# Use of Titles **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 10, 2000, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599 "2000-03-10T16:45:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mardi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Mardi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mardi)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/1 "2000-03-10T16:45:00Z")
I was watching a goofy morning talk show and a woman came on to act as the expert on a topic. She had the title “MA” after her name. I took it that the letters stood for “Master of Arts”. (No, it wasn’t MFA. It was MA). My question is about her use of the extension. Should the MA be used like a Ph.D.? If the MA can be used, why not the BA (or BS)? If a person has a Ph.D., is his or her title actually: “Doctor Fred Jones, BS, MA, Ph.D.” My wife and I went round and round about the title, so I thought I’d put the question to all of you. * * * The snozberries taste like snozberries! ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/2 "2000-03-10T17:08:00Z")
Technically, you can put all your degrees after your name (BA, MA, PhD, LLB, etc.) and if you look at a professional journal, you’ll see the authors usually do list at least their professional degrees. In general custom (but there’s certainly no law about it) only medical doctors, dentists, veterinarians, and sometimes ministers use Dr. instead of the regular Mr./Mrs./Ms. in front of their names in everyday use. Journalistic style limits it to medical doctors, unless there’s a reason to establish someone’s acadmic credentials. The correct form is John Smith, Ph.D on first reference, and Dr. Smith thereafter. Don’t mix the degree and the term “Dr.” You’ll find the rules spelled out in etiquette books, secretarial manuals, large dictionairies and many other places. * * * I understand all the words, they just don’t make sense together like that. ---
**Author:** ![RussellM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ed8c4c/32.png) [@RussellM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RussellM)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/3 "2000-03-10T17:17:00Z")
About half of my physics PhD group call themselves Dr. in their professional lives. Within academia, use of the Dr. title is de rigeur. I now work in IT, and I still use the title professionally, but not in real life. The only construction that is frowned on is using both Dr and PhD - Dr Smith PhD. Russell ---
**Author:** ![JonF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/cab0a1/32.png) [@JonF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JonF)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/4 "2000-03-10T17:21:00Z")
The previous response is correct for the USA. In Europe and on the Pacific Rim it is much more common (and often mandatory by local custom) to include “doctor” when referring to someone who has any kind of doctorate, and often other degree-conferred titles. JonF BSME MSME ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/5 "2000-03-10T17:21:00Z")
Unless you’re in Germany. I knew a guy who had two Ph.D.'s and was “Herr Doktor Doktor McGillicudy.” The use of “MA” as a title strikes me as being a bit pretentious. Actually, the use of any titles in conversation strikes me as being pretentious. Credential, that’s different; if I’m going to have someone look down my throat, I wanna be sure it’s a licensed physician and not a person with a Ph.D. in ancient Sumerian languages. ---
**Author:** ![ReservoirDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8edcca/32.png) [@ReservoirDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ReservoirDog)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/6 "2000-03-10T17:54:00Z")
I think I’m going to start now. ReservoirDog, B.F.A. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 6:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/7 "2000-03-11T06:04:00Z")
The one place that I have seen MA used somewhat regularly is among social science professionals. A lot of people who have secured their MA in psychology and related fields can be licensed to a administer a certain level of therapy, but then need to put in time doing that licensed work before they are allowed to go back for their doctorate. When they are out “doing their job” they often stick the MA out their so that people realize that they have _some_ background. Tom~ BA OS ---
**Author:** ![NicePete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ee7513/32.png) [@NicePete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NicePete)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/8 "2000-03-11T06:19:00Z")
Maybe it just meant she had kids. * * * Frankd6, A.B., J.D. ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/9 "2000-03-11T06:21:00Z")
Reservoir Dog, Big Freaking Arsehole? … prolly wanna use that title carefully. ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/10 "2000-03-10T22:01:00Z")
Every American PhD I have seen, talked to and worked with goes by “Doctor”. Rightfully so, a PhD is a much harder degree to get than an MD. :awaiting the flames: * * * **Gypsy** : Tom, I don’t get you. **Tom Servo** : Nobody does. I’m the wind, baby. ---
