What to include in the degrees list

• It is recommended to only include the highest degree(s) or certificates for each author.
• Academic degrees below the master’s level are usually excluded unless they are the highest degree held. 
• Specialized degrees, licenses, certifications, and credentials below the master’s level may be included if relevant (eg, RN, CHES).
• Bachelor’s degrees may be listed if they are in a field unrelated to the author’s higher degree.
  • Example: If an author holds a BPharm and an MPH, both may be listed.
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MRCS, FRCS) may be included if they are relevant to the study. For a comprehensive list of recognized postgraduate medical qualifications, refer to the https://www.gmc-uk.org/registration-and-licensing/join-the-register/before-you-apply/acceptable-postgraduate-qualifications
• A degree or credential should be listed for all authors whenever possible.
  • Exceptions may be made for authors without formal degrees (e.g., undergraduate students, patient partners).

What not to include in the degrees list

• Do not include fellowship designations and honorary degrees.
• Do not list degree candidacy (eg, “PhD (c),” “PhD (cand.),” “PhD (ABD)”) — only completed degrees should appear.
• Do not include degree specializations or concentrations in parentheses. Incorrect: MSc (Geography), MD (Pediatrics). The following cases are exceptions to this rule:
  • Grad diplomas like Grad Dip (Geoinformatics)
  • Board certifications
• Do not include job titles such as “Professor/Prof” or “Doctor”/”Dr” as a degree
  • Degrees such as Prof Dr, Dr med, PhD, Dr rer, Dr med, Dr rer nat, and Dr sc med, are acceptable.
• Honours-level bachelor’s degrees (eg, BSc [Hons]) are acceptable and should be listed in the same format as other degrees, without periods or additional punctuation.
• Any unusual degrees will be verified with the authors during the production process.

Formatting degrees

• Do not put periods or spaces in degree abbreviations. Correct: MSc, MPH, MD, PhD; Incorrect: Ph.D., M.P.H., M Sc
• Author degrees should be sorted from lowest to highest in the metadata form (”MPH, PhD,” not “PhD, MPH”). Use the up and down arrow buttons in the metadata form to change the order, with the lowest degree on the top.

See also:

• How should I enter author affiliations?
• How do I edit article metadata before publication?
• How do I add a Group Author?
• What is an ORCID, why is it mandatory to have one, and how can I get one?
• As submitting author, where do I enter the ORCIDs of my coauthors?
• As a co-author, how do I add my ORCID to the manuscript metadata?