business card

PhD Candidate Business Cards: Making a Lasting Impression in the Academic World

Are you a PhD candidate looking to make a lasting impression in the academic world? Look no further than business cards. Business cards may seem like a relic from the past in today’s digital age, but they still hold a certain charm and effectiveness when it comes to networking and professional interactions. In this article, we will explore why PhD candidate business cards are important, what information they should contain, and tips for designing impressive business cards that leave a lasting impression on colleagues and potential employers.

Why Are PhD Candidate Business Cards Important?

As a PhD candidate, business cards can serve as a valuable tool in your professional arsenal. They allow you to easily exchange contact information with fellow researchers, professors, and potential collaborators at academic conferences, workshops, and other networking events. While you may already have an online presence and a professional email signature, business cards offer a tangible and personal touch that can make you more memorable in the minds of others.

Building Your Personal Brand

Your business card is a tangible representation of your personal brand as a PhD candidate. By designing a unique and visually appealing card, you can showcase your professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail. This is especially important when you’re competing in a crowded academic environment.

Facilitating Networking Opportunities

Attending conferences and other academic events provides an opportunity to meet and connect with influential individuals in your field. By having your business card readily available, you can easily share your contact information, ensuring that others can reach out to you later for collaboration, research opportunities, or job prospects. It’s all about making those valuable connections that can shape your future career.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

In the fast-paced world of academia, it’s easy to forget someone’s name or research interests amidst a sea of faces and conversations. A well-designed business card with concise information can help others remember you long after the event has ended. Additionally, the act of exchanging a physical business card shows a level of professionalism and sincerity, leaving a positive impression on your recipients.

What Information Should Your PhD Candidate Business Card Contain?

While the design of your business card should be visually appealing and reflective of your personal brand, it’s crucial to include relevant and concise information to make it functional. Here are some essential elements to consider:

1. Your Name and Degree

Make sure your full name is prominently displayed on the card. As a PhD candidate, it’s also important to indicate your degree in progress. You can include “PhD Candidate” or “Doctoral Candidate” below your name. This helps establish your credibility and expertise, allowing others to recognize your academic standing right away.

2. Contact Information

Include your professional email address and phone number on the card. Ensure that the email address you provide is associated with your academic institution or a reputable platform like Gmail. Avoid using personal email addresses or unprofessional handles, as they can create a negative impression. Including your LinkedIn profile link can also be beneficial if you maintain an active profile.

3. Research Focus or Field of Study

Including a brief summary of your research focus or field of study can help others quickly understand your academic interests and expertise. Keep this section concise and to the point, emphasizing keywords and phrases that capture the essence of your work.

4. Personal Website or Portfolio (Optional)

If you have a personal website or an online portfolio showcasing your research, publications, and projects, consider including the URL on your business card. This allows interested individuals to delve deeper into your work and provides an additional avenue for making connections.

Designing Impressive PhD Candidate Business Cards

Now that you understand the importance of PhD candidate business cards and what information to include, let’s explore some tips for designing impressive cards that make a lasting impression:

1. Keep it Simple and Professional

Avoid cluttering your business card with excessive design elements or overwhelming information. Stick to a clean and professional design that reflects your academic field.

2. Choose a Legible Font

Ensure that the font you choose is easily legible. A combination of a sans-serif font for your name and a serif font for other text can create a pleasing contrast. Experiment with font sizes to make important information stand out without overwhelming the card.

3. Use High-Quality Printing and Materials

Invest in high-quality printing and materials to ensure your cards look and feel professional. Matte or glossy finishes, thick paper stock, and rounded corners can add a touch of sophistication to your business cards.

4. Incorporate Branding Elements

Consider incorporating elements from your academic institution, such as its logo or color scheme, to tie your business card to your current academic affiliations. This can help establish credibility and recognition within your field.

5. Double-Check for Accuracy

Before printing a large batch of business cards, meticulously proofread and double-check all the information. A typo or incorrect contact information can be embarrassing and undermine your professionalism.

6. Get Feedback

Show your design to trusted colleagues or mentors and ask for their feedback. Their insights can help you refine your design and ensure it makes the desired impact.

In Conclusion

As a PhD candidate, business cards are a valuable tool to establish your personal brand, facilitate networking opportunities, and leave a lasting impression on others. By including essential information and designing your cards with professionalism and creativity, you can elevate your presence in the academic world. So, don’t underestimate the power of a well-designed business card; it might just open doors to exciting research collaborations, job opportunities, and lifelong connections in your field as a PhD candidate.

Ava Taylor’s passion for branding and marketing shines through in her dynamic writing. She brings a unique perspective with her background in event planning, infusing creativity into her content. When she’s not writing, Ava enjoys organizing community events and gatherings.

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Research Tips and Infromation

Is it Necessary to Have Business Cards for PhD Students?

In the world of academia, networking and professionalism are the pillars upon which promising careers are built. For PhD students, this holds particularly true as they navigate the intricate paths of research, mentorship, and collaboration. Yet, in an increasingly digital age, where virtual connections abound, the timeless charm and efficacy of a small piece of paper often go overlooked—the business card. In this digital era, is there still a place for business cards in the academic landscape? We believe the answer is a resounding yes.

A business card for PhD students is a small, professionally designed card that contains essential contact information, academic titles, and optional elements such as research interests, and serves as a tangible representation of a PhD student’s professional identity. It is a tool used to facilitate networking, establish credibility, and make a lasting impression in academic and professional settings.

In the following article, we will delve into the significance of business cards for PhD students. We will explore how these modest, pocket-sized pieces of professionalism can leave an indelible mark on your academic journey. From crafting the perfect design to understanding what crucial details should grace your card, we’ll provide comprehensive guidance for every aspiring scholar. Moreover, we will discuss when and how to distribute these cards for maximum impact. After all, networking isn’t merely about exchanging contact information; it’s about building meaningful connections that can propel your academic career to new heights.

Join us as we unravel the art and science of business cards for PhD students. Discover how these small, tangible tokens can help you make a professional impression and open doors to academic opportunities you never thought possible. Whether you’re a doctoral candidate just embarking on this scholarly adventure or a seasoned researcher looking to enhance your professional image, this article will equip you with the knowledge you need to stand out in the academic world.

So, grab your notepad, or perhaps, your digital device, and let’s embark on this exploration of the timeless tool that can elevate your academic journey—your very own business card.

Introduction

The value of business cards for phd students, essential information in phd business card, optional elements in phd business card, professional design for phd business card, colour and branding for phd business card, etiquette and follow-up.

Networking and professionalism are the cornerstones of success for PhD students in today’s academic and professional landscape.

Imagine you’re at a prestigious academic conference, surrounded by brilliant minds in your field, and you strike up a conversation with a renowned professor. The discussion is insightful, and you’re on the brink of a meaningful connection that could potentially shape your academic journey. However, when the time comes to exchange contact information, all you have is a hurriedly scribbled email address on a napkin. In this fast-paced world, a simple piece of paper could be the difference between a fleeting conversation and a lasting connection. This is where the humble business card steps in.

Pursuing a PhD is a demanding endeavour, often involving years of dedicated research, academic discussions, and the quest for knowledge. In this journey, networking and professionalism are paramount. Building relationships with mentors, peers, and experts in your field can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and future career prospects. Yet, the question remains: Why do business cards still matter in an age dominated by digital communication and social media connections?

This article aims to shed light on the enduring relevance of business cards for PhD students. We’ll explore how these tangible tokens of professionalism hold the power to make a lasting impression in the academic world.

By the end of this read, you’ll understand not only the value of a well-crafted business card but also how to create one that reflects your academic journey and aspirations. Get ready to unravel the secrets of making a memorable mark as a PhD student by mastering the art of business card exchange. Whether you’re at a conference, seminar, or casual meet-and-greet, we’ll guide you on why, what, and how to use these tiny tools effectively.

Business cards play a pivotal role in establishing a professional identity for PhD students. When you exchange a well-designed and thoughtfully crafted business card, you’re not just passing along contact information; you’re making a statement about your professionalism, expertise, and commitment to your field.

Consider this scenario: You meet a potential collaborator or a future employer at an academic event. Instead of fumbling through your pockets or digging for a scrap of paper to write your email address, you confidently present a professionally designed business card. The simple act of handing over this card communicates that you are serious about your work, you pay attention to detail, and you value the connection you’re about to make. It tells the other person that you are invested in your academic journey and eager to engage in professional relationships.

Moreover, a well-designed business card acts as a tangible extension of your academic persona. It reflects your dedication to your field of study, and it becomes an integral part of your personal brand as a PhD student.

• According to a study by the Harvard Business Review, 72% of people judge a person’s professional capabilities based on the quality and design of their business cards. This highlights the significance of making a strong first impression through a well-designed card.
• Anecdotal evidence also demonstrates the value of business cards in professional settings. For instance, Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned professor in the field of neuroscience, recalls how she received a business card from a PhD student at a conference. The card’s design was impressive, and Dr. Smith was so intrigued that she later contacted the student to discuss a potential research collaboration. This illustrates how a business card can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

By presenting yourself professionally through a business card, you not only enhance your credibility but also increase the likelihood of future collaborations and academic success.

What to Include on Your PhD Business Card?

A PhD student’s business card should include essential information that allows for easy and effective contact. These core elements typically encompass your name, contact details, and academic title.

Name: Your full name should take centre stage on the card, displayed prominently and legibly. If you have any academic titles (e.g., “Ph.D.” or “Doctor of Philosophy”), these should appear alongside your name to convey your scholarly standing.

Contact Details: Include your professional contact information. This should comprise a professional email address, a phone number where you can be reached, and the physical address of your institution or department. It’s crucial that these details are accurate and up to date.

Academic Title: As a PhD student, your academic title, such as “Ph.D. Candidate” or “Doctoral Researcher,” serves to underscore your academic standing. This title can instil confidence in your peers and potential collaborators and signal that you are actively engaged in advanced studies.

Academic and institutional branding guidelines are paramount in maintaining consistency across all university-related materials. For example, if your institution has specific guidelines for font style, logo usage, or colour schemes, adhere to them when designing your business card. This ensures that your card aligns with your university’s branding and reinforces your affiliation.

While essential information establishes your academic identity, optional elements can add depth and richness to your business card, providing insights into your academic interests and digital presence.

Research Interests: Including a brief list of your research interests or academic specializations can be a valuable addition. This provides recipients with a quick glimpse into your areas of expertise. For instance, a card for a psychology student might list “Cognitive Psychology” and “Neuroscience” as research interests.

QR Code: In today’s digital age, incorporating a QR code on your business card can be a smart move. This QR code can link to your personal website, academic profile, or LinkedIn page, enabling easy access to more detailed information about your academic journey, publications, and projects.

Optional elements can enhance your card’s effectiveness by facilitating more in-depth connections. For instance, a QR code can direct colleagues or potential collaborators to your online presence, where they can access your research papers, conference presentations, and contact details conveniently. This level of accessibility can strengthen your network and foster future collaborations.

Including both essential and optional elements on your business card helps strike a balance between professional identity and the ability to convey your academic interests and accomplishments effectively.

Design and Formatting Tips for PhD Business Card

Designing your business card with professionalism in mind is essential. A clean and professional design ensures that your card conveys the right impression to those who receive it. Here are some tips for creating a business card with a professional design:

• Keep it Simple: A clutter-free design is key. Avoid overcrowding the card with too much information or complex graphics. Simplicity often equals sophistication.
• Legibility is Crucial: Use clear, easy-to-read fonts. The font size should be large enough to ensure that your name and other details can be read without difficulty.
• Visual Appeal: While simplicity is crucial, that doesn’t mean your card has to be dull. You can add a touch of visual appeal through tasteful graphics, such as your university’s logo or an academic-themed image related to your field of study.
• Consistency: Ensure that your business card design aligns with your personal or institutional branding, maintaining a cohesive look with your other academic materials.

According to a study published in the Journal of Business Research, a well-designed business card is more likely to leave a positive impression on recipients. The study revealed that 90% of people believe that a visually appealing business card indicates a high-quality service or product.

Colours and branding are critical aspects of your business card’s design. They play a significant role in shaping your card’s visual identity and impact.

• Use of Colors: While you can certainly add colour to your card, it’s important to use a professional and consistent colour scheme. Overly vibrant or clashing colours may detract from the professionalism of your card. Stick to classic and subdued colour choices.
• Institutional Branding: If you are affiliated with a university or institution, incorporate their branding elements such as the official logo, colours, or fonts. This aligns your card with the institution’s image and can enhance its credibility.

Branding guidelines exist for a reason. They help maintain a unified visual identity for organizations and institutions. When your business card complies with these guidelines, it can subliminally convey trust and credibility. For example, if you’re a PhD student at “X University,” using the university’s official colours and logo can immediately link you to the institution’s reputation and history.

Incorporating these design and branding elements into your business card helps ensure that it not only looks professional but also aligns with your academic and institutional identity, reinforcing your credibility in the eyes of those who receive your card.

When and How to Distribute PhD Business Cards

Timing and context are crucial when distributing your business cards as a PhD student. Identify specific situations and events where it’s appropriate and beneficial to hand out your business cards. Here are some examples of academic and professional gatherings where you can distribute your cards:

• Academic Conferences: One of the most obvious settings is an academic conference. These events gather scholars, researchers, and professionals from your field in one place, providing an excellent opportunity to network and exchange business cards.
• Seminars and Workshops: Attendees at specialized seminars and workshops often share similar interests, making it an ideal setting for networking and card exchange.
• University Events: University-hosted lectures, colloquiums, and social gatherings can also be fruitful for networking among faculty and fellow students.
• Career Fairs: If you’re exploring career options beyond academia, career fairs can be a prime opportunity to connect with potential employers or organizations.

Studies in the field of networking and career development have consistently shown that in-person events like conferences and professional gatherings significantly contribute to building valuable connections. For example, a survey by Networking Now revealed that 85% of professionals believed in-person meetings are essential for building and maintaining business relationships.

I have written several articles related to Research conferences . Please visit to learn more about how to identify predatory and good conferences, how to dress for the conference and how to make research presentations at research conferences and many more.

Distributing your business card is just the first step; proper etiquette and follow-up are equally crucial. Here’s advice on how to exchange business cards professionally and how to maintain connections:

• Exchange Cards Thoughtfully: When exchanging business cards, do so at an appropriate moment in the conversation. Take the time to engage in a meaningful discussion before offering your card. When you receive someone else’s card, take a moment to read it and acknowledge the information.
• Follow Up Promptly: After the event, follow up with the individuals you’ve connected with. Send a personalized email expressing your appreciation for the conversation and expressing your interest in further collaboration or communication.
• Maintain Regular Contact: Building professional relationships requires ongoing effort. Stay in touch with your network by sending occasional updates on your academic progress or by engaging in discussions related to your field of study.

A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that following up after networking events significantly increases the likelihood of turning initial connections into lasting professional relationships. For example, a well-crafted follow-up email can lead to collaborations, mentorships, or job opportunities.

By distributing your business cards in appropriate settings, observing proper etiquette, and diligently following up with your contacts, you maximize the potential of your network and pave the way for meaningful collaborations and career advancement as a PhD student.

The article emphasizes that business cards remain a valuable tool for PhD students, allowing them to make a professional impression, build meaningful connections, and enhance their academic and professional journeys. By understanding the value, design, and effective use of business cards, PhD students can take full advantage of the networking opportunities available to them.

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How to use the PhD title and all the little doctorate “rules”… use ph.d etc the correct way.

There are many conventions in the academic world that can make it difficult to navigate the philosophiae doctor title. The PhD title is awarded to those who have completed a doctoral degree but, not many people know how to use it once they have it.

It’s best to use PhD not Ph.D in most cases!

This article will go through everything you need to know about using the PhD title and when you can start using it.

The “rules” are relatively simple and can be broken as they are not officially set in stone – other than when you can officially call yourself a doctor.

There is no one correct answer but it may be misleading if you use the PhD title incorrectly. Here are the recommendations for effective communication for a PhD graduate.

It very much depends on the setting. Here are some examples of how I would use both the titles awarded to me after my PhD degree.

How do you Write PhD correctly after a name? Is it ph d or phd and ph.d? Abbreviation explained

It can be confusing to know exactly how to write PhD after your name as a person with a doctoral degree. Which bits are capitalised for a person with a doctoral degree? Is there a ‘.’ In the middle?

When writing a name with a PhD after it, the correct way to do so is to use “PhD” or “Ph.D. or Ph D”

Depending on the preference of the individual, either form can be used.

However, if the individual has a business card that states their degree in full, then the more formal “Doctor of Philosophy” should be used.

It is important to note that using “PhD” without any periods is incorrect; this abbreviation should only be used in informal contexts such as emails or text messages. I tend to use PhD in my YouTube videos and some people have pointed out that this is incorrect…

Following the individual’s preferred format will ensure that their name and credentials are properly represented.

Should you use Dr as well as PhD?

Some people like to use Dr and PhD in their official titles. There are a couple of important points that you need to know about markers and academic titles.

• A person can have more than one marker in their name. For example my full title is Dr Andrew Stapleton, PhD, MChem.
• The doctor title at the front can be used as a variant to the PhD at the end.

It can be a little bit ambiguous if I was to use Dr Andrew Stapleton, PhD as there are two markers. This could mean that I have two PhD’s, it could mean that I have a PhD and a medical doctorate, or it could just be that I want to use both the doctor and the PhD tags for the one degree.

However, in my experience, I still like to use both the title of doctor at the front and the PhD tag at the end of my name for official purposes.

Academics would rarely use the PhD suffix in everyday communication. They would much rather just use the doctor title.

What is the proper title for a PhD with a doctorate degree?

The proper title for a PhD is Doctor of Philosophy. However, some teachers and professors like to be referred to without their official title.

If you are not sure about how your professor, lecturer, or friend with a PhD wishes to be officially addressed you can ask them.

Most of the time, I like to refer to my colleagues with their doctor title for official purposes, but I do not include the type of doctoral degree at the end of their name. That is much better suited to a business card.

Your lecture may wish to be referred to as:

• Dr [last name]
• Dr [first name]

Asking them in the early stages of your relationship is the best way to work out which one they prefer.

If in doubt, always go for the more formal name and nomenclature.

When can you start to use your PhD title after your doctorate? As a PhD student? After your phd thesis?

When you have earned your PhD, you, as a person with a doctoral degree, can start using your title immediately. Although, it can be a little bit confusing as to when you have actually passed your PhD. Is it when you have submitted your dissertation for the advanced degree? Is it when you have received the comments back?

The University of Adelaide says that you can use it from your conferral date:

Students can be conferred on one of five dates during the year and for PhD students the conferral date will be the first available following the completion of all the academic requirements of your degree, including final thesis lodgement and the disbursement of any outstanding financial obligations to the University.

I started using my PhD title as soon as my confirmation letter arrived at my house. It was the first letter from the University that referred to me as Dr Stapleton. I was incredibly excited.

Generally, it is acceptable to use the title “Dr.” both professionally and socially but socially, people very rarely use it – at least in Australia. But you should never use it if you are a PhD student, PhD candidate or enrolled in a PhD program without a previous PhD qualification. 

I do use it in professional settings but it always makes me feel a little bit awkward.

However, there may be some restrictions for certain settings . For example, if have a research degree resulting in a doctor title and you are working in a medical setting – some institutions do not like you to use Dr as it can confuse patients into thinking that you have a medical degree. 

Instead, they ask that you use the PhD tag at the end of your name rather than the doctoral title for official and professional communications.

What is the correct way to write PhD?

When writing about someone’s PhD, the correct way is to write the term in full and capitalize each letter.

This should be done for all academic degrees, not just PhDs.

For example, it would be “Doctor of Philosophy” or “PhD” instead of “Ph.D.”, “Dr.”, or “DPhil”.

Additionally, it is common to mention the field of study in which the degree was earned if known, such as “Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics”. It is also good practice to include the institution that granted the degree if it is a recognized one.

When writing about someone’s PhD, use proper capitalization and include relevant information like field of study and institution if known to ensure accuracy.

How do you put a PhD in a title?

Putting a PhD in a title is not as complicated as it may sound.

Generally speaking, the proper way to list a PhD in an academic or professional setting is by writing “Dr.” before the name, followed by the person’s full name and the appropriate abbreviations for their degree.

For example, if John Smith has earned a doctorate in psychology, his credentials would be listed as “Dr. John Smith, Ph.D.”

In some cases, such as when addressing someone formally in speech or on a business card, it may also be acceptable to list their credentials as “John Smith, Ph.D.”

Depending on context and personal preference, some people may also choose to list their higher degrees after their names by writing out the entire degree instead of just its abbreviation.

For example, John Smith could choose to write his full title as “John Smith, Doctor of Psychology”

However, I have not seen this in real academic life.

Should the font size of Ph.D. be the same as someone’s name?

The question of whether the font size of a Ph.D. should be the same as someone’s name is an interesting one.

On one hand, it could be argued that the Ph.D. deserves to be highlighted and therefore should be given a larger font size than someone’s name to denote its importance.

On the other, it could be argued that this would not be necessary or appropriate, and that treating everyone equally regardless of their title or degree is more important.

It depends on context and usage – if both names appear in the same document then they should likely have the same font size; however, if one appears in a formal setting such as a diploma or certificate, then it may make sense to give it a larger font size than someone’s name to emphasize its importance and significance.

Ph.Ds (or PhDs) are an important academic achievement and should be respected accordingly but without going overboard by giving them overly large fonts sizes which can take away from rather than add to their importance.

Wrapping up – doctoral title rules

This article has been over everything you need to know that using the PhD title properly and effectively, since the person has worked hard to earn a degree very few people have.

The doctor title can be used in place of the PhD and for incredibly formal communications, such as a business email or card, you can use both.

However, sometimes using both can cause confusion as to whether or not there is a reason first using both the doctor and PhD tags. Nonetheless, many people still use both.

Frequently Asked Questions about using PhD or Ph.d

1. what does phd stand for.

A PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy , which is a doctoral degree that represents the highest level of academic achievement in a specific field of study.

2. Is Ph.d the same as PhD?

Yes, Ph.d is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy , and both terms are used interchangeably to refer to the same academic degree .

3. Can I use the title ‘Doctor’ with a PhD?

Individuals who hold a PhD have the right to use the title “Doctor” in front of their name as they are a person with a doctoral degree .

4. What is the correct way to write PhD?

The correct way to write PhD is with no spaces and with both letters capitalized, following the standard abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy .

5. How do I abbreviate Doctor of Philosophy?

You can abbreviate Doctor of Philosophy as PhD , which is the most commonly used abbreviation for this type of doctoral degree .

6. Can I use both the title ‘Dr.’ and ‘PhD’ together?

Yes, you can use both the title ‘Dr.’ and ‘PhD’ together to denote your academic achievement as a holder of a doctorate degree .

7. What is a dissertation in relation to a PhD?

A dissertation is a scholarly document that Ph.D candidates are required to submit as part of their research degree in a specific field.

8. Who is considered a PhD candidate?

A PhD candidate is a student enrolled in a PhD program working towards the completion of their doctoral studies.

9. Is a PhD also referred to as a Doctorate?

Yes, a PhD is also commonly referred to as a Doctorate , signifying the attainment of the highest

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Student Business Cards

Harvard Griffin GSAS graduate students can order business cards online in blocks of 250, 500, or 1,000. 

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For graduate students, attending conferences and building connections with others in their field is a key component of professional development. Having a business card on hand can be an important way to share information.

Students enrolled in degree programs at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can order business cards online in blocks of 250, 500, or 1,000. Cards will be available for pick up at the reception desk at the Harvard Griffin GSAS administrative offices on the third floor of the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Campus Center, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, and you will be contacted when they are ready. You may also select to have your cards delivered to you directly for an additional fee. Production time is 7–14 business days from approval. 

 Please follow the instructions below when placing an order.

• Go to hgsasstudent.fenwayprint.com .
• You will be prompted to create an account in order to log in.
• Once you are logged in, click on the Student Business Card button.
• Select the quantity of cards you’d like to purchase—$52/250, $55/500, or $98/1,000.
• Click “Customize Order.”
• Fill in all necessary information. Required fields: Name, Degree Program, Phone Label 1, Phone 1, Email Optional fields: Phone Label 2, Phone 2, Addresses 1 and 2 Please note:   For the program field, please use the program in which you are studying and not the specific subject of study. You may use “student” or “candidate” as appropriate (e.g. “Student in Middle Eastern Studies,” “PhD candidate in mathematics,” and “Government”). Business cards are not intended for Teaching Fellow appointments. All business card orders are subject to approval by Harvard Griffin GSAS. You will be notified upon approval or rejection. 
• Click on the “Update Preview” button on the bottom left to view your card. Be sure to check your proof carefully as this will be your only proof and you are solely responsible for the content of the card. The cost associated with reprints due to content errors will be yours. You can download this pdf and save it for your records by clicking “Download Proof.”
• Once you are satisfied with your design, check the “Yes, I approve this document” box and click “Finished Editing” in the bottom right-hand corner.
• Confirm your order and click “Proceed to Checkout.”
• Fill in your credit card information and click the “Credit Card” button to process your order.
• Save a copy of the receipt for your records; it is also your order confirmation. 

For additional questions, please email  [email protected]  or call 617-495-2321.

Should you put PhD candidate/student on your business cards?

When is it appropriate to put your title on a business card? Or is it always appropriate. Examples below: John Doe, PhD candidate John Doe, PhD in progress John Doe, PhD student John Doe, Postgraduate Researcher John Doe When your a PhD student/candidate what should you place, if anything, behind your name on your business cards? Or does it depend on your profession?

I've seen most of these on various student business cards, sometimes from the same university! I was unsure what to put on mine so I asked my dept's research admin. He said that there wasn't an official line, so I went with Practice-based PhD Student. Hope this helps!

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How to Indicate a Master's Degree on a Business Card

by Mariel Loveland

Published on 4 Jun 2019

A business card can make or break your personal brand. You want to look professional and highly revered, but you also don’t want to sound arrogant. It’s a fine, fine line, and if you miss the mark, you might miss out on business. For this reason, you might want to list your degree on your business card, but it’s a slippery slope.

There’s definitely a certain MBA business card etiquette. On one hand, a master’s degree – especially in business – is a huge accomplishment that requires years of dedication. On the other hand, it’s not something traditionally listed on a business card. That doesn’t mean you can’t list a master’s degree on a business card, but it can look a little cliche if you’re not doing it the right way.

Only List a Master’s Degree Related to Your Profession

Sure, it’s great that you got a master’s in playing saxophone, but unless you’re networking with the New York Philharmonic, it’s going to look positively bizarre to list your sax major on the business card for your financial consulting business. This goes for listing a bachelor’s degree on a business card as well (which you should actually just avoid entirely unless most people in your profession haven't graduated from any sort of college at all).

Proper MBA business card etiquette requires you to only list a master’s degree on your business card that actually contributes to your current profession. If you’re a creative writing master and you’re networking with publishing houses – fantastic. If you have an MFA but you’re pursuing a career as a yoga teacher – leave it out. Similarly, if you have two master’s, opt for the one related to your career rather than both.

List a Master's Degree on a Business Card With the Initials

Business cards should always be sleek, simple and easy to read. You don’t need a lot of clunky text that confuses people. For example, listing a bachelor’s degree on a business card along with an MBA or Ph.D. is poor MBA business card etiquette. It’s simply too much and comes across as braggy.

Instead, place the initials of your degree program after your name on the business card and separate the two with a comma. For example, you might want to list a business administration master’s degree as “John Smith, MBA." For a master’s in hospitality, you’d want to list “John Smith, MMH." Similarly, you’d list a Ph.D. as “John Smith, Ph.D.” or “Dr. John Smith” (either is acceptable, but in this case, you might want to differentiate between which kind of doctorate you actually received).

What if I Have an Uncommon Master’s Degree?

Bizarre majors exist and they’re certainly valuable. We don’t all have a regular MBA. In this case, you might want to spell out your degree program underneath your name on your business card so people who aren’t necessarily familiar with your niche can see your exact field. For example, it’s a safe bet most people don’t know what a GISP MSCE is. In this case, you might want to list your degree as:

John Smith Geographic Information Systems Professional Master of Science In Civil Engineering

Pick a smaller font for your job title and degree name and don’t ever include the year you graduated. Even if you have a common degree like a master’s of business administration, listing your graduation year is poor MBA business card etiquette. You don’t need to age yourself, and it’s actually illegal for job interviewers to ask for your age. Keep that information private while showing off your expertise.

Also avoid listing your bachelor’s degree on your business card, especially if you’re already listing your master’s.

Should I Write Ph.D. or PhD? (Complete Guide)

As some of you are probably aware, the kind of English used on my side of the pond (England) is sometimes a bit different to the English used in the land of burgers and Trump.

Some words are spelt differently. But others just have a few bits of grammar difference.

Today, I want to look at the difference between Ph.D. and PhD. We’ll look at which one is correct, what it stands for, and why it’s a bit odd that it stands for that.

Should I Write Ph.D. Or PhD?

It is correct to write both Ph.D. and PhD. Which one is best to use depends on where you are in the world. In Great Britain, they tend to use Ph.D. In the United States of America, they prefer to use Ph.D.

What Does Ph.D. Or PhD Stand For?

Let’s try to understand what Ph.D. stands for.

It stands for two things. And it doesn’t stand for one or the other, it stands for both of them at the same time.

The first thing is “Doctor of Philosophy” and the second is “Philosophiae Doctor”. As the eagle-eyed among you may have noticed, “Philosophiae” is not English. It’s in Latin.

This goes back to the days when the only people who needed university were high thinkers and philosophers.

Why Americans And Brits Disagree On Ph.D. Or PhD

This could help us to understand why Brits prefer PhD but Americans prefer Ph.D.

Perhaps, according to the Brits, it stands for “Philosophiae Doctor”. But, according to the Americans, it stands for “Doctor or Philosophy”.

After all, the Brits do have a habit of trying to sound smarter. But, whichever one you use, people on both sides should know what you’re saying.

Why Ph.D. Or PhD Is A Bit Strange

Now, I want you all to understand how strange it is to call anyone with a PhD a “doctor of Philosophy”.

Let’s say someone gets a Ph.D. in history.

Well, first of all, is she really a doctor? If you break your leg, she’s not the first person you’ll go to for help.

But not only that, she studied history, not philosophy. So, she’s called a doctor of philosophy despite not being a doctor and not having studied history.

Yet, for some reason, we still call her a “Doctor of philosophy”.

Where Does The Word “Doctor” Come From?

When most of us hear the word “Doctor”, we think of someone who makes us better when we’re sick. And there may be a few of you who think of a skinny man who travels through time in a Police Box.

But originally, “Doctor” was Latin for teacher. Through time, you were able to get a “PhD” in more things than just philosophy.

And, if you wanted to become what we think of as a “Doctor”, you would need to have a “doctorate” in medicine.

Technically, “Doctor” would be the wrong word. But it’s become so common, it’s managed to “common” itself enough to become the right word.

How To Get A Ph.D. Or PhD

Now I’m afraid you can’t just walk into a university and walk out with a PhD. There are steps you need to take before you get there.

First of all, you will need to do a Bachelor’s degree. This is the degree you do when you first enter university. There are some jobs where a bachelors is enough.

Let’s be honest here, most of the time you spend doing a bachelor is just having fun.

If you want to, you can then progress onto doing a master’s degree. This is a bit more high level, and you tend to need to work for it.

Once you have your bachelors you may decide to go on to get a PhD. If you go for this, you will be officially able to call yourself an intellectual.

What Kind Of Word Is Ph.D. Or PhD?

There are three ideas for what kind of word Ph.D. is. I’ll tell you all of them and let you make up your own mind.

A PhD is something you have. You work towards it, and once you’ve handed in all of your papers, you get a PhD.

A PhD is also something you are. If you have a PhD, you might say “I’m a PhD.”

It can also be a title, similar to “Sir” or “OBE”.

If your name is James Smith, and you are PhD, your name and title could be, Mr James Smith PhD.

How To Address Someone With A Ph.D. Or PhD

Talking of this man called James Smith, there are several ways to address and introduce him.

• If you have a Ph.D., you are allowed to call yourself “Doctor” even if you don’t have a PhD in medicine. Therefore, if he wants, James could be called Dr Smith.
• Maybe he doesn’t want to be confused for a medical doctor but still wants to show off his Ph.D. In that case, we can call him James Smith PhD.
• But, like many with a Ph.D., he may not want to mention it unless it’s important. If he’s one of these people, we should just call him Mr Smith.

Ph.D. Or PhD Vs Doctorate

Asking “What’s the difference between a PhD and a doctorate?” is a bit like asking what the difference is between an apple and a fruit.

Just like an apple is a kind of fruit, a PhD is a kind of doctorate. However, it’s not the only doctorate there is.

Here are some forms of doctorate you may want to know.

Doctor of philosophy. But now also means Doctor of something there isn’t a doctorate for.

Doctorate in business.

Doctorate in engineering.

Doctorate in education

Doctor of medicine.

If you were wondering whether you should write “PhD” or “Ph.D.”, you can write either, both are grammatically correct, and both are very common terms that mean the same thing.

The only slight difference is that “PhD” is more common in England and “Ph.D.” is more common in America. This is perhaps because the British believe it stands for “philosophiae doctor” but Americans see it as “Doctor of Philosophy”.

But, no matter whether you use “PhD” or “Ph.D.”, to have one, you neither need to be a doctor nor study philosophy. All you need to do is stay in university for long enough to be able to get yourself a PhD. Then, you can become a PhD, and your title will be PhD.

You may also like: DSc Degree vs. PhD Degree – What’s the Difference? 9 Correct Ways to Write PhD Title on a Business Card

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• “At University” Or “In University” – Easy Preposition Guide
• James’s or James’? (Correct Possessive Form)
• Is It “Doctor’s Appointment” or “Doctors appointment”?
• Universities or University’s or Universities’? (Easy Guide)

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Tamara Suttle

Private Practice from the Inside Out

How to list your credentials as a mental health professional.

By Tamara Suttle

Overarching Guidelines to Consider

If you’ve been in the field of mental health for a while, it’s likely you have received awards, honors, certifications, and at least one license to practice in addition to your academic degrees.

All those post-nominal credentials can be confusing to the general public and maybe even to you.

Just in case you didn’t know . . . there is etiquette and a preferred order to list your qualifications so that your business card and letterhead don’t look like alphabet soup.

To complicate matters, the proper way to list your credentials varies from country to country.

Here are some overarching guidelines for mental health professionals in the United States to remember:

• In mental health, you should never list more than three credentials after your name on your business card.

           I know you’ve worked hard for them but just don’t do            it.

        Wrong:  Ashley R. Dorr, MA, LCAT, CAC-II,                       ATR-BC

        Right:    Ashley R. Dorr, MA, LCAT, ATR-BC

• When you are being introduced for a presentation you are giving,
• In the appropriate areas of your resume/vita i.e. under the section noting education you can include Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) or Master in Business Administration  (MBA), and
• In legal and legislative settings.
• Legal documents (like progress notes and contracts) only require that you include the credential(s) required by the state to practice in your discipline.

     Wrong:    Angela Koenig, M.Ed., LPC

• When post-nominal letters are used, do not use courtesy titles such as Dr., Ms., Miss, Mr., or Mrs..

        Wrong:    Ms. Jennifer Whitlock, MEd, LPC, ACS

        Right:      Jennifer Whitlock, MEd, LPC, ACS  or                         Ms. Jennifer Whitlock

Credentials to Exclude

Many of you have chosen mental health as a second career choice.

In doing so, your clinical work is quite possibly informed by a lengthy and successful training/work history that includes your experience in other fields such as human resources, business, education, information technology, medicine, and/or law.

Such academic and work histories are not typically recognized by licensing and certifying bodies in mental health as qualifying you for clinical, educational and/or supervisory work in mental health.

Although you may have worked hard in those other areas, it’s important to remember that it can be considered unethical and illegal to include degrees alongside your name that are not directly related to the work you do in the field of mental health.

Language commonly associated with such practices includes “misrepresentation of credentials,” “deceptive advertising,” “fraud” and “false advertising.” 

How to List Your Credentials

First – highest degree earned.

The first credential listed after your name on your business card should always be the highest degree earned (not an honorary degree) in your field.

That’s because this is considered to be a permanent credential that cannot be taken away from you except under highly unusual circumstances.

Wrong:  Melissa Gressner, BS, MA, PsyD

Right:     Melissa Gressner, PsyD

Second – Credentials That are Required

The second credential that should be noted is your license or other state requirements that enable practice in the field of mental health.

Typically, this credential permits you to practice or practice in a more advanced capacity as in independent practitioner and in a training/supervisory capacity.

Wrong:  Megha Pulianda, LPC-I, MS

Right:     Megha Pulianda, MS, LPC-I

Third – National Certifications

The third credential to be listed should be any national certifications that are voluntarily sought and awarded by accredited / legitimate certifying bodies .

(Remember . . . n ot all credentials are equal .)

These credentials are typically listed in the order of difficulty to obtain and begin with the most difficult.

Certifications such as NCC, CAC, and CBT are included in this category.

     Wrong:   Christine J. Harris, MS, CBT, LMFT

    Right:     Christine J. Harris, MS, LMFT, CBT

Fourth – Outstanding Achievements

The fourth type of credential that can be added to your business card / letterhead includes any type of awards and honors that recognize your outstanding achievements

Wrong:   Perry Little, PhD,  AP-LS Fellow,  RDT

Right:      Perry Little, PhD, RDT, AP-LS Fellow

Fifth – Additional Skills

And, the last type of credential that you may consider adding to your business card is any other mental health-related certifications that recognize additional skills that you have earned.

But, remember – only three credentials total !

Otherwise, it starts to look like alphabet soup!

Final Thoughts on Listing Mental Health Credentials

Have I forgotten to address something related to listing your credentials or confused you in some way?

I don’t claim to be the all-knowing style guide on this issue but I’m happy to help if I can!

Let me know if you’ve still got questions.  

And, if you do notice that you’ve been doing it all wrong, then just bite the bullet and go have some new business cards printed up!  

That’s better than colleagues and clients thinking that you’re a little confused about displaying the credentials you’ve earned!

[updated September 28, 2021]

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June 20, 2017 at 9:15 am

Great information and clarification. Thank you…

June 20, 2017 at 1:27 pm

Thanks, Kim! I hope you’ll be back often to join the conversation and to tell your peers about my blog!

June 20, 2017 at 9:38 am

Tamara, Thanks so much for this very simplistic and easy to understand description of how to list our credentials. I have actually never heard this before and I greatly appreciate this information; I will look to share this with others. I have heard from a marketing standpoint that the general public doesn’t even know what all that alphabet soup stuff stands for. Therefore, it is better to list out what you do to solve their problems rather than just a bunch of processes or titles. Do you have any thoughts on that?

June 20, 2017 at 1:37 pm

Hi, Chris! It’s great to have your voice here in the mix!

You are so welcome for the information!

I actually wrote it because I have some very dear colleagues who continue to include their credentials either out of order or include things that are not credentials at all.

They are really smart and bright clinicians . . . who just don’t have a clue that they are appearing less than professional when they do those things.

I figure if they don’t know . . . then there are likely many others that don’t know either.

Besides . . . I remember not knowing . . . and not wanting to ask others . . . and trying to figure it out on my own.

That just sucks!

And, as for “alphabet soup,” I think a couple of things: (1) The general public really doesn’t have a clue what all that stuff means and (2) By including the entire alphabet after our names, we end up looking like we are working overtime to prove we know something (and it’s not very convincing!).

Sometimes less is more.

August 13, 2020 at 5:23 pm

I am both an LPC Intern and LCDC-I. I’m NCC too. Do I sign Julie L.Estrada, MA, LPC Intern, LCDC-I, NCC Supervised by Wendy Dagenais, MA, LPC-S, LCDC

Or Julie L.Estrada, MA, LPC Intern, LCDC-I, NCC Supervised by Wendy Dagenais, LPC-S

I realize I have 4 things to my name. What should I do?

August 16, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Hi, Julie! Thanks for dropping in today to chat.

First of all, I love that you include “supervised by . . . .”

I imagine that your State Board likely requires that – and I wish that all states did.

It is a marker for the general public that indicates an additional level of professionalism and garners additional credibility for you.

I suggest you drop the MA because an LPC Intern (or for that matter and LCDC Intern or someone carrying NCC) has, by definition, earned her Master’s degree.

In other words, it is redundant.

I hope you’ll be back often to chat!

January 14, 2022 at 12:39 pm

Thanks for doing this! I now have my full LPC and soon LCDC.

I’m thinking I will be writing Julie Estrada, LPC, LCDC, NCC. I dropped the MA as suggested. Is that correct? or should I do Julie Estrada, LPC, NCC, LCDC. I’ve seen some people do it that way, but I’m thinking licenses take precedence over certifications. So, I’m leaning toward the first option.

January 24, 2022 at 1:29 pm

Hi, Julie! Welcome to PPIO! You are correct – licenses will alway trump certifications and registrations so . . . Julie Estrada, LPC, LCDC, NCC is perfect!

Thanks for dropping in! Hope you’ll point your colleagues to Private Practice from the Inside Out for any support they need!

June 20, 2017 at 10:29 am

Ouch! It looks like I have one to many so I guess I’ve been doing it wrong. Funny; it did not look like alphabet soup until you mentioned it (chuckle!). Thanks so much for the valuable info. I will certainly rethink my new info on my business cards. I enjoy the helpful advice given on your blog. Keep up the good work!!

June 20, 2017 at 1:42 pm

Awwww, Janie! Thank you for the encouragement!

I appreciate your voice in this community and am so glad you find it helpful.

I totally get how those hard-earned credentials didn’t look like alphabet soup to you; just remember that your colleagues and your clients may feel differently.

What’s most important is that that business card serve both you and your clients well!

March 23, 2021 at 2:17 am

This was super helpful but I am still confused. With my new telahealth position I have independent practice licenses for 5 states (Social Work in ND, SD, MN, IA, and NE), I also have a masters in Chemical Dependency and working on my LADC for this (in all 5 states as well). I am also certified in DBT and will be in TF-CBT. Help….

March 24, 2021 at 6:46 pm

OK, Sheila, let’s see if I can help you tackle this. Spell out every single credential you have right here so that I can understand . . . and I’ll try to help!

June 20, 2017 at 6:53 pm

This is an interesting subject. I have chosen to use all my credentials in my email, but after reading this, I am going to take some of them out of the way my name appears in someone’s email box. I think it is appropriate to include the credentials in the signature on the email. Most of the time that email is used to communicate with other professionals who won’t get lost in the alphabet soup, so that is my reasoning related to that choice. Does anybody else have thoughts on that?

June 20, 2017 at 10:21 pm

Hi, Lauren! Thanks for dropping in to join this discussion!

It is interesting, isn’t it?!

Your business card and letterhead should reflect the three credentials of your choice as noted in this post.

And, I believe that your email signature should reflect the same because it is simply an extension of your letterhead.

June 20, 2017 at 6:55 pm

I am in the process of designing my first business cards, brochures, etc. and wondered how/if I should include both my NJ and NY licenses – which are different names – LPC and LMHC respectively. Also, through my graduate program, I earned 2 Master’s Degrees, M.Ed and MA (both in Counseling Psychology). I can’t recall if one is a “higher degree” than the other – Leaning toward the M.Ed. And I’m an NCC. If I included it all, it would be: Michele Smith, M.Ed, MA, LPC, LMHC, NCC Maybe 2 separate cards for each State?

June 20, 2017 at 10:38 pm

Hi, Michele! It’s great to have your voice in the community here!

Here’s more to consider in making this decision . . . .

Did the Master’s Degrees come from the same university?

If so, the rule is that you only list one degree per school so . . . you may just have to pick one!

If I had to pick between your two degrees for my business card, I would take into account what it is you want to do with them.

For example, an MEd is a terminal degree for counselors while a MA is not a terminal degree for psychologists and, as such your MA might carry less weight in the field of counseling but would likely qualify you to teach psychology classes to undergrads.

So . . . consider what you want to do with those different degrees.

As for your licenses, you also choices.

Sure you could carry two different cards – one for each state with each license – but, I know from experience, that’s a hassle!

If you decide not to carry two different cards, you still have two choices.

You could list one degree and both licenses on the face of your business card – especially if you are practicing in both states.

But, a different (and maybe really cool?) option might be to create a two-sided business card – one for each state / degree / license.

July 25, 2019 at 6:46 pm

What if someone obtained an LMHC and then a PsyD? And are not yet licensed as a psychologist? Would they write LAST NAME, PsyD, LMHC or LAST NAME, LHMC, PsyD? Or would they completely drop off the LMHC since the doctorate is a higher degree (despite being slightly different fields — counseling vs psychology — and one degree having a license associated with it).

July 29, 2019 at 9:34 am

Hi, Marina! Thanks so much for dropping in to ask this question!

A PsyD is an academic degree that has been earned.

An LMHC is a license (rather than a degree) that has been earned.

So . . . the proper way to write this would be “Marina Last Name, PsyD, LMHC.”

Hope that helps and that you’ll be back often to join the conversations!

July 29, 2019 at 5:22 pm

Thank you so much! This is helpful!

July 29, 2019 at 6:36 pm

You’re so welcome, Marina! I hope you’ll be back often to join the conversations here at Private Practice from the Inside Out!

September 19, 2019 at 6:24 pm

Hi Tamara, Great post! I appreciate the simplicity with which you broke everything down, and course, the examples! How would one with two doctorate degrees list their credentials? I have a Psy.D and will soon be starting my JD. I work in the forensic arena, so both will be applicable to mental health. Thanks Tamara. Looking forward to your reply.

September 19, 2019 at 7:32 pm

Natasha, can you tell me more about your work so I can better address this?

October 21, 2019 at 10:40 pm

Hi Tamara, I am a Clinical Psychologist working in the forensic arena. My JD will compliment my Psy.D.; I just don’t know which comes first, the chicken, or the egg!…LOL. Thanks again for your help Tamara, I look forward to your reply.

November 7, 2019 at 4:29 pm

Hi, Natasha!

I love that you have asked this question!

The short answer is that assuming one degree did not take you longer to complete than the other, it’s a judgement call!

I would lean toward ordering based on who you are marketing your services to.

If the legal profession is hiring you, then I would suggest putting the JD first because that would carry more clout with judges, attorneys, etc. facilitating the appearance of having more in common, indicating you “know the language,” etc.

June 20, 2017 at 9:50 pm

Hello Tamara and thanks for your blog. I have a question about listing non clinical credentials, that concern listing my MBA behind my name with my MSW and LMSW. Why is this illegal or unethical?

June 20, 2017 at 10:49 pm

Hi, LaTrece!

Assuming that you are in the United States, there are laws against false advertising and ethical mandates that address misleading the general public.

As several in this discussion have noted, the general public is mostly unfamiliar with post-nominal letters associated with our advanced degrees and credentials.

While you may be knowledgable about what “MBA” stands for and what it entails to obtain that degree, that is not necessarily the case for everyone.

And, because a degree in business does not qualify you for the clinical / educational / research work that a licensed social worker provides, the general assumption is that the degree is either irrelevant or can be misleading; after all, the general public might assume that any post-nominal letters attached to your business card for social work would be confirming your skills / ability to perform your work as a social worker.

However, should you take issue with anything that I have stated here, I would encourage you to consult with an attorney in your own state about this issue.

I am not an attorney and not providing legal advice.

Should you do so, feel free to drop back in and let us know where you are and what you learned from that consultation.

I’m happy to continue the conversation.

May 7, 2021 at 5:45 pm

I am graduating with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Tn. I also have an MBA from a different school. Would it be NAME, MS-CMHC, MBA? Then when licensed LPC-MHSP, MBA? Thank you

May 12, 2021 at 7:48 am

Sonya, thank you so much for asking this!

You will not include your MBA at all on any of your mental-health related business cards or marketing materials because it is not mental health related.

I know you worked hard for it and it can serve you well.

But, it would be like going to work in a corporate 500 company and including your license as a mental health professional.

It’s just not relevant to your job.

Hope this helps!

June 21, 2017 at 6:30 pm

This is so timely for me as I have a question. My name is Chandra Dixon and my business is Chandra Dixon, LLC. So on my business card how do I include the business with my credentials? Chandra Dixon, LLC then my name and credentials below? Chandra Dixon, MEd, LPCA? Just name with LLC? It is all confusing as I want to disclose I have a LLC.

June 21, 2017 at 7:04 pm

This is a really great question, Chandra, that lots of us have struggled to figure out.

I’m so glad you’re asking it!

To me, it seems redundant and just clutters up the face of your business card so I would opt to list only your name and credentials and not bother to include your business name.

After all, whether someone had your business name or your personal name, when they referenced it in speaking with another colleague or searched for it online, all relevant information would likely show up.

On the other hand, if the name of your practice was Whop-a-Doodle Counseling, I would include the name of the counseling practice as well as your credentials and contact info on your business card.

June 22, 2017 at 12:14 am

Many Credentials in Mental Health are Questionable – http://nationalpsychologist.com/2012/11/many-credentials-in-mental-health-are-questionable/101808.html

June 30, 2019 at 12:13 pm

Thank you so much for this post—I have been looking for something just like what you have written for clarification for a while now without much luck (until now)! However I do have a follow-up question and was hoping you may have some information….I have been a practicing LCSW for a few years now in one state (still active license, I will be inactivating it rather than letting it lapse in a few months). I just moved to a new state where the equivalent is referred to as LISW (instead of LCSW) and I now technically hold both LISW and LCSW licenses. Since starting my job hunt, I’ve been uncertain—should I just stop using the LCSW after my name and use only the LISW? Both? Any suggestions or resources would be greatly appreciated—I’ve checked with NASW as well and haven’t found anything…. Thank you!!

July 17, 2019 at 12:59 pm

Hi, MEA! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out!

This is a terrific question, too!

Because you are placing your LCSW on inactive status, I would not continue to list it on business cards, when signing notes, etc. Simply because there is no need.

However, you are wise to keep the credential AND I do recognize that you have worked long and hard to get it; if you are so inclined, you could include on your website and other printed materials in your bio some reference to placing your license on “inactive status due to relocation.”

Best wishes on your journey!

July 17, 2019 at 7:03 am

How would I list licenses in two states? I currently hold an LPCA in NC, and am about to receive an LPCA in SC. I live 100 yards from the state line and will likely be practicing in both states. I really don’t want to carry two separate cards, but I also want it to be clear that I am licensed in both states. They both carry the same letters though, so I’m unsure how to indicate my dual licensure.

July 17, 2019 at 12:47 pm

Hi, Angela! I am licensed as an LPC in both TX and CO and list my own with just one LPC after my name.

However, if it is important to you to designate the two states you might write it as “Angela Hathaway, LPC (NC & SC)” or on a business card rather than listing the credential on the same line as your name, you could include a line UNDER your name that says “LPCA in NC & SC.”

There would be no point to write LPCA twice.

September 9, 2019 at 12:24 pm

I am a newly licensed social worker in NY and PA. LMSW and LSW respectively. My graduate degree is an MSW. My question is; do I include my degree on my cards? In other words, do I put Last name, MSW, LMSW (or LSW) or only put the LMSW/LSW?

September 18, 2019 at 8:40 am

Diana! Welcome to Private Practice from the Inside Out and congrats on your new license! That’s awesome!

Thank you for asking this question; it’s one that many of us struggle with in the beginning.

Social Workers typically do not include their degrees once they are licensed because your degree is required for licensure.

So Diana Last Name, LMSW or LSW is the correct way to show up on your business card.

I hope you’ll drop back in often to chat!

September 19, 2019 at 8:39 am

Thank you for your reply! This makes total sense to me but I was confused because I’ve seen many books and articles that list peoples names with MSW, LMSW/LCSW after their names.

September 19, 2019 at 7:31 pm

Diana, if your license requires a Master’s degree, MSW, LCSW is redundant.

December 29, 2022 at 2:27 pm

Hi, so would I do Victoria Last Name LSW instead of Victoria Last Name MSW, LSW?

January 6, 2023 at 5:24 pm

Yes! It would be Victoria Last Name, LSW.

That’s because adding the MSW adds nothing assuming your LSW required a master’s degree.

It’s not that adding MSW would be wrong; it’s just that it’s not necessary.

October 19, 2019 at 7:23 am

I have an MFT (no license), an LPC (my license) and an MA in clinical psychology. How do I list my credentials? I think I would sign: Elizabeth McKernan, MFT, LPC Is this correct? Omitting MA? Thank You!

October 20, 2019 at 12:05 am

Yes, Elizabeth! That’s exactly what I would do.

October 31, 2019 at 9:52 pm

This post is helpful. How would you list the following credentials: MS, LPC, NCC and CCMHC? Do you choose either NCC or CCMHC to use?

November 7, 2019 at 4:40 pm

Vicky, thank you for asking this question about how to list your credentials.

Because NCC is a prerequisite for the specialty of CCMHC, you would drop NCC.

Anyone identifying as a CCMHC is assumed to also hold the NCC credential.

To list them both would be like listing your Bachelors degree once you have obtained your Masters degree.

September 4, 2020 at 10:04 am

Thanks for this great post! I’m a new therapist starting out and curious about which credentials to list after my name. I’m and LAC (same as LCPC in my state) and I also have my NCC. Would using “MA” be redundant or should I include it as it creates distinction between an MA program as opposed to an MS?

Is this correct: Lindsey Mason, MA, LAC, NCC

October 1, 2020 at 11:47 am

Hi, Lindsey! Congrats to you and welcome to this great big new adventure!

I would drop the “MA.”

It’s not necessary.

Your license and your certification both carry the weight and infer that you have an advanced degree already.

November 8, 2019 at 6:35 am

HI, What does PA mean here please? Jane Doe, LMHC, CAP, CRC, PA Thank you!!

November 8, 2019 at 10:59 am

Possibly Physician’s Assistant although it’s certainly possible for it to mean something entirely different.

November 17, 2019 at 2:20 pm

This was a great tool to verify if I was signing my credential correctly on documentation.

When I receive my NCC, I will drop off the LCDC.

One thing you may need to be aware of is that in some states you may not use the”LPC-I” abbreviation (as in Texas). According to the rules, LPC-Intern must be spelled out in its entirety. When I was still in the Master’s program, our career counseling instructor made sure to clarify that for us. Now I understand why.

November 18, 2019 at 12:48 pm

Actually, Mark, you would keep any licensure relevant to mental health (including your LCDC) and drop the certification.

Licenses trump certifications.

And, thank you for noting that every state requires something a little different for licensure.

In many states including my own and “intern” is assumed to be still in graduate or undergraduate training – not necessarily the case in Texas!

It’s important to do your research when moving from one state to the next.

April 9, 2022 at 3:41 pm

I have a question. I have a Master of Health Administration in addition to my MS. Out here, most of the LPC and LCPC have MA. It is considered a higher level of education here, so it should be listed. In addition to being a practitioner, I am our biller, do our credentialing, all of the office work, and am both our privacy officer and director of Inclusion and Diversity. So….my MHA is totally relevant. Although I have my Certified HIPAA Compliance Officer cert, it means nothing to the general public. Obviously I won’t use the CHCO in my title. So I’m thinking Becki Benson, MS, MHA, LPC, NCC

May 20, 2022 at 10:59 am

Hi, Becki! I apologize for not seeing your inquiry until now.

Do not list both degrees.

In fact, there is not a need to list any degree because both your license and your certification assume (and require) degrees.

However, if it is important to you to include one of your degrees – because you will not want to include more than 3 credentials – you get to list the one that represents the role that you fulfill.

If your work is more clinical, the the degree to include would be your MS; if your work is primarily administrative, then you would include your MHA; and, if your work is truly 50-50, then you get to choose with of the two you would prefer to identify with.

But, definitely choose one or the other and not both.

February 21, 2020 at 7:19 pm

Thank you for this post. I am licensed in two states- LPC in MO and in NC our credentials were recently changed from LPC to LCMHC and I hold the NCC. Both licenses are active. How do I list these? Susan Underhill MA, LCMHC, LPC, NCC? Should I remove the NCC? I really don’t like all of the letters and alphabet soupiness.

March 2, 2020 at 7:14 pm

Oh, Susan! Wouldn’t it be lovely if the counseling profession could / would make a stronger attempt at uniformity?!

It would all be so much easier and one step closer to portability across state lines!

But, in the mean time, I would suggest that you begin by dropping the “MA.”

I say this because each of your licenses and your certification already indicate that you have at minimum a Masters level degree.

The next thing I would suggest is that following each of your licenses that you put the state in parentheses, for example “LPC (MO) and LCMHC (NC) or if you are only practicing in one state, use that one state’s license and your national certification.

Obviously, if you are practicing in both, then that would not be an option – unless you would want to have two different business cards, websites, etc. – one for each state.

Did that help?

April 18, 2020 at 1:07 pm

Yes that helps a ton! Thank you so much for the guidance!

And yes portability and consistency would be great! The irony here is that in an attempt at that, NC changed and now it’s inconsistent for me when it was consistent before. Oh well. Hope it’s a step in the right direction!

April 18, 2020 at 1:42 pm

Ugh! I have heard this before, too, Susan.

I’m not sure what changed for those professionals in NC; however, I have heard that those trying to relocate and get credentialed in their new locations while states are “in transition” to reciprocity will be the most frustrated.

One therapist I worked with noted that she researched the requirements for the new state, pulled all the required documentation together and sent it in with her application, and then discovered that literally in the few days between when she mailed the paperwork and it arrived . . . requirements had changed!

Oy! That makes me grateful for my own transition from TX to CO was as painless as it was!

February 25, 2020 at 6:45 am

Great information. I’m an LPC in Virginia and decided to do a career change. I’m now a School Counselor. I continue to have an active LPC but am not practicing at the moment. I also have my NCC. I don’t want to list my LPC because i’m not doing any clinical work, but i’ve been told that i should. Do I list it as: Sylvia Bowman, LPC, NCC or Sylvia Bowman, MS, LPC, NCC

March 2, 2020 at 7:08 pm

Hi, Sylvia! You are asking a good question.

Thank you for bringing it here!

Your license as a professional counselor doesn’t mean that you are practicing anywhere; it simply indicates that you are qualified to do so.

Many LPCs never use their licenses for clinical work – choosing instead to teach or simply work in educational settings as a school counselor.

And, either way you have presented is an acceptable way to note your training and qualifications.

March 13, 2020 at 6:25 am

Thanks so much for this information! I think it’s important as a professional to be able to document my credentials in a professional manner. Your resource helps simplify a confusing process.

March 13, 2020 at 9:16 am

Hi, Kevin! You are so welcome! Let me know when I can be of service to you, Kevin!

April 18, 2020 at 10:35 am

I noticed you didn’t use any social work examples. I am a doctoral candidate, I have my MSW and my provisional license LCSWA. Can I include doctoral candidate or DSW candidate? Thanks, Tye

April 18, 2020 at 11:28 am

Hi, Tye! That’s such a great question – thank you for taking time to ask it here.

You absolutely can include your candidacy!

I would not list it along with the other acronyms, though.

Instead, I would list it on a separate line under your name and credentials on a business card.

For example, Tynatta Pettit, MSW, LCSWA on one line.

And, then Doctoral Candidate on the next.

Or, in a letter of introduction I would simply reference your candidacy i.e. “Dear Ms. Jones, my name is Tye Pettit. As a a doctoral candidate, I would like to apply for . . . .”

Congrats to you on gaining those advanced credentials, Tye!

You’ve obviously put in the work for a strong foundation in our field.

I hope you’ll be back often to join the conversations here!

May 12, 2020 at 11:13 am

I have a Masters in School Counseling how do I write that behind my name? also I am working towards the LPC through NBCC.

I am also teaching Substance Abuse classes but I do not have any certification in that do I list anything behind my name for that?

May 12, 2020 at 1:52 pm

Hi, Celia! Tell me more about your Master degree – is it Master of Arts degree? A Master of Education degree? Master of Science? Something else?

From what I understand you have earned some type of Master degree in the field of School Counseling.

And, certifying bodies like the National Board for Certified Counselors oversee certain certifications.

Professional licenses are administered by individual states at this time.

Certifying bodies and licensing bodies are different and totally separate from each other.

To be clear, are you credentialed by NBCC as an NCC or something different?

And, finally teaching a class or group of classes does not in and of itself qualify you for any type of credential.

Let me know what type of Master degree you obtained in School Counseling and whatever certifications you may have obtained from NBCC and then I’ll help you with those credentials!

May 12, 2020 at 4:55 pm

How do I get removed from the notifications email list for this post? I asked a question about a year ago, and it was answered. I no longer need to see responses to this post. There is no unsubscribe link in the email. The link on the website doesn’t work. I have tried using the “contact” page and got no response, but I am STILL getting emails. How do I make it stop???

June 11, 2020 at 10:55 pm

Angela, you only receive notification of additional comments on a post if you have requested to do so. I believe I have removed you from future notifications. Please let me know if that is not the case.

May 28, 2020 at 9:44 am

Good morning!

I have 2 bachelors, BA and BSN, would my credentials be listed as BA, BSN, RN?

June 11, 2020 at 10:51 pm

Hi, Ashley! Happy to help you out but can you please let me know what it is you do for a profession and what each of these degrees is in?

September 24, 2020 at 2:11 pm

I have a question! So I just changed from PLLC to S-Corp. I am LMSW. I own the S-Corp and I do not have any employees under me yet. For my email signature how should I list my “title” since I’m multirole. Technically CEO, owner, therapist, etc. I want it to look professional.

October 1, 2020 at 11:19 am

Oh, this is an interesting dilemma, isn’t it, Caitlyn!? I think you have multiple options. But, I think I would let my credential show that I am a therapist and lead with

Caitlyn Witek, CEO Licensed Master Social Work 4444 Johnson Court City, State, USA Phone #

As an alternative, you could have to different email signatures to choose from – one emphasizing your CEO role and a separate one emphasizing your clinical role.

Both could be considered correct.

October 1, 2020 at 10:53 am

How would you recommend displaying credentials from more than one state, when both are used regularly and are different? For example, I practice in both Maryland and Virginia. In Virginia (the credential I obtained first) my credential is LCSW. In Maryland, the credential is LCSW-C. The credential LCSW in Maryland represents a non-clinical social worker. Thanks for the great resource!

October 1, 2020 at 11:14 am

Hi, Ashley! Thanks for dropping in to ask this. It is increasingly an issue for many of us. Assuming you want to represent both of these credentials in the same – place like on a website or on a business card – I would suggest you do this –> Ashley Nicole, LCSW (VA), LCSW-C (MD)

October 2, 2020 at 2:24 pm

I hope all is well. I am an LSW in NJ and LMSW in NY. How do I write my credentials so people know I licensed in both states on my resume?

November 3, 2020 at 9:43 pm

Hi, Sarah! One way that might be useful to you – on both your resume and your business cards – is to simply spell out your credentials as in Licensed Social Worker (NJ) and Licensed Master Social Worker (NY).

You might choose to “stack” these under your name rather than listing them beside your name just for visual balance.

I hope that helps and that you will be bak to chat often!

November 24, 2020 at 6:18 am

Is this correct? Linda M Miller MS, LPC, NCC, LCDC

Thank you, Linda

December 7, 2020 at 6:40 pm

Hi, Linda! You’ve almost got this right.

Drop the MS for two reasons:

(1) You should never list over three credentials and

(2) It is assumed that you have a Masters Degree since you hold a license (or two) that actually require this.

January 10, 2021 at 10:09 am

Hello. I have been getting mixed answers regarding my credentials; I am hoping you can help! I currently hold my Master’s of Counseling Psychology (MACP) and obtaining my Master’s of Jurisprudence (MJ). I have been told that I can list myself as a mental health professional (MHP) given my MACP and the requirements met for that degree. My first question, can I list myself as an MHP? Second, once I obtain my MJ, how would I list my full credentials? Thank you and be well!

January 15, 2021 at 1:59 pm

Hi, Cyndi! I think I need more information in order to be helpful to you because . . . well, context matters.

What is it you are doing in the field and how are you using each of these degrees in the field of mental health?

January 15, 2021 at 11:54 am

Thank you for this information. I have been confused about several aspects of this. My sited degree, license is M.Ed., which you corrected to MEd and LBS (Licensed Behavior Specialist). I currently work as a special education teacher but also work as a Behavior Specialist. Should these be listed together? The LBS is only good in Pennsylvania. Should that limitation be noted? I am also a certified school counselor. I have never seen this credential listed. Should it be listed at all?

January 15, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Hi, Larry! OK, so let’s figure this out . . . . .

I want to make sure that I understand you correctly.

To do that, I need to understand the context in which you are working.

Are you working as a special education Teacher and also as a Behavior Specialists?

Are you licensed or certified to teach in special education? If so, where?

I believe you mean that your terminal degree is an MEd . . . in what?

Are you licensed as a Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania?

You are also certified as a school counselor.

Is this a national certification or state certification or . . . ?

Did I get all of the credentials covered here?

January 19, 2021 at 8:47 am

I have a masters of science in counseling with an emphasis in clinical mental health counseling.. what is my designation? MSC/CCMH plus trauma certified specialist.

