resume education format

How to List Education on a Resume in 2022 (With Examples & Tips)

Not sure what degree to list? If you should include a GPA? It just so happens that there's a variety of ways to effectively list your eduction.

The education section of a resume may not always be the star of the document but knowing how to properly list your education can be essential for advancing into the next phase of the hiring process.

In this guide, we will cover all the ins and outs of crafting an education section for your resume. 

We'll cover the following:

• What to Include in an Education Section?

Tips for Listing Degrees (College, High-School, GED)

Listing incomplete education.

• Where to Include Education on a Resume?

What Employers Look for in an Education Section

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job.

What to Include in an Education Section

As we've covered, different formats of resumes may require different information to be included within an education section.

In general, there is some basic information that should be included within the education section of a resume:

• The name of the school — "e.g. Georgia Institute of Technology"
• The location of the school
• Your degree ( high-school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, etc. )
• Graduation year ( if applicable )
• Major field or department of study (if applicable )
• Minor field or department of study (if applicable and relevant )
• GPA ( If you're a student or graduates who held lower GPAs, this bit of information may be good to omit unless specifically requested by the employer )

Here's what that looks like for and university grad:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA B.S. in Computer Engineering, 2006 - 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

For high-school students, you can do something like the following:

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA High School Diploma, Graduated in 2010 GPA: 3.9/4.0

Remember, including a GPA  is optional. Only add it if it's required by the job listing or it's relatively high. If your GPA is low (under 3.5), it's better to just leave it out.

Listing Education with Limited Work Experience

In resumes that have limited or no work experience , as may be the case with college students or recent graduates, the education section may be a good opportunity to show off educational achievements instead.

Additional information that can be included in longer education sections can include:

• Internships completed as part of a curriculum 
• Academic awards or sponsorships
• Relevant coursework
• Academic assistantships with professors or other academic professionals

As covered, in documents such as CVs the education section could be fairly lengthy.

However, the education section for most resumes will be one of the shortest sections.

This is mostly because standard resumes will be used for entry-level or mid-level positions, while longer-form resumes like the CV will only come into play for more prestigious or hard to obtain positions. 

It is much more important to show either a robust work history or detail relevant and transferable skills, using your education as support rather than the main point of interest. 

Here are some quick tips for deciding what educational information to include in a resume:

1) When including professional hobbies and extra curricular activities, it is important to keep relevance in mind

Incorrect: Do not include information about sports clubs or other clubs that cannot be connected back to your qualifications for a job.

Correct: If you held leadership positions in clubs or other extra-curricular activities, this can be useful information to include to highlight non-paid leadership or management experience.

Keep your descriptions simple and concise

Incorrect: Including long-winded and wordy paragraphs explaining the relevance of a certain piece of information. If a piece of information is relevant, it should be easily explained in one, simple sentence.

Correct: Use bullet points to separate bits of information to keep your resume easy to read or skim.

The readability of a resume can be the defining factor of whether or not a job recruiter or potential employer moves the candidate into the next phase of the hiring process.

As such, using clear and concise wording and formatting is essential for not just the education section, but for all sections. 

Here are a few tips for different formatting options depending on the level and type of education you have completed.

1) Adding High School and GED on Resume

• If your highest level of education is a high school diploma or a GED, this should still be included as there are many jobs that are open to high school graduates as well as college graduates.
• Generally, this type of education section should be kept short and sweet. Listing that you have received either a diploma or a GED should be sufficient.
• If you have recently graduated high school or received your GED, including additional high school-related achievements may be beneficial (such as leadership positions, honor roll awards, athletics, etc.)

2) Adding Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees on Resume

• When listing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree on a resume, always include the name and location of the institution, as well as the date or expected date of graduation.
• While the education section should still be kept short, inclusion of any collegiate level academic achievements, such as honor societies or dean’s lists, can be useful to include.
• Don’t go too crazy including coursework of extracurricular information – stick to including the most relevant information. 

3) Adding Graduate School or Doctoral Programs on Resume

• Graduate and doctoral students may feel inclined to always include this information; however, it is important to be wary of including too much academic information in scenarios where it may render you overqualified for the position.
• Graduate and doctoral information is more likely to come into play for candidates seeking higher level positions at the management level. 
• For candidates seeking jobs in academic or scientific fields, a CV-style resume and longer-form education section providing higher level of details regarding graduate or doctoral programs may be necessary.

4) Adding Certifications on Resume

• In some cases, a candidate may not have attended college but may have completed a trade school or other program that resulted in various certifications. These certifications should be included when relevant.
• Certifications such as CPR or First Aid can be useful to include in most resumes, although they should perhaps be saved for a separate certifications section .

5) Listing Incomplete Education on Resume

Incomplete education can be tricky to include in a way that sounds positive — as such, if you have incomplete education, be wary of your wording and avoid words such as “incomplete” or “unfinished.” Instead try to do the following:

• Include relevant coursework or credits earned during your duration of education before the point of departure from the institution.
• Omit any wordy or lengthy explanations of why the education is incomplete. 

However, we've seen this be a common problem that many candidates have. Continue reading below to see how to effectively list education that is left incomplete. ‍

In some cases, a job applicant may have a partially-complete or incomplete educational credential they want to list on their resume.

Incomplete education can result from a variety of circumstances, including:

• A person who is still in the process of earning their diploma, GED, or degree, but has not yet earned the credential or graduated.
• A person who started a degree and completed relevant coursework, but ultimately did not finish the degree program.
• A person who chose a different career path than what they studied for, but still has relevant coursework for the new career path.

When listing incomplete education on a resume, it is important to stay highly mindful of how you are wording your limited educational credentials — as words such as “ unfinished ” or “ incomplete ” are not ideal to include within a resume. 

Here are some quick examples on how to properly list incomplete education in the education section of a resume:

For applicants who are in the process of completing a degree, it is important to note the expected timeframe of completion.

Incorrect: ‍ B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Not yet complete

Correct: B.S. in Communications University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Expected graduation May 2021

For applicants who began a degree, but ultimately did not complete the degree, it is key to be mindful of how you frame the education you did receive. 

Incorrect: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC

Why is this incorrect? Sure, this example indicates you, at some point, attended a university.

However, it provides no insight as to what relevant coursework or studies you may have completed.

Here's the correct way to describe your educational experience instead:

Correct: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC Completed 20 credits towards a BS in Communications

Alternatively: This could be a good opportunity to include a bulleted list of relevant coursework.

For applicants who did not complete high school, it is important to note if you either earned a GED or are in the process of earning a GED.

Incorrect: ‍ Watauga County High School Boone, NC Incomplete

Correct: General Educational Development Diploma Earned May 2021 — OR — Expected to earn May 2021

Generally speaking, the majority of jobs will require applicants to have earned at minimum a GED certification in order to qualify.

In some cases, an applicant may lack a degree but may be certified by a trade school.

For instance, a beautician would want to include any beauty and health related certifications or licenses earned under the education section. 

Take a look at this resume example of a college student below to see how to do this.

Where to Include Education on a Resume

When it comes to placing your educational credentials on a resume, there are many considerations to make.

Resumes can serve a variety of purposes and, as a general rule of thumb, should be tailored for specific jobs . 

It is also important to take into consideration the level of education you have completed, as this will impact how it should be presented as well.

For instance, a job applicant seeking a position in academia would have a much heavier emphasis on education and academic-related achievements — than someone seeking a job in a corporate environment.

Ultimately, not all resumes are the same, so the placement of the education section will differ depending on the type of resume being used and the intention behind its structuring. 

Choosing the right resume format

There are several different types of resume formats to choose from, but the main ones that are used are as follows:

1) Reverse-Chronological

‍ Emphasis is placed on the most relevant work experience, listing jobs from most recent to oldest. Education can be placed before or after the work experience section. However higher degrees that qualify a candidate for the position may be beneficial to mention sooner rather than later. 

2) Functional

‍ Functional resumes place a much heavier emphasis on skillsets and areas of expertise. This format of resume is typically used by job applicants lacking the relevant work experience or educational credentials. In this format, the education section may lead if the applicant has educational credentials but limited work experience but should follow after the skills section if education is limited. 

‍ Hybrid resumes combine the reverse-chronological work experience ordering with the emphasizing of skills. This can help to supplement resumes of applicants who may have some relevant work experience but still need to beef up their resumes with a skills section . The placement of the education section will depend on how applicable or high level the credentials are and should generally be kept brief. 

4) Curriculum Vitae (CV)

‍ CVs are a type of long-form and multi-page resume used most commonly by applicants seeking positions in either academic or scientific fields. In a CV, the education section will be a prominent component and should appear early in the document. This type of education section should include all credentials, published works, projects, awards, or other academic achievements — no details should be spared. 

The below example of a Physician Assistant's resume is listing education in the bottom-right corner as it's using a reverse-chronological resume format to shine on it's work history.

Employers can gather a variety of information about a job candidate from an education section, including:

• A job applicant’s work ethic, reflected through GPAs or other grade-related information
• Relevant skills or training an applicant has received through their schooling
• Name recognition of specific universities, such as ivy leagues, that may give a candidate a leg up on the competition
• Insight into a candidate’s interests or talents based on academic-related extracurricular activities included 

Understanding what employers are looking for in an education section included on a resume is key to understand how much or how little information to include.

What an employer is looking for will vary depending on the nature of the job being offered. 

For instance, an entry-level communications job at a corporation is likely to require a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field.

Comparatively, a job in the welding industry may require the completion of a trade school program but not require a four-year degree. 

It is of the utmost importance when you are applying to various jobs that you read the job descriptions provided carefully, as this is where you will find the necessary information regarding what educational credentials are required of eligible candidates.

This will also help you to tailor your education section according to what credentials or qualifications you have that meet the requirements of the job. 

In general, what an employer is mostly looking for is simply that an education section exists on a resume.

The majority of employers will want candidates who have shown a commitment to their education, reflected through the inclusion of an education section.

For candidates lacking a completed education, it is still considered best practice to include some information regarding what level of education was reached before the point of incompletion, as well as the inclusion of any relevant coursework and knowledge gained from the time the candidate spent pursuing further education. 

Here is a quick rundown of a few key factors to consider for applicants who may be unsure how much information to provide in an education section for a specific employer or position:

• The education section should prove that you have the credentials necessary to complete the job at hand.
• Oversharing of education can be detrimental in some situations, as overqualified candidates may not be considered by employers.
• Job descriptions will always be the best place to look for indicators regarding how much educational background information an employer is looking for.
• Never lie or over-exaggerate — while not all employers double-check applicants’ educational histories, many still do, and dishonesty can cost you the position in the long run.

Final Thoughts

Unless you are crafting a longer-form resume, such as a CV, the education section will generally be a fairly short summary of your academic credentials and achievements.

Education sections can be longer in some cases where job applicants may have hefty academic backgrounds but limited work experience.

Ultimately, the key to making a strong education section is to include only the most relevant information.

Always avoid deceptive wording, as employers can fairly easily run academic background checks if need be. 

Check out our resume templates to get your creativity flowing and get started on your ideal resume today. 

Browse more resume templates that fit your role

Get inspired with more resume examples

Read our how-to guides on making your resume perfect, how to write a resume header.

Your resume header is the very first thing an employer will see. Not only does it need to contain the correct information, but it needs to stand out as well! In this guide, we will teach you how to write the ideal header for your resume.

How to Write The Perfect Resume in 2021 (With Examples)

The ultimate guide to learn how to quickly create a resume utilizing best practices to help you land your next job.

How to Write a Resume Summary: 10+ Examples

Get your resume to stand out to hiring managers for longer than the average of 6 seconds with these secrets.

How to Correctly List Certifications on a Resume in 2022 (With Examples)

Follow our step-by-step guide and resume examples to learn how to correctly include certifications on your resume. Make your candidacy stand out and land the interview.

More advice that will accelerate your career path

How long should a resume be in 2022 (with tips to fit on one page).

Keeping your resume on a single page keeps it focused and straight to the point. But sometimes it might not be easy to fit it all on one page. When should you use two pages versus trying to fit it all on a single page?

Best Job Search Websites for Every Industry in 2022

Follow our favorite job search and placement website for job seekers in healthcare, technology, startups, finance, and college internships.

Should I Add My GPA On My Resume in 2022? (Tips & Examples)

Learn essential tips from resume examples to make the right decision on including your gpa in your resume, especially if you have a low GPA.

How to Explain Employment Gaps on a Resume in 2022

Your journey to discovering your career path can be full of twists and turns. Sometimes, life circumstances can result in gaps in your work history. In this guide, we will teach you all about how to include and explain gaps in your employment to keep your resume looking and sounding strong!

Professional resume templates to help land your next dream job.

Facebook • Twitter • Linkedin • Pinterest • Crunchbase

What to Include in Your Education Section

The education section on a resume gives hiring managers a glimpse into your academic achievements , interests, and skills.

It can demonstrate your commitment to learning, your ability to succeed in a structured environment, and the relevant knowledge you've acquired.

The information you should include in this section, though, varies based on things like your career level, the exact job you're applying for, and how recent your education is.

This means you don’t always have to be super detailed. Some of the information about your education is optional, and some of it may even be redundant if you have relevant work experience, so you should only use it if you think it can give your resume a boost.

Let’s start with the details most employers expect to see:

Essential Information

• Degree Name. Include the type of degree and the relevant major. (E.g.: BFA in Graphic Design)
• University Name. Add the name of the institution you studied at. (E.g.: University of Saint Andrews)
• Location. If the university isn’t well known or the name doesn’t specify where it is, include the general location. (E.g.: St Andrews, Scotland)
• Years Attended. Usually, only the years you attend there are enough, but the mm/yyyy format is also popular. (E.g.: 09/2018 - 06/2021)

Optional Information

• Honors and Awards. If you’ve received any acknowledgments, list them here. (E.g.: Dean's List, Summa Cum Laude, Merit Scholarships, Valedictorian)
• Relevant Coursework. List three to five courses that directly apply to your target job. (E.g.: Marketing 101, Marketing Strategy, PR Basics)
• Thesis or Dissertation. We recommend including this for graduate-level degrees in research-heavy fields.
• Minor. If relevant, include any additional areas of study. (E.g.: BA in Creative Writing, Minor in Journalism)
• Grade Point Average. Only include your GPA if it's 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale. Anything lower can undermine your application.
• Extracurricular Activities. Mention any clubs or organizations that seem relevant. (E.g.: Debate team, Theater Club, School Newspaper)

Here’s an example of an education section that includes information from both categories:

Getting ready to find a job? Start by learning how to write a resume with our detailed guide!

How to Format Education on Your Resume

Now that you have an idea of what to include in your education section, let’s explain how you should do it.

In terms of structuring your education section, follow a reverse-chronological order ; this means, list your latest educational entry first and then go backward from there.

And remember – if you have a relevant university degree, there’s no need to waste precious space on your resume by listing your high school education .

As a general rule, if you’re an experienced professional and you have a Master’s degree, you can also omit your undergrad degree. Hiring managers are a lot more interested in your work experience section, so your education section should only focus on the basics.

However, if you’re a recent graduate , you might want to include more details to give your resume an extra kick. It’s always a good idea to leverage your education if you don’t have enough relevant work experience.

Now, regardless of your level of experience, add the name of your degree at the very top of the entry in your education section.

The same degree can be written down differently, for instance:

• Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Culture with a Minor in Teaching
• BA in English Language and Culture, Minor in Teaching
• B.A. English Language and Culture (Major), Teaching (Minor)
• BA, English Language and Culture

Here’s an example of what the formatting in your education section should look like:

If you graduated from a famous university with a good reputation, you can highlight that first. For example, list “Harvard University” before the name of your degree.

Where to Place Education on Your Resume

Another important thing to consider is where to position the education section on your resume.

This mostly depends on where you are in your career. Do you have a lot of relevant achievements in the field, or are you looking for your first job ?

As a rule of thumb, the top third of your resume should be reserved for your accomplishments , which are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

So before you place this section on your resume, ask yourself: is your education your biggest selling point to the hiring manager?

Most of the time, it won’t be. Work experience is way more important for just about any position above entry level, so it should be listed first.

Let’s look at an example of a resume that puts this into action:

As you can see, this architect resume starts by listing their relevant work experience and then includes a detailed entry of their most recent degree.

When Does Education Go Before Work Experience?

While your work experience section is generally more important, there are a few cases where you should list your education first.

These include:

• You have no work experience. When you have absolutely no work experience yet, you should focus on your academic achievements instead.
• You just graduated college. If you don’t have relevant work experience, you’re often better off not listing it. For example, if you’re applying for an entry-level office job, the part-time teenage jobs you had won’t be anywhere near as relevant as your recently earned BA in Marketing.
• You are currently studying. If you’re in the process of earning a degree that’s relevant to your targeted field, it’s better to list education before work experience. For example, if you’re making a career change , you would want your new education to be the first thing the hiring manager sees.
• You recently earned a new degree. Getting a fresh MSc, Ph.D., or MBA in your field is worth showing off. For example, if you’ve been a line manager for years but earned an MBA to qualify for an executive position, your education section should go first.
• You are applying to academia. Usually, when applying for a research or teaching position in academia, you’ll need an academic CV , not a resume. In that case, your education will always come first.

Not sure if you need a CV or a resume ? Check out our guide to learn what the difference between the two is and when to use which.

Use a (Free) Resume Template

Creating a resume can be a hassle.

You have to find a template that works with your favorite text editor, set the page margins, adjust the line spacing, choose a professional font , and all while making sure you never go past page one.

What if there was an easier way?

This is where our resume builder comes in!

Novoresume lets you choose from 16 professional resume templates , each crafted with feedback from HR professionals around the world, and create the perfect resume in minutes.

Just look at how one of our resume templates compares to a basic text editor resume template:

16 Examples of Education on a Resume

Looking for inspiration?

We’ve compiled a list filled with real-life examples of how education can be listed on a resume, with practical examples for different types and levels of education:

#1. High School Education

If you’re a high school student, you might have some volunteer experience or extracurriculars you can show off. In that case, you can start by listing those sections, so long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for.

For example, if you volunteered with your local branch of the Red Cross, that’s a good experience to have when you’re applying to work at a shelter.

In most other cases, the education section would take the upper hand, and it would look something like this:

High School Diploma

Chapel Hill High School

2017 - 2021

• Courses: AP Science, Mathematics, Advanced Chemistry

If you’re still in high school, you can disclose it in your resume by writing down your expected graduation year or otherwise specifying that you’re currently still there.

2021 - Present

#2. General Education Development

If you were homeschooled or haven’t graduated high school, the previous example won’t apply to you.

But if you still received a General Education Development certificate, you can mention that in your resume in the following way:

GED Diploma

Durham Literacy Center

Just like with high school education, you can include the location of your school or GED center, as well as any relevant courses, if you have enough space.

#3. Associate Degree

If you went to a community college or opted for a vocational program, you can list it in your education section the same as any other undergraduate degree.

Associate degrees are typically cheaper and take less time than a bachelor’s degree. They tend to be focused on specific occupations and place more emphasis on daily job functions. Other than that, they follow the same formatting as any other educational entry.

Let’s look at some real-life examples of different types of degrees at this level.

First, an Associate of Arts degree:

AA in Business Designation

Community College of Denver

2015 - 2016

Summa Cum Laude

Next, here’s how you would list an ongoing Associate’s of Applied Science degree:

AAS in Medical Assisting

2018 - Present

Some associate degrees are what’s known as “transfer degrees.” Here, the long-term goal is to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.

Similarly, if you’ve completed accredited courses at a community college that can go towards a degree, you can list them under your education section, like this:

Medical Assisting Certificate

• 30 credits completed

#4. Certificates

Certificates can be included on your resume, either as part of the education section or in a dedicated section.

Unlike broad academic degrees, certificates can show specialized expertise and commitment to professional development. They tend to demonstrate more focused, essential skills that are directly applicable to a particular job or industry.

Treat these entries the same as any other: list the name of the certificate, the institution or organization that issued it, and the year you obtained it.

Here’s an example of how to list a professional certificate in an education section:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

American Institute of CPAs

And here’s how they would look in a separate section:

CERTIFICATES

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) - National Academy of Sports Medicine, 2020
• Certified Nutrition Coach - American Nutrition Association, 2023

But there are also other certificates you could list , such as after specialized software courses:

• Maya Autodesk: Advanced 3D & Animation Udemy, 2022
• Creation of Pixel Art Scenes for Video Games Domestika, 2023

#5. Undergraduate Degree

There are different ways to list a bachelor’s degree.

Let’s take a look at three different cases for a candidate with an engineering degree.

First, if you’ve graduated from university and received the degree, list it according to the following template:

B.Sc. Mechanical Engine ering

University of California, Berkeley

2002 - 2006

If you obtained a double major, you would write it down as:

B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering

If you have two or more majors, keep in mind that you should list the major that’s most relevant to the job you are applying to.

For example, if you majored in Applied Languages and International Relations, you should focus on the languages for a job as a translator.

Lastly, if you’re still attending college, just omit the finishing year when filling in your education section and add “Present” instead, like so:

But there are also different ways you can specify that you’re still studying. Instead of “Present,” you could write:

• 2021 - Current
• Expected Graduation: 2024
• 2021 - 2024 (expected graduation)
• 2021 - In progress
• To Be Completed: 2024

#6. Graduate and Postgraduate Degrees

Graduate-level education is, in general, more detailed since it requires participating in a more focused area of research on top of your graduate-level work. 

At this level, you probably contributed to the field with a dissertation of your own, which you should include in your resume.

Here’s an example:

Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences

University of Rochester

Dissertation: Imaging, Computational Analysis, & Neural Representations in Young Children

Graduate and postgraduate education often includes scholarships , fellowships, or outside funding involved, which you might want to include in addition to all the general information about your degree.

Here are some real-life examples:

MBA in Business Administration

University of Maine

• Avangrid Scholarship
• Magna Cum Laude

When it comes to honors and awards, there are different ways you can list them to save space on your resume. Here’s an example that mentions them but leaves more space for the dissertation title:

MSc. in Information Systems

WU Vienna University of Economics & Business

Salutatorian, Summa Cum Laude

2015 - 2017

Dissertation: Leveraging User-Generated Content for Advertising Purposes Through Information Systems

And if you’re still studying, don’t forget to check out our student resume templates to get started on your job hunt.

#7. Unfinished Education

Even if you didn’t graduate from university, you can still mention it in your education section. Just be strategic about it.

If you have several years of relevant coursework from a degree program that relates to the job you're applying for, it can show that you’re knowledgeable even without the final credential.

B.Sc. in Civil Engineering

34 credits completed

2018 - 2019

However, if you only have basic courses or your degree isn’t relevant to the role, you might be better off skipping it altogether. There’s no need to draw attention to an unfinished degree if it won’t help you impress the hiring manager.

Need more examples? Check out our 90+ resume examples for different professions .

Do you still wonder something about education on a resume? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions here:

#1. How Do You Put Your Degree on a CV?

Adding your degree to your CV is pretty much the same as adding it to your resume.

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, with the most recent degree on top. Always include the essential information, such as the degree name, your major, the name of the university, and the years you attended. If relevant, you can include your GPA, thesis title, study abroad experiences, and academic honors.

#2. How Do You Write Down Your Bachelor’s Degree?

There are different ways that a bachelor's degree can be written down on your resume. Usually, there’s no need to spell out the full degree name, so there are ways you can abbreviate it for your resume. These include:

BA (Bachelor of Arts) BS (Bachelor of Science) BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)

Just use the specific abbreviation that matches your degree type. (E.g.: BSc Computer Science, BA History, BBA Economics, etc. )

#3. What If I Have an Education Gap or Took Time Off from Studies?

Treat any gaps in your education the same as you would treat an employment gap . Be upfront with the hiring manager and list the start and end dates to account for the time of the gap on your resume.

Use your cover letter to briefly explain the gap without going into too much detail. Hiring managers are understanding, and reasons like health, family, or professional experience are all common to justify education gaps.

#4. How Far Back Should I Go When Listing My Education History?

Generally, you only need to list basic information about your education if you graduated a long time ago. Your work experience and more recent achievements will have a lot more weight than details about your time in college 14 years ago.

For most professionals, listing just your highest degree is more than enough. However, an academic CV for scientific or research-heavy roles might need a more comprehensive educational background.

Key Takeaways

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of our article!

We’re confident you’re an expert on how to list education on a resume by now, but before we part ways, let’s quickly wrap up our main points:

• Your education section belongs after your work experience section, though there are some exceptions.
• If you don’t have any work experience, recently earned a relevant degree, or if you’re applying for a research-oriented position or in academia, the education section should be listed first.
• When listing your educational entries, use a reverse chronological order. Start with the most recent degree you have and go backward from there.
• If you have some sort of higher education, there’s no need to list your high school education.
• Unless your GPA is exceptional, don’t list it. It might undermine your resume otherwise.
• There are different ways to list your education, depending on the type of school you went to and what you want to highlight. Scroll back up if you want to see some examples.

To provide a safer experience, the best content and great communication, we use cookies. Learn how we use them for non-authenticated users.

How to List Education on a Resume With Examples

Quick Navigation:

What to include in the education section of a resume

Where to list your education in a resume, what interviewers want to see in your resume’s education section, how to format education on a resume.

• Examples at different life stages for listing education on a resume
• Education FAQs

The education section of your resume provides hiring managers with a detailed insight into your background and how it relates to the role. When written to reflect the job requirements, your education section can give you an advantage over other candidates. The best way to list your education depends on your work and academic achievements.

There are several ways to list education on your resume. Reading and understanding the job description can help identify the perfect location and level of qualification to include when applying to a position. Not all jobs need your full credentials, so you can check the job listing to see what the hiring managers are looking for. In this article, you can learn about how to list your education on a resume.

The information to include in your education section depends on your academic qualifications. 

Here are popular educational, academic and professional development credentials to include in the education section of a resume:

• Secondary diploma, high school diploma, or GED
• College diploma
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, PhD or Doctorate degree
• Professional degree or certification
• Trade school diploma, certificate, or apprenticeship
• Professional licenses or memberships
• Online class or course
• Name of schools and location
• Discipline (including major and minor where applicable)
• Year of graduation (optional)
• GPA (include only if you are a current or a recent graduate with a strong GPA of at least 3.5)
• Awards and honors including Latin honors, Dean’s List and others
• Relevant coursework, research and other academic activities
• Professional development courses and certification
• Licenses (if you aren’t listing them in a separate section on your resume)
• Membership of extracurricular clubs and organizations

The ideal location of the education section depends on your academic achievements and experience. If you are in college or graduated one or two years ago, it’s better to highlight your education at the top of the resume. This will show the interviewer your academic achievements relevant to the role, even if you have limited work experience. 

If you have enough work experience to impress the employer, consider putting the education section at the lower part of your resume.

The information each hiring manager looks for in your resume education section depends on the job requirements. Recruiters hiring for an entry-level position might look for the course you studied in college or type of degree. An employer interviewing for a managerial role in a finance company might want to see a business school degree or industry-specific certifications.

The requirements or education section of a job description will provide the academic qualifications for the role. Read the section carefully to ensure your credentials are a good fit for the job.

Be honest with the academic qualifications you include on your resume. It is easy for interviewers to confirm the information you provide. You can leave off information that does not support your chances of getting an interview. 

While people have different education backgrounds, employers expect that education on a resume be formatted in a readable way.

Follow these steps to format education on a resume:

• First, list school or education provider’s name, type of school (if unclear) and location
• Second, list the time period that you attended or date that you graduated, making sure it is clear whether this education is completed, ongoing or unfinished
• Third, include the specialization, degree, certification or diploma, if applicable
• Fourth, list the field of study, major and/or minor, if applicable
• Lastly, list your GPA if this would be helpful and relevant to include on your resume

Education examples on a resume

Here are examples of how to list education sections on resumes for people at different points in their career:

Education for a working professional

If you are a working professional with up to 5 years of experience, place your education section below your professional experience section. In your case, the function of the education section is to show employers you meet the academic requirements for the role.

Recruiters are more interested in your recent achievements at work, not educational accomplishments. If you gained higher academic qualifications recently, place the education section at the top of your resume if it applies to the role. Rank advanced degrees from the most recent.

Example of the education section for a working professional:

Georgetown University Graduate School of Physics | Washington DC

Master of Science in Fluid Dynamics

University of Baltimore | Baltimore, Maryland

Bachelor of Science in Geophysics Studies

Education for a recent graduate

If you graduated less than five years ago, put your education section below or in line with work experience. Give your work experience a prominent position on the resume to show your readiness for the demands of a professional environment. Include your schools, attendance dates, awards and honors, and your GPA (3.5 and above), but keep it short.

Example of the education section for a recent graduate:

Michigan State University, Michigan 2012-2017

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

Statistical Analysis Certificate

Sloane Scholar

Education for a college student with some work experience

If you are a college student with work experience, place your education section above work. Include the name of the institution, degree type and the expected year of graduation. You can also mention coursework, extracurricular activities, organizations and other academic achievements relevant to the role. Don’t include your GPA if it is below 3.5.

Example of the education section for a college student with work experience:

California State University, California

Bachelor of Science in Banking and Finance, September 2017

Minored in Accounting

Relevant Coursework: Accounting Systems, Actuarial Sciences, Anti Money Laundering Protocols

Extracurricular activities: Treasurer for the Association of Accounting Students

GPA: 3.95/4.0

Education for a college student with no work experience

If you are a college student with no work experience, build your education section with your best academic achievements. Include relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, degree, awards and honors, expected graduation date and GPA where applicable.

You can also mention any college experience that applies to the role. Mention the experiences and skills you gained from your coursework or research and how they apply to the role.

Example of the education section for a college student with no work experience:

Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

GPA: 3.65/4.0

Relevant Coursework: Experimental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology

Expected Graduation: September 2019

Awards: Dean’s List, Autumn 2017

Extracurricular Activities: Assistant Editor of the Purdue Psychology Digest

The best way to make your education section stand out is to keep it honest and relevant. Mention only academic achievements that boost your chances of getting hired. Be strategic and put your credentials where they will attract the hiring manager’s attention.

Education Section FAQ

What order should i list education in.

Education is usually listed in reverse chronological order. For example, list a graduate degree first, and then your undergraduate degree.

Most people list the highest level of education first. Start with the highest level of education first, and then the second-highest, and then third highest (onwards).

Should I list all my education on my resume?

Not necessarily. Only list education if it is relevant for the job posting. For example, if you are a college graduate, you don’t need to put high school education on a resume.

What takes priority – education or work experience?

Whether education or work experience is more important is determined by the job posting and your qualifications.

Generally, experienced candidates should list their previous work experience first, if the experience is relevant for the job.

However, teens, students, recent grads, and candidates with less work experience could list education and relevant qualifications first.

When should I leave education off a resume?

Most people list the highest level of education relevant for the job, even if they are experienced candidates. But the more relevant work experience you have, the less important the education section becomes.

Always read the job description carefully to identify whether the employer requires specific education qualifications. Add that education to your resume if you have completed it.

• Career Blog

Education on Your Resume: Formatting Examples and Tips

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume, showcasing your education plays a vital role. Education helps build a strong foundation of skills, knowledge, and expertise, making it an essential component to include in your resume.

In this article, we will explore the importance of including education in your resume and provide effective ways to highlight your educational achievements. With this information, you’ll be able to create a resume that stands out from the rest and lands you the job of your dreams.

So, let’s dive in and discover the key reasons why education should be included in your resume and how to effectively highlight it.

Understanding Resume Education Section

Your education section is an essential part of your resume as it showcases your academic accomplishments and qualifications. It gives your potential employer an idea of your academic background and helps them determine if you are a suitable candidate for the role.

A. What to Include in Education Section

When creating your education section, include the following information:

• Name of the institution that you attended
• Your degree and major
• The dates you attended the institution, including your graduation date
• Your GPA (optional)

If you have received any academic honors or awards, include them as well.

B. What to Exclude from Education Section

On the other hand, here are some things that you shouldn’t include in your education section:

• Information about your primary or secondary education
• Information about incomplete degrees or courses
• Any irrelevant certifications or training courses

Remember that the education section should be relevant to the position you are applying for. Only include information that is related to the job requirements.

C. The Placement of Education Section in Resume

The placement of your education section largely depends on your level of experience.

If you are a recent graduate with limited work experience, your education section should be placed towards the top of your resume, just below the objective or summary statement.

On the other hand, if you have significant work experience, consider placing your education section towards the bottom of your resume, after your work experience and skills sections.

Your education section helps to give employers an insight into your academic background and qualifications. Make sure to include only relevant information and place it appropriately in your resume.

Formatting Education Section in Resume

When it comes to creating a winning resume, your education section can be a strong asset. Prospective employers want to know about your education background, and how it might be relevant to their organization. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that this section is well-structured and effectively communicates your academic qualifications.

Below are some tips to help you properly format your education section:

A. Tips for Formatting Education Section

Start with the most recent degree: When listing your academic credentials, always start with the most recent degree attained. This is important because it is likely to be the most relevant to your prospective employer.

Include the degree: Clearly state the degree that you have earned, such as Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, etc. Don’t use abbreviations.

Mention the school and location: Be sure to include the name of the institution where you acquired your degree and where it is located.

Add dates: Indicate the date, month, and year of your graduation. This is important for employers to consider your latest academic achievements.

List any relevant coursework: You can mention courses that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you have recently graduated without much job experience, this can help fill the gap.

B. Examples of Well-formatted Education Sections

Master of Science, Computer Science , Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

• Graduated: Dec 2020
• Concentration: Machine Learning

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science , UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

• Graduated: May 2018
• Concentration: Artificial Intelligence

Bachelor of Communication, Journalism , University of Texas, Austin, TX

• Graduated: Aug 2015
• Relevant Courses: News Writing, Editing, Public Relations

As you can see, the above examples show clear and concise formatting for the education section of a resume. By following these tips and examples, you can ensure that your education background is presented in a way that effectively showcases your academic qualifications and relevant coursework.

Including Education in Different Resume Types

When it comes to crafting a winning resume, including your education can lend credibility to your qualifications and set you apart from other candidates. However, the way you include your educational background will vary depending on the type of resume you choose. Let’s take a look at how to include education in three different types of resumes.

A. Chronological Resumes

In a chronological resume, you will list your education after your work experience section. This is because a chronological resume is meant to highlight your career progression and relevant work experience.

Start with your most recent degree or education, including the institution and degree name, followed by your graduation date. If you have multiple degrees, list the most recent first and work your way backward.

You can also include any relevant coursework, honors, or awards under your education section. However, be sure to keep it concise and focused on the most impressive accomplishments.

B. Functional Resumes

In a functional resume, you will focus on your skills and abilities rather than your work experience. This type of resume is ideal if you are transitioning into a new field or have limited work experience.

In the education section of a functional resume, you will highlight your academic achievements and relevant coursework. List your degree(s), institution name, and graduation date. If you have any relevant academic projects or research, list them as well.

Remember, the goal of a functional resume is to demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a new role. So, focus on how your education has prepared you for the job you are seeking.

C. Combination Resumes

A combination resume, also known as a hybrid resume, combines the elements of both chronological and functional resumes. This type of resume is ideal if you have extensive work experience and want to highlight both your skills and experience.

In the education section of a combination resume, you should list your degree(s), institution name, and graduation date as you would in a chronological resume. However, you can also include relevant coursework, academic achievements, and research under your education section.

The way you include your education in your resume will depend on the type of resume you choose. Regardless of the type of resume, make sure your education section is concise, relevant, and highlights your academic achievements and accomplishments.

Education Section Content

When formatting your resume, the education section is an essential component that requires careful structuring. This section provides potential employers with information about your academic background, which is a critical consideration in many industries. In this section, you should include your relevant coursework, projects and research, honors and awards, study abroad programs, and any certifications or licenses you have obtained.

A. Relevant Coursework

Including relevant coursework in your education section can be beneficial, especially if you are a recent graduate or have limited professional experience in your field. This information provides potential employers with insight into the subjects you have studied and the skills you have acquired during your academic career.

When listing your coursework, ensure that you choose relevant courses that align with the job requirements. You can also group courses based on their themes or subject areas. For example, if you are applying for a job in marketing, you could list courses such as Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, and Brand Management.

B. Projects and Research

Including projects and research in your education section can highlight your ability to apply your academic knowledge to real-world situations. By including this information, you can show potential employers that you have hands-on experience working on projects related to your field.

When describing your projects and research, be concise, and focus on the impact they had. Provide information about the objectives of the project, the methods used, and the outcomes achieved. You could also mention any professional connections you made while working on the project.

C. Honors and Awards

If you have received any honors or awards during your academic career, including them in your education section can display your achievements and provide evidence of your hard work and dedication. Employers often view these accolades as proof of your potential success in your field.

Ensure that you only include honors and awards that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a research position, you could list any research awards you received, such as the Outstanding Research Award.

D. Study Abroad Programs

If you have participated in a study abroad program during your academic career, including it in your education section can showcase your global perspective, language skills, and cultural awareness. Employers often see this experience as a valuable asset, especially in today’s global market.

When describing your study abroad experience, highlight the skills you developed, including language proficiency, cultural awareness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. You could also mention any international connections you made and how your experience could be relevant to the position you are applying for.

E. Certifications and Licenses

Listing any certifications or licenses you have obtained can showcase your expertise and qualifications, increasing your chances of securing an interview. These certifications or licenses could be in a specific field or skill set or be a general accreditation that applies to your industry.

When listing your certifications and licenses, ensure that you include the name, issuing organization, date obtained, and expiration date (if applicable).

How to List Education on Your Resume

When it comes to listing your education on your resume, there are certain guidelines and formatting techniques that can help make your qualifications stand out to potential employers.

A. Listing Order for Education Section

The order in which you list your education on your resume should generally follow a chronological format. This means that you should begin with your most recent degree or education program and work backwards in time.

For example, if you recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree, you would list that first, followed by any relevant certifications, training programs, or previous degrees. This order helps to showcase your most current and relevant qualifications to potential employers.

B. Listing Multiple Degrees

If you have earned multiple degrees, you can either list them separately under your education section or combine them into one entry. If you choose to list them separately, be sure to follow the chronological order mentioned above and highlight any relevant coursework or academic achievements.

Alternatively, you can group multiple degrees together under one entry, separated by a comma or slash. For example:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration / Master of Business Administration (BS/ MBA)
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication / Bachelor of Science in Marketing (BA/ BS)

C. Listing Incomplete Degrees

If you attended a degree program but did not complete it, you still have options for listing it on your resume. In this case, it may be best to include the degree program and the dates you attended, but leave off any mention of a degree or certification.

For example:

• XYZ University, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 2014-2016 (incomplete)

This approach provides transparency about your academic background while avoiding any confusion about your qualifications.

When listing your education on your resume, it’s important to consider the relevance and spotlight your most recent and relevant qualifications. Be sure to follow the proper formatting guidelines and highlight any relevant coursework or academic achievements to stand out to potential employers.

Best Practices and Mistakes to Avoid

Your resume is essentially the first introduction of yourself to a potential employer. That is why it is important to ensure that not just the content but the resume formatting, spellings, terminology, and other aspects are perfect to make a great impression. Here are some of the best practices to follow as well as mistakes to avoid:

A. Spellings and Terminology

It is essential to ensure that there are no spelling or grammar mistakes in your resume. As a copywriter, you must know the importance of proper spelling and grammar. These aspects not only impact the readability but also affect the perception of the recruiter about the candidate. When writing your resume, use simple, yet impactful words that reflect your professional skill set.

Using industry-specific terminology can be helpful to demonstrate your expertise and experience. However, do not overuse jargon or complex terms that could be unfamiliar to the recruiter. Use them sparingly and ensure the context is clear.

B. Clarity and Consistency

Your resume should be easy to read and scan. Use a font size that is easy on the eyes and break up the text into sections, use bullet points and headers to make it easy to read. Ensuring consistency across the document is important. Use the same font, size, and style for headings, subheadings, and body text throughout the document.

Avoid jumbling different sections of your resume or overloading it with irrelevant information as it can impact the readability and professionalism of the document.

C. Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are some common mistakes that candidates make when formatting their resumes. Some of these are:

• Including irrelevant work experience or information
• Making the resume too long or too short
• Using a non-professional email or contact information
• Not customizing the resume for each job application
• Ignoring the importance of your social media presence

To avoid these mistakes, reflect on the relevance of the information you’re including and ensure it aligns with the expectations of the recruiter for the job you’re applying for. Your resume length should not exceed 2 pages, and the document should be customized to reflect the job you’re applying for.

With these tips, you can create a resume that demonstrates your skills, expertise, and professionalism. Remember, your resume is a representation of yourself, and ensuring it is perfect can be the first step to getting the job of your dreams.

Education Section Sample Resumes

The education section on a resume is an essential component that can make or break your job application. Your educational background provides recruiters and hiring managers with valuable information about your academic accomplishments, interests, and qualifications. Therefore, it’s crucial to craft this section with care, highlighting your educational achievements, certifications, and relevant coursework, if any.

Here are some sample resumes to help you get started.

A. Sample Resume for Fresh Graduate

If you’re a recent graduate with little to no work experience, your education section should go right after your contact information. This section should include your university or college, degree, field of study, graduation date, and any academic honors you received.

Here’s an example:

B. Sample Resume for Experienced Professionals

If you’ve been in the workforce for a while and have work experience relevant to the job you’re applying for, your education section can go after your work experience. In this case, you don’t need to include your graduation date or GPA.

C. Sample Resume for Career Changers

If you’re changing careers and your educational background isn’t directly related to the job you’re applying for, you can still use your education section to your advantage. Highlight transferable skills and certifications that make you qualified for the position.

Remember that your education section doesn’t have to look like any of these examples, and you should customize it to fit your unique circumstances. Additionally, always proofread your resume and ensure that your formatting is consistent and easy to read. Happy job hunting!

FAQs on Education Section in Resume

When it comes to crafting a resume that stands out, the education section can play a major role. Here are some frequently asked questions about including education on your resume:

A. How Far Back Should Education Go on Resume?

Generally, you should include your most recent educational experience first and then work backwards from there. Unless you are a recent graduate, you do not need to include your high school education. Instead, focus on your college, graduate school, or any other post-secondary education relevant to the job you are applying for. Additionally, if you have attended multiple schools, only include the ones where you received degrees or certifications. If space is limited, you can also consider leaving off any coursework that is not relevant to the job you are applying for.

B. Do I List My GPA on Resume?

Including your GPA on your resume is optional and can depend on a few factors. If you have a high GPA (3.5 or above) and it is relevant to the job you are applying for, it can be worth including. However, if your GPA is lower or you graduated a long time ago, it may not be as important. Additionally, some industries place more emphasis on GPA than others, such as finance or accounting. If you do choose to include your GPA, only include it for your most recent degree or certification and make sure to be consistent with the format (e.g. 3.5/4.0 or 87%).

C. How to Include Education for Non-Degree Holders?

If you do not have any degrees or certifications, but have taken relevant coursework, you can include it under the education section with a heading such as “Coursework” or “Professional Development”. List the course name, institution, and date of completion. This can show potential employers that you have sought out additional education and have a strong interest in the industry or field. Additionally, if you have completed any workshops, seminars, or certifications related to the job you are applying for, you can include those in a separate section under “Professional Development”.

The education section of your resume can be a valuable tool in showcasing your qualifications and expertise. By highlighting relevant educational experiences, including GPA if applicable, and showcasing any additional learning opportunities, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the job.

Related Articles

• Proper answers to ‘Why Do You Want to be a Manager?’
• Sales & Marketing Executive Resume Example &: Complete Guide
• Job Interview Duration: How Long Does a Job Interview Last
• Fashion Merchandiser Resume: Examples and Best Practices
• Field Manager: Job Description, Salary, and Skills for 2023

Rate this article

0 / 5. Reviews: 0

More from ResumeHead

Education Format on Resume: How to Format Your Resume's Education Section [with Templates and Examples]

For recent graduates, the education section of your resume carries a lot of importance. When you don’t have much prior work experience, being able to feature a robust educational background on your resume can give you a real edge in your job search. And even if you’ve been out of education for a while, being able to showcase a formal qualification on your resume can demonstrate an important past success to hiring managers in any field.

But to get the most out of your education section, you need to make sure that it’s formatted correctly. A good education section should be readable and to-the-point, so that anyone reading your resume can understand it at a glance. Plus, being able to show that you know the formatting conventions of your education section will make your resume more credible to hiring managers—and boost your chances of landing your dream role.

To help you out, we’ve put together a guide to the education format in your resume. In this article, we’ll cover the following points:

• How to format your education section
• How to format education in progress and education overseas
• Some examples of great formatting for your education section
• Education Format in Resume

Much like the work experience section, the education section on your resume has a simple and widely-recognized standard format. While there are obviously exceptions, most of the time you’ll do just fine if you follow these simple steps:

• List your highest, most recent academic qualification
• List the institution where you earned it and the location of that institution
• List the approximate dates you spent working toward that qualification
• In bullet point format, list any particular honors or achievements you earned during your studies

Educational qualifications should be listed in reverse chronological order. If there’s overlap, put your most advanced degree first—it’s the more impressive qualification, so you should aim to call more attention to it. That means doctoral degrees should usually appear before master’s degrees, which will usually appear before bachelor’s or associate’s degrees.

Typically, the institution where you studied should be listed after the degree you earned. But if your degree is less relevant to the job you want—for example, if you have a degree in English Literature but you’re hoping to work in plumbing—you can list the school where you studied first, instead. Remember to include the location of the school!

When listing the dates of your education, it’s usually fine to list the month and the year when you started and ended your studies. If you completed your degree several years ago, you can simply list the years and leave out the months. It’s generally considered overkill to list the specific days when your course began and ended!

As with your work experience section, you can also use bullet points to flag up any key achievements you earned during your studies. This may look a little excessive if you’ve been out of education for a while—at that point, you should have more workplace-specific achievements to focus on instead. But recent graduates and current students can use this space to list their GPA (provided it’s above a 3.5), as well as any honors or prizes they’ve been awarded.

Resume Format Education in Progress

But what do you do if you’re still in the middle of your studies? Fortunately, there’s an easy way to format education in progress for your resume, too.

To make it clear right away that you’re still working on your degree, consider adding ‘in progress’ to the first line of your education listing. Instead of “BA in Economics,” write “BA in Economics in progress.” That way, nobody will find themselves wondering why you haven’t included an end date for your studies!

When the time comes to list the dates for your education in progress, you have a few options. You can leave them out altogether, since you’ve already mentioned that your studies are in progress. Or you can include an expected graduation date—which is as simple as writing “Expected to graduate June 2023” where the date range would normally go.

If you want to include a start date for your degree as well, turn the date range into two sentences instead of one. That would look something like “Commenced 2019. Expected to graduate June 2023.”

All the other relevant information about your degree—such as your school and its location, as well as any prizes or honors you’ve earned so far—can be included as usual.

How to Format Study Abroad on a Resume’s Education Section

Studying abroad reflects serious skills and achievements that any employer will recognize. If you’ve been lucky enough to study abroad, you should absolutely make sure you list that experience on your resume! But how do you go about including it in your education section?

No matter how short, your study abroad experience can be featured as its own listing within your education section. It should appear underneath your actual degree, though—as a substantial qualification in its own right, that should always take priority.

List the institution where you studied abroad, as well as the country where it’s based. Include the dates of your overseas study, and remember that if you only spent a semester overseas, it’s fine just to list that specific semester. And if you earned any particular achievements or awards during your study abroad, list them as bullet points, just as you would for a regular education listing!

• Education Format on Resume Examples

Still not sure where to start? Here are a range of examples of great education formatting for your resume. Whatever your circumstances, you’ll be able to see exactly what you need to do to show off your education to best effect!

Degree First Education Format on Resume

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature New York University, New York October 2018-June 2022

• Dean’s List 2018-2022

This is the standard way to format your education section for your resume. If your degree is relevant to the job you want, this is the way to go!

School First Education Format on Resume

New York University, New York Bachelor of Arts in English Literature October 2018-June 2022

If your degree is less relevant to the job you’re applying for, consider listing your school first instead! This example shows what that should look like in practice.

In Progress Education Section on Resume

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (In Progress) New York University, New York

• Started October 2019; expected end date June 2023

If you’re still in the middle of your degree, you can still list your education as normal! All you have to do is tweak the date listings, to make it clear that your degree is still ongoing. You can also add “in progress” to the header, so it’s obvious right away that you’re still a student.

Study Abroad Education Format on Resume

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature New York University, New York

• October 2018-June 2022

International Exchange Program Oxford University, UK

• Spring Semester 2019

As we discussed earlier in the article, you can list any study abroad experience underneath your main degree. While it gets its own listing, it should still be secondary to your more substantial qualification.

Incomplete Degree Education Format on Resume

New York University, New York 70 credits toward Bachelor of Arts in English Literature

Even if you didn’t finish your degree, the work you did still counts! All you have to do is specify that you earned credits toward a degree, rather than a full degree. This is another great time to list your school first, so hiring managers aren’t immediately confronted with the fact that you didn’t reach the end of your program.

Multiple Degrees

As we explained earlier, your most recent degree (which will usually also be your highest degree) should appear first in your education section. Here’s an example of how that looks in practice!

Master of Arts in English (In Progress) New York University, New York

• Started October 2022; expected to graduate June 2024

Bachelor of Arts in English New York University, New York

Waverly March

Content Writer + Resume Expert

Waverly is a freelance writer, former HR officer and current international traveller. They believe in doing your research, showing up prepared, and bringing your passions with you to work. They've helped countless job seekers create better resumes and cover letters to improve and grow their careers.

Waverly on LinkedIn

The best tips for writing a great resume for applying to a start-up

July 21, 2020

Content Marketer

You don't need an education to have a great career, and you don't need a degree to write a great resume.

June 27, 2022

Community Success Manager & CV Writing Expert

Learn how your resume can beat the applicant tracking system (ATS) with keywords and the right resume template.

February 7, 2022

Copyright © 2024 Workstory Inc.

Select Your Language: