Should I put PhD after my name on my resume?

Asked by: Elody Cassin  |  Last update: August 6, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (14 votes)

In the U.S., the most common practice is to include just your highest degree after your name, so for you, PhD.

Should I put a PhD on my resume?

You should definitely include the PhD program on your resume, especially if it relates to fields that you are applying to. Where you most likely want to address this issue is in your cover letter.

Do you write PhD after a name?

The first time a name is mentioned in narrative text, use the suffix (e.g., John Smith, Ph. D., spoke at the event.) For subsequent referrals to the name, you need not repeat the suffix (e.g., Dr. Smith spoke about religion in South America, or Smith was pleased to speak to so many of our students.).

How do I mention PhD doing in my resume?

Key Points
  1. Adding it to your education section.
  2. Listing your PhD correctly, whether finished or in progress.
  3. Including your research and work placements as experience.
  4. Describing your PhD with the correct information.

Should I put my degree after my name on my resume?

You write your academic credentials after your name in academic or professional situations. You do not list it when your degree(s) is/are not relevant. For example, I list my graduate degree in a program when I am an instructor or panel participant in my field.

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33 related questions found

Do people put their degree after their name?

In a formal first reference to a faculty or staff member, use the person's formal first name and last name followed by degree (if applicable) and lowercased job title. If the individual routinely uses his or her middle name, include it.

Should I put a degree I didn't finish on my resume?

An unfinished degree should go in the education section of your resume. Typically, this section follows your work experience unless you are applying for your first job, in which case we recommend you display it first.

How many years of experience is equivalent to a PhD?

When the equivalency is allowed, a Ph. D./Doctorate is generally considered 2 years of relevant experience. This means that if someone has a Ph. D./Doctorate degree this would equal 8 years of experience if they have a high school diploma and vice versa.

What do you call someone who is working on their PhD?

student. To sum up, a doctoral student has been accepted into the program and is currently working through their coursework. In contrast, a PhD candidate has completed their coursework and is writing their dissertation.

What is the title of someone doing a PhD?

During the studies that lead to the degree, the student is called a doctoral student or PhD student; a student who has completed any necessary coursework and related examinations and is working on their thesis/dissertation is sometimes known as a doctoral candidate or PhD candidate.

Can I call myself Dr. if I have a PhD?

A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master's degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor. These are the social and physical scientists who conduct and evaluate published research. A PhD degree is normally obtained after six to eight years of hard work past the bachelor's degree.

What is the difference between a doctorate and a PhD?

While a PhD focuses on academic research, a professional doctorate makes a significant and original contribution to furthering professional practice. A professional doctorate consists of coursework and a thesis of between 70,000 and 100,000 words.

What is the salutation for a PhD holder?

If you are asked to respond to Mary Smith, Ph. D., the salutation should be "Dear Dr. Smith:". If you are asked to respond to a medical doctor, address the letter and envelope to Edward Smith M.D., but the salutation should read, "Dear Dr.

Do you put PhD after your name?

From Dr. Vicki Johnson: In the U.S., the most common practice is to include just your highest degree after your name, so for you, PhD.

Does having a PhD make you credible?

Reputation Building

Jokes aside, earning a PhD earns you credibility. Employers, whether within academia or off-campus, understand the discipline, knowledge, and tenacity required to complete a doctoral program. In most cases, completing a PhD program is enough for others in your field to consider you an expert.

Should you add PhD to LinkedIn name?

Lastly, including your PhD title on LinkedIn can help you build your professional network. People with similar academic backgrounds may be more inclined to connect with you, as they may share similar research interests or have experienced similar challenges in their academic journeys.

Is having a PhD prestigious?

Upon completion, PhD holders are recognized as experts in their field and are often qualified for careers in academia, research, and other professional settings where advanced knowledge and research capabilities are highly valued.

What do you call yourself if you have a PhD?

Contracted "Dr" or "Dr.", it is used as a designation for a person who has obtained a doctorate (commonly a PhD). In past usage, the term could be applied to any learned person.

Can I put a PhD student in my signature?

An email with an appended PhD student email signature lends credibility and legitimacy to your message. In this article, we will list some tips on how to sign an email professionally by creating a proper email signature for your formal email communications.

Are two master's degrees equivalent to a PhD?

Summary. A second Master's degree will provide you with specialist knowledge in various subjects in your field. A doctoral degree will provide you with research skills and expert knowledge in a single topic within your field.

How old are you when you graduate with a PhD?

A PhD takes twice as long as a bachelor's degree to complete. The average student takes 8.2 years to slog through a PhD program and is 33 years old before earning that top diploma.

Do employers prefer experience or education?

While 65% of jobs require postsecondary education, many managers still consider internships, employment during college, and volunteer experience more important than GPA or relevant coursework when evaluating a candidate's readiness for a job.

How far back should a resume go?

Generally, experts recommend keeping about 10-15 years of work experience on your resume, but that guidance changes depending on your professional history.

Is it OK to leave a degree off your resume?

You can remove your degree if it's not relevant to the job or if it makes you appear overqualified. However, be cautious—leaving off a degree could confuse recruiters or raise questions about gaps in your resume.

Can jobs tell if you don't have a degree?

Employers verify education by requesting diplomas, sealed transcripts, or contacting educational institutions directly.