**Author:** ![Cooper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@Cooper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cooper)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/11 "2000-03-10T22:45:00Z")
Professionally, sure. But in normal social situaitions…when I lived in a college dorm I once met the father of one of the other kids in my hall. He says, “Cooper, this is my dad,” and the guy holds out his hand, and says, “Hi, I’m Dr. Smith.” I thought that was kind of pretentious, or at least kind of dorky. He wasn’t an MD. ---
**Author:** ![Ursa\_Major](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/a88e57/32.png) [@Ursa\_Major](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ursa_Major)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/12 "2000-03-10T22:58:00Z")
What kinda doctor was Dr. Smith, anyway? All I remember is that he kept getting Will Robinson in all sorts of trouble. ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/13 "2000-03-10T23:30:00Z")
Whetehr or not you this it’s dorky, it is used in normal social situations, too. If you had worked 6+ years to get that title, you’d appreciate it being used over Mr. or Ms., gauranteed. Why do you feel that PhD’s who use the title more pretentious than MDs who do the same? * * * **Gypsy** : Tom, I don’t get you. **Tom Servo** : Nobody does. I’m the wind, baby. ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/14 "2000-03-10T23:32:00Z")
Let’s try that again in English Whether or not you think it’s dorky, it is used in normal social situations, too. If you had worked 6+ years to get that title, you’d appreciate it being used over Mr. or Ms., guaranteed. Why do you feel that PhD’s who use the title are more pretentious than MD’s who do the same? * * * **Gypsy** : Tom, I don’t get you. **Tom Servo** : Nobody does. I’m the wind, baby. ---
**Author:** ![Fillet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/2acd7d/32.png) [@Fillet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fillet)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2000, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/15 "2000-03-10T23:53:00Z")
Alphagene asked Cooper: > [@](#): > > Why do you feel that PhD’s who use the title are more pretentious than MD’s who do the same? I wonder if it’s just that people normally associate PhDs with academic positions bearing the title [stentorian voice]PROFESSOR[/stentorian voice], leaving the title Dr all to the medical profession. Too, maybe some folks assume that if you have a PhD but not an academic job, you somehow weren’t “good enough” and you’re using the Dr title just to sound important. (That’s not true, of course, given the present job market for many PhDs, but how would they know?) As someone who did indeed work hard for 6+ years to put “Piled higher and Deeper” after my name, I would most certainly appreciate people addressing me as Dr in professional situations, as well as more formal “social events” (i.e., conference dinners, etc.). For the neighbor down the block, I wouldn’t make a big deal out of it, although I certainly wouldn’t lie about it if asked. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/16 "2000-03-11T00:06:00Z")
Main Entry: pro·fes·sor Pronunciation: pr&-'fe-s&r Function: noun Date: 14th century 1 : one that professes, avows, or declares 2 a : a faculty member of the highest academic rank at an institution of higher education b : a teacher at a university, college, or sometimes secondary school c : \*\*one that teaches or professes special knowledge of an[.b] art, sport, or **occupation requiring skill** (my bold) Woohoo, that’s me. Master Electrician, Teacher Of the Trade. Worked 30+ years to get it. 😃 What is it with the “Esq.” for lawyers, mostly back east? Peace, mangeorge * * * I only know two things; I know what I need to know And I know what I want to know Mangeorge, 2000 ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/17 "2000-03-11T00:12:00Z")
Whoops, got so carried away, I forgot my titles. Peace, mangeorge ME TOT ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/18 "2000-03-11T00:44:00Z")
Professor is more of an occupation and not really a title like PhD or MD. Hell, you don’t even need a PhD to be one. If I met someone who went by the title “Professor” in casual conversation, I’d tell him to get busy repairing the hole in the _Minnow_. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![SingleDad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9e8a1a/32.png) [@SingleDad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SingleDad)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/19 "2000-03-11T03:17:00Z")
“Dr. Zachary Smith is an intergalactic doctor of environmental psychology and an agent for an enemy foreign government.” [The Official Lost In Space Website](http://www.lostinspacetv.com/) ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2000, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599/20 "2000-03-11T04:38:00Z")
WAAAHHH!!! I wanna title. Peace, Dr. mangeorge (always get’s what he wants) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-titles/8599.md?page=2)