Why Is Magna Cum Laude Capitalized (Or Not) A Critical Question For Your Professional Image
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Securing your dream job, gaining admission to a top university, or closing a crucial sales deal all hinge on effective communication and meticulous attention to detail. When you've earned academic distinctions like "magna cum laude," showcasing this achievement correctly can significantly enhance your professional image. But a common pitfall lies in a seemingly simple question: is magna cum laude capitalized? The answer isn't just about grammar; it's about conveying professionalism, precision, and respect for established conventions.
In this guide, we'll unravel the mysteries of "magna cum laude" capitalization, ensuring your impressive academic record always shines in the most appropriate light, whether on your resume, LinkedIn, or in an interview.
What does "magna cum laude" mean, and why is magna cum laude capitalized (or not)?
Before diving into capitalization rules, it's essential to understand the honor itself. "Magna cum laude" is a Latin phrase meaning "with great distinction" [4]. It's one of several Latin honors (others include "cum laude" for "with honor" and "summa cum laude" for "with highest distinction") awarded by colleges and universities to recognize students who have graduated with superior academic performance. These honors typically reflect a high GPA, often within the top percentile of a graduating class.
Understanding its meaning clarifies that "magna cum laude" is a descriptive phrase, not a proper noun like a specific degree title. This distinction is fundamental to answering why is magna cum laude capitalized (or not). Because it's a descriptive phrase, standard English grammar rules generally dictate that it should not be capitalized unless it's at the beginning of a sentence or part of a formal title or certificate.
When should you capitalize "magna cum laude," and when is magna cum laude capitalized incorrectly?
The primary rule regarding "magna cum laude" is straightforward: treat it as a descriptive phrase, not a proper noun.
Lowercase in General Text: Always write "magna cum laude" in lowercase when used in general text or professional communication, unless it begins a sentence [2][3][5]. For example: "She graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Berkeley."
No Italics: Generally, do not italicize "magna cum laude" either, as it has become a commonly used phrase in English academic contexts [3][5].
Exceptions: The only instances where "magna cum laude" might be capitalized are if it starts a sentence (e.g., "Magna cum laude was awarded to...") or if it's part of an official, formal title on a specific certificate or document where all significant words are capitalized for stylistic reasons. These exceptions are rare in professional communication like resumes or interviews.
Contrast with Degree Titles: It's important not to confuse the capitalization of Latin honors with that of full degree titles. While "magna cum laude" remains lowercase, degree titles like "Bachelor of Science" or "Master of Arts" are capitalized [1][2][3]. The field of study (e.g., "economics" or "psychology") is typically lowercase unless it's a proper noun (e.g., "English Literature").
Correct: Bachelor of Arts in Economics, magna cum laude
Incorrect: Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Magna Cum Laude
This careful distinction shows attention to detail and adherence to professional writing standards.
Why is correctly using "magna cum laude" important, and why is magna cum laude capitalized a concern for your professional image?
Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and how you speak in interviews are all reflections of your professional brand. Misrepresenting an academic honor, even through incorrect capitalization, can subtly undermine your credibility.
Professionalism and Attention to Detail: Correctly listing "magna cum laude" signals that you pay attention to detail and understand professional communication standards [4]. In fields where precision is paramount, this can be a quiet but powerful indicator to potential employers or admissions committees.
Clarity and Credibility: Using the correct format ensures your impressive educational credentials are presented clearly and without seeming pretentious or careless. When you're asked about your academic achievements, how you articulate "magna cum laude" should reinforce, not detract from, your accomplishment.
Avoiding Distraction: A capitalization error can be a minor distraction that might draw an interviewer's eye for the wrong reason. You want their focus to be on your achievements and qualifications, not on a grammatical oversight.
Consistency: Adhering to standard style guides (like the Chicago Manual of Style or AP Style, which most universities and professional organizations follow) demonstrates consistency in your communication.
Ultimately, getting the capitalization right for "magna cum laude" is a small effort with a significant return, contributing to a polished and professional presentation of your accomplishments.
How should you list "magna cum laude" on your resume and LinkedIn, and how is magna cum laude capitalized (or not) in these contexts?
Presenting your academic honors effectively on your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial. Here's how to ensure you get it right:
Resume:
Placement: List "magna cum laude" immediately below or after the relevant degree in your "Education" section.
Formatting: Use lowercase and generally do not italicize.
Example:
Avoid redundancies. There's no need to add "degree" after Bachelor of Arts [4].
LinkedIn Profile:
Education Section: Navigate to your "Education" section. When adding a degree, there's usually a field for "Grade" or "Honors." This is where you would accurately input "magna cum laude."
Consistent Formatting: Maintain lowercase and avoid italics, just as you would on your resume. This consistency reinforces your professional image across platforms.
What are common mistakes when discussing "magna cum laude," and why is magna cum laude capitalized incorrectly by many?
Many individuals, even those with excellent academic records, make common mistakes when referring to "magna cum laude." These often stem from a lack of awareness of specific style guidelines or confusion with other capitalization rules.
Incorrect Capitalization: The most frequent error is capitalizing "Magna Cum Laude" as if it were a proper noun or a specific course title. This is why the question is magna cum laude capitalized is so prevalent. As established, it should almost always be lowercase.
Unnecessary Italics: While some might think italicizing Latin phrases is standard, "magna cum laude" is so commonly used in English academic contexts that italics are generally not required [3][5].
Mixing Rules for Degrees and Honors: Capitalizing the degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts) but then incorrectly capitalizing the honor (Magna Cum Laude) due to a mistaken belief that all parts of the academic achievement should be treated equally.
Awkward Oral Delivery: During interviews, some candidates might stumble when verbally mentioning "magna cum laude" or over-explain it, making it sound boastful rather than a proud achievement.
Redundancy: Adding "degree" after the degree type, e.g., "Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, magna cum laude." The term "Bachelor of Arts" already implies a degree [4].
Being aware of these common pitfalls ensures you present your distinction with precision and confidence, further enhancing your professional brand.
Beyond capitalization, what are key tips for discussing "magna cum laude" in interviews, and how is magna cum laude capitalized (or not) in verbal communication?
While the written form focuses on whether is magna cum laude capitalized, verbal communication requires a different kind of precision. Here’s how to effectively discuss "magna cum laude" in professional settings:
Be Concise and Factual: If asked about your academic performance, state your honor clearly and briefly. For example: "I graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology." You don't need to over-explain the Latin phrase, as most professional audiences understand its meaning.
Connect to Skills: Instead of just stating the honor, link it to relevant skills. "Achieving magna cum laude required strong dedication, critical thinking, and time management skills, which I believe will be valuable in this role."
Practice Delivery: Rehearse how you'll mention your honors so it comes across naturally and confidently, not boastfully. Your tone should be matter-of-fact and professional.
Context is Key: Only bring up your Latin honors if it's relevant to the conversation or directly asked. While it's an impressive achievement, forcing it into a conversation where it doesn't fit can seem out of place.
Verbal Capitalization (or lack thereof): In verbal communication, the rules of capitalization don't apply directly. You simply say "magna cum laude" as a phrase. The goal is to use the exact phrase to demonstrate familiarity and professionalism.
By following these tips, your "magna cum laude" honor will serve as a strong asset, highlighting your dedication and academic excellence without any grammatical missteps.
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What Are the Most Common Questions About is magna cum laude capitalized?
Q: Should "magna cum laude" be capitalized on a resume?
A: No, it should almost always be lowercase. It's a descriptive phrase, not a proper noun or degree title [2][3][5].Q: Do I italicize "magna cum laude" on my resume or LinkedIn?
A: Generally, no. While a Latin phrase, it's common in academic contexts and doesn't require italics [3][5].Q: Is "Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude" correct?
A: Yes, this format is correct. The degree title is capitalized, and the honor is lowercase [4].Q: When is "magna cum laude" ever capitalized?
A: Only if it begins a sentence or is part of a very formal, stylized title on an official certificate [3][5].Q: Does capitalizing "Magna Cum Laude" matter to employers?
A: It matters for demonstrating attention to detail and professionalism, signaling a strong command of written communication [4].Q: How should I pronounce "magna cum laude" in an interview?
A: Pronounce it clearly as "mag-nuh coom law-day." Focus on a confident and natural delivery.[1]: https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/capitalization/capitalization-of-academic-degrees/
[2]: https://styleguide.umbc.edu/capitalization/
[3]: https://www.bu.edu/brand/guidelines/editorial-style/academic-degrees/
[4]: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/magna-cum-laude-on-resume
[5]: https://comm.sl.ua.edu/communications/writing-best-practices/
