Kenna Griffin

Kenna Griffin

A practical resource for writers.

Oklahoma City University

Writing Academic Departments

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There are just some things you are guaranteed to reference when writing about a university or on an education beat.

I wrote last week about how to write academic degrees. This post is on the related subject of referencing academic departments.

Oklahoma City UniversityAccording to the Associated Press Stylebook:

Use lowercase when writing about academic degrees, except when using words that are proper nouns or adjectives.

For example, I work in the department of mass communications. We have a lot of fun in the mass communications department. She teaches in the department of English, which also is fun.

Capitalized the department name only when it is the full, official, formal name.

For example, I work in Fake University’s Department of Mass Communications.

It seems, according to AP Style, that you do not capitalize “department” unless you include the university name as well. I see this done incorrectly a lot, but the overall rule is pretty simple.

Now go forth and use words correctly!

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About the Author

Kenna Griffin

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above (typically those to books) may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I promise that I only recommend products or services I use personally and think will provide you value. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”