January 25, 2021 at 3:02 pm

Hi, Nikki! Before I answer this, can you please tell me what CCMH actually stands for? I can make assumptions but would prefer to get this right.

And, what is the acronym for your trauma certification?

Give me those answers and then I can help you out!

January 21, 2021 at 9:27 am

I got a lot of good information on your site so thank you! I have a license from another state that is equal to my LPC, do I list that? I have my MS to list then my LPC and my BSL so I was wondering if I would bother listing my MHC from WA. Also, I wasn’t sure what order to list LPC and BSL but from your information I believe MS, LPC, BSL because MS is permanent, LPC is higher license than BSL.

Thank you in advance

January 25, 2021 at 3:04 pm

Hi, Jacqueline!

BSL means different things in different locations so can you please tell me what yours stands for?

If you can spell out each of your credentials here and indicate in what states they cover, I would be happy to help you with this.

March 26, 2021 at 1:28 pm

Thank you so much for all of these answers. I have a quick question. I am in NY. I hold a CASAC and just earned the Advanced Counselor standing. I only have a Bachelor degree. I am not clear on how to sign this. I have been researching it and have not seen much thus far. I was wondering if you have. I am also certified as holistic health counselor (HHC).

March 26, 2021 at 4:16 pm

Hi, Carin! Congrats to you on earning that Advanced Counselor credential!

I am not familiar with your credential but would assumme that you CASAC-Advanced Counselor took you more time and effort to obtain than your HHC so I would list it this way: Carin Jones,BS, CASAC-Advanced, HHC.

Or, if either of these credentials is not commonly recognized, I might simply spell them out on your letterhead / business card / website to make sure people understand your training and experience.

April 5, 2021 at 9:27 pm

Hi there, Thanks for this article! I am licensed in 3 states and each credential reads a little different despite similar meanings. Do I need to list all three after my signature on treatment notes? I’d really appreciate your thoughts and again, thank you for the already helpful info!

April 5, 2021 at 10:23 pm

Hi, Lisa! What a great question. You do not need to list all three licenses on your treatment notes – only the one that applies to the client and the state you are working in and the insurance company that you are filing with.

For example, your clients’ records in Montana, require your license in Montana on the notes,your clients’ records in Washington require your Washington license, etc..

April 13, 2021 at 3:14 pm

I have a question about how to write my name in an email. Do I have to include my education as a MSW if I have my LICSW? Isn’t it implied? Should my name be listed like Angela Menard, MSW, LICSW, LADC or should I omit the MSW so it is just Angela Menard, LICSW, LADC?

April 13, 2021 at 8:13 pm

Oh, Angie! I’m so glad that you asked this.

Traditionally, Social Workers do not include their MSW if they are licensed.

I know – it’s a little strange that Professional Counselors do include theirs.

Nevertheless, You should list your name as “Angela Menard, LICSW, LADC.”

Thanks for asking!

April 15, 2021 at 7:19 am

I need advice about listing my credentials. They are as follows: 1. Master of Arts In Education School Counseling (Rank I); 2. Master of Arts Clinical Mental Health Counseling; 3. Individual Intellectual Assessment (IIA) Endorsement (MSU); 4. Certified Play Therapist (EKU); 4. Licenced Professional Counselor Associate (KY/Inactive).

April 15, 2021 at 2:37 pm

Hi, Joy! Congrats to you on all the accomplishments!

I’m happy to help you with this.

What is the context in which you are working (because it matters) – higher ed, clinical practice, etc.?

And, where are you geographically (because that might matter, too).

May 3, 2021 at 8:56 am

Hi, I am an LPC in one state and an LCMHC in another state in addition to a CCM which is applicable to my job, how do I list? Do I only use the licensing appropriate to the main state of practice? For example: MS, LCMHC, CCM or should I do MS, LCMHC, LPC?

May 12, 2021 at 8:02 am

Thanks for asking for clarification.

It depends on where you are using your license and in what context.

For simplicity’s sake, on a business card or website, you could list MS, LCMHC (TX), LPC (OH) or whatever states are appropriate for you.

However, if you are using your credentials in a different context – like at the end of a clinical note or to write a clinical report for a client – you would use only the credential that is appropriate to that particular client.

For example, if you are seeing a client in Ohio, you would only use your Ohio license when signing that client’s notes.

Does that make sense to you?

May 7, 2021 at 6:40 pm

Dear Tamara, I would greatly appreciate it if you would help me answer a practice question that I have. This is a very simple matter: I graduated from an accredited program in Clinical Psychology, recently passed my EPPP test, and I am ready to submit my Jurisprudence Exam, after which I will be granted my license in the State of New Mexico. I currently work in a substance abuse hospital (ran by the State), where I am in the Loan Forgiveness Program. My position is defined as a Master-level position, and it will remain as such, as there’s no upward mobility in this place and there are no psychologists’ positions available in this institution. Since I have only two years or so to be granted the loan forgiveness, I am willing to stay in my old position to complete the program’s requirements, however, I’m writing to you because my current supervisor, requires me to display my Master’s degree level license, at the same time prohibiting me to display my PhD license when it will be issued to me. I believe this is inappropriate, unethical, and frankly – harassment. I would greatly appreciate your opinion on this topic. With warm regards, Barbara

May 12, 2021 at 7:44 am

Oh, Barbara – I’m so sorry you find yourself in this situation!

My first thought is that some licensing boards actually stipulate when / where / how you should or must display your license – so that’s the first place to check.

Secondly, check your Code(s) of Ethics for any professional association that you may belong to.

And, thirdly, check your state laws.

Any of these may dictate that you may not or you MUST display your license(s) where ever you practice.

And, if you still have questions about what you are and are not allowed to do, I would strongly recommend that you consult with your liability insurance company.

Their policies often provide a once-a-year free consult with an attorney in your jurisdiction who can advise you quickly of your rights and responsibilities.

I hope once you figure this out, you’ll drop back in to let us know how it was resolved and where you are located.

May 15, 2021 at 1:46 am

I just graduated with an MFT and PCC degrees. I am a state intern. Do I say MFT intern? Or can I just put MFT, PCC after my name? I know I can’t put the l in front of it because I am not licensed yet

May 15, 2021 at 8:46 pm

Hi, Deana! Where are you and what does PCC stand for?

May 20, 2021 at 11:23 am

Hello! Thanks for the great information. Super helpful. I had a question- I am licensed in two states and will be practicing in both of them at two office locations. IL which has the LCPC and MO which has the LPC credential. What credentials should be listed on marketing materials (letters to doctors, business cards)?

June 7, 2021 at 9:09 am

Hi, Brittany! The credentials listed should be relevant to the state you are practicing in. For example, if the marketing materials you use address your services for both states, then list them both; however, if you have different marketing materials for each state, then only list the ones that are relevant for that state.

When it comes to letters to doctors, because they may refer patients to other states when they transfer their care, I would suggest you also use both credentials (and indicate which credential belongs to which state).

However, for your clinical records, I would only list the credential that is relevant to the state in which you are working in.

May 25, 2021 at 6:52 pm

hello i recently graduated from Liberty University with my Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am having a hard time finding any information about listing my degree in my professional signature. should this be shown as… Grant Zahurance, MA or Grant Zahurance, CMHC

June 7, 2021 at 9:21 am

Hi, Grant! I agree! It is confusing.

As a Professional Counselor, you have two options.

You can list it as Grant Zahurance, MA,CMHCor Grant Zahurance, CMHC.

It is assumed that as a CMHC, you have earned a Master’s degree; however, for some reason, many counselors do choose to include that in their professional signature.

Just remember that as you accrue additional credentials, you can drop off the MA when necessary – never include over 3 in your professional signature.

January 25, 2022 at 10:49 pm

Thank you so much for the help!!!

June 7, 2021 at 1:42 pm

Hi can you tell me how I am to right my name if I have a BA in Sociology and I am QMHP certified.

June 7, 2021 at 3:19 pm

Hi, Marlina! I’m happy to help!

I am not familiar with the acronym QMHP.

When I googled it, I found that this includes “qualified mental health professionals-adult and qualified mental health professionals-child.”

Is this what you are referencing or is it something different?

I found no reference to any “certification” related to QMHP.

So, based on this limited information, your professional signature would be Marlina Stinney, BA, QMHP or Marlina Stinney, QMHP.

Let me know if I’ve misunderstood something you’ve written!

July 24, 2021 at 11:32 pm

Thank you so much for sharing your insight into the proper etiquette when noting initials after one’s name. Here’s one for you. I have an employee who completed medical school outside of the U.S. and wants to have “doctor” printed on his business card without the MD since he is not practicing. My feeling is that clients may misunderstand it. Should I allow for this while adding “non-practicing” under his name, to be clear? What are your thoughts?

August 19, 2021 at 10:58 am

Hi, Yvette – this is an increasingly common occurrence.

My first question is . . . Is being a medical doctor (and specifically not a psychiatrist) part of his job as your employee?

If not practicing medicine in your practice, then it is not relevant and should not be included on his business card or professional signature.

The exception, of course, would be if he is a psychiatrist and practicing mental health in your practice . . . .

If he is a psychiatrist . . . and IF he is approved in your jurisdiction (regardless of where his actual training and experience took place), he should then be allowed to use the professional credential “MD” and referred to as “doctor.”

However, to use the language of “doctor” when he is not approved by the state (assuming you are in the USA)or to use “MD” as part of his professional identity in your counseling practice (whether practicing as a doctor or not) would be confusing or deceptive language that could easily be misinterpreted by peers, referral sources, and clients.

I also want to acknowledge that it can be incredibly frustrating for an individual to have paid thousands of dollars and spent untold hours in sweat and tears often at great personal sacrifice to earn the most advanced degrees in the world (less than 1% of the people in the world have earned a doctorate degree).

It’s often difficult to set that degree aside and not display it as part of our professional identities.

It’s important to help employees (and supervises) understand why it is necessary to set this identity aside – not to be hidden as if it is a secret; but, also not to be used as a crutch for a fragile ego or to deceive others into believing that they are something they are not.

It’s also important, I think, as a mental health professional who employs others to recognize and celebrate all the experiences that your employees bring – both outside of professional training and inclusive of professional training because certainly our work is informed and enhanced by all of our selves rather than just those years spent in academia.

If you encounter significant resistance to taking this position, I would encourage you to provide some support (including counseling) for this individual as he lets go of that degree after his name and transitions to a different professional identity.

Thank you for dropping in to extend this conversation, Yvette.

I hope you’ll be back to let us know how this evolves in your work space!

July 27, 2021 at 3:25 pm

This page is WONDERFUL! Thank you. I haven’t practiced in a few years and I am now returning to work and updating my resume and reinstating my credentials.

So, I am currently Jen (Name), MS, LPC, NCC

However, I have also returned to school- I am getting my MS in Outdoor Education along the way, and that is on my resume, however, I am obtaining a research based PhD– researching Outdoor Education programs and mental wellbeing– so there is definitely a mental health focus, but it isn’t required for licensure. My resume currently says, “Ph.D. Candidate, expected completion 2024” and lists my areas of study.

When I graduate should I change my cards to PhD, LPC, NCC or do I need to leave my Masters in Counseling on the card?

Thanks so much!

August 19, 2021 at 10:32 am

Hi, Jen! Your first sentence makes me so happy!

Glad to be of assistance!

Congrats to you on all the education!

You have a wealth of information under your belt and even more to come!

I am not familiar with a degree in Outdoor Education – how interesting!

Where can I learn more about your degree?

I make up that this is about experiential learning but . . . not sure.

What is the degree that satisfied your LPC and NCC requirements?

If you can answer this for me, I’m happy to help you figure this out!

August 10, 2021 at 2:33 pm

Hi Tamara, I will be teaching a CASAC course for a college as an adjunct. I also have a library degree and work as an academic librarian somewhere else. Can I write Michael Kahn, MLS, LMSW, CASAC-T or do I drop the MLS? Thanks.

August 19, 2021 at 9:50 am

Hi, Michael! This is such a great question.

Many mental health professionals transition to this field bringing a prior body of work – like you in the field of Library Science.

While that previous degree and education certainly enrich and often inform the ways in which we do our clinical work, those non-mental health degrees need to be omitted from our professional signatures.

So yes, drop the MLS.

I know that’s sometimes a painful thing to do but it is the professional, ethical, and right thing to do.

It’s also a hassle, isn’t it, to have to have two business cards, two professional identities.

But, it is for the benefit of the general public who doesn’t necessarily understand our credentials (or the alphabet soup that follow our names).

August 19, 2021 at 12:06 pm

I find credentialing so interesting. My situation is confusing. I have an LPC and a private part-time virtual practice in Michigan. I also have a full-time job as a school counselor in South Carolina. I am awaiting my LPC from the state in SC. Can I use my LPC credential on my school email signature or is this crossover considered misrepresentation? If so is it because I am not yet licensed in the state of SC or is it because mental health and education are not closely related enough? My current signature is Cheri Stahl LPC, NCC, GCDF

August 20, 2021 at 12:51 am

Oh, Cheri! Good questions!

Because you are licensed in Michigan, I see no reason why you cannot use your LPC from there on your professional credentials for school counseling.

The way I have done it when I had an active license in both Colorado and Texas is to sign my name as “Tamara G. Suttle, MEd, LPC (TX and CO), ACS.”

So for you, it could be Cheri Stahl, LPC (MI), NCC, GCDF!

You are correct that education and mental health are not the same field – significant overlap, yes, but not the same so you would not necessarily be able to use the degrees or licenses interchangeably.

However, you are a mental health professional working in the field of education so that license ought to suffice.

Having said that though, you may run across employers who are not comfortable with this usage so just be prepared for the possibility.

September 3, 2021 at 4:08 pm

Hi, Tamara!

Thank you so much for all this great information! I have a question. I am an LMFT but my license is currently inactive status because I am not using it and did not feel a need to renew it at the moment. I have a podcast however and would like to list my credentials to add credibility. Would I need to re-activate my license in order to list it after my name?

Thank you so much!!

September 22, 2021 at 12:01 pm

Brittany, this is such a great question.

However, the way I would handle this is this: FirstName LastName, LMFT (inactive).

In other words, you can always and should always tell the truth i.e. you’ve earned the license and it’s currently inactive.

Depending on the context, for example if you are listing this on your website or including it in an introduction to you for a workshop, you might want to expand on this by explaining that you earned your degree / license in XXXX (date), practiced for a while at ABC (agency or private practice) and then took a break to raise your children or take care of your in-laws or move into teaching or whatever.

However, double check with your licensing board to confirm this as I am not an attorney and do not know what state you are in.

Your laws / rules may dictate something different.

September 20, 2021 at 2:21 pm

My name is Dan Batusin and I just got done with my MS. in School counseling and currently active my state certification. My Question is can I use Certified School Counselor (CSC) in my name like:

Dan Batusin, CSC??

September 22, 2021 at 11:07 am

Congrats to you, Dan! You absolutely CAN and you SHOULD!

In fact, I would write your professional signature as Dan Batusin, MS, CSC OR Dan Batusin, MS and then on the line underneath I might spell out Certified School Counselor (CSC).

What would be wrong would be Dan Batusin, MS, CSC and then to write Certified School Counselor underneath it.

Hope that helps!

November 3, 2022 at 9:21 am

Thank you Tamara! 🙂

September 28, 2021 at 5:54 pm

Hello Tamara, I am currently using”, MS, LGPG” (soon to be LCPC) after my name. Recently, I graduated from an art therapy MA program and took the ATCBE (Art Therapy Credentials Board Examination) exam. Once I am officially licensed as an art therapist, I will be working as both LCPC and LGPAT from the same place. My question is should I keep MA. I thought I would be using:

First Last, MS, MA, LCPC, LGPAT

What do you think?

September 29, 2021 at 11:14 am

Hi, Sunny! Thanks for dropping in today.

If you are going to include a degree, then you need to choose one or the other.

Your professional signature should not include over three credentials so choose one degree or the other that is closely related to your work.

That means the correct signature would be either:

First Last, MS, LCPC, GLPAT or First Last, MA, LCPC, GLPAT

Take your pick!

Personally, I would list the degree that I received first – but you may have a better reason to list the other.

Either one would be correct – just not both.

October 3, 2021 at 8:36 pm

Hi Tamara, Thank you for your response. I also like the first example and the reason for your preference. Thank you again!

November 25, 2021 at 8:53 pm

Hi Tamara, I am so confused. Here is the situation: I have a Masters in Counseling Psychology, Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology, LPC, LCDC, MAC ( Master Addictions Counselor- a national board certification). I recently also graduated with my Ph.D in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I have a private practice which does clinical and business consulting. However, I do use a lot of my I-O skills with clients who come for leadership coaching and career development, among other things. As you saw from my website and even the name of my practice states Counseling and Consulting. This is because there are two side =s to my practice but they sometimes go hand in hand. I provide business consulting services for individuals and businesses. I am also working towards teaching at graduate level. I had listed my credentials as I have two long last names so for brevity here, lets just use Cheryl Doe Remi, (not actual last names, of course). So if I write my credentials as : Cheryl Doe Remi, Ph.D., MIO, MPsy, LPC, LCDC, MAC is that wrong?I put the MIO next to the Ph.D so that they would be linked. Should I drop the MPsy due to the LPC? I will also be teaching in different states for counseling, Industrial-Organizational Psychology and especially for Substance abuse and the MAC covers me since it is a national Certification, but Texas requires the LCDC. I don’t want a word Salad but I don’t want to drop my Ph.D either because (I worked for it) but I also use it a lot in my work in private practice even in career counseling with clinical clients. What do I do? Also, is it ok to just write Psychotherapist and Industrial-Organizational Practitioner under my name? I don’t want any trouble with the ‘credential police’ or boards because I don’t think there is deception.

Any help will be much appreciated.

January 24, 2022 at 4:05 pm

Well, first of all, Cheryl – congrats to you on pursuing so much education!

I know your clients and your business must benefit from all that knowledge and experience.

The short answer is – yes, drop all the Masters level degrees because your Doctorate trumps them.

With your PhD, it is assumed that you acquired the lesser degrees.

As for any of your certifications, I know that MAC was hard-earned but none are going to carry the weight, authority, or credibility that your licenses will.

That means Cheryl Doe Remi, PhD, LPC, LCDC is the correct signature for you.

And, because your PhD is in Industrial Organizational Psychology, you do not need to spell it out . . . but you could.

If it’s just too painful for you to present your signature as written above, you could consider on your business card, website, and letterhead adding a line underneath that says “Specializing in (or Special Interest in . . . ) Substance Abuse and Industrial Organizations.”

But, that is a lot of words cluttering up space on a tiny business card or a website banner that I would prefer to not include.

Oh – and if you are working in multiple states (or applying for positions in multiple states, then you may find it necessary to change your professional signature from state to state in order to comply with state standards.

(Not all states recognize any given credential.)

Or, consider following a credential that is not recognized in all states that you apply in with (TX) or (CO) or whatever to indicate where it is recognized.

I hope that helps!

Looking forward to hearing from you what you decide to do.

October 12, 2021 at 6:55 am

Great article! Question: my LAC credentials expired in November 2020… I made a career change, however, am still proud of my previous experience… Is it okay for me to still list the letters after my name?

January 25, 2022 at 1:36 pm

Hi, Linda! You definitely cannot list your license after it has expired.

However, what you can do is say “I was licensed from this date to that date as an LAC” or “I practiced as an LAC while working at _______ (place) in ______ (specific year).

If you retired your LAC, you can also note “LAC-retired.”

But, it would be unethical, misleading, and illegal (false advertising) to list Linda K, LAC once it has expired.

Hope that’s helpful to you!

October 28, 2021 at 11:31 pm

I loved this article as I was searching the internet for clarification and this post made it so much more clear.

I have a unique question as I go to print new business cards and a door name plate. I was practicing under my LMFT while working on my clinical psychology doctorate and now I’m done and have 2 licenses: LMFT and Psychologist. I’ve been listing my name followed by Psy.D., LMFT. But for my name plate on the door I’ve been trying to figure out if I should just list “psychologist” rather than both titles because I worried it would confuse the public saying “psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist” Do you have any feedback about how to best label when someone has both masters and doctorate level licenses? Thank you!

January 25, 2022 at 1:18 pm

Rebecca!!!!! Congrats to you on getting all those credentials and education!

Your clients are lucky to have you!

I would actually list your name and the PsyD, LMFT (and omit the periods in PsyD).

You’ve worked long and hard for your education and I would want the authority and credibility that comes with it.

And, beside . . . your PsyD assumes that there was the equivalent of a Master’s degree before that.

If you are concerned about the general public “getting confused” about that PsyD, you have ample opportunities to explain it in person, on the phone, on your website and on your disclosure statement, too.

Of course, you could always spell out “psychologist” below your credentials for clarity, too.

October 29, 2021 at 8:44 pm

Hello, I’m wondering how to list licensure in multiple states in my signature? I am a LISW in Ohio and LCSW in California. Would I write Nicole Last Name, LCSW-CA, LISW-OH?

January 25, 2022 at 1:12 pm

Hi, Nicole! You’ve got it almost right.

Instead of the dash, I would write it Nicole Last Name, LCSW (CA), LISW (OH) because so many credentials are hyphenated these days.

There is less confusion with the parentheses.

November 17, 2021 at 7:35 am

Hey! This information is very helpful. I am still, unfortunately, struggling however to figure out which credentials to use. M.Ed, NCC, PCMHT, P-LPC If I’m not mistaken it looks like mine would show up as Kolby Little, M.Ed, P-LPC, PCMHT or would I drop the PCMHT and just put NCC? Would it be the same on my progress notes?

Thank you so much for all the information already provided!

January 25, 2022 at 1:01 pm

Hi, Kolby – I’m so sorry that I never saw your questions until now.

I would be happy to help you with this but I am not familiar with “PCMHT” or “P-LPC.”

Can you please tell me what these stand for and if they are licenses, certifications, registrations, or something different?

I look forward to hearing from you!

November 20, 2021 at 8:14 pm

Thanks so much for this blog topic, Tamara. I have a related question with which I’m hoping you can help. I have a PhD in Developmental Psychology, a MS in Counseling Psychology, and practice as a LPC. My understanding is that I cannot list my PhD because it is not directly related to my counseling license (though it certainly informs my counseling). Can you confirm that is accurate? In other words, should my business card include?: Brenda…….., PhD, LPC or Brenda…….., MS, LPC

If the later is accurate, can I include my PhD in Developmental Psychology on my business card as long as I don’t refer to myself as Dr. or include my PhD after my name?

Many thanks.

January 24, 2022 at 10:06 pm

Brenda, I can’t give you legal advice on this and you definitely need to go with what your licensing board tells you to do.

But, I would have thought that you would list your credentials as Brenda _____, PhD, LPC unless your licensing board or an attorney in your jurisdiction has told you otherwise.

I would encourage you to seek legal consultation on this and if you are told you cannot do it, I would be tempted to list under your name and credentials the following “Developmental and Counseling Psychology.”

Yours is the first question I’ve received on this topic that honestly stumps me.

Hope you’ll drop back in and let me know what advice you receive from your board and or an attorney.

Best wishes in your work!

January 2, 2022 at 10:34 pm

Hi–thank you for doing this! I have a credential listing question I don’t see here. I have a bachelor of nursing degree and a new LLMSW. (Michigan–Limited License Master Social Worker.) I have other undergrad and graduate degrees that have nothing to do with psychotherapy, but as I am working with chronic pain clients, I wonder if it’s a good idea to include my BSN in my signature: Carol Last Name, BSN, LLMSW. Thoughts?

January 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm

You do not want to include your Bachelor’s degree because your LLMSW indicates that your higher degree is actually a Master’s degree.

That means, your professional signature should be Carol Dollar Smith, LLMSW.

Thanks for asking the question!

September 30, 2022 at 8:50 pm

Hi Caro Smith, I have a B.Psy, MA in Counseling Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Organization Information and Learning Sciences (OILS). I am also an LPC Candidate working to complete my hours to become an LPC. I have been using Jemima Neddy Organ Ph.D., LPCC is this OK Please advise. Thank you

January 6, 2023 at 5:13 pm

Context matters, Jemima. Where are your working and what is the nature of your work? Is it in mental health?

February 2, 2023 at 12:39 pm

I have a similar situation. I am a LPC Candidate and should have my hours completed within the next few months. I work in the mental health field as a therapist. In the meantime, what should I do? Jayda Last Name, MSW, LPC-Candidate?

May 8, 2023 at 10:45 pm

Yes, Jayda! That’s exactly what you should do until you are fully licensed! Congrats to you!

January 4, 2022 at 1:24 pm

I am a director of social services at a nursing home. I have to sign my name and credentials daily. I have only been using SSD social services director. I do not have a degree in social services but I do have a Bachelors of Arts degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. How can I sign with those credentials also? Thanks Rachel

January 24, 2022 at 2:05 pm

Hi, Rachel – I apologize! I thought I replied to your question weeks ago but now I do not find it so I’m trying again.

Thank you for asking this question because it’s important.

Because “SSD” is not a medically approved acronym or credential, this would be a better way to document your work —> Rachel Nunlist, BA and then underneath that to spell out Director of Social Services.

It’s a lot, I know!

But, by doing so, you are ensuring that as your records fall before the eyes of other professionals in the field of medicine and also before the eyes of a court (as some of yours are likely to do so), your signature will actually demonstrate the full authority and credibility that you carry.

Thank you for showing up here!

I look forward to hearing from you again!

January 24, 2022 at 12:17 pm

Hello and thank you for this informative thread. I have recently received my license as a Qualified Mental Health Professional Adult. Since I was able to qualify for this license because I earned my MS in Counseling Psychology, I am assuming that my signature block should be MS, QMHP-A. Would this be correct?

January 24, 2022 at 1:27 pm

Hi, Stephanie! Thanks for dropping in to ask . . . .

I’m a little confused by your question because the QMHP-A and QMHP-C credential in Virginia is a registration and not a license.

Are you saying that you hold a license AND also have just earned the QMHP credential?

Or are you not licensed?

Please clarify and I’ll try to help.

February 24, 2022 at 4:19 pm

What about when you actually sign your signature above the typed signature? Do you list the whole alphabet soup or just your name?

May 20, 2022 at 2:37 pm

Oh, good question! Amanda, you sign it exactly as the typed signature. If that included your credentials – and I’m assuming it did – then you include them with your written signature.

March 7, 2022 at 11:47 pm

I’m making a sign for my office, and the sign makers wanted to put my credentials on a separate line so it reads like the following:

YJ Doe MFT, ATR-BC

My gut instinct says to have them try to fit everything in one line but I can’t find any guidance on this. Is there a recommendation either way? Thanks so much!

May 20, 2022 at 2:26 pm

YJ – had a computer crash and only now finding your post.

This actually looks great!

Your other option for that sign – and it’s entirely your personal preference – is to spell out those credentials.

Either way, it’ll look great!

March 13, 2022 at 6:45 am

I am a LMSW and have a BA certificate. I also was trained in EMDR, TF-CBT. Do I put: LMSW, BA, EMDR

April 5, 2022 at 10:50 am

I have a BS in psychology with minor in SW. I have worked in the social work arena from DCS to Juvenile Court. I am now employees with the school system as a Life Coach. What is the proper way to abbrev my BS degree?

May 20, 2022 at 11:06 am

Sandra, the only credential you have noted is your Bachelor’s degree.

So . . . “Sandra Smith Williams, BS” would be your signature; if you are creating business cards, you might want to add “Life Coach” on the line below – but that does not appear to be a credential – simply a title you have been given.

Thank you for the work you do!

December 22, 2022 at 2:32 pm

Hi Tamara, I”m creating my business card…I have a bachelor degree in psychology and a certification as ITDS. Is correct put my name and BS. And them ITDS . Or psychologist? Thanks for your help!!!

January 6, 2023 at 4:37 pm

Diana, what is ITDS? I’m not familiar with this acronym.

May 10, 2022 at 6:54 am

Hey Tamara! This article was really helpful, but I want to make sure I do this correctly. I am currently a school counselor and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHC-A) in the state of North Carolina. I want to honor both titles in my disclosure statements to clients and families. How would I write my name? Thanks! Taylor

May 20, 2022 at 9:40 am

Hi, Taylor! Thanks for dropping in to chat!

Your only license is as an LMHC-A so that goes first.

So, when you are signing a note in a students record, it would be Taylor Robinson, LMHC-A.

But, if you are signing a letter or creating your business cards, you could add a line underneath your signature / name that includes “School Counselor.”

Please let me know if you have additional credentials that you might want to include.

September 1, 2022 at 11:19 am

Hello! I am licensed in 5 states right now, and will probably have a couple more by the end of the year due to the kind of work I do. I am unsure how to list all of these. I dropped the MA.Ed. because there are so many licenses. Should I put the state after each one for clarity like so:

LPC (OR, AK), LMHC (IA), CPC (NV), LCP (MT), CADCIII (OR)

May 10, 2023 at 11:16 pm

Stephanie, can you please let me know the type of work you are doing?

And, are you asking how to show your credentials on a business card? On a website? On letterhead? In a bio? For an introduction given by someone else? Or used somewhere else?

I ask because the answers are different depending on the location. 🙂

I look forward to helping you when I hear back!

September 6, 2022 at 10:26 pm

If I obtain a PsyD in psychology and an MA in counseling, is my signature block: Cassandra McGinnis, PsyD, LPC

January 6, 2023 at 5:15 pm

YEP! That’s perfect, Cassandra! Thanks for showing us how it’s done!

September 15, 2022 at 6:29 pm

We need to include of registration number in CA for any type of advertisement. I am trying to figure out if I need to write it out as:

LCSW(number)

or add a space:

LCSW (number)

January 6, 2023 at 5:14 pm

Hi, Nicole! Try this –> Nicole LastName, LCSW #45763

October 19, 2022 at 7:23 am

I am a recent graduate with my Master of Arts in Education degree. School Counseling was my course of study. I live in Ohio. I have passed the licensing OAE. How would I list my credentials. Is there even initials for licensed school counselors?

I have not found any info when researching and I am lost how to do this correctly. I do not have a mental health or clinical license. I do however have a NPI number as I was a QMHA at my previous job as a case manager for a mental health company.

Can you help? How should I list my name?

Thank you soooo much!! Tara Mowery

November 27, 2022 at 5:58 pm

Tara, without doing the research here, I don’t know the answer to some of your questions. This is a perfect thing to ask your state professional association. And, if you are not already a member of it, it’s probably time to join! If you get those answers, feel free to drop back in here and share them with us. I’m sure there will be others reading and wondering the same thing!

October 23, 2022 at 12:40 am

Hello! I received my MBA in 2018, and in two weeks, I will be receiving my MSW. In my state of Michigan, you have to apply for a limited license before you can apply for full licensure. So, I will have my LLMSW, would my credentials be Jacque, LLMSW, MBA or Jacque, MSW, MBA? I also do not know where I am going to be working yet.

November 27, 2022 at 5:52 pm

Hi, Jacque! Thanks for asking this! You have not indicated that your MBA will be directly in support of your work as a social worker, so you would want to omit that from your professional signature. I realize that you worked long and hard to obtain it . . . and may have a ton of business-related experience that you are bringing with you into the field of social work. And, it is hard for those coming into mental health as a second, third, or even fourth career to let those credentials sit quietly on the sidelines. However, the professional thing to do here is to list your credentials in the field ie. “Jacque LastName, LLMSW.” And, then when you are fully licensed it will change to “Jacque LastName, LMSW.”

November 9, 2022 at 1:26 pm

Hi Tamara…This is an amazing resource and I am so glad I found it! I have a unique situation that I don’t think was covered in the article or comments. I’m a School Psychologist in VA. I hold a VA educator license, LPC in DC, and a PhD in school psychology. I will be joining a practice in VA to do life coaching with young professional (no client overlap with my full time job in VA schools). I live in DC and will be working mostly virtual with this new practice. I need to get business cards with this practice and was thinking of using “First Name Last Name, PHD.” What do you think? Thanks so much! RKW

November 27, 2022 at 5:41 pm

RKW, I think this sounds perfect! Thank you for the work you are doing! You are changing the world!

November 16, 2022 at 9:35 pm

Hi! I have a question about the “only three credentials” rule. If I have a MS, am a licensed professional counselor associate, am a NCC, and a NCSC how should I list it? Should I leave off the MS, but include my license, and both certificates through the NBCC , or should I include the MS, and my license, but list the NCC and NCSC as NCC/NCSC (or in another format)? I’d hate to not include both of my certifications as a national certified counselor and as a national certified school counselor. I’m not sure how to best highlight my accomplishments (specifically on my resume, on my signature on my professional email, and on my letterhead/business cards. I would be grateful for any recommendations. Thank you! -Allie B

November 16, 2022 at 10:29 pm

Tamara- After reading your response to the prior post it reminded me what I forgot to add in my post: my license as a school counselor. Oops! So I have: MS in School Counseling I am a Licensed School Counselor, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, I am NCC, and I am a NCSC. How on earth do I list (and honor) my accomplishments on resume, professional communications, and letterhead/business cards without coming off as obnoxious? Your advice would be greatly appreciated! -Allie B.

January 6, 2023 at 5:03 pm

Go, Allie, go!!! WOW! That’s a lot!

Please hear me when I say that you have choices; there is not just one right way.

However, consider that at some point, those who have worked really hard to accrue several credentials, may end up looking like alphabet soup follows their names.

In an attempt to prevent that from happening, I would encourage you to pick 3 to follow your professional name.

Context matters so I am assuming (but may be wrong) that you work primarily as a school counselor.

I suggest you drop the MS entirely because I am assuming every credential that you list here requires one; so anyone who knows you have one of these credentials, knows that you also were required to first have a master’s degree.

Licenses always trump certifications.

Which has required more training and or more experience – your LSC or your LPCA?

I imagine but do not know that would be your LSC.

That means that would be your first credential to list after your name and the other license would then follow.

When it comes to your two certifications, again . . . which one required more effort, took more time, and / or is related closest to the context of the work you are doing?

That is what I would list as your third credential in professional signatures on emails, letterhead, and business cards.

As for your resume and professional introductions or even bios when you are speaking publicly, by all means let those who are introducing you list off ALL of your accomplishments that are mental health related!

November 19, 2022 at 12:31 am

If I am registered as a CADC-R , bc I’m not fully credentialed…is it appropriate to use Katy Fanning, CADC or should it be Katy Fanning, CADC-R?

November 27, 2022 at 5:31 pm

Katy, this is such a great question. You should only use CADC-R until you are fully credentialed. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in!

December 8, 2022 at 3:17 pm

Hi! Thanks for your helpful post! I have a follow up question. My MA in Counseling was from a theological school in the department of Practical Theology. My PhD has nothing to do with counseling, but it is also in practical theology. Can I use my PhD alongside my MA? Thanks!!

January 6, 2023 at 4:51 pm

Hi, Sara! Thank you for asking this.

I know you’ve worked long and hard to earn those degrees!

But, in my experience, context matters.

If you are practicing in the field of mental health, then you will only want to use the specific degrees and credentials that are directly related to mental health.

As I understand your degrees, you would ethically and legally want to write your professional name and credentials as Sara LastName, MA and omit your totally-relevant-but-not-mental-health-related PhD while working in mental health.

I know it’s not what you want to hear but I want you to make a fully informed choice about this aspect of your profession.

Blessings to you on your journey!

December 15, 2022 at 10:18 am

I have a question, I have a license as an LPC in both Texas and Oregon, however, I recently was approved as an LPC-S in Texas, but have not applied for the Supervisor status in Oregon. How should I indicate this LPC-S (TX), LPC (OR)? Or do you have another suggestion for how to indicate these two licenses?

Thank you, Tabitha 🙂

January 6, 2023 at 4:44 pm

Tabitha, that is exactly how I would list it –> Tabitha Hipp, LPC-S (TX), LPC (OR).

Your other option would be to list your name and then write out the credentials indicating supervision only in TX and that you are an LPC in both.

December 19, 2022 at 8:07 pm

I have a Masters in Education and a masters in counseling with a limited license, LLPC along with a certification CADC. I’m not sure how to put the credentials after my name. I’ve done this.

Tammy M. Thompson MEd., MA LLPC, CADC

Looks wrong to me?

January 6, 2023 at 4:42 pm

Hi, Tammy! Thank you for dropping in to chat!

Assuming your credentials actually require master’s level training, then you will want to drop your MEd.

The exception would be if your primary work is in the field of education (rather than counseling).

If you are working in the field of mental health (including teaching in mental health), then you would want to list your professional name as Tammy M. Thompson, MA, LLPC, CADC.

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Wharton Stories

How to prepare a strong phd application.

Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School outline a few tips to help you navigate the PhD application process.

It’s no secret the application process can be intimidating. Where do you start? What exactly are schools looking for on your application? What materials do you need to submit? Doctoral candidates and departmental coordinators at the Wharton School have outlined a few tips to help you navigate the process.

Don’t Delay the Process

A successful PhD applicant starts thinking about their application months or even years before the deadlines. For Alejandro Lopez Lira , a third year student in Finance, the application process began a year before he actually submitted the paperwork. He said, “I spoke to my advisors way before, like one year before, about my letters of recommendation, where to apply, everything involved in the process.”

Each program has different requirements, which can make for a tedious process. Karren Knowlton , a third year in Management, said, “I took a little while to draft a personal statement. I had my mom, who teaches creative writing, and a few other people that I trust just read over it. Then you have to tweak it for different schools because they want slightly different things.”

Taking time to prepare your application is critical. Starting the process sooner rather than later gives you several advantages:

• It allows your letter of recommendation writers enough time in advance to thoughtfully prepare a letter that speaks to who you are as a PhD candidate.
• It gives you more time to review your materials, fix any errors, and proofread, proofread, proofread.
• Finally, it means a lot less stress when the deadline starts rapidly approaching. By planning ahead, you’ll have a much smoother process applying.

Get Letters of Recommendation

Prof. Matthew Bidwell , who previously served as the doctoral coordinator for the Management program , said a common mistake he sees are letters of recommendations from employers. Although he said it is impressive to see work experience, having an employer write a letter is not the best choice.

“We don’t pay very much attention to those because rightly or wrongly, we worry that they’re not looking for the kinds of things that we’re looking for,” he said. “If you have one, it’s not a disaster, but when you see people with two or three — most of their recommendations coming from their work — that kind of heightens our concern. You’re committing to a fairly specialized career, do you really know what that career entails?”

Instead, he suggests getting to know an academic who will be able to write a recommendation attesting to your ability to manage doctoral-level research and work.

Include Research/Work Experience in Your Field

Each program has a unique set of criteria to evaluate applicants, but several doctoral coordinators agree that some research and work experience in your field of interest will strengthen your application overall.

Prof. Fernando Ferreira , doctoral coordinator for the Business Economics and Public Policy and Real Estate programs, thinks work experience can be useful in demonstrating an applicant’s abilities. He said, “Any work experience after undergraduate school is important. If that experience is more related to research it’s even better, but work experience in general is always good.”

Prof. Guy David , doctoral coordinator for the Health Care Management & Economics program , thinks that work experience benefits applicants in terms of giving them a broader view of business. “Work experience creates retrospection about how the world works, how organizations make decisions, and how people function in various situations,” he said.

However, he warns that spending too much time away from an academic setting can have its drawbacks too. “It may lead people to start their PhD later when they are not in the habit of immersing themselves in rigorous studies and have a shorter horizons to develop a name for themselves,” he said.

Although having both research and work experience can strengthen your application, you will not be denied entry because you are lacking either.

Prof. Bidwell said, “I think research experience does give us some confidence that people have some idea about what it is that we do. In terms of work experience, I think we don’t have a strong view. We quite like work experience, but we also take people straight out of undergrad.”

Prepare for the Standardized Tests

Most PhD programs require students to take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Having high test scores is a key part of an application as it tests skills learned over the course of many years in school. Quantitative skills are especially important when applying to doctoral programs in business areas. Much like any other standardized test, the GRE requires preparation.

Karren, who took the GRE twice to ensure her scores were high enough, offered advice to those who may be struggling. “I would absolutely recommend practicing the writing beforehand. Look up examples and have your outline structured,” she said. “So much of it is just getting the right structure and how you formulate your arguments so knowing what they’re looking for is key.”

Test prep can be time-consuming, but like anything else, practice makes perfect. There are multiple text books and online sites to help you prepare for the exam. Karren aimed to improve her math scores the second time she took the GRE and recommended this site to help strengthen math skills.

Taking advantage of resources to help you study can limit the number of times you need to take the GRE while ensuring you score high enough to remain in the applicant pool.

Watch a Webinar with Former Wharton Vice Dean Catherine Schrand

Posted: August 4, 2017

• Admissions and Applying
• Advancement and Transition

Doctoral Programs

Start your doctoral journey.

Whether you’re just starting your research on PhD programs or you’re ready to apply, we’ll walk you through the steps to take to become a successful PhD candidate.

Deciding to get a PhD

You might be surprised to find out what you can do with a PhD in business.

Is an Academic Career for You ? What Makes a Successful PhD Student

Preparing for the Doctoral Path

The skills, relationships, and knowledge you need to prepare yourself for a career in academics.

How the PhD Program Works How to Become a Successful PhD Applicant

Choosing the right program

What’s the difference between PhD programs? Find out how to choose one that fits your goals.

What to Consider When Choosing a Doctoral Program What Differentiates R1 Universities?

Starting an application

Tips for a successful application process.

Application Requirements Preparing Your PhD Application

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• How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal | FindAPhD.com

How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal

Written by Mark Bennett

You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it.

It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD, the proposal demonstrates the actual PhD you plan to do. Of course, being able to effectively plan and explain a research project is one of the key qualifications for being able to complete one, which is why the proposal is such an important part of the PhD application process.

Thankfully, the secret to writing a good research proposal isn't complicated. It's simply a case of understanding what the proposal is for, what it needs to do and how it needs to be put together.

On this page

What is a phd research proposal.

First things first, do you need a research proposal for your PhD? It depends on the kind of project you want to do:

• If your PhD is advertised by a university, you probably won't need to submit a research proposal for it. The broad aims and objectives for your PhD will already be defined: you just need to prove you're the right person to do it.
• But, if you're proposing your own research topic to research within a university's PhD programme, you will need to write a proposal for it (the clue is in the word "proposing")

As a rule, advertised PhDs are very common in STEM subjects, whereas Arts, Humanities and Social Science students are more likely to propose their own PhDs.

Some PhD programmes actually wait and ask students to develop their research proposal during the degree (usually after they've completed some initial training). This is normal in the USA , but it's becoming more common for some UKRI-funded UK PhDs.

For the purposes of this guide we're going to assume that you do need to write a good research proposal for your PhD application. So let's explore what's involved in that.

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What should a research proposal for PhD admission include?

It's natural to be a little intimidated at the thought of structuring a PhD proposal, particularly if you've never written anything like this before.

But here's the thing: a research proposal isn't a fiendish test designed to catch you out and stop you ever doing a PhD. It's actually much more boring than that.

All a research proposal really is is a document that demonstrates three things:

• Your PhD is worthwhile
• Your PhD is feasible
• You are capable of completing it at this university

Or to put it even more simply: the PhD is worth doing, it's doable and you can do it.

Demonstrate your PhD is worthwhile (the what and the why)

A successful PhD project has to make a significant original contribution to knowledge. If it doesn't, it won't meet the criteria for a doctoral degree and will probably fail the viva exam .

Your PhD proposal itself doesn't have to meet those criteria (or pass a viva!) but it does need to indicate that your PhD project eventually will.

It does that by first demonstrating that your research topic is original. That means nobody else has studied this same topic (or one very similar) before.

There are all sorts of ways a PhD can be original. You might examine new data or primary sources, to look at existing material from a fresh perspective, or deal with the impact of new events. It doesn't matter how your project is original, so long as your proposal is really specific about what makes it original.

You also need to explain why your proposed research will be academically significant. To do this properly, you'll need to acknowledge relevant existing scholarship and explain how your research will relate to it. You don't need to be exhaustive at this point, but you should be able to show how your PhD will contribute to its field and – ideally – indicate some of the gaps in knowledge it will aim to fill.

The final step in demonstrating your PhD is worthwhile is to suggest what will become possible as a result of your research. How could other researchers use or build upon your results? What might closing those gaps in academic knowledge mean for audiences outside the unviversity?

Demonstrate your PhD is feasible (the how)

It isn't enough just to show that your research is worth doing; it also needs to actually be doable.

The length of a full-time PhD is around three to four years in most countries (it's longer in for a PhD in the USA , but you don't spend all that time doing research).

Three years may seem like a long time, but researching a PhD is a lot of work and you'll probably spend at least some of your time on other activities like teaching, conference presentations or even publication.

So, one of the things your proposal needs to do is demonstrate that your project is feasible: that it fits within the scope of a PhD.

The most important criteria for this is to be clear about what you plan to do. It should be obvious from your proposal what the scope of your project is – what is and isn't included within it.

You also need to outline how you plan to go about your research. Where will you start and what order do you expect to proceed in? Is the logic for that obvious? If not, it's probably a good idea to explain it.

Finally, you need to explain the methodology you plan to use. This could include techniques for collecting data and sources, theoretical perspectives for analysing them – or both. You may also need to detail specific equipment you expect to use or fieldwork you'll need to undertake (including trips to archives or other external resources).

None of this needs to be exact or completely final. The key word here is 'plan' – but you do need to have one.

Demonstrate that you can complete it at this university (the who and the where)

So far we've thought about the project itself: what makes it worth doing and how it's going to get done. But your proposal also needs to address the who and the where: why are you the right person to carry out this research, and why do you want to do it at this particular university?

The first part of this is easier than it probably looks. Writing a good research proposal demonstrates enthusiasm for your project much more convincingly than simply saying you're very interested in it (a classic case of 'show, don't tell').

You also don't need to repeat your grades and academic achievements (other parts of your PhD application will cover those). Instead, try to underline experiences that relate to this project. Has a particular module or Masters dissertation topic prepared you with useful subject knowledge or methodological skills? If so, highlight it.

It's also fine, within reason, to be honest about the skills you don't have and to identify your training needs. This shows you're being practical about your project and thinking seriously about what it will require. Just make sure you can realistically acquire the skills and training you need within the time available (this goes back to the feasibility).

Showing your project is a good fit for the university is also relatively simple. There should already be some reasons why you've chosen this university for your PhD so make sure you explain what they are. Perhaps there's a particular supervisor you'd like to work with , or facilities and resources your research could use. The key is to emphasise the fit between the project and the university – so don't just say you want to research there because it's highly ranked .

PhD research proposal structure

Hopefully the above sections have given you a few ideas for the things your proposal needs to include. Let's be honest though, the scariest thing about a proposal isn't deciding what to include: it's actually writing it.

But, if we flip that on its head, we remember that all a research proposal really is is a piece of writing that follows a pretty standard format. And that's a lot less scary.

Research proposal structure

Because proposals for PhD all have to do the same things, they mostly follow a similar structure. Yours will probably go something like this:

• Title – Keep it simple and descriptive: the clever alliteration and quotes can come later when you write up your thesis. For now, you just want the person reading this to know exactly what your research is about and, perhaps, which prospective supervisor to send it to.
• Overview – Start by defining your research question (the what) and explaining how it contributes to current work in your field (the why). This is also a good place to reference one or two pieces of scholarship: the full literature review can wait until your PhD begins, but you should show that you have some understanding of relevant academic research.
• Methodology – Make sure the reader understands the practical and / or theoretical approaches you'll take to your research. What data will you collect, how will you collect it and how will you analyse it? Ideally refer to relevant research methods and models. It's also a good idea to provide some sort of roadmap for how you'll go about things. Don't worry, you can change it later (and you will).
• Outcomes and impact – What will exist as a result of your research (other than just another PhD on a library shelf) and what will it make possible? You don't need to identify every specific outcome from your project (blue sky research is fine) but you should think about what some potential outcomes might be.

You probably won't need to include a specific conclusion - it should be obvious, by now, what your project is doing, how you're going to do it and why that matters. A quick summary sentence is fine though, if you think it will help.

Writing tips

Being able to effectively communicate academic concepts, ideas and results is a key skill for PhD research in all subjects . Think of your proposal as a chance to demonstrate this.

The good news is that the key principles of good proposal writing aren't that different from other work you've probably done as a Bachelors or Masters student:

• Be clear – The person reading your research proposal should know exactly what it is you're proposing to research, with no room for ambiguity and confusion. This is important on a practical level (they need to know where to send it) but it's also important to the success of your application: a confusing proposal suggests a confused project. Try having a friend read it and ask them "do you know what it is I'm proposing to do here?" (even if they don't understand the details).
• Be concise – You will have more ideas than you can include in your proposal. That's fine. Choose the best ones and leave the others for your interview .
• be coherent – Follow something like the structure above. Don't start with your methodology, then say what it is you want to research.

How long should a PhD research proposal be?

Honestly? As long as the university asks for it to be. Most will have guidelines and you should follow them closely if so.

If you honestly can't find a suggested word count for your proposal, then consider asking a prospective supervisor . If you still aren't sure, aim for somewhere between 1,000-2,000 words .

As a very general rule, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences are a bit longer than STEM proposals (and a lot of STEM students don't have to write one anyway, as we've explained).

Research proposal for PhD admission - dos and don'ts

Research proposals are a popular topic over on the FindAPhD blog , where we've shared stories of how students wrote theirs , along with mistakes to avoid and a counter-intuitive look at the things a PhD proposal doesn't actually need to do .

Here are a few general tips and mistakes to avoid:

#1 Give yourself enough time to do a good job

Preparing to write a PhD proposal takes time and effort. None of this is wasted as the process of evaluating and framing your ideas for a proposal will improve your project plan immensely. So will the need to decide which ideas to include.

But you need time and space to do that, so make sure you get it. How long it will take to write your PhD proposal is heavily dependent on your personal working style, but you'll likely need to give yourself at least a few weeks to do a good job.

#2 Set out to impress

A good proposal isn't a begging letter. You're approaching the university with a great idea that's going to contribute to and enhance their research. Be honest, be realistic, but don't be unnecessarily humble. They should want you and your project.

#3 Demonstrate original thinking!

You may not need to present original research findings yet, but your proposal does need to present original ideas – and it should be clear why and how those ideas are original.

Make sure you indicate how your project is going to expand, enhance or even correct existing work in your field. Remember that making an "original contribution to knowledge" is a key part of what a PhD is .

#1 Send the same proposal to several universities

A good proposal needs to explain why you want to do your research at a particular university. That's a big part of the feasibility (the fit between project, person and place) and methodology (how are you going to use this university's equipment and archives; when and where will you need to travel).

It's OK to apply to more than one university in parallel, but, in that case, you're writing research proposals .

#2 Use online proposal templates (without evaluating them first!)

It can be tempting to search for PhD proposal samples on the internet, but make sure you evaluate what you find. Some websites may host old proposals from previous PhD students, but there's no way of knowing how relevant these are to your subject and university – or if they were even successful! More 'generic' research proposal examples can offer guidance, but they won't be tailored to your specific project.

The best place to look for a PhD proposal sample is your university. Consider asking your supervisor if they can share a good proposal from a previous student in your subject – or put you in touch with a current student you can ask.

#3 Confuse the proposal with the PhD

We've covered this on the blog , but it's simple enough to include here too.

You're setting out to do a PhD, but you (probably!) haven't done one yet. So you don't need to include research findings, in-depth analysis or a comprehesive literature review. You need to make a case for the research and analysis you want to do.

#4 Ignore your university's help and guidance

The advice on this page is necessarily quite general. We're considering adding guides to writing PhD proposals in specific subjects in future but, for now, the best place to get specific advice for your academic field is probably the university you're applying to.

See if you can get some subject-specific tips by contacting a supervisor , or just checking with the admissions team for your department.

And remember: if they give you a structure and a word count, stick to it.

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We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Getting ready to apply for a PhD? Our guides explain research proposals, references and entry tests for doctoral programmes.

Our guide explains how to contact a potential PhD supervisor to discuss your proposal or ideas with them before applying.

A checklist of the things you'll need to do when making an international PhD application, from meeting the entry requirements to sorting out your visa.

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Ph.D. or PhD: which is correct?

What is the correct abbreviation for phd answered. .

How to spell PhD? Is it Ph.D. or PhD?

Answer: both are correct, Ph.D. and PhD are correct abbreviations of Doctor of Philosophy or the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor . Apart from these two, another correct abbreviation is DPhil. 

PhD and Ph.D. abbreviations explained 

Although both, PhD without periods and Ph.D. with periods are correct, currently the language is evolving into a more simplified spelling. The current tendency is to write PhD rather than Ph.D. (similarly to the spelling of ‘pm’ instead of ‘p.m.’)

Now let’s look into some examples. 

How to write Ph.D. on a business card?

Examples of ph.d. and phd on business cards.

• Jane Fox, M.D., Ph.D.
• Adam Murphy, PhD
• Charles Newman Ph.D. Candidate Department of Geology

How to use Ph.D. in a sentence? 

Examples of phd and ph.d. usage in a sentence.

• John is currently working towards his PhD. 
• Sylvia has a PhD in chemistry. 
• A PhD is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities.
• His current PhD research focuses on second language acquisition. 

How to write Ph.D. in a signature?

Examples of ph.d and phd in signatures.

• Timothy Smith Ph.D. in Psychology Cambridge University 
• Deborah Williams, PhD CEO, Brilliant Ideas 

You may also like:

• It’s and its – the difference explained 
• Which is correct: west London or West London? 
• East, west, south, north – capitalise or not? Answered. 

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What should a proper email signature look like for graduate students?

So far, what I have is

I'm especially confused about the "title". I'm not sure if it should say "Graduate Student", "Research Assistant", or "PhD Candidate".. What do you think is more appropriate?

• graduate-school

• 29 is this necessary? under what circumstances? if you are emailing someone for the first time you need to introduce yourself to him in the text. –  seteropere Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 17:43
• 2 Concentrate on good, easy to read, body content that is correct and gets to the point and you will gain respect irregardless of the precise form of the signature line(s). Like most truisms, this has limits that are left as an exercise for the reader. –  Paul Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 4:31
• 3 This is also a useful debate for what to put on your business cards. –  bobthejoe Commented Apr 3, 2013 at 8:47
• 3 Just on a side note: while in academia you can spend hours and days meditating about what to put in a signature, I was told by my industry employer to put my degrees (to project the thought leadership) and my phone number (so that people could call me and figure out their research questions). So please have some mercy for the long signatures, sometimes it is a corporate policy -- I've seen corporate emails where people have fancy corporate logo graphics in signatures that weigh 50k... that's 1000x the information content of the email itself :) –  StasK Commented May 23, 2013 at 3:01

11 Answers 11

I'm not in academia, but my email signature looks like this:

If someone wants to know my name, it's sent in email headers and shows up at the top of the messages. If someone wants to know where I work, they can look at the part of my email after the @ sign.

And of course, if I'm contacting someone for the first time, I'll tell them who I am and why I'm contacting them in the body of the message, so there's no need to repeat it at the end of the message.

Here's an article similar to the one that convinced me to stop doing this. Basically, by including a signature, you make it harder to read an email. This is normally just annoying, but it becomes extremely frustrating in long email chains or mailing lists, since no one bothers removing signature when they quote people. So, save everyone the trouble and don't send it in the first place.

• 6 “since no one bothers removing signature when they quote people” — if you really think removing all signatures is the good solution to people not quoting appropriately, you might also go one step further and advocate avoiding email altogether :) –  F'x Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 21:17
• 6 I like to see some basic information in signatures, so I'll explain why point by point: 1. “the part of my email after the @ sign” — gives some basic information, but not always as clear… if I read, for example uts.edu.au it's not immediately clear to me what the institution is (apart that it's in Sidney). Sure, I can look it up, but why not give me this basic information? 2. Not giving a link to your webpage: people can sure google you, but if your name was John Smith or Jin Wu, you might change your tune! –  F'x Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 21:21
• 2 Your email signature is entirely appropriate for most. (In fact, I use the same signature.) But the OP needs something appropriate for a graduate student and it is ----- "Will Work for Food" –  emory Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 12:38
• 21 Any decent email client will strip out properly formatted (hyphen-hyphen-space-newline) signatures when quoting, replying etc. The main problem is that kids these days don't know how to properly format a .sig :) –  calum_b Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 17:31
• 5 @BrendanLong most emails I sent are not addressed to individuals, but to mailing lists… where you just don't introduce yourself to every newcomer, yet it may be useful to have a bit of information about you in the email –  F'x Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 22:27

Keep it simple.

For initial , formal communication with people who don't already know you, adding a bit more identifying information is reasonable, but keep it short:

If you don't think that's enough, introduce yourself in the body of the email. If somebody wants your physical address, they'll ask you (or Google).

• 5 If someone wants your name, they'll look at the top of the message where all email clients display it.. –  Brendan Long Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 18:54
• 8 @BrendanLong no, not always… I have my own account, and I maintain accounts for conferences I co-organize, etc. So, if the person who writes you is [email protected] , including a signature (like “John Smith, on behalf of the organizers”) is a good thing. –  F'x Commented Mar 29, 2013 at 21:24
• 5 @BrendanLong: I think of "signing" the bottom of the email like signing the bottom of a paper letter. The signature isn't there to provide information; it's there to signal (to the human recipient) personal ownership of the content. –  JeffE Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 19:44
• 2 @JeffE depending on how common your name is, Google may or may not be useful –  F'x Commented Mar 31, 2013 at 7:32
• 2 including postal address and phone number is useful because it can save two mails (the query and the reply). –  henning no longer feeds AI Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 19:38

Keeping it short, simple and provide only useful information:

Four lines is already a lot, don't exceed it. You may not want the phone number (people from inside your university probably have access to a corporate directory, and people from outside would not usually call you except if you set up a call meeting).

• 39 You have quite an unusual concept of "four". :) –  Federico Poloni Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 17:18
• 18 And "short". And for that matter, "useful". –  JeffE Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 19:46
• 1 "people from outside would not usually call you" - I am not sure where that assumption comes from (unless it is a personal preference that you explicitly do not wish to be called). –  O. R. Mapper Commented Apr 30, 2015 at 10:01

Mine looks like this:

That's basically all the relevant information, packed into the traditional 4 lines / 80 characters and preceded by the correct dash-dash-space-newline sequence. (Yes, I know that academic signatures often break that old rule these days, but I'm kind of a traditionalist about that. Besides, not having a foot-and-a-half-long e-mail signature is just plain common courtesy. The dashes help many e-mail readers recognize the signature and render it differently, and also omit it when quoting the message.)

I haven't actually included any mention of my position in the group, although there would be room to append " doctoral student " or " graduate student " after " M.Sc. " if I wanted to. It's not really as relevant as noting that my current highest degree is Master of Science, though, which already implies that I'm probably a grad student and not e.g. a postdoc or a faculty member. Anyone who wants to confirm that can just look me up on our group's website, anyway.

I also have a shorter signature, which just says:

I use that mainly for informal correspondence with people I already know, who don't really need to be reminded of all the extra details in the full signature.

• 5 +1 for the old school dash-dash-space and "no more than 4 lines" –  Federico Poloni Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 20:11
• 1 +1, although including the email-address is redundant. including postal address and phone number is useful because it can save two mails (the query and the reply). including the institution is useful, because it isn't always possible to tell from the email-address. –  henning no longer feeds AI Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 19:37
• 2 @henning: The e-mail address is redundant until someone prints out the e-mail without the headers, or forwards it to someone else in a broken way (e.g. copy->paste->send), so that the header information is lost. Yeah, that shouldn't happen, but I've learned never to overestimate the technical skills of senior faculty. –  Ilmari Karonen Commented Jun 17, 2015 at 21:00

A link to a profile page that makes it clear you're a grad student should be enough. Putting your phone number and address in every email seems unnecessary.

I'd stick with:

I prefer to keep email a bit more casual. Granted, most of the people I email are folks with whom I am already acquainted, so there is no need for introductions. But I typically leave the signature even when contacting someone for the first time, if for no other reason than to convey a bit of my personality.

A signature is the equivalent of a letterhead. It makes it easier to contact the sender on other channels without the need to inquire for details (and thus saves a mail and a reply). RFC 1855 defines a maximum of four lines, with 80 characters each. Originally, this was due to bandwidth constraints.

Today, this restraint just makes an email easier to read (less noise), as Brendan cautioned . The answer by F'x almost hits the sweet spot between too much and not enough information. Ilmari's answer also follows the convention laid down in RFC 3676 to divide the body and signature block by -- \n (hyphen-hyphen-space-newline). So far everyone failed to mention PGP, which recently has become more important than ever .

The following example combines all criteria:

One more thing: Please, never use an image or other attachment as a signature. I never know whether the attachment is a substantial part of the mail or just a fancy signature.

Personally I hate signatures, I see it as trying to make a superficial impression based on a title. Better to have a personal friendly connection with the people you work with both clients and colleagues, they will know you and the quality of your work.

But on my last work place my boss demanded that I add a signature, because it creates superiority in his words ( i believe he is a jerk but that's beside the point), which looked like this:

So you need to ask yourself what is the purpose of your signature based on who is your target audience.

If it's for applying for work, you have all your information in your cover letter and CV. If I were you I would drop the signature, but if you insist on having one than the "Research Assistant" is your best option.

• 2 my boss demanded that i add a signature in his words it creates superiority — Your superiority, or his? –  JeffE Commented Mar 30, 2013 at 19:46

My signature includes my name, current job title, affiliation and website. It is short, fits on one line and gives the recipient a short summary of me and a link to more information such as publications, projects and teaching material. I don't like long signatures or signatures with images.

John Doe , Assistant Professor @ RandomUniversity | Web: ru.edu/doe

Mine (and that of about everyone in my department - professors, postdocs, and PhD candidates alike - who bothered to find the respective option in their e-mail client, as it is roughly the format suggested by the recommendations for all employees at my university) looks like this (here with placeholders):

-- name and degree affiliation (in my case: department and university) address room number of my office phone number e-mail work website

This is optimized to cover basic identification and all generally applicable ways to contact me:

• name and degree: Who am I? (when writing to someone who doesn't know me, and who would like to know whether I'm a student, a research assistant, a professor, ..., a biologist, an engineer, ...)
• affiliation: On behalf of what (kind of an) organization am I writing?
• address: In case the recipient wants to contact me by physical mail, or travel to meet me.
• room number of my office: In case the recipient actually wants to meet me (and, in the case of students who want to be supervised, probably the most important part of the address information).
• phone number: In case the recipient wants to call me.
• e-mail: In case the recipient wants to send an e-mail after printing out the contents of the e-mail (and thus not having any access to header data).
• work website: Contains all of the above information, but requires an extra step, an internet connection at the time when the recipient wants to look at the information, and is not directly included in print-outs of the e-mail, so it's unsuitable for totally replacing the other information.

Unfortunately, other forms of communication are not standardized enough to warrant inclusion there. There is a dozen of wide-spread instant messenging networks, and another dozen of widely used social networks with a communication feature, so there is no reasonable way to pick one that the recipient is likely to use (if they have any such account at all).

Some universities have "branding strategy", and therefore ask every employee to use the same template. If this is the case in your university, you should definitely use it.

Here are examples from Augusta University , University of Washington , University of Florida , Northwestern University , Seattle University , etc.

As for your title, I would chose "Graduate Student", to me that's the most accurate description of your status.

• My university is one of those that has a corporate branding scheme, so I use it where appropriate. (For students I’m teaching or supervising, or with departmental colleagues, I omit it.) –  aeismail Commented Mar 9, 2018 at 22:33

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Top Tips for Academic Writing from PhD Candidates

20 Mar, 2024 | Blog Articles , Get the Edge

Faissal, DPhil Clinical Neurosciences

“When it comes to writing for your academic project, remember that staying organised is super important! You’ll have to record, research and cite your sources, which you definitely don’t want to do in one go at the end. Using a reference manager like Paperpile or Zotero will help you keep track of your sources and cite them properly in your papers.

Instead of trying to write perfect sentences right away, you might find it useful to start by making a rough outline with bullet points. Then, add in facts, quotes and other information from your research to build your paper.

Also, don’t forget to separate the writing process from editing. Focus on getting your ideas down on paper first, and you can work on making your writing sound better and fixing any mistakes later.

Good luck with your writing!”

Alejandro, DPhil International Relations

“My number one tip for academic writing, whatever your level? Be concise .

Very often, students are led to think that good academic writing means using the most sophisticated, advanced vocabulary they can find. To make a piece of work more professional, it can be tempting to look for elaborate synonyms and use them in place of simple words.

However, doing this can actually prevent your reader from understanding the arguments and ideas you’re trying to put forward, and you might even get lost in your own sentences! Try to go for the simplest language, and the fewest words needed, to express an idea. Use short sentences, don’t be vague, and avoid overly complex language. Remember that academic writing is not about sounding a certain way, but about expressing your ideas clearly. Being concise, for me, is the essential first step to good academic writing.

P.S.: Don’t forget to proofread your work.”

Academic writing is always a work in progress, and your style and voice will develop and evolve throughout your studies. It also won’t be possible to apply all of these tips, all of the time, but experiment with those that appeal to you, and use them as you develop your own writing.

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