How to List an Unfinished Degree on Your Resume

By Kellie Hanna, CPRW, Career Advice Expert •Last Updated: August 01, 2024

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Including an unfinished degree on your resume can be a strategic move, particularly if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. It shows your dedication to your field of study and highlights relevant coursework and skills you’ve acquired in your educational background.

This article will explain how to include an unfinished degree on your resume, why you should mention it, and provide tips and examples to help you present it effectively.

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Why you should list an unfinished degree on your resume

You should include an unfinished degree when writing your resume to showcase your commitment to education and your progress in acquiring relevant knowledge and professional skills. Mentioning an unfinished degree demonstrates to employers that you have invested time in your education and are familiar with key concepts and theories related to the field. It highlights your dedication to continuous learning and professional growth, setting you apart from other candidates who may not have pursued similar academic experiences.

Where to put an unfinished degree on your 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.

When including an unfinished degree on your resume, being honest and clear about your education status is essential. If you’re still pursuing the degree, indicate that you are enrolled

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.

Formatting tips for unfinished degrees

Clarity and honesty are crucial when listing an unfinished degree on your resume. Follow these formatting tips to ensure your educational background is presented in the best possible light.

Write the name of the school or institution.
Include the school's location.
Write the dates you attended.
Write your major course of study.
If you expect to graduate, write the expected graduation date.
Add relevant coursework or projects.
Mention any notable achievements, awards, or recognitions from your studies.
List specific skills gained through your coursework that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Include any relevant extracurricular activities, clubs, or organizations you were part of.
Mention any additional certifications or training completed during your studies.

For example:

Status: Expected Graduation: May 2025.
Major: Computer Science
Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development
Achievement: Created a fully functional mobile application for a local nonprofit organization as part of a capstone project during my computer science studies.
Skills demonstrated: Applied skills in app development, user interface design, and project management.
Extracurricular activities: Member Computer Science Club; Volunteer Tutor, Coding for Kids Program
Certification: Certified in SQL, Coursera, 2022

Pro tip: Use a resume template to ensure your unfinished degree is formatted correctly

Examples of unfinished degrees on resumes

Here are some examples to illustrate how you can include an unfinished degree on your resume:

Unfinished associate’s degree

Bozeman Community College, Bozeman, Montana, 2019 – 2020

Major: Business Administration

No degree

Coursework:

Marketing Fundamentals: Studied market research techniques, consumer behavior and marketing strategy development.
Financial Accounting: Learned financial reporting, balance sheets, income statements and basic accounting principles.

See also:

Unfinished bachelor’s degree

Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA, 2020 – Present

Expected graduation date: June, 2025

Major: Biology

Special project: "Investigating the Effects of Urban Pollution on Pollinator Health": Assessed how varying levels of urban pollution impact the health and behavior of local pollinator species, such as bees and butterflies.

University Honors Program, 2023

See also:

Unfinished master’s degree

University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ 2020 – Present

Master of Science in Data Science

Expected graduation date: May, 2023

Thesis: "Enhancing Predictive Analytics for Financial Market Trends Using Machine"

Skills learned:

Advanced machine learning techniques
Data collection and management
Data acquisition
Feature engineering
Technical indicators
Statistical analysis

See also:

Pro tip: Your resume format can make a difference in how you present your unfinished degree on your resume, so choose wisely!

Highlighting relevant coursework and skills

Even if you haven’t completed your degree, you can still highlight the relevant coursework and skills you’ve gained. This can be particularly useful if the courses align closely with the job requirements.

For example:

Relevant Coursework:

Data Structures, Algorithms, Database Management, Machine Learning

Skills learned:

Python
SQL
Data Analysis
Statistical Modeling

Addressing questions about your unfinished degree

Don’t be surprised if a hiring manager asks about your unfinished degree during ajob interview. Be prepared to explain why you haven’t completed it and your plans for the future. Focus on the coursework you have completed and explain how the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired are relevant to the job.

Emphasize the practical experience you gained through projects, internships, or relevant work that demonstrates your competencies. Highlight how your educational journey, even though incomplete, has equipped you with valuable skills and insights that make you a strong candidate for the position.

For example, if you're applying for a data analyst role and have an unfinished degree in data science, you might say:

"Although I did not complete my degree in data science, I have completed coursework in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization. In my previous role, I applied these skills to develop predictive models and create actionable insights from complex datasets. I also worked on a project where I improved the accuracy of sales forecasts by 25% using advanced machine-learning techniques. My hands-on experience has provided me with practical knowledge and a strong foundation in data analysis, which I believe will be highly valuable for this role."

This approach shows that you have effectively utilized your educational background and work experience to build relevant skills, despite not having a completed degree.

Alternative education sections for unfinished degrees

If you feel that listing your unfinished degree in the education section of your resume is not ideal, you can create an alternative section, such as "Relevant Coursework" or "Professional Development." This allows you to highlight your education without drawing attention to the fact that it’s incomplete.

Here are a few options:

Relevant coursework

Creating a "Relevant Coursework" section allows you to showcase specific classes directly related to the job you are applying for. This demonstrates your knowledge and skills in key areas without drawing attention to the incomplete degree.

For example:

Relevant Coursework

Advanced marketing strategies: Explored innovative marketing techniques and case studies from leading companies.
Data analysis and visualization: Learned to analyze complex data sets and present findings using software tools like Excel and Tableau.
Project management: Gained practical project management skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation.

See also:

Professional development

A "Professional Development" section can highlight any additional training, workshops, certifications, or seminars you have completed. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

For example:

Professional Development

Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP), Digital Marketing Institute, 2023
Leadership and team building workshop, XYZ Leadership Academy, 2022
Advanced Excel training, Online Course, Coursera, 2021

Academic projects

If you have worked on significant projects during your studies, you can list these under an "Academic Projects" section. This approach focuses on practical experience and the application of your knowledge.

For example:

Academic Projects

Market analysis for new product launch: Conducted a comprehensive market analysis for a hypothetical product launch, including competitor analysis and consumer behavior studies.
Web application development: Led a team to develop a web application for managing small business finances, utilizing HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Sustainability in business: Researched and presented a report on sustainable business practices and their impact on profitability.

See also:

Skills acquired

A "Skills Acquired" section can be particularly useful for highlighting the skills you gained during your studies. This format emphasizes your competencies rather than the completion status of your degree.

For example:

Skills Gained

Data analysis: Proficient in analyzing and interpreting data using software such as SPSS and R.
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, developed through various presentations and group projects.
Time management: Effective time management and organizational skills, honed through balancing coursework and extracurricular activities.

See also:

Continuing education

If you are actively pursuing further education, you can include a "Continuing Education" section to highlight ongoing learning efforts. This demonstrates your dedication to completing your degree or acquiring new skills.

For example:

Continuing Education

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Expected Graduation: 2025), University of XYZ
Certificate in Machine Learning, Online Program, edX (Ongoing)
Spanish Language Course, Community College of ABC (Summer 2024)

Common mistakes to avoid when listing an unfinished degree

Being vague: Always be clear about the status of your degree.
Misleading information: Never imply that you have completed the degree if you haven’t.
Omitting dates: Always include the dates you attended the program.
Lack of context: Failing to explain why the degree is unfinished can confuse potential employers.
Unclear coursework: Not mentioning relevant coursework can make it hard for employers to understand what you studied.
Ignoring relevance: Listing an unfinished degree irrelevant to the job you're applying for can detract from your qualifications.
Poor formatting: Not formatting the entry clearly can make it difficult for employers to read and understand your educational history.
Neglecting skills acquired: Overlooking the skills and knowledge gained during the unfinished degree program can be a missed opportunity to highlight your qualifications.

Key takeaways

Honesty is crucial. To maintain transparency and credibility, clearly indicate the status of your unfinished degree on your resume.
Highlight relevance: Emphasize relevant coursework and skills gained during your studies to demonstrate their applicability to the job you’re seeking.
Formatting matters: List the institution, degree program, dates attended, and current status in a clear and professional format.
Addressing inquiries: Be prepared to discuss your unfinished degree during interviews, focusing on how your educational experience aligns with the job requirements.
Alternative sections: Consider creating sections like "Relevant Coursework" or "Professional Development" if you prefer not to list your unfinished degree under education.
Common mistakes: Avoid being vague, implying degree completion, or omitting dates to ensure your resume accurately reflects your educational background.
Demonstrate commitment: Including an unfinished degree can showcase your dedication to your field and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skills.
Flexibility: even short-term or partially completed degrees can be valuable if they include relevant and transferable skills for the job.
Continuous improvement: Highlight any other ways you’ve continued to learn and develop professionally, such as through certifications, work experience, or other educational opportunities.
Professional presentation: Ensure your resume is well-organized and professional, making it easy for employers to understand your educational background and its relevance to their needs.

FAQ

Should I put my unfinished degree on my resume?

Yes, if the degree is relevant to the job you’re applying for and if you have acquired valuable skills and knowledge, including an unfinished degree can demonstrate your commitment to your field and highlight relevant coursework and skills.

How do I list an unfinished degree on my resume?

Include the institution, degree program, and dates attended, and clearly state that the degree is unfinished or that you are currently pursuing it.

For example:

XYZ University, City, State

2018 – Present (Currently Enrolled)

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Can I list relevant coursework on my resume?

Yes, highlighting relevant coursework can demonstrate your knowledge and skills related to the job. Include a “Relevant Coursework” section on your resume or incorporate these details under the education section.

How should I address questions about my unfinished degree during a job interview?

Be honest about why you haven’t completed the degree and focus on how the knowledge and skills you acquired are relevant to the job. Discuss your future educational plans if they align with your career goals.

What if I didn’t finish my degree due to personal reasons?

You can address your unfinished degree in a cover letter by focusing on the skills and experiences you’ve gained. Here’s a way to phrase it:

“In pursuing my degree in graphic design, I gained valuable knowledge and skills that I believe are directly relevant to this position. While I did not complete my degree due to personal reasons, I am eager to apply what I’ve learned and further develop my expertise in a practical setting.”

You can also briefly mention the reason if it comes up in an interview, but focus on how you continued to develop your skills and knowledge through work experience, certifications, or other educational opportunities.

Should I include the dates I attended the academic program I studied?

Yes, always include the dates you attended the program to provide a clear timeline of your education. This helps employers understand the context of your studies.

Can I list an unfinished degree if I attended school for only a short period?

Yes, you can list an unfinished degree even if you attended for a short period, as long as the coursework is relevant to the job you are applying for. Be sure to indicate the timeframe and status clearly.

How do I present an unfinished associate’s degree on my resume?

Present it similarly to other degrees, with the institution, program, dates attended, and status.

For example:

Portland Community College, Portland, OR

Associate of Arts in Business Administration

2019 – 2021

What are common mistakes to avoid when listing an unfinished degree on a resume?

Avoid being vague about the status of your degree, implying that you have completed it when you haven’t, and omitting dates. Be clear and honest to maintain credibility.

Can I create an alternative section for my unfinished degree?

Yes, if you feel that listing your unfinished degree in the education section is not ideal, you can create an alternative section such as “Relevant Coursework” or “Professional Development” to highlight your education without drawing attention to its incomplete status.

Can a resume template help me effectively showcase an unfinished degree on my resume?

Yes! Using a resume template to showcase an unfinished degree can be an excellent way to clearly and professionally present your educational background. Try one of our customizable resume templates to get started today!

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Kellie Hanna, CPRW

Career Advice Expert

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Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.

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