Abbreviations and acronyms
Abbreviations and acronyms are used to refer to many of the
programs and organizations of the University, as well as many
of the associations with which the University is affiliated.
It is generally acceptable to use an abbreviation in the lead
sentence or paragraph of an article, provided that the full name
is introduced not later than the second paragraph. Except for
the lead sentence or paragraph, always identify programs, organizations
and associations by their full names in the first reference in
any correspondence or publication. The only exception to this
rule applies to programs and organizations that are more commonly
known to the general public by their abbreviations than by their
full names, such as FBI, IBM and NCAA.
Use of periods
Periods are not used in acronyms.
MAC (Mid-American Conference) - no periods
Periods are not used in abbreviations containing three
or more letters.
USA, WMU, USPS, SSN - no periods
U.S. - use periods
Periods should always be used in abbreviations of academic
degrees.
B.A., B.B.A., Ph.D., Ed.D.
There are no spaces in abbreviations with internal periods.
U.S., Ph.D., a.m.
Abbreviations for Western Michigan University
Acceptable abbreviations may be used after the full name Western
Michigan University has been introduced. Remember that the full
name is usually introduced on the front cover of WMU publications
and in the letterhead of University correspondence. Therefore,
while it may still be desirable to include the full name in the
text of a correspondence, it is not necessary to use the full
name in the first reference. The letterhead has already introduced
the full name.
Acceptable abbreviations are: WMU, the University,
Western and Western Michigan. Any and all may be used in University
writing. When using "Western Michigan," however, be
certain that it refers clearly to either the University or the
region.
The preferred abbreviation is WMU, because it is the
most specific to Western Michigan University and also the shortest
and most versatile.
Do not use the athletic mascot as a reference to the
University in general. Do not use: Bronco student services, Bronco
course offerings, Bronco College of Fine Arts. Do not refer to
WMU as "the brown and gold," even in sports references.
Do not write: "The brown and gold will host Michigan State
in baseball this weekend."
Correct abbreviations for academic degrees
The following are the correct abbreviations for many of the
degrees offered by WMU, past and present. This is not a complete
list of degrees offered.
B.A. Bachelor of Arts
B.B.A. Bachelor of Business Administration
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
B.M. Bachelor of Music
B.S. Bachelor of Science
B.S.E. Bachelor of Science in Engineering
B.S.M. Bachelor of Science in Medicine
B.S.W. Bachelor of Social Work
M.A. Master of Arts
M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
M.D.A. Master of Development Administration
M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts
M.M. Master of Music
M.P.A. Master of Public Administration
M.S. Master of Science
M.S.A. Master of Science in Accountancy
M.S.E. Master of Science in Engineering
M.S.W. Master of Social Work
Ed.S. Specialist in Education
Ed.D. Doctor of Education
Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
D.P.A. Doctor of Public Administration
Litt.D. Doctor of Letters (honorary)
LL.D. Doctor of Laws (honorary)
2C.T. Two-Year Teaching Certificate
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