How to List Degrees on Your Resume (with Tips and Examples)

Imagine a random weekday afternoon, where a hiring manager is scanning through their 37th resume of the day. Coffee in hand, patience waning. They've seen every possible variation of "results-driven professional with excellent communication skills."

Then they reach your education section... and pause.

Why?

Because unlike the 36 candidates before you, you've formatted your degree credentials with the precision of a seasoned professional who understands that details matter.

Let's be candid, your education section isn't just a box to check! That's why we created this guide on how to list education degrees on your resume - to help you cover all aspects of a 'perfect resume'.

Now, off to the races!

Understanding the Basics of Resume Degree Listings

Why Your Education Section Matters

Your education section isn't just a formality - it's a powerful credential validator that can significantly influence hiring decisions.

This section serves multiple purposes: it validates your knowledge foundation, demonstrates commitment to your field, and signals career readiness. For roles with specific degree requirements, it's often the first place recruiters look to determine if you meet the basic qualifications before even considering your experience.

Beyond just listing credentials, a properly formatted education section can subtly communicate your attention to detail and professionalism. Both human recruiters and digital sorting systems rely on clear, standardized formatting to efficiently process your information.

Where to Place Your Education Section

The strategic placement of your education section depends largely on where you are in your career journey:

• Recent graduates (0-2 years experience): Place education near the top of your resume, immediately after your contact information and objective/summary. With limited work experience, your degree is often your strongest qualification.‍
• Early-career professionals (2-5 years): If your degree directly relates to your target role or you've attended prestigious institutions, consider keeping education prominent. Otherwise, work experience typically takes precedence.‍
• Established professionals (5+ years): Place education after your work experience sections. At this stage, employers are primarily interested in your professional achievements and proven track record.

According to Harvard Business Review's articles on resume making, the "education-first" approach rarely makes sense for professionals with more than three years of relevant experience unless changing careers or industries.

Essential Components of a Degree Listing

• Degree type and major: The specific credential earned (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Institution name: The college or university that granted your degree
• Location: City and state/province/country of the institution‍
• Graduation date: Month and year (or expected date) of graduation‍
• Academic honors: Latin honors, dean's list, etc. (if applicable)
• GPA: Include if above 3.5 or specifically requested (optional)‍
• Relevant coursework: For recent graduates or career-changers (optional)

Degree Listing Format for Different Resume Styles

Your resume format influences how you should present your educational credentials:

How to List an Associate's Degree on Your Resume

Proper Terminology and Format for Associate Degrees

The correct way to reference an associate degree is without an apostrophe in "Associate." This isn't just a stylistic choice-it's the officially recognized format according to the American Psychological Association and major style guides.

When listing your associate degree, follow this standard format:

• Associate of/in [Field] (no apostrophe)
• Institution Name, Location
• Graduation Month Year

For example: "Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, Riverdale Community College, Portland, OR, May 2023"

Examples of Associate Degree Listings for Different Fields

Tailor your associate degree listing to highlight relevance to your target field:

• Healthcare:
  Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Mercy College, Cleveland, OH
May 2024
Clinical rotations: Cleveland Memorial Hospital, Wellness Imaging Center
 
• Technology:
  AAS in Computer Programming
Austin Community College, Austin, TX
December 2023
Key projects: Inventory management system, mobile app development
   
• Business:
  Associate of Applied Business in Marketing
Gateway Technical College, Kenosha, WI
May 2024
Relevant coursework: Digital Marketing Analytics, Consumer Behavior

Additional Elements for Recent Associate Degree Graduates

As a recent associate degree graduate, you can strengthen your resume by including these supplementary elements when relevant to your target positions:

• Relevant coursework: List 3-5 courses that demonstrate skills applicable to your target role
• Academic projects: Highlight hands-on projects that showcase practical abilities
• Technical skills: Specify software, equipment, or methodologies learned
• Academic achievements: Include honors, high GPA (if above 3.5), or recognition
• Professional certifications: Add industry certifications earned during your studies

According to National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers particularly value evidence of applied learning from associate degree holders.

How to Write a Bachelor's Degree on Your Resume

Bachelor's Degree Naming Conventions and Formats

When listing a bachelor's degree, pay careful attention to possessive apostrophe usage-it's "Bachelor's" (with an apostrophe) according to the Chicago Manual of Style (and most other formal writing guides). This small detail signals your attention to precision.

The standard format follows this pattern:

• Bachelor's (or Bachelor) of [Type] in [Major/Field
• Institution Name, City, State/Country
• Graduation Month Year

For example:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, May 2022

When space is limited, you may use the abbreviated form, but maintain consistency throughout your document.

Bachelor's Degree Abbreviations and When to Use Them

Abbreviations are space-efficient but should be used consistently and appropriately:

Use abbreviations when:

• Space constraints require brevit
• The abbreviation is widely recognized in your industry
• You're listing multiple degrees and need consistent formatting

How to List Double Majors and Minors

For academic paths beyond a single major, follow these formatting guidelines

• Double major: Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Scienc
• Major with minor: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
• Major with concentration: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing, Concentration in Digital Media
• Dual degrees: List as separate entries if they're distinct degree types (e.g., BS and BA)

Have a double major or some specialisation via a minor combination? Candidates with complementary double majors or strategic minor combinations often have stronger employment outcomes in specialized fields! Make sure you highlight it relevantly.

Bachelor's Degree Examples Across Different Industries

Tailor your bachelor's degree presentation to align with industry expectations:

• Technology:
  BS in Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 2023
Specialization: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Senior Project: Developed an NLP algorithm for sentiment analysis with 92% accuracy
   
• Finance:
  Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, NYU Stern School of Business, New York, NY, 2022
Relevant coursework: Financial Modeling, Investment Analysis, Corporate Valuation
GPA: 3.8/4.0
   
• Healthcare:
  Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 2023
Clinical Rotations: Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Oncology
Certification: BLS, ACLS
   
• Creative Field:
  BFA in Graphic Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI, 2024
Portfolio highlights: Brand identity development, UX/UI design, typography
Skills: Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, motion graphics

Master's Degree Format and Best Practices for Resumes

How to Write Master's Degrees Correctly

A master's degree (note the apostrophe placement) represents advanced expertise in your field and deserves careful formatting. According to MLA style guidelines, "master's" is lowercase and possessive when referring to the degree in general terms.

The standard format follows:

• Master of/Master's in [Field], [Specialization if applicable
• University Name, Location
• Graduation Year

Examples:

• Master of Business Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 2023
• Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, 2022

For professional impact, you can include a specialization after your general field (e.g., "Master of Public Health, Epidemiology Concentration").

Common Master's Degree Abbreviations by Field

While spelling out your degree is preferred when space allows, these standard abbreviations are widely recognized:

Including Thesis and Specialization Information

Including thesis information can substantially strengthen your resume when:

• Your thesis topic directly relates to your target role or industry
• You're applying for research-oriented or academic positions
• Your thesis demonstrates specialized knowledge relevant to the job description
• You're entering a field where research capabilities are valued

Here's a format example for this case:

Master of Science in Environmental Science, University of Washington

Formatting Multiple Degrees on Your Resume

The Reverse Chronological Order Rule

When listing multiple academic credentials, always use reverse chronological order-placing your highest or most recent degree first. This convention aligns with standard resume practices and immediately highlights your most advanced qualifications to recruiters.

According to career experts at The Muse, this approach allows hiring managers to quickly identify your highest level of education without having to search through your entire resume.

The standard ordering hierarchy is:

1. Doctoral degree (PhD, EdD, etc.
2. Professional degree (JD, MD, etc.)
3. Master's degree (MBA, MS, MA, etc.)
4. Bachelor's degree (BS, BA, etc.)
5. Associate degree (AA, AS, etc.)
6. Professional certifications and licenses

Handling Multiple Degrees from the Same Institution

When you've earned multiple degrees from one university, you can streamline your education section with these space-saving approaches:

Option 1: Combined listing with separate degree lines

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Master of Science in Computer Engineering, 2023
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 2021

Option 2: Separate entries with abbreviated institution information

MS in Computer Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 2023
BS in Computer Science, University of Michigan, 2021

Choose Option 1 when your education is a key selling point,

and Option 2 when you need to conserve space for other resume sections.

Formatting Dual Degrees and Joint Programs

Dual degrees and joint programs require special formatting to clearly communicate your diverse expertise:

• Dual/double degree (two separate degrees):
   Yale University, New Haven, CT
 JD, Yale Law School, 2023
 MBA, Yale School of Management, 2023
   
• Joint degree program (integrated curriculum):
   JD/MBA Joint Degree Program
 Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 2023
 Concentrations: Corporate Law and Finance

Clearly distinguishing between dual and joint degrees helps employers understand the unique structure of your education and the specific skills you've gained.

International Considerations for Multiple Degrees

When listing degrees from different countries, help employers understand your qualifications with these clarity-enhancing techniques:

• Include the country after the university location
• Add brief equivalency notes for unfamiliar degree types
• Translate degree names if not in English, with original degree in parentheses
• Maintain reverse chronological order regardless of country

Example:

Master of Business Administration, INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France, 2023
Bachelor of Commerce (equivalent to BS in Business), University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, 2020

Special Cases: Incomplete, In-Progress, and Non-Traditional Degrees

How to List an Incomplete Degree

Addressing incomplete education requires honesty while still highlighting the value you gained. Misrepresenting education is one of the most common resume falsehoods and frequently leads to termination when discovered.

Effective formats for incomplete degrees:

• Completed coursework toward a degree:
   Coursework in Business Administration (completed 75 credits)
 University of Texas, Austin, TX
 2019-2021
   
• Completed years without graduation:
   Bachelor of Arts program, Psychology (completed 3 years)
 Boston University, Boston, MA
 2018-2021

Focus on relevant courses, projects, and skills gained rather than explaining why you didn't complete the degree.

Formatting In-Progress Degrees and Expected Graduation

For degrees you're currently pursuing, clearly indicate the anticipated completion date:

• Standard format:
  Master of Public Health
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Expected graduation: May 2026
   
• Alternative format #1:
  Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (anticipated May 2026)
University of Washington, Seattle, WA‍

• Alternative format #2:
  ‍MBA Candidate, Class of 2026
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Business, Evanston, IL
Concentration: Marketing Analytics

For part-time programs, you can include "Part-time program" in parentheses if it explains an extended timeline.

Listing Online Degrees and Certifications

As remote education gains credibility, the question of whether to specify online delivery has evolved. The consensus among employers is that accreditation and program quality matter more than delivery method.

Best practices for online credentials:

• List accredited online degrees exactly as you would traditional degrees
• Specify "online program" only if it demonstrates specific skills relevant to remote work
• Include "distance learning" for international programs where time zone management was significant
• For programs that blend online and in-person components, use "hybrid program" if relevant to showcasing flexibility

Example:

‍Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, Western Governors University, 2023

How to Handle International Degrees and Equivalencies

When listing international credentials for employers in different countries, provide context to ensure proper understanding:

• US equivalency:
   Master of Engineering (equivalent to MS in Mechanical Engineering in US)
 Imperial College London, UK, 2022
   
• Degree translation:
   Diplôme d'Ingénieur (Master of Engineering)
 École Polytechnique, Paris, France, 2023

According to World Education Services, including both the original degree name and its closest equivalent helps employers accurately assess your qualifications.

Advanced Degree Formatting Tips and Best Practices

When and How to Include GPA, Honors, and Awards

Your academic achievements can significantly strengthen your resume, but only when strategically presented. GPA and honors should be included selectively, where relevant. We're listing some guidelines below that will help you navigate this scenario better.

• GPA guidelines:    
       
  • Include if 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) or if specifically requested
  • Recent graduates (0-3 years) benefit most from including GPA
  • Specify scale if not using the standard 4.0 system
  • Consider listing major GPA if higher than cumulative GPA (clearly labeled)
   
• Academic honors:    
       
  • Latin honors: cum laude (3.5-3.7), magna cum laude (3.8-3.9), summa cum laude (4.0)
  • Dean's List: Specify frequency (e.g., "Dean's List: 6 semesters")
  • Honor societies: Include name and brief description if not widely recognized
     

Format example:

‍Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 2023, GPA: 3.8/4.0, magna cum laude

Including Relevant Coursework and Academic Projects

Strategic inclusion of coursework and projects can demonstrate applicable skills, particularly for:

• Recent graduates with limited work experience
• Career changers highlighting transferable knowledge
• Candidates applying to specialized technical roles
• Positions requiring specific academic foundations

Here are some effective formatting approaches to include your relevant coursework and academic projects:

Focused coursework list:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, NYU, New York, NY, 2023
Relevant coursework: Consumer Behavior Analysis, Digital Marketing Strategies, Marketing Analytics, Brand Management

Project highlight:
Master of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 2023
Capstone project: Developed machine learning algorithm for early detection of cybersecurity threats, resulting in 94% accuracy in controlled tests

According to PayScale's College Salary Report, candidates who highlight project-based learning often command higher starting salaries than those who list only theoretical coursework.

Formatting Considerations for Academic vs. Non-Academic Roles

Your target career path should significantly influence how you present your education:

Country-Specific Degree Listing Conventions

Tailor your education section to match expectations in your target job market:

• United States: Emphasizes degree type, major, university name, and graduation date. GPA inclusion common for recent graduates.
• United Kingdom: Includes degree classification (First Class, Upper Second/2:1, etc.) alongside degree name. Uses "honours" spelling for designated degrees.
• Canada: Similar to US format, but may include cooperative education or practicum experiences more prominently.
• Australia: Features honors status and university rankings more prominently than US counterparts.

When applying internationally, research country-specific norms and adapting your format accordingly to demonstrate cultural awareness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Degrees

Degree Inflation and Misrepresentation

Misrepresenting educational credentials is both an ethical breach and a practical risk to your career. According to HireRight's Employment Screening Benchmark Report, 84% of employers discovered lies or misrepresentations on resumes, with education verification flagging approximately 27% of discrepancies.

Avoid these dangerous misrepresentations (some of these are borderline fraud - avoid them at all costs!):

• Claiming a degree you haven't earned
• Listing "expected" degrees without clear completion timelines
• Using misleading phrases like "studied at" or "attended" to imply graduation
• Claiming degree from non-accredited "diploma mills"
• Inflating GPA or honors status

Remember that most employers verify education claims through background checks, transcript requests, or degree verification services, making misrepresentations easily discoverable.

Inconsistent Formatting and Abbreviations

Inconsistency in your education section signals a lack of attention to detail that can undermine your candidacy. Maintain uniform formatting across all degree listings:

❌ Inconsistent (Poor):
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, Harvard University, 2022
B.S. Computer Science, university of washington, Seattle, WA, May 2020
associates in graphic design - community college of denver (2018)

✅ Consistent (Good):
MBA, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 2022
BS in Computer Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 2020
Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, Community College of Denver, Denver, CO, 2018

Ensure consistency in:

• Capitalization (institution names, degree fields)
• Punctuation and spacing
• Date formats (month/year vs. year only)
• Abbreviation usage (either all abbreviated or all spelled out)
• Location information (city/state format)

Overemphasis on Education for Experienced Professionals

As your career progresses, your education section should typically become less prominent. Candidates with 10+ years of experience often diminish their education section's prominence to highlight more recent professional achievements. (This creeps up into your resume quite naturally as your total working experience increases!)

Here are some tell-tale signs that say you're overemphasizing education:

• Education section appears before extensive, relevant work experience
• Including detailed coursework when you have 5+ years of professional experience
• Devoting more space to education than to recent roles and accomplishments
• Highlighting student activities/awards over professional achievements
• Including high school information when you have a college degree

For experienced professionals, consider a streamlined education section with just degree, institution, location, and graduation year.

Unnecessary Educational Details

Cluttering your education section with irrelevant information distracts from your qualifications. Remove these unnecessary elements:

• High school information when you have any college degree (exceptions: very recent graduates or when applying to organizations with connections to your high school)
• Outdated certifications that have been superseded by newer credentials or are no longer relevant to your field
• GPA after 3-5 years of professional experience (unless exceptional or in academic contexts)
• Irrelevant coursework unrelated to your target position
• Minute details about student activities, clubs, or campus involvement once you've established your career
• Community college transfer information when you've completed a four-year degree (unless it demonstrates specific skills)

Tools and Resources for Perfect Degree Listings

Degree Verification and Background Checks

Understanding how employers verify educational credentials can help you approach your degree listings with appropriate transparency and accuracy.

• Third-party verification services: Companies like HireRight, Sterling, and GoodHire that directly contact institutions to confirm degree completion
• National Student Clearinghouse: Database covering 97% of U.S. college students that verifies enrollment and degrees
• Direct institution contact: HR departments requesting verification directly from university registrar offices
• Credential evaluation services: For international degrees, specialized evaluators that assess foreign credential equivalencies

Most verification processes check degree type, major, institution, and graduation date-precisely the elements you should clearly list on your resume.

Industry-Specific Education Section Standards

Education section expectations vary significantly across industries:

According to McKinsey's future of work research, industry-specific education expectations continue to evolve, with increasing emphasis on demonstrable skills over credentials alone.

Keeping Your Educational Credentials Updated

Maintaining current and relevant educational information on your resume is essential as your career evolves:

• Recently completed education: Update promptly when you complete a degree, including final GPA, honors, and specializations
• Continuing education: Add relevant professional development courses, certifications, and training programs that enhance your qualifications
• Mid-career degrees: For degrees earned while working, consider how they complement your experience and position them accordingly
• Education pruning: As your career advances, consider removing older or less relevant educational details to maintain focus on your most significant qualifications

In Conclusion - Let's maximise the Impact of Your Educational Credentials!

The way you present your educational qualifications can significantly influence how recruiters perceive your candidacy. Throughout this guide, we've explored the nuances of formatting different degree types, handling special cases, and avoiding common pitfalls-all with the goal of helping your credentials shine on your resume.

Remember that your education section serves as both a technical qualification and a subtle demonstration of your attention to detail. Proper formatting, consistent presentation, and strategic emphasis all communicate professionalism beyond the credentials themselves.

The value of education on your resume evolves throughout your career journey. What remains constant is the need for clarity, accuracy, and relevance to your target role.

Whether you're a recent graduate leading with your educational achievements or an established professional with a more condensed education section, these formatting principles will help ensure your academic credentials support your career narrative effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic placement matters: Position your education section based on your career stage and the relative importance of your credentials to your target role.
• Consistency is crucial: Maintain uniform formatting, abbreviation usage, and presentation style across all degree listings.
• ‍Different degrees require different approaches: Associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees each have specific formatting conventions and abbreviation standards.
• Honesty is non-negotiable: Represent your educational background truthfully, as misrepresentations are easily discovered and can permanently damage your career.
• Tailor to your audience: Adjust the emphasis and details in your education section based on your industry, target role, and career stage.
• Special cases have solutions: Whether you have incomplete degrees, international credentials, or multiple qualifications, proper formatting can effectively communicate your educational background.

Your educational credentials represent significant investments of time, effort, and resources.

With proper formatting and strategic presentation, they can become powerful assets in your career advancement journey.

Ready to put these principles into practice? Resumonk's resume builder can help you create perfectly formatted education sections tailored to your unique background and career goals (powered by AI)

Create your professional resume today and ensure your educational qualifications make the right impression.

Try it now!