How to List a Degree on Your Resume

Accurately and effectively listing your educational background is crucial when crafting your resume. This guide provides comprehensive instructions on how to list a college degree on a resume — including bachelor's, associate's, master's, dual, and unfinished degrees — to enhance your resume and improve your chances of getting hired.

Why listing your degree on your resume is important

When writing your resume, display your degree to demonstrate your qualifications, areas of expertise, and commitment to education. Displaying a degree on your resume tells employers you have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and theoretical foundation for the role. It highlights your commitment to continuous learning and professional development and distinguishes me from other candidates who may lack similar qualifications. 

Where to place your degree on your resume

Typically, your degree information should be placed in the education section of your resume. This section is usually located after your work experience unless you are a recent graduate or your education is particularly relevant to the job, in which case we recommend you display it first.

Use this resume example as inspiration to start or update your resume, or browse our collection of resume examples for more ideas on how to list your degree

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How to format your degree information

When formatting your degree information, follow these guidelines:

• Write the name of the school or institution.
• Write your degree and major.
• Add your graduation date or dates attended. If you are still in school, write the date you expect to graduate. 
• Add relevant coursework or projects for added impact. 

For example:

How to list a bachelor’s degree

When listing a bachelor’s degree, provide the completed degree information, the institution, degree type, and graduation date.

For example:

How to list a master’s degree

When listing a master’s degree, include the completed degree information, the institution, degree type, and graduation date.

For example:

How to list an unfinished degree

If your degree is incomplete, be honest and clear about its status. Include the institution, degree type, dates attended, and expected graduation date, if applicable.

For example: 

How to highlight honors and awards with your degree

If you received honors or awards, list them with your degree to highlight your measurable accomplishments.

For example: 

How to include relevant coursework and projects 

For recent graduates or those with less work experience, including relevant coursework and academic projects can demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

For example:

How to list online degrees with certifications

Online degrees and certifications should be listed similarly to traditional degrees, ensuring you include the institution and any relevant details.

For example:

See also:  Project Managmeent Skills: Examples for Your Resume

How to list multiple degrees

When listing multiple degrees on your resume, list them in reverse chronlogical order, with the most recent first. Include the institution, degree types, graduation date or dates attended  and expected graduation dates for each program.

For example:

Education

Tips for listing degrees for different job titles

Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for by highlighting the aspects of your education most relevant to the job. 

Below are some examples of how you might list a degree on a resume for various job titles. We recommend using a resume template to organize your education credentials professionally and effectively. 

Example for an IT role:

See also:

• IT Skills for a Resume (Examples & Tips)
• 100+ Essential Technical Skills for Your Resume & Tips to Showcase Them
• 100+ Computer Skills for Resumes (and How to List Them)

Example for a marketing role: 

See also: Marketing Resume Examples & Templates

Example for a finance role:

See also: Best Finance Resume Examples

Example for a healthcare role:

See also: 

• Healthcare Skills (Example & Tips)
• Nursing Skills: Examples and Tips for Your Resume

Example for an engineering role:

See also:

• Engineer Resume Examples & Templates
• Engineering Cover Letter Examples & Templates

Example for an education role:

See also:

• Education Resume Examples & Templates
• Teacher Skills for Your Resume (Examples & Tips)

Example of a human resources role:

See also: 

• Human Resources Resume Examples & Templates
• HR Skills for Your Resume (Examples & Tips)

Example for a hospitality role:

Education

See also:

• Cover Letter Examples for Hospitality
• Top Hospitality Service Resume Examples

Example for an environmental science role:

See also:

• Best environmental resume examples

Example for a construction management role:

See also: 

• Construction Skills for a Resume (Examples & Tips)
• Construction Resume Examples & Templates
• Management Skills: Examples & Tips for Your Resume

Common mistakes to avoid when listing your degree