how to list college education on a resume

How to List Education on a Resume in 2024 (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. 

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• How to List Education on Your...

How to List Education on Your Resume - With Examples

10 min read · Updated on August 20, 2024

Show hiring managers you have the knowledge to succeed

How to put education on your resume

As with much of resume writing, the content and format of your resume Education section is fluid and will depend on where you are in your career. Still, it's important that you get it right to prove you're qualified for the job you want.

It sounds simple initially – when listing education on your resume, you just add the degrees you've obtained and the schools where you got them. 

But wait! There's more.

In some instances, it may be appropriate to include your GPA, some relevant coursework, or even give a nod to a major project you worked on. Much of this depends on whether you're fresh out of school or have some experience under your belt. 

Here are some other things to consider when writing the Education section of your resume:

Should your education section go at the top or bottom of your resume?

Can you include a degree if you're still working on it?

Does high school belong on a resume?

What's the best resume education format?

Let's start with the basics of how to list education on your resume.

1. Degree earned

When you finally graduated and received your diploma, what did it say? For example, you may have achieved a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Whatever it was, it's the most important education detail you can put on your resume, because it's the official designation of your education.

One of the key things to remember is that you should list your degrees in reverse chronological order. That means you start with the most recent one (which is likely to be your highest) and work backward. Once you get into college there is no reason to include high school education. Employers know that you have to finish high school to get into college, so they'll assume you graduated. 

Remember that one degree type can be applied to a variety of fields of study. For example, a Bachelor of Science degree can be earned for both physics and computer science. Therefore, in addition to the degree itself, you must include the major for which the degree was earned. This way, a hiring manager knows exactly what topics you've studied.

If you completed any minors or concentrations, you can include those too.

3. University, college, or institution

Add some context to your education by listing the university, college, or institution where you went to school. This is especially important if you attended a well-respected program in your field, because it will add more credibility and gravitas to your resume.

4. Years attended

The timeframe that you were in school is generally something you don't need to worry about including – unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year. Additionally, you might add the dates you were in school if you need to explain a gap in employment. Outside of these conditions, you should leave off the timeframe.

Whether or not you include your GPA in the Education section of a resume depends on many factors. If you earned your degree 20 years ago, your GPA is likely a defunct measure of your current abilities, so you can leave it off. If you earned your degree recently, however, adding your GPA can be a great move – but only if it's 3.5 or higher. You can also indicate any distinctions you earned based on your grades, such as summa cum laude , if applicable.

6. Extracurricular activities

If you were in an honors society, you can list your membership. If you were part of a fraternity or sorority, it's a toss-up. While you might think this is a good inclusion because it demonstrates you were participating in service-related activities and so on, Greek rivalries can extend way past college years and you wouldn't want to accidentally tip off your hiring manager that you belonged to a rival group.

7. Certifications 

Outside of formal education, you may also have taken the initiative to earn supplementary certifications or complete courses that are relevant to your field. Highlight these in your resume Education section, especially if they are on niche or high-level topics that prove your expertise far beyond a more generalized curriculum.

Resume education example:

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor of Business Administration | ABC University | 2021-2024

Dean's list - summa cum laude

President - Marketing Club

Certification : Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute | 2024

Additional considerations

Some of those basics are optional – as we mentioned, you wouldn't include the dates of your degree program if you've been out of school for more than a year. When you're learning how to list education on your resume, you may also have other questions and considerations. Here, we'll discuss how to add education to your resume in special circumstances.

Education on your resume when you've completed high school

Attending college may not be among the goals you've set for your life. That's okay!

Even if you decide to graduate high school and go straight to work, your career can still be rich and full. At this point, though, a lot of people ask if they should include high school on their resume. 

A few rules of thumb about adding high school to the Education section of your resume:

Exclude high school altogether if you go to college

Exclude high school if you've attended trade school

Include high school if you have no additional education, professional development, or certifications

Include high school if the job description specifically mentions that you need a high school diploma

Include high school if you're applying for a job while still in high school

Here's a resume education example you can refer to if your education ended with high school:

Diploma or GED [whichever is appropriate] | XYZ High School

Graduated: 2024

Relevant courses: Accounting, Business Law, and Ethics

Just because high school is the highest level of education you've obtained, that doesn't mean you can't take the opportunity to inject some relevant keywords into your resume. In the example above, the applicant has used the keyword accounting . That will make sure that their resume can be found when a recruiter searches their database for applicants with knowledge of accounting. 

Expert tip: Check out our article on tailoring your resume to different jobs to understand how important relevant keywords are when writing your resume.

Education on your resume when you have an undergrad degree

Once you graduate from college and start searching for your first entry-level position, it's assumed that you'll remove any information that refers to your high school activities and focus on your new undergrad degree.

Include your degree and major

Add the name of the school where you obtained the degree

Throw in some extras, like achievements, coursework, and affiliations

The last point about adding extras is extremely important if you have little to no work experience . Mentioning that you were a Resident Advisor or won first place in a robotics competition could be the detail that puts your resume at the top of the yes pile. 

Education on your resume when you have an advanced degree

Once you enter the world of Master's degrees and PhDs, the Education section of your resume becomes more robust and might include things such as the title of a dissertation, fellowships, or internships. 

As before, always start with your most recent degree and work backward. Here's how to present education on your resume as an example showing higher degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Leadership Studies | CCC University 

International Student Scholar

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationships of Principal Preparation Programs and Leadership Styles on School Accountability Indices

Master of Arts (MA) – Counseling | BBB University 

Bachelor of Science (BSc) – Psychology (cum laude) | University of AAA

Education on your resume when you started college in one place but finished in another

If you attended college at one institution – perhaps a community college – and then completed your education in another place, you only need to list the university where you completed your degree. All the employer wants to know is which college supplied you with your degree at the end of your education; they don't necessarily care about how you arrived at that destination. Save that resume space for more important information.

Education on your resume when you didn't attend or finish college

If you attended college but didn't graduate, you may want to list the relevant courses you took – especially if you made it to some of the higher-level classes, to demonstrate the skills you built or the disciplines you were exposed to during your coursework.

Education on your resume when you're still pursuing a college degree 

If you're still attending college for either your undergraduate or graduate degree, you can simply add an expected graduation year to this information. You can also add a list of courses you've completed, as long as:

They're higher-level courses that are relevant to your career goals

You don't have a lot of relevant work experience to market on your resume

Education on your resume when you earned your degree more than 5 years ago

If you earned a degree or certification more than 5 years ago, place your Education at the bottom of your resume and remove the graduation date. It's important to demonstrate you've earned the degree, but there's no need to draw attention to how long ago this occurred.

Doing so will allow you to focus your resume on your skills, accomplishments , and professional experience. For those who have many years of experience, academic education becomes less and less important as you move forward in your career. Your professional career will hold more weight at this stage. 

Where does the Education section of your resume go?

If you're new to the workforce and your new degree is your main selling point, the Education section should appear toward the top of your resume, because 

You most likely have limited professional experience to list on your resume

Your education shows the main knowledge and skills that you wish to highlight for an employer

After you have a few years of relevant experience under your belt, the education section gets shifted to the bottom of your resume so your work history can take over the prime real estate at the top of the page. 

Key takeaways on how to list education on your resume

Presenting your education on your resume in a thoughtful way can open a lot of employment doors. Here's what you should keep in mind as you write it:

The way you list education on your resume depends on what stage of your career you're at

The main components of your Education section are degree, major, school, years attended, and certifications

Tailor your Education section based on keywords and qualifications mentioned in the job description

Be honest about ongoing education or degrees you've decided not to complete

The education format on your resume will vary depending on how much detail you need to add

Use the Education section to your best advantage

Remember, there isn't one resume format that fits all job seekers. How you list education on your resume requires a strategic approach that depends on where you are in your career and the roles you're aiming for.

Find out if you're showcasing your education well on your resume by getting a free resume review from TopResume.

This article was updated in 2023 and 2024. It contains work by Amanda Augustine , Lauren Settembrino , Heather Rothbauer-Wanish and Marsha Hebert.

Recommended reading:

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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.

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• Career Blog

How to List Education on a Resume: 30 Examples & Tips

In today’s competitive job market, having a strong education section on your resume can be a game-changer. Highlighting your educational achievements not only demonstrates your knowledge and expertise but also showcases your commitment and dedication towards personal growth and career development.

The ultimate purpose of this article is to guide job seekers in presenting their education credentials effectively on their resumes. Through a comprehensive compilation of 30+ real-life examples and practical tips, this piece aims to help applicants in crafting a compelling education section that will impress hiring managers and land them their dream job.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a mid-career professional, or a seasoned executive, this article provides valuable insights and actionable advice that are proven to enhance your resume and increase your chances of getting hired. So, stay with us, and be ready to learn how to shine a spotlight on your educational background and leverage it for your next career move!

The Basics of Education on a Resume

When it comes to creating a winning resume, the education section plays a significant role. This section is particularly important for recent graduates or those looking to change careers. Employers want to see that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job, and education serves as a reliable indicator of this.

Importance of Education Section

The education section is often used as a method of filtering out candidates. Employers want to see a clear progression of your academic qualifications, as this demonstrates a commitment to learning and personal development. Failure to include this section can result in your resume being discarded without further consideration.

How to Format Education Section

The education section should be listed in reverse chronological order with your most recent qualification first. This format makes it easier for employers to see your academic progress and the relevance of your education to the current job position.

Format for education section:

What to Include in Education Section

The education section should include the following:

Degree: State the degree you obtained or are currently in the progress of obtaining, for example, Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Arts (MA).

Major: Indicate the field of study in which you took most of your academic courses, for example, Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering.

University: Mention the institute or university from which you earned your degree.

Graduation Date: Include the date of your graduation or expected graduation date if you are still pursuing your education.

What Not to Include in Education Section

There are specific details that you should avoid including in the education section that may work against you. Some of them are:

GPA: Unless you have recently graduated and have a high GPA, it is best to leave this information off your resume.

High School Diploma: Unless you have no higher education or in junior level, don’t include high school education.

Coursework: Unless it is directly related to the position you are applying for, it is not relevant to list your coursework.

The education section is your chance to show your credentials and qualifications to your potential employers. Ensure that your education section is properly formatted and reflects your academic achievements clearly. By following the above guidelines, you can present your educational background in a professional and impressive way.

Where to Place Education on a Resume

When it comes to listing your education on a resume, the placement can be just as important as the information itself. Here are some of the best options for where to place your education section:

At the top of the resume : If you are a recent graduate or your education is directly related to the job you are applying for, placing your education section at the top of your resume can help to draw attention to your qualifications.

After your work experience : If you have several years of relevant work experience, placing your education section after your work experience section can help to showcase your skills and experience first.

In a separate section : You can also create a separate section for your education, which can be especially helpful if you have multiple degrees or certifications. This can also help to make it easy for recruiters to find your education information quickly.

Tips for selecting placement options:

Consider the job requirements : When deciding where to place your education section, consider the job requirements and whether your education is a significant factor in the hiring decision.

Highlight your strengths : If your education is a strong selling point for you, make sure to highlight it in a prominent position on your resume.

Keep it concise : While it’s important to include your education information, don’t overdo it. Keep your education section concise and relevant to the job you are applying for.

How to make your education section stand out:

Include relevant coursework : If you have coursework that is relevant to the job you are applying for, make sure to include it in your education section.

Highlight any honors or awards : If you received any honors or awards during your education, make sure to showcase them in your education section.

Quantify your accomplishments : If you have any accomplishments from your education, such as publishing a research paper or completing a thesis, try to quantify them with specific numbers or details.

The placement and presentation of your education on your resume can play a significant role in your job search. By carefully selecting the placement and making your education section stand out, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Listing High School Education on a Resume

When it comes to including high school education on a resume, it’s important to understand that it’s typically not necessary for most job positions. However, if you are early in your career or lacking in higher-level education, you may want to include it. Here are some tips for including high school education on your resume:

How to Include High School Education on Resume

• Start with your most recent education and work backwards. List your high school education at the bottom of your education section, following any college or vocational training you may have completed.
• Be concise. Simply list your high school name, location, and the year you graduated.
• Highlight any academic achievements or honors. If you received any academic awards or honors during your high school education, include those on your resume.
• Limit the amount of detail. Unlike college education, high school education does not require a lot of detail. Keep it brief and to-the-point.

Tricks to Make High School Education More Professional

If you are concerned about how including high school education on your resume may come across, here are some tricks to make it more professional:

• Use your high school education to show transferable skills. Even if the education itself may not be relevant to the job, there may be skills you learned during that time that are transferable to the job you are applying for. For example, if you were heavily involved in a sport during high school, you may have developed leadership and teamwork skills that are applicable to many job positions. Highlight these skills on your resume.
• Show continuous learning. If you have not pursued higher education, but have taken classes, workshops, or courses since high school, include them on your resume. This shows that you have a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Focus on your experiences outside of education. If you are concerned about how your high school education will be perceived, focus on highlighting experiences outside of education. If you participated in clubs, sports teams, or community organizations during your high school years, include them on your resume. These experiences can demonstrate important soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.

By following these tips for including high school education on your resume, it can help you present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. Remember, the most important thing is to demonstrate your unique skills, experiences, and qualifications in a way that will make you stand out from other candidates.

How to List Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume

When it comes to listing your Bachelor’s degree on your resume, there are a few techniques that can help you highlight this accomplishment and make it stand out to potential employers.

Techniques to Highlight Bachelor’s Degree on Resume

Use a clear and concise format:  When listing your Bachelor’s degree, make sure it is easy to find and read. Use a straightforward format that includes the name of your degree, the name of the institution where you earned it, and the date of graduation.

Include relevant coursework and honors:  If you completed coursework or received any honors related to your Bachelor’s degree, be sure to include them on your resume. This can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in a particular area.

Emphasize relevant skills and experiences:  Instead of simply listing your degree, try to tie it in with your relevant skills and experiences. For example, if you majored in marketing, make sure to highlight any marketing-related projects or experiences you’ve had.

Quantify your achievements:  Whether it’s a high GPA, a specific project you worked on, or an award you received, try to quantify your achievements related to your Bachelor’s degree. This can help make it stand out and demonstrate your accomplishments.

Sample Sections to List Bachelor’s Degree

Education section:  This is the most common section to list your Bachelor’s degree. Simply include the name of your degree, the name of the institution, and the date of graduation.

Skills section:  If your Bachelor’s degree is relevant to your desired job, you can include it in your skills section to emphasize your expertise.

Experience section:  If you completed any related coursework or had relevant experiences while earning your Bachelor’s degree, you can list them under the appropriate job or experience in your experience section.

Example of Listing Bachelor’s Degree in a Different Format

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Institution: XYZ University, City, State Graduation: May 2022

• Proficient in programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python
• Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures
• Experience with database management systems

Experience:

Software Development Intern ABC Company, City, State June 2021 – August 2021

• Developed and tested software modules for a web application using Java and HTML/CSS
• Collaborated with a team of developers to troubleshoot and debug issues
• Participated in code reviews and implemented improvements based on feedback

Coursework:

• Introduction to Computer Science
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Database Management Systems

By presenting your Bachelor’s degree in a different format, you can highlight it as a separate section and provide more details about your skills, relevant experiences, and coursework. This alternative format allows the degree to stand out and provides a comprehensive overview of your educational background and related accomplishments.

How to List Associate’s Degree on a Resume

Strategies to highlight associate’s degree on resume.

Listing your associate’s degree on a resume requires a strategic approach. Here are some strategies you can use to highlight your associate’s degree:

• Place your associate’s degree prominently: Be sure to mention your associate’s degree in the education section of your resume. You can either add it directly under your high school diploma or create a separate section for your associate’s degree.
• Highlight your skills: Your skills are a crucial part of your resume, and you can use them to showcase your qualifications. Emphasize the skills that you gained as part of your associate’s degree program, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.
• Showcase your GPA: If you excelled in your associate’s degree program, showcase your GPA prominently on your resume. A high GPA can show potential employers that you are a diligent learner and have a strong work ethic.

Sample Sections to List Associate’s Degree

Here are some sample sections you can use to list your associate’s degree:

• Associate’s Degree in Business Administration, XYZ College, 2018-2020
• High School Diploma, ABC High School, 2014-2018

Certifications and Education

• Associate’s Degree in Accounting, XYZ College, 2018-2020
• CPA certification, 2021

Example of Listing Associate’s Degree in a Different Format

Here’s an example of how you can list your associate’s degree in a different format:

Professional Summary

As a diligent and detail-oriented professional with a background in business administration, I have gained essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving through my associate’s degree program.

By strategically highlighting your associate’s degree, you can impress potential employers and show them that you have the skills and education necessary to succeed in your desired role.

How to List Master’s Degree on a Resume

When listing your master’s degree on your resume, it’s important to do so in a way that highlights your education and makes it easy for potential employers to see your qualifications. Here are some tips for highlighting your master’s degree on your resume:

Tips for highlighting master’s degree on resume

Start with your highest degree: When listing your education, start with your highest degree first. In most cases, this will be your master’s degree.

Be concise: You don’t need to include every detail about your master’s degree on your resume. Keep it concise and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Use bullet points: Use bullet points to make your education section easy to scan. This will help potential employers quickly see your qualifications.

Include relevant coursework: If you took coursework that is relevant to the job you’re applying for, include it in your education section.

Sample sections to list master’s degree

Here are some sample sections to list your master’s degree on your resume:

• Master of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, 2020
• Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, ABC University, 2018

Academic achievements

• Graduated with honors
• Recipient of the Dean’s List award

Professional development

• Completed coursework in curriculum development and instructional design
• Facilitated professional development sessions for other educators

Example of listing master’s degree in a different format

Here’s an example of how you could list your master’s degree on your resume in a different format:

Professional experience

Director of Marketing, ABC Corporation

• Led the development and execution of marketing campaigns for a leading technology company
• Managed a team of five marketing professionals
• Increased website traffic by 25% through targeted content marketing strategies

Master of Science in Marketing, XYZ University

• Coursework included: Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Analytics
• Recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Student award

By listing your master’s degree in the education section of your resume, you’re able to highlight your academic achievements and qualifications. However, you can also choose to list your degree in other sections of your resume, such as your professional experience section, to show how your education has prepared you for your work.

How to List PhD on a Resume

If you have earned a PhD, it is important to highlight this achievement on your resume. Here are some steps to help you effectively list your PhD:

Include your degree title: Begin by listing your degree title, such as “Doctor of Philosophy” or “PhD” after your name at the top of your resume.

Highlight your field of study: Under the education section of your resume, include the name of your university, the dates of your attendance, and your field of study.

Detail your dissertation: Highlight your dissertation topic and provide a brief summary of your research under your education section.

Emphasize your contributions: If you were actively involved in any research or publications during your PhD program, consider creating a separate section to highlight these achievements.

Here are some sample sections you could use to list your PhD on a resume:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, XYZ University, 2016-2022
• Dissertation: “The Effect of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety Among Children and Adolescents”

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

• Conducted empirical research on the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on stress levels among university students
• Published several articles in peer-reviewed journals related to social behavior and mental health in adolescence

PUBLICATIONS

• John Doe, Jane Doe, & Sam Smith. (2021). “Impacts of Social Media on Mental Health in Adolescents.” Journal of Adolescence, 87, 35-41.

If you want to highlight your PhD in a different format, consider these tips:

• Create a separate section for your education, research experience, and publications.
• Use bullet points to list your relevant achievements and responsibilities.
• Keep it concise but specific – employers want to see your accomplishments, but they don’t want to read a thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work, XYZ University, 2014-2019

• Dissertation: “The Role of Social Support in Reducing Depression Among Adults with Chronic Illnesses”
• Conducted a mixed-methods research project on the experiences of individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare services
• Presented research findings at several conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals
• John Doe & Jane Smith. (2019). “Barriers and facilitators to accessing mental health care among individuals with disabilities.” Journal of Social Work in Disability & Rehabilitation, 18(1), 30-40.

Listing your PhD on a resume is an essential aspect of showcasing your expertise and qualifications. By following these steps and examples, you can effectively and clearly highlight your achievements and make a positive impact on potential employers.

How to List Certifications and Licenses

When it comes to creating a resume, highlighting your education is a key component. However, it’s not just your degrees that can impress potential employers. Listing certifications and licenses you hold can also make you stand out as a qualified candidate. Here, we’ll discuss what essential certificates and licenses to list on a resume, how to format and list them properly, and provide sample sections to make your resume stand out.

Essential Certificates and Licenses

When it comes to listing certifications and licenses, there are many to choose from. However, certain certifications and licenses are more relevant to specific career paths. Here are the essential certificates and licenses that you should list on your resume based on the industry you’re in:

• Healthcare: CPR certification, BLS certification, CNA certification, RN license, AHA certification, etc.
• Education: Teaching license, administrator license, TEFL certification, etc.
• Information technology: Microsoft certifications, CompTIA certifications, Cisco certifications, etc.
• Finance: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, etc.
• Law: Bar admission, legal secretary certification, notary public commission, etc.
• Real estate: Real estate license, certified residential specialist (CRS) certification, etc.

Formatting and Listing Certifications and Licenses

When listing certifications and licenses on your resume, it’s essential to format them properly. Here are some tips to ensure that you list them correctly:

• Place relevant certifications and licenses in an area of your resume that makes sense. If you’re in healthcare, you may want to include them under a “Certifications” header after your education section. If you’re in finance, you could list your CPA license under your “Professional Development” section.
• Always list the most recent certification or license first, followed by the less recent ones in descending order.
• If the certification or license has an expiration date, make sure to list it along with the certificate’s title, followed by the issuing institution and the date it was earned.

Sample Sections for Listing Certifications and Licenses

Now that you know the essential certificates and licenses to list and how to format them, here are some sample sections that you can use on your resume for some inspiration:

Certifications

• BLS Certification, American Red Cross, Exp. 04/2022
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification, State of California, Exp. 12/2023
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification, American Heart Association, Exp. 06/2024
• Teaching License, State of New York, Exp. 06/2027
• Administrator License, State of Illinois, Exp. 06/2029

Information Technology

• CompTIA Security+ Certification, CompTIA, Exp.

How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume

When crafting a resume, it is important to showcase all aspects of your education and relevant experiences. One way to do this is by including relevant coursework on your resume. In this section, we will discuss why including coursework on your resume can be helpful, the importance of relevant coursework, how to format it, and provide examples of sections to list relevant coursework.

Why Include Coursework on Resume

Including relevant coursework on your resume can be helpful in showcasing the skills and knowledge you have gained in your academic career. If you do not have much work experience or are applying for a job in a field that you studied in school, including coursework can show the employer that you have a solid foundation in the industry.

Importance of Relevant Coursework on Resume

Listing relevant coursework on your resume can demonstrate to the employer that you have gained valuable knowledge and experience in a particular subject area. This can be especially important if the job you are applying for requires specific skills or knowledge that you gained through your coursework. Additionally, it can show your dedication and interest in a particular field or subject.

How to Format Relevant Coursework

When formatting relevant coursework on your resume, it is important to keep it concise and relevant. You should only include coursework that is relevant to the job you are applying for, and ensure that the information is easy to read and understand. Consider highlighting the relevant coursework in a separate section, or within the education section of your resume.

Example Sections to List Relevant Coursework

Below are some examples of sections to list relevant coursework on your resume:

Education Section

Bachelor of Science in Marketing

• Marketing Research Methods
• Consumer Behavior
• Marketing Communications

Relevant Coursework Section

• Web Design and Development
• Digital Security

Including relevant coursework on your resume can be a valuable addition, especially if you are new to the workforce or transitioning to a new field. Use the tips provided to format your relevant coursework in a clear and concise way, and showcase your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Listing Education Based on Career Level

When it comes to listing your education on a resume, it’s important to consider your career level and tailor your education section accordingly. Depending on your level of experience and the job you’re applying for, you may need to highlight different aspects of your academic background.

Tailoring Education Section to Fit Career Level

For entry-level positions, your education may be the most important section of your resume, especially if you have limited work experience. In this case, you should list your education and any relevant coursework, certifications or awards related to the job you’re applying for at the top of your resume.

If you’re a more experienced professional, your work experience will likely take center stage on your resume. However, your education can still be valuable to showcase, particularly if you completed advanced degrees or specialized training.

For senior-level positions, it’s common to list your education at the end of your resume, after you’ve highlighted your extensive work experience. At this stage of your career, employers are likely more interested in your professional achievements and leadership experience than your academic background.

Example Sections to List Education Based on Career Level

Entry-level example:.

• Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University
• Relevant Coursework: Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Advertising and Promotion, Digital Marketing
• Dean’s List, Fall 2018 – Spring 2021

Experienced Professional Example:

• Master of Business Administration, ABC School of Business
• Bachelor of Science in Management, XYZ University
• Relevant Coursework: Strategic Management, Operations Management, Corporate Finance, Marketing Analytics
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Awards: Outstanding Graduate Student, ABC School of Business

Senior-Level Example:

Professional Experience

• Director of Sales, XYZ Corporation
• Vice President of Marketing, ABC Company
• Chief Revenue Officer, DEF Inc.

Education on a Functional Resume: Tips & Samples

When it comes to creating a functional resume, highlighting your education can be incredibly important. Whether you’re a recent graduate or have years of experience under your belt, your educational background can demonstrate your qualifications and expertise in your chosen field.

Importance of Education in a Functional Resume

Including your education on a functional resume can help you stand out from other job seekers. It can demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in your desired position, and it can also show that you value ongoing learning and professional development.

When listing your education on a functional resume, be sure to include any relevant degrees, courses, certifications, or training programs that you’ve completed. This can help demonstrate your expertise and show that you’ve taken the initiative to further your education and skills.

Techniques to Highlight Education in a Functional Resume

One technique for highlighting your education on a functional resume is to create a separate “Education” section. This section should include the name of the school or institution you attended, the degree or certification you earned, and the year of completion.

When listing your education, be sure to include any relevant coursework or honors that demonstrate your expertise in your field. For example, if you’re applying for a position as a software engineer, you might include coursework in programming languages or computer science.

Another technique for highlighting your education on a functional resume is to incorporate it into your work experience section. For example, if you completed an internship or apprenticeship during your education, you might list that experience under a relevant job title.

Sample Sections to List Education in a Functional Resume

Here are a few sample sections that you might use to list your education on a functional resume:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of XYZ, 2014-2018
• Relevant coursework: Business Law, Financial Accounting, Marketing
• Marketing Intern, ABC Company, 2017-2018 (completed as part of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program at the University of XYZ)
• Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program, Red Cross, 2016
• Relevant coursework: Patient Care, Infection Control, Anatomy and Physiology
• Nursing Assistant, XYZ Hospital, 2016-2018 (completed as part of the Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program at the Red Cross)

By including your education in your functional resume, you can demonstrate your qualifications, expertise, and ongoing commitment to learning and professional development. These sample sections can help you highlight your educational background in a clear and effective way.

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20 Examples: How To List Education on a Resume

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 15, 2023 — 17 minutes to read

• Highlighting Your Education Part 1
• Format and Structure for Listing Education on a Resume Part 2
• Placement of Education Section on a Resume Part 3
• How To List High School Education on a Resume Part 4
• How To List Undergraduate Education on a Resume Part 5
• How To List Postgraduate Education on a Resume Part 6
• How To List Continuing Education Part 7
• How To List Unfinished Degrees on a Resume Part 8
• How to Highlight Key Achievements in Education on a Resume Part 9
• How to Address Gaps in Education on a Resume Part 10
• How To List Multiple Degrees or Courses on a Resume Part 11
• How to List International Degrees on a Resume Part 12
• How to List Online Degrees on a Resume Part 13
• Frequently Asked Questions Part 14

Crafting the perfect resume is an essential step towards landing your dream job. As you focus on work experience, don’t forget to give your educational background the attention it deserves. Showcasing your education on your resume can make a big difference, especially for fresh graduates or candidates who lack extensive work experience. Related: How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Examples)

Part 1 Highlighting Your Education

Your education is an important part of your background that employers want to know about. This section provides a quick overview of formatting guidelines for listing different levels of education on your resume. We will further explore how to effectively highlight your educational achievements and qualifications.

If you have completed high school, your education listing can be as simple as: High School Diploma, [Name of School], [Location], [Year of Graduation]

For those with college education, you can list your degree and major. For example: Bachelor of Arts in English, [Name of University], [Location], [Year of Graduation]

For graduates with multiple degrees, list them separately, starting with the most recent one: Master of Business Administration, [Name of University], [Location], [Year of Graduation] Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, [Name of University], [Location], [Year of Graduation]

If you’re currently pursuing a degree and haven’t finished yet, mention that by including “In Progress” or “Expected [Year of Graduation]”: Bachelor of Science in Biology, [Name of University], [Location], In Progress

or Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, [Name of University], [Location], Expected 2026

Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or licenses you’ve earned, as they may be essential for the job you’re applying for. Format them like this: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), [Issuing Organization], [Year of Certification]

This covers the basic formatting for listing common education credentials. The following sections will dive deeper into strategies for positioning and emphasizing your education to its best advantage on your resume.

Part 2 Format and Structure for Listing Education on a Resume

First, list your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or highest level of education and working your way backward. This will ensure your most impressive achievements are at the top and the first to be seen.

For each entry on the education list, include the following information:

• Name of the institution
• Degree or certificate earned
• Major or area of study
• Graduation date or expected graduation date
• GPA (only if it’s impressive or relevant to the position)

Here’s an example of how this information might appear on your resume:

University of California, Los Angeles Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Minor in Mathematics Graduation Date: June 2023 GPA: 3.85

It is wise to only include the most relevant and recent education experiences that showcase your qualifications for the applied job. However, if you have completed certifications, courses, or workshops related to the job you’re applying for, go ahead and add a separate subsection for those experiences.

For recent courses or certifications, format them with a similar structure:

Widget Design Workshop X Company Completion Date: March 2023

Your education section should align with the format chosen for other sections of your resume. Consistency in styling (font, size, bullet points) is key to making your resume look polished and professional.

Part 3 Placement of Education Section on a Resume

When it comes to placing your education section on your resume, it should usually be located right after your professional experience. However, if you’re a recent graduate or you have minimal experience in your field, you may want to place your education section right below your resume summary.

Keep in mind that placement may vary depending on your specific background and the job you’re applying for. No matter the placement, make sure your education section is easy to find and well-organized.

When listing your educational background, format it in a way that is clear and concise. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science X University, May 2021, City, State

Include any relevant coursework, honors or awards, and specialized training under the appropriate degree. For example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science X University, May 2021, City, State Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Networking Honors: Dean’s List Fall 2020 – Spring 2021

For those who have multiple degrees or certifications, list the most recent first and work your way backward chronologically. Here’s a sample format:

Master of Business Administration ABC University, June 2019, City, State

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies DEF College, December 2016, City, State

Be sure to tailor the education section to the job you’re applying for by emphasizing any coursework or certifications that are applicable to the position. This will help demonstrate your qualifications and show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge.

Part 4 How To List High School Education on a Resume

When listing your high school education on your resume, start with the name of the school, followed by its city and state. If you’ve graduated, include the year of graduation. If you haven’t graduated yet or are still in high school, simply mention “in progress” or the expected year of graduation. Here’s an example:

Springfield High School , Springfield, IL Graduated 2015

If you earned any significant achievements (such as honors or awards) during your high school years, feel free to add those as well. For example:

Springfield High School , Springfield, IL Graduated with Honors, 2015 Awarded the John Smith Scholarship for Excellence in Mathematics

Keep the focus on accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you participated in clubs or activities related to your desired field, mention them too. For instance:

Springfield High School , Springfield, IL Graduated with Honors, 2015 Member of the student-led Tech Club, where we collaborated on coding projects and organized workshops

As you gain more work experience, your high school education may become less relevant. However, if you’re a recent graduate with limited work history, it’s still important to include it. Related: Impressive Resume with No Work Experience (for Students)

Don’t worry about including your GPA unless it’s exceptional (above 3.5) or the job posting specifically requests it.

Part 5 How To List Undergraduate Education on a Resume

When listing your undergraduate education on your resume, start by mentioning the name of the college or university in bold. Follow this with the city and state of the institution. Next, include your degree, major, and minor (if applicable) along with the year you completed your studies. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2023 Minor in Marketing

If you want to showcase your impressive GPA, you can add it right after your major. However, it’s generally recommended to include your GPA only if it’s 3.5 or above. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (GPA: 3.8), May 2023 Minor in Marketing

Perhaps you have a couple of relevant coursework that could be of interest to an employer. In this case, you can make a bullet point list with the names of these courses. Don’t include too many courses; choose 2-4 of the most relevant ones. For example:

• Marketing Strategy
• Consumer Behavior
• Promotional Management

In case you’re still pursuing your undergraduate degree but want to include it on your resume for internships or part-time positions, you can list it as “In progress” or “Expected [month/year]”. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Expected May 2024 Minor in Marketing

Part 6 How To List Postgraduate Education on a Resume

When listing your postgraduate education on your resume, it’s important to showcase your highest degree or most relevant education. Here are a few examples:

Example: Master’s Degree Holder Master of Science in Computer Science, May 2021 X University, City, State

Example: Doctoral Degree Holder Ph.D. in Psychology, June 2019 ABC University, City, State Thesis: “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health”

Make sure to include the degree name, graduation date, institution, and location. If you have completed a thesis or a dissertation, include its title to highlight your area of expertise.

If you have multiple postgraduate degrees, list them in reverse chronological order. Tailor the information to the position you’re applying for and consider focusing on the degree most relevant to the job.

Example: Multiple Postgraduate Degrees Master of Business Administration (MBA), May 2021 X Business School, City, State

Master of Science in Data Analytics, December 2018 DEF University, City, State

For ongoing postgraduate studies, indicate that you are currently enrolled, and mention your anticipated completion date.

Example: Ongoing Postgraduate Education Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics, Expected Completion: May 2025 ABC University, City, State

Keep the formatting consistent with the rest of your resume for a visually appealing and professional look.

Part 7 How To List Continuing Education

Certifications.

When listing certifications on your resume, include the certification title, the certifying organization, and the year you obtained it. This information should be organized in a clear and concise manner. For example:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) , Project Management Institute, 2021
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) , American Institute of CPAs, 2020

Training courses can be an excellent way to showcase your commitment to continuous learning and development. Mention the most relevant trainings, the provider or organization, and the completion date. Like this:

• Advanced Excel Training , Udemy, 2022
• Leadership and Team Development Workshop , Dale Carnegie Training, 2021

Workshops are another great method to highlight your dedication to ongoing education. Be sure to mention the workshop title, the organizing institution, and the date you attended. For instance:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Workshop , Moz Academy, 2023
• Design Thinking Workshop , Stanford University, 2022

Try to prioritize the most relevant certifications, trainings, and workshops to the job you are applying for and consider using bullet points for a clean, organized appearance.

Related: How To List Certifications on a Resume (Examples)

Part 8 How To List Unfinished Degrees on a Resume

When listing an unfinished degree on your resume, it’s crucial to be clear and concise. Start by mentioning the name of your degree followed by the major. For instance, you could write “Bachelor of Arts in English” or “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.” Next, include the name of the institution you’re attending or attended.

For example: University of (…), City, State Bachelor of Arts in English, Expected Graduation Month Year

Make sure to indicate the anticipated graduation date if you’re still in progress. Use phrases like “Expected Graduation” or “Anticipated Graduation” followed by the month and year. This informs the recruiter about your commitment to completing the degree and the remaining timeline.

When showcasing your coursework or relevant skills, use bullet points for better readability. Give a brief summary of significant classes and projects that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t forget to ensure that it aligns with the job requirements: Relevant Coursework: – Creative Writing – Literary Theory – British Literature

or Key Projects: – Developed an application for tracking reading progress using Python and Django – Created an interactive website for showcasing short stories using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Showcasing your accomplishments, relevant coursework, and projects can help make up for the incomplete degree, proving your value to potential employers.

Part 9 How to Highlight Key Achievements in Education on a Resume

When listing education on your resume, it’s important to highlight your key achievements. This will show potential employers that you not only completed your studies, but also excelled in certain areas. Consider the following examples to help you emphasize your accomplishments.

Example: Include GPA and Honors Education ———- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, X University, City, State, May 2023 – Cumulative GPA: 3.8/4.0 – Graduated cum laude

By mentioning your GPA and honors, you demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence. This information can help set you apart from other candidates with similar degrees.

Example: Showcase Relevant Coursework Education ———- Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, ABC University, City, State, June 2022 – Relevant coursework: Logo Design, Typography, Web Design, Illustration

Mentioning specific relevant courses you performed well in will illustrate your expertise in certain aspects of your field. This can help employers understand your strengths and competencies.

Example: Highlight Extracurricular Involvement and Awards Education ———- Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, LMN University, City, State, August 2021 – Active member of the Society of Mechanical Engineers (SME) chapter – Winner of the University Engineering Excellence Award

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and accolades can demonstrate your passion for your field and your ability to go above and beyond.

Part 10 How to Address Gaps in Education on a Resume

Sometimes, you might have gaps in your education history. This could be due to various reasons like taking a break, pursuing a different career, or dealing with personal matters. But don’t worry, you can tackle this issue when listing your education on your resume.

First, focus on the valuable skills and experience that you gained during the gap period. If you took online courses or attended workshops, you can highlight these under the education section or even create a separate section for professional development. For instance:

• Bachelors in Business Administration, XYZ University, 2019
• Project Management Certification, Online Course, 2021

Next, use a functional or hybrid resume format instead of a purely chronological one. This allows you to place a greater emphasis on your relevant skills and experiences rather than arranging everything by date. By doing so, the gap may become less noticeable:

Relevant Skills & Experience:

• Project management
• Data analysis
• Financial planning
• Bachelors in Business Administration, X University, 2019

Lastly, consider including a concise explanation for the gap in your cover letter to address any concerns upfront. For example:

“After completing my bachelor’s degree in 2019, I took a year to explore different career options. During this time, I realized my passion for project management and pursued a certification course to develop my skills in this field.”

Related: Confidently Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples)

Part 11 How To List Multiple Degrees or Courses on a Resume

Example 1: Chronological order

List your degrees or courses in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one first. – Master of Business Administration, X University, 2023 – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC College, 2020 – Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, LMN Community College, 2017

Example 2: Prioritize relevance

If you have degrees in different fields, you can prioritize them based on their relevance to the job you’re applying for. – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC College, 2020 – Master of Business Administration, X University, 2023 (Relevant coursework: IT Management, Business Analytics) – Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, Y Community College, 2017

Example 3: Grouping courses

For those who have completed multiple relevant courses or certifications, group them together under a “Relevant Courses” or “Relevant Certifications” section. Relevant Courses: – Data Analysis and Visualization with Python, ABC University, 2020 – Machine Learning Fundamentals, X Institute, 2019

Keep in mind that you can also choose to list your highest or most relevant degree if you’re concerned about space or if you’ve completed an extensive list of courses and education programs.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to add any accolades or achievements that came with your degrees or coursework, such as Dean’s List or scholarships. Showcasing these accomplishments can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence and drive in your education.

Part 12 How to List International Degrees on a Resume

When listing your international degree on your resume, ensure the information is clear and easy to understand for potential employers. Here are some tips on how to present your international education effectively:

First, provide the name of the degree in its original language. This helps the employer understand the level of education you have attained. Next, include the English translation of the degree to make it more accessible for employers who may not be familiar with the international terminology. Ensure you include the name of the university and its location (city and country) to provide more context about your educational background. For example:

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Betriebswirtschaftslehre) Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany

If your degree is from a non-English speaking country, include the equivalent U.S. or U.K. degree if possible. This helps employers gauge your educational level more accurately. For instance, if you have a Spanish Licenciatura, you can list it as:

Licenciatura in Psychology (Equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree) University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Lastly, consider including your GPA if it’s impressive or required by the job. However, make sure to convert it into the 4.0 GPA scale commonly used in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries. There are various online tools available to help with this conversion. For example:

Master of Science in Computer Science (Diplôme d’Ingénieur) École Polytechnique, Paris, France GPA: 3.7/4.0 (Converted)

Part 13 How to List Online Degrees on a Resume

When listing your online degree on your resume, treat it as you would a traditional degree. Make sure to include the name of the institution, the degree earned, and the completion date. If your online degree is from a well-known and respected institution, showcasing it can be a strong selling point.

For example: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration X University (Online), 2021

If you’ve taken a combination of online and in-person courses, there’s no need to differentiate between the two. Simply list your degree and the institution, as you would for traditional education. However, if the online nature of your degree is important to the job you’re applying for, you could mention it briefly in your cover letter.

It’s also essential to highlight your relevant coursework and certifications to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the field. This can be particularly useful if your online degree has equipped you with specialized skills that are tailored to the position. You could list these accomplishments in a separate section on your resume, such as:

Relevant Coursework: – Social Media Marketing Strategies – Financial Analysis and Risk Management – Project Management Tools and Techniques

Don’t forget to showcase any key projects, case studies, or team-based experiences you had while earning your online degree. This could be included under a “Projects and Achievements” heading on your resume:

Projects and Achievements: – Capstone Project: Developed a comprehensive marketing plan for a new e-commerce start-up, resulting in a 20% increase in sales during the first quarter. – Collaborated with a team of six peers to analyze and provide solutions for a real-world business challenge during an intensive two-month course. – Ranked in the top 5% of my graduating class for overall GPA and academic excellence.

Part 14 Frequently Asked Questions

How should i include an unfinished degree on my resume.

To include an unfinished degree on your resume, list the school you attended, the degree you were pursuing, and your years of attendance. Indicate that your degree is still in progress by adding a phrase such as “Expected Graduation” with the estimated completion date, like this: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, In Progress X University, City, State Attended from 2023 – Present Expected Graduation: May 2026

What is the proper way to list a bachelor’s degree on a resume?

To properly list a bachelor’s degree on your resume, include the degree name, your major, the name of the school, its city and state, and the graduation date. If you’ve graduated with honors or have any specializations, include those as well:

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry X University, City, State Graduated Cum Laude, May 2019 Specialization: Organic Chemistry

Should I include my high school education on my resume?

It’s generally not necessary to include your high school education on your resume if you have completed higher education (e.g., a college degree) or have substantial work experience. However, if you are a recent high school graduate with limited work experience or are applying for positions where high school education is a requirement, you can include your high school education like this:

High School Diploma ABC High School, City, State Graduated June 2021

What’s an example of listing a field of study on a resume?

An example of listing a specific field of study on a resume might look like this:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design X University, City, State Graduated Summa Cum Laude, May 2020 Focus: Typography and Branding

Here, the resume highlights the specific area of study (Graphic Design) and additional focus within that area to demonstrate the candidate’s expertise.

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• Career Development

How to List Education in Progress on Your Resume (+ Examples)

10 min read

Are you unsure about how to list your in-progress education on your resume? Many people are, including current students, students taking online classes, and people taking a break from their degree programs.

Is it acceptable to include unfinished degrees on a resume?

ZipJob’s career experts agree that education in progress should usually be included on a resume. A degree in progress is still important to employers, as well as a degree that was started and holds relevance to a position. However, it needs to be included in an honest way so it’s an accurate reflection of your learning and accomplishments.

If you’re currently pursuing a degree, here is how you can list education in progress on your resume – plus some examples for you to use as templates on your own resume.

Key Takeaway

KEY TAKEAWAY: Are you working on a degree and want to tell prospective employers about your efforts? These tips can help you to list your in-progress education on your resume.

How to list education in progress on a resume

There are two things you need to learn if you want to know how to list education in progress on your resume. The first is how to provide that information in a way that clearly conveys your education status to an employer. The second is where to place that information in the body of your resume. With respect to the how, there are a few different ways to convey these details. There are only a couple of basic rules to follow when you list these education details:

Be as clear as possible. You don’t want to give the employer the wrong impression, after all. If you have completed one degree and are pursuing advanced education, be sure to clearly state that fact. If your degree is not yet complete, be clear about that as well.

Be honest. If you are in the process of withdrawing from school, don’t list that educational program. Don’t try to enhance your education section in any way. Just state the facts in an honest way.

Feel free to include in-progress university degrees , as well as online degrees that you may be pursuing. Both are popular in 2023/2024.

Resume degree in progress examples

When you include details indicating that you’re currently pursuing a degree on your resume, it’s important to provide clarity. The last thing you want is to inadvertently leave the impression that you’re trying to pretend like you’ve completed the degree. And while it might be tempting to just note that the degree is still a work-in-progress, we believe that you should be even more specific. The best way to do that is to include the anticipated graduation date.

Now, if you’re like many students, you may not be entirely sure that you’ll complete your degree by a set date. However, that shouldn’t stop you from providing an anticipated date of completion. In fact, it’s essential that you provide this information so that employers know that you’re serious about your studies. This is especially true in cases where the job you’re seeking requires that degree. Fortunately, it’s a relatively easy task to accomplish.

We wrote a good post here on how to include an MBA on a resume.

For example, check out this listing from a sample resume with a master’s degree in progress:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Human Resources Program

Dynamic University, Anytown, AnyState. Expected completion 2025

If you’re closer to graduation and are more certain about the date, you can use something like this:

Graduate Studies, Computer Engineering

XYZ University, MyCity, MyState, Graduation Date: Spring, 2024

What if I don't expect to finish the degree?

If you are taking a break from your education (or a permanent hiatus) you need to consider whether or not the coursework you did complete is relevant. Ask yourself:

Is this degree related to the job I'm applying for?

Is this degree more relevant to the job than my other relevant experience including jobs, volunteer work, or certifications?

Is this in-progress degree recent enough? (Can I still remember what I learned? Has a lot changed in the industry since I learned it?)

Is having a degree required for this job?

While you should never lie about having a degree you don't have, including any progress made toward a required degree may help you reach the interview stage. The trick is you have to be qualified for the job in every other aspect. If you don't have an MBA, but you do have 10+ years in the business field, you may still have a shot at landing the interview.

To accurately represent this on your resume, don't include a prospective graduation date. Instead, try including the number of credits and the years you attended.

University of California, Riverside (2019 to 2021) | Riverside, CA

36 units toward a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies

EXPERT TIP: View 200+ more professional resume samples for all industries, along with a guide to writing resumes from our career experts.

Should I include other information about my degree?

You may want to consider whether you should list relevant coursework and major projects on your resume. In general, work experience is more compelling than education, but either way, adding classes that you’ve taken or capstone-type projects can elevate your resume with more relevant keywords.

Relevant coursework

Adding relevant coursework to the education section of your resume can be a great idea, especially if you lack the professional experience needed to set you apart from other job seekers. The great thing about adding coursework is that you can include it whether you’ve finished your degree or not. Here’s what it would look like:

Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cultural Studies | University of Chicago (GPA: 3.89) 

Relevant Coursework: Media Technology, Games Culture, Intercultural Communication, Web Design, Advanced Video Production, Multimedia Performance, and Strategic Social Media

Adding coursework isn’t a place to dump every class you took pursuing your degree. Rather, it’s a place to inject relevant keywords into your resume. So, if the job description calls for someone with experience in video production and you haven’t had a job that allowed you access to that but you did take a class in college, then you can add it to your Education section. 

Related read: Relevant Coursework on a Resume: Good or Bad?

Capstone or other major projects

Similar to adding coursework, you can talk about projects you’ve worked on. Remember that relevancy is critical. You should always be thinking about how your experience and education relate to what the prospective employer is looking for in a new hire. If you need to add something else on your resume that helps you demonstrate skills or knowledge, a project from school can be just the ticket. Write the project details in your Education section in the same way you’d write a job role – meaning, use bullet points to call attention to things you achieved as you worked on the project. Here’s what that looks like:

Notable project: Project title

Describe the project and goals along with how many team members were involved

Talk about what you did – your role – to achieve the project goals

Mention the skills you gained – “Honed skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3]

If you won an award or earned some recognition for a project well done, write about it

Where to place education in progress on your resume

The second issue you need to address is placement. Where should you place these details when you’re trying to figure out how to list education in progress on a resume? There are two main possibilities, depending upon whether the degree is needed for the job you’re seeking.

If the job requirements include the degree that you’re pursuing, then you should try to emphasize that information in your resume. Position it near the beginning of your resume, after the summary section. That way, the employer will see that you’re close to completing that requirement before he or she delves any further into the document. This placement helps showcase your interest and suitability right away.

On the other hand, you should place this detail later in the resume if the degree isn’t needed for the position. In that instance, you can put your work history and skills higher up in the resume and leave your education for the end.

Tie it all together in your cover letter

Don’t forget about the power of your cover letter . Since your cover letter is meant to complement your resume, a degree in progress could give you another opportunity to sell the point that you are qualified for the role. Talking about education in progress or unfinished education in your cover letter can also allow you to explain any gaps on your resume that are related to pursuing education. 

Gaps can happen if you decide to go to school, and then change your mind. If you didn’t work while you were in school, then you’ll have a gap. It’s not something to fret about, gaps happen all the time. You just have to be ready to explain why it exists and being able to tell a story about how you were actively working to improve your qualifications and skills can go a long way in showing future employers your dedication to continuous improvement. 

As always, whether you bring up unfinished education in your cover letter depends on whether it’s relevant to the job you’re applying to. If it doesn’t add value to your job application, then leave it off. 

Here are some example statements you can use when mentioning a resume degree in progress on your cover letter:

I am currently pursuing a degree in [field or industry] to enhance my skills in [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3].

While my education journey is still ongoing, I’m excited to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to the [position name] role.

I am actively working toward completing my [degree name] to meet the educational requirements for this position.

A final note: grade point average

We should also address another common question that we encounter: do you need to include your grade point average ? There are different schools of thought on this, so it’s really up to you. As a rule, however, most experts agree that it’s generally unwise to include anything less than the best GPAs. That typically means leaving it out unless it’s at least 3.5. In most instances, however, you won’t need to include that detail unless the job description requires a certain grade point average or you’re seeking a job at a major firm.

For your resume, a degree in progress is one more tool for success!

As you can see, it is not difficult to enhance your resume with a degree in progress. Yes, you need to know the right format to use, and where to list that information. Still, it is a relatively simple thing to handle if you stick to the basic principles we’ve outlined here. So, be sure to include those educational details, to showcase your developing skills and help you stand out from the crowd!

Recommended reading:

7 Free Certifications To Enhance Your Resume

How to List Online Courses on a Resume (Examples and Tips)

200+ Resume Examples for Every Job & Industry

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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Writing the Education Section of a Resume (5 Key Tips)

Where to put education on your resume, how to format education on a resume (with examples), what else to put on your resume if you don't have work experience, sample resumes to highlight your education, faqs: answers to common questions about education on resumes, learn more about resumes, top source for premium resume templates, work on your resume education section today.

Here are the common guidelines to follow when listing education on a resume:

• Always include the following information: the degree you received, your major, the name of your school, its location, and your graduation year.
• Start with your highest educational attainment.
• List all other degrees in reverse-chronological order.
• Delete high-school education if you already graduated from college.
• Remove your graduation date if you earned it more than five years ago.

Of course, these guidelines don’t apply to all situations. When adding your education to your resume, you should add any recent education. This shows the hiring manager that you've got a gap because you were working on your skills.

But if your education was more than ten years ago, you don't need an education section on your resume. Also remove your education once you’ve accomplished 10 to 15 years of work experience. ( Remove the education section of your resume--or at least the dates of your education--because this section can make it easier for people to discriminate against you because of your age. )

I’ll discuss all these in more detail in the succeeding sections:

If You're In High School

List your education at the top one third of your resume, just below your skills summary. Let your education do the heavy lifting for now, even if you already have a bit of work experience.

If You're In College or Just Graduated

At this stage, you probably have more credentials related to your target job as a student, than as a working professional.

So, if you haven’t had a job, project, or volunteer work related to the position you’re applying for, put education before work experience on your resume.

You might argue that it’s better to list the odd and part-time jobs you did first. Maybe you think these job entries show that you’re employable and at least know what it’s like to work for a living.

Perhaps some hiring managers might consider that fact.

But what if they don’t read past your job title as “Waitress,” “Cashier,” or “Barista”? All the qualities and achievements you list below the job title will be ignored, too. Even if those skills are related to the job at hand.

For now, list education before your work experience first. Just consider it your first step in convincing employers that you've got the qualifications they need. 

If You're Already a Working Professional

At this stage, employers pay less attention to the GPA and college coursework of experienced applicants than they do with fresh graduates. Because of this, a seasoned professional’s education is either listed after their work history or at the bottom of the resume, just after the skills section.

1. High School

Below are different resume education examples, depending on where you are in your high school education.

Examples for High School 

If high school is your highest level of education, list it like this:

“Western High School, Baltimore, MD

Graduated in 2023”

But if you’re still at school, just change the second line so it looks like this:

Expected to graduate in 2025”

If you didn’t finish high school:

List the name of your school and its location, followed by the years you attended.

“Edmonson-Westside High School, Baltimore, MD

Attended school from 2020 to 2024”

If You Completed a GED

Some people who didn’t finish their high school education took a General Education Development (GED) test instead.

If that’s you, list the institution where you took your GED test followed by your high school information.

“GED High School Equivalency Diploma

Richland One Adult Education Center, 2020

Spring Valley High School, Columbia, SC

Attended 2020 – 2022”

Trade School

If you studied a trade after high school, list it on top of your high school education as long as it’s related to your target job.

Here's an example: 

“Dorsey School, Madison Heights, MI

HVAC Technician, 2023

Portage Central High School, Portage, MI

Graduated 2022”

2. Undergraduate Degree

Below are different ways to list college education on your resume.

College Graduate

“BS in Electrical Engineering, 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA”

You can also write the degree type in full instead of abbreviating it:

“Bachelor of Arts in English, 2023

UCLA, Los Angeles, CA”

Still at School

If you’re still at school, just put “in progress” beside the course you’re taking.

“BS in Mathematics in Progress

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA”

You can also write “Expected in” followed by the estimate date of your graduation.

“BS in Economics, Expected in 2024

New York University”

Unfinished Degree

Not everyone who attends college completes it, for whatever reason. There’s no shame in that. So, don’t let your education go to waste by excluding it on your resume.

List your school’s name, followed by your start and end dates, so it’s clear you’re no longer enrolled. Then write how many credits you earned towards your chosen degree. Put your high school education below it.

“Harvard University, Cambridge, MA

2021-2022: Completed 32 credits towards BA in Education”

  J.P Stevens High School, 2023

Edison, New Jersey”

3. Graduate Studies

A graduate degree in your field increases your credibility as an applicant. That’s why it should be listed on top of your undergraduate degree.

The example below is impressive for an applicant in the IT sector. 

“MS in Computer Science, 2023

BS in Computer Science,

Michigan State University, 2021”

You can still list an advanced degree not related to your line of work. But it might be better to list it below your undergraduate degree if it’s not related to your current role.

For example, if you work in the IT sector, a master’s degree in political science isn’t relevant except perhaps for the skills you learn while researching for your thesis. To make this information worth including in your resume, highlight any coursework that may be applicable to your job.

“BS in Computer Science,

Michigan State University, 2020”

MS in Political Science, 2023

Coursework: Models and Methods, Security Studies”

This tip isn’t applicable to everyone, as it all depends on your career plan. For example, a master’s in business administration applies to many jobs with a management role.

Incomplete Graduate Studies

The strategy here is like that used in undergraduate degrees. List the anticipated graduation date on resume, if you still have a lot of coursework to finish before graduating. Here's an unfinished degree on resume example:

“Master of Science in Economics, to be completed 2024

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA”

But if you finished everything except the dissertation, write “all but dissertation,” which is sometimes abbreviated as “ ABD ” below your graduate program. Be warned, though, there are mixed opinions about this. 

“MS in Biology

All but dissertation (ABD), 2025”

City College of New York”

Always list your undergraduate degree below your graduate studies.

Discontinued Graduate Study

You can still list a master’s or doctoral degree on your resume, even if you didn’t finish it or ended up dropping out from the program entirely.

To avoid confusion, list this in a separate section called “ Research Work ” or “ Professional Development” instead of listing it together with your other education credentials.

Write the number of units completed in the subject, the name of the institution, and the dates you attended.

“15 credits in Applied Mathematics

University of Maryland, 2023-2024”

This example shows how you could list a MS in Applied Mathematics & Statistics, and Scientific Computation, if you only did part of the coursework (i.e. Applied Mathematics)

You can also list it in this format, so it’s all in one line and it downplays the low number of units finished and the incomplete degree.

“Post-graduate coursework in Applied Mathematics, University of Maryland, USA, 2022-2023”

4. Master’s & Doctoral Studies

When adding your master’s degree, use the abbreviations or spell it out. Whichever you decide, be consistent throughout your resume. Here are some of the master’s degree abbreviations:

• A.M., M.A., MA (Master of Arts)
• M.B.A., MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• M.E., ME, Meng, M.Eng. (Master of Engineering)
• M.S., MS, M.Sc. MSc (Master of Science)

Here's a completed master’s degree example:

Dates you attended the program College, City of College, State of College Master of Arts in English

Here's how to show a master’s degree that hasn’t been completed:

College, City of College, State of College Master of Arts in Psychology Expected Graduation Date: (put date here)

 Doctoral Degree 

Add your doctoral degree in the resume education section. Your doctoral degree is formatted similarly to other degrees. Here's an example of adding your doctoral degree to your resume:

Name of university Doctorate degree years in university

Here's another example of how to add a doctoral degree to your resume:

University of Chicago Ph.D. in Education 2020-2026

5. Certifications

Some applicants may not have the formal education required for the job. But they made up for it through certifications, courses, seminars, and training events. Professional training and ongoing education can be listed in the education section of a resume, or under a separate section for “ Professional Development.”

Format to Follow : 

“Name of Training, Training Provider or Certification Body, Date Obtained, Location”

Here's an example:

“Oracle SBC Troubleshooting Certification, Pearson Vue Testing Center, 2023, Hong Kong”

Including the training location is optional, except for state-specific licensure and certifications.

If you haven’t completed the training, list it as “In progress” or write the estimated completion date.

“Oracle SBC Implementation by Oracle, Toronto, (To be completed, Sept 2024)

These templates can give your resume a better format:

Fresh graduates with no work experience sometimes have trouble filling out a one-page resume. It doesn’t have to be this way if you get creative in how you present your qualifications. No big fonts necessary.

Below is some good information you can add to beef up your resume:

List the GPA for coursework related to the job you’re applying for. Only do this if your GPA isn’t below 3.0.

 “BS in Economics, 2023

Ohio University, Cleveland, OH

Relevant Coursework

You can also list the subjects or units relevant to the job you’re applying for. Not sure which subjects are relevant? Compile job ads for five similar positions in your field, and then list the most common skills or educational requirements listed. Compare this keyword list with your college transcript to find the relevant coursework.

Here’s an example for a fresh graduate applying for an entry-level job as a Clinical Specialist

“BS in Biomedical Engineering, 2023

Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Relevant coursework: Quantitative Experimentation and Design, Systems Physiology, Biomedical Systems Analysis, Biostatistics”

Check out this guide to get more information on how to use keywords in your resume: 

List honors, scholarships, and awards you received while studying. List these items after your education, if you've got less than three items to list.

If you've received more than three distinctions, it’s better to list them in a separate section called “Honors and Awards.”

Include the name of the institution that granted the award, and the date it was awarded to you. Here's an example format to follow: 

Here are some sample resumes to highlight your education:

1. If You've Got Minimal Education and Experience

If you don’t have a lot of education, it’s best to focus on any professional skills you’ve learned or any certifications you've got. If you've got a lot of credentials and training, try adding a section for that. Leaving the education section off your resume is best if you only have a high school diploma.

Here are the changes made to a resume for someone who has some training and only a high school diploma. As you can see, the education section was deleted, as well as the work experience section. The skills sections were kept and showcase relevant skills to the job that's being applied to. The certifications section was kept and added the relevant certifications. Also, a profile picture was added, and a positive summary to help convince the hiring manager.

3. If You've Got a Lot of Education and No Experience

In the resume education section, include any classes you took that would be relevant to the job you're applying to.

In the example above, the courses and the thesis that were added were relevant to the job that’s being applied to. When adding your GPA, only add it if it’s 3.0 or higher. If it’s lower, don’t add it to the resume.

In the experience section, add any volunteer work and unpaid internships. Also, add any achievements that you achieved during your volunteer experience or internships. Adding achievements shows the employers what you can do. Fill out the sections for the rest of the resume while remembering what job you’re applying for.

Here are some frequently asked questions about adding education to a resume:

1. What if You Went Back to School to Get a New Degree?

Are you changing careers? If you got a new degree because you want to pursue another type of work, then it’s vital that you include your new degree on your resume. Put it on top of your previous college degree.

When you switch roles, most of your previous work experience will be considered irrelevant. Let’s say you want to switch from nursing to selling life insurance or IT to managing a restaurant. In those cases, most of your previous qualifications—education, skills, achievements—are inapplicable.

That’s where your new degree comes in. You’re like a fresh graduate in your new field, but a tad better. Your formal education satisfies the job requirements of most employers, and your transferrable skills will boost your qualifications a bit more, so you’re not seen as a total newbie.

2. What if Your Degree Isn't Related to Your Job?

I know someone who graduated with a degree in design that's now working as a life insurance agent. I also know a nursing graduate who worked in IT for years, before becoming a real estate agent. This happens more than you know. So, don’t let this stop you from chasing after your dream job.

Below are two ways to downplay the lack of formal education in your target job:

• List the relevant coursework in your degree. Let’s say you've got a Psychology degree but want a job in marketing. If you took units in social psychology, communications, grammar, and business, those subjects show you've got the knowledge required for the job.
• List professional courses or ongoing training you took to compensate for your lack of formal schooling on the subject.

3. What if You Attended Multiple Schools to Finish One Degree?

Only list the school where you graduated or finished your degree. Educational institutions require transferring students to submit their transcript, along with a detailed list of the subjects they completed with their previous school.

Your school records are consolidated where you graduate, so that’s what you should list on your resume. If you put the wrong school, you may get a negative result from an employer’s pre-employment background check.

Having a college degree doesn’t guarantee you a job, not anymore. Still, a college education is one of the job requirements for high-paying work. So, you should learn how to list your education on a resume in a way that paints you as a skilled and knowledgeable professional, not just a student who only did the minimum work to pass.

Now that you're done listing your education on a resume, why not improve the other parts of your resume too?

Browse our professional resume templates on Envato Elements for a great resume design.

Envato Elements is the best source for any kind of resume template . They've got templates for people with no experience and for people with a lot of experience. Also, they've got themed resumes that you can use to match the job that you're applying to.

So, what's Envato Elements? It’s a premium subscription service where you pay a low monthly fee to gain unlimited access to premium digital assets . These assets include resume templates, fonts, stock images, audio, etc.

Professionals make every template to look stylish and impressive. This means that you're getting a high-quality product. When you use a template, you save time because it's already designed. All you need to do is add text in the designated sections. You still can if you like adding your personal touch to your resume. A good template is easily customizable.

In this article, you learned how to fill out the education section of your resume in several different circumstances. So, put those skills to use and download a premium template from Envato Elements. Also, learn more about making a great resume in our comprehensive series. There are several resume strategies to master that'll help you land the job you want.

Editorial Note: This content was originally published on August 17th, 2017. We're sharing it again because our editors have determined that this information is still accurate and relevant. It's been updated for relevancy and accuracy by Sarah Joy .

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How To List Education on a Resume in 2024 (With Examples)

Ready to write a standout resume? Your education section is key!

Whether you’re diving into a new industry or targeting your dream job, how you present your education can make a big difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of listing your education on a resume. From high school diplomas to advanced degrees and even courses you’re still completing, we’ve got you covered.

Plus, we’ll make it super simple with plenty of examples .

This article includes:

Let’s get started!

What To Include in Your Education Section

Start by listing your most recent educational achievement first under the “Education” heading, and then work your way back. This is the reverse chronological format favored by most recruiters.

Have an advanced degree ? Lead with that, followed by your bachelor’s degree and, if space allows, your high school diploma. 

If you’re tight on space and have multiple degrees, feel free to skip the high school details.

You can add bullet points of your academic accomplishments , or you can keep things to the point and simply state the degree, school, location, and the year you obtained your certificate or diploma.

Where To Position Education on Your Resume

Wondering where to place your education on your resume? It depends on the job you’re eyeing and your experience level.

After your name and contact details, your resume should start with an objective statement or summary.

Then comes the big question: Should you list education or experience next?

Let’s break it down with 2 scenarios to help you decide .

When to position your education before experience on your resume

Applying for a job that values specific educational credentials? Or maybe you’re just starting out and don’t have much work experience yet ? In these cases, putting your education section before your experience can make a big impact.

For instance, if you’ve just graduated with a business degree but lack work experience in the field, leading with your education highlights your qualifications without drawing attention to the gaps.

This is especially crucial if you’re targeting roles that require your degree , like finance positions.

It’s also advisable to add relevant coursework that connects to the position you’re applying for.

Or, if you’re switching careers and your new field values your academic background more than your past job experience , positioning your education first can make you stand out.

When to position your experience before your education on your resume

With a solid track record in your field, it’s time to let your experience do the talking!

If you’ve been working in your profession for a while , leading with your experience can more effectively showcase your qualifications. 

For example, if you’re applying for a managerial role in a restaurant and have spent the last decade managing staff, your hands-on experience speaks volumes. Even if you have a hospitality certificate, your practical experience will likely be more compelling to hiring managers.

Remember, while your education is important, your resume should highlight what makes you the best fit for the job . If your experience is your strongest asset, make sure it’s front and center. But don’t forget to include your education further down to show the full scope of your qualifications.

How To List Your High School Education and GED on Your Resume

Within the education section of your resume, you can list your GED or high school diploma on your resume, just like you would any other degree or certificate. 

You can also put a couple of bullet points beneath your diploma to showcase any academic achievements that are relevant to the job you are pursuing or that you are proud of. 

Keep in mind that if you have a higher education degree (or more than one post-secondary degree), you may want to leave your GED or high school diploma out of the education section. 

It will save you some space on the page, and the hiring manager will assume you have your high school equivalency if you have a university or college degree. 

To get you started, here are a few examples:

• GED, Detroit, Michigan, 2021
• High School Diploma, Alex May High School, Middleton, 2022, Honor Roll
• High School Diploma, Mercy Tech School, Georgina, 2023
• GED, Online Academy, Wisconsin, 2024

Depending on the resume template you choose, you may have the date first or even on the next line. Use the template for guidance to keep things looking consistent throughout.

How To Put Graduate-Level Education on Your Resume

Now, let’s make your shiny new graduate degree work for you!

If you’ve got stellar grades or won scholarships , don’t be shy— highlight those achievements . 

This is especially useful if your experience section is a bit light, which is common when you’re fresh out of school and hunting for your first job.

Start with your highest degree and work your way back to your bachelor’s degree. If you have advanced degrees, there is no need to include high school.

Here are 3 examples to show you how to make your education section pop.

1. Single Degree/Diploma Focus

Let’s start with a single degree, while highlighting a few points :

BA Art History, 2024

Northeastern College, NY

• Graduated Magnum Cum Laude
• President of the Art Society

Next, let’s look at listing a single degree without adding any bullets :

Bachelor of Science, Nursing, 2023

Grand Bend College, New Jersey

2. Multiple Degrees

Finally, let’s look at how you’d list multiple graduate-level degrees on your resume:

PhD Aerospace Engineering, 2021

University of Toronto, Ontario

M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, 2023

University of Waterloo, Ontario

B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering, 2024

Western University, Ontario

If it’s important to the job you’re hoping to land, you could add bullets explaining what your thesis topic was or what courses you focused on during your degree .

How To List Education in Progress on a Resume

If you are still in university or college, then you might be wondering how to list your current education on your resume. 

When you list items on your resume in reverse chronological order, you start with the most recent and work your way backward . 

For degrees or certification courses still in progress, you can note the start date and either “Present” or your expected graduation year. This way, you highlight your current academic pursuits without drawing attention to what’s incomplete.

Here are a few examples of how to list education if you’re still in college :

• Bachelor of Education, XYZ University, CT, 2022 – Present
• Master of Science, H University, NY, 2024
• Electrical Technician, ABC College, Georgetown, 2021 – 2023
• Hospitality and Tourism Management, BComm, XYZ University, Netherlands, 2023

Still Looking for Help With Your Education Section?

Need more guidance on perfecting your resume? Look no further! Our online resume builder is here to help. 

You can build your own custom resume to see where exactly to list your education, or you can download our free resume templates for inspiration.  

To format your education on a resume, start with your most recent degree and work backward. Include the degree type, major, institution name, location, and graduation date. If you’re still studying, mention your expected graduation date. 

Highlight any honors, relevant coursework, or extracurricular activities that showcase your skills. For example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, ABC University, NY, Expected 2025

Tailor the details to fit the job you’re applying for, emphasizing aspects that align with the role.

To list degrees on a resume, start with your most recent degree and work backward. Include the degree type, major, university name, location, and graduation date . For example:

Master of Science in Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, June 2023

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order. 

To list expected education on a resume, include the degree you’re pursuing, the institution, location, and your anticipated graduation date:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, Expected June 2025

This format clearly indicates that you’re currently studying and when you expect to complete your degree, helping employers understand your current academic status.

To list high school on your resume, create an Education section and include the school name, location, and graduation date :

High School Diploma, Patterson Hills High School, Billings, MT, 2022

If you’re still in high school, mention your expected graduation date. Only include your high school education if it’s your highest level of education or if you’re currently a student . 

If you have a college degree or significant work experience, you can omit it.

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How to list education on a resume [examples].

Dayana Aleksandrova

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Table of Contents

First things first, basic formatting, how to list high school education, mention awards.

Education is tough. You spend four years in college, stressing about exams and living off of gummy bears and ramen, often curled up on the library floor. That’s the best case scenario. Reward your efforts by expertly putting your education on a resume.

It’s crucial to know how to list your education on a resume at every stage. Applicants get confused by all the possible scenarios. What if you never finished high school? What if you only completed high school? What if you dropped out of college? Don't worry.

We will teach you how to:

• List your high school experience even if you never graduated
• Include your education if you’re still in college
• Present your education on a resume if you never graduated college
• Mention your college education once it’s completed
• Leverage skills and extracurriculars to complement your education

VelvetJobs Expert Tip

Need help? Check out our resume builder .

#first-things-first

Have you ever wondered what goes first, education or experience? They are both important and should be easy to spot on your resume.

You can have your education positioned:

• At the top of your resume, before experience
• After your experience but before your interests and hobbies

Both alternatives work.

If you have recently graduated, list education before experience on your resume. This is because, at this point, education is most likely the most relevant and extensive experience you’ve had.

If you’ve decided to go back to school after a few years in the workforce, you should put your work experience before your education. It's better to see that you can, say, generate $20,000 in sales over six months than a theoretical finance course you took.

Make sure to make education a priority on your resume. While you may choose not to put it at the top, don’t bury it at the very bottom. The bottom part of your resume should be for hobbies and interests, certifications and volunteer work.

Learