How to Effectively List Your Degree on a Resume: A Complete Guide
When you’re crafting your resume, one of the most important sections is your education. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or someone with years of experience, the way you list your degree can influence your chances of landing your next job. But, knowing how to format your education section, list degrees, or even the appropriate phrasing can be tricky. In this article, we’ll cover how to write your degree on a resume, how to list your major and minor, and all the nuances that can help your resume stand out in today’s competitive job market.
Why is it Important to List Your Degree on a Resume?
Including your degree on your resume isn’t just a formality; it’s an essential part of showcasing your qualifications. Employers often look for certain educational credentials before considering candidates for interviews. Whether it’s a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or associate’s degree, making sure you list it properly can help recruiters quickly understand your educational background. So, let’s get started on how to properly list your degree and other important details!
How to List a Degree on a Resume: Step-by-Step
The Basics of Listing Your Degree
First things first, let’s cover the essential information you need when listing your degree:
- Degree Type: Make sure to include the full name of your degree—whether it’s a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), or a Master’s degree. Always spell out the full name (e.g., Bachelor of Science, not B.S.).
- Institution: Always list the name of the school or university you attended.
- Graduation Date: Include your graduation date or expected graduation date. This tells employers when you finished or plan to finish your degree.
- Major and Minor: If applicable, include your major and minor. For example, “Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Minor in History.”
Examples of How to List Your Degree on a Resume
Here are some examples to help you understand how to format this section:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of California, May 2020
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, Expected Graduation: 2024
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Harvard University, 2022
- Associate of Arts in Psychology, ABC Community College, 2018
How to List Your Degree if It’s Still in Progress
If you haven’t completed your degree yet, don’t worry! You can still list your current educational status on your resume. Here’s how to present it:
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University, Expected Graduation: 2024
- Master’s in Data Science, ABC University, In Progress (Expected Graduation: 2025)
Listing “in progress” can indicate that you’re actively working on completing your degree, which shows initiative and determination to potential employers.
Should You Include Your GPA on Your Resume?
While it’s optional to include your GPA, many job seekers choose to do so when it’s impressive (usually above a 3.5). If you decide to include your GPA, place it below your degree information.
Example:
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, University of Chicago, May 2020
- GPA: 3.7/4.0
If your GPA is lower or irrelevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s best to leave it off.
Do You Need to List Your High School Degree?
For most job applicants with a college degree, listing your high school education isn’t necessary. If you have a higher degree (such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree), you should focus on those educational achievements. However, if you’re early in your career or still completing your degree, listing high school can be an option.
Formatting Your Education Section: Best Practices
The education section should be clean and easy to read. Here are a few tips:
- Keep it concise: Include only relevant details such as your degree, institution, graduation date, and major.
- Organize in reverse chronological order: Your most recent education should come first, followed by previous degrees.
- Use bullet points: Bullet points are effective in making your resume visually appealing and easy to skim.
Example:
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Education
– **Master of Arts in History**, University of XYZ, 2023
– **Bachelor of Science in Biology**, ABC University, 2019
How to List a Degree When You’ve Completed Multiple Degrees
If you have multiple degrees, list them all in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree. You can list each degree with its relevant information (degree type, school, date of completion).
For example:
- Master of Science in Computer Engineering, XYZ University, 2021
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, ABC College, 2018
This format helps highlight your educational journey and demonstrates your academic commitment.
How to Format Degrees from Foreign Institutions
If you studied abroad or completed a degree from a non-domestic institution, make sure to mention the country where the institution is located. If necessary, add the degree equivalency to make it clearer for employers.
Example:
- Bachelor of Business Administration, University of London, 2020 (equivalent to B.A. in the U.S.)
How to Include Your Degree on Your Resume for a Specific Job
Depending on the job you’re applying for, tailor your degree section to highlight what’s most relevant. For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing, your Bachelor of Arts in Marketing might be more relevant than your other degrees. Focus on your most relevant educational qualification.
Including a Double Major on Your Resume
If you completed a double major, make sure to clearly list both degrees. Here’s how you can do it:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Psychology, XYZ University, May 2018
A double major shows versatility and depth of knowledge, which can appeal to a wide variety of employers.
How to List a Minor on Your Resume
If you’ve completed a minor, include it next to your major. Here’s an example:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry, XYZ University, May 2019
A minor adds more depth to your qualifications and can help you stand out.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Your Degree
- Not capitalizing the degree properly: Always capitalize the full name of your degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, not bachelor of arts).
- Listing unnecessary details: Avoid adding too much detail that isn’t relevant. Stick to the essentials.
- Misspelling or incorrect formatting: Ensure you spell out your degree fully and use the proper format (e.g., Bachelor’s degree, not Bachelors degree).
How to Write Your Master’s Degree on a Resume
When writing a master’s degree on your resume, include the full name of the degree (e.g., Master of Science, Master of Business Administration), the institution, and the graduation year or expected graduation date. This is similar to how you would list a bachelor’s degree.
Example:
- Master of Science in Data Analytics, XYZ University, 2022
Conclusion: Best Practices for Listing Your Degree on a Resume
In conclusion, listing your degree on your resume is essential to show your qualifications and skills. By following the proper format, avoiding common mistakes, and tailoring your education section to the job you’re applying for, you can create a strong and professional resume. Remember, your education is a critical part of your career story, so make sure to present it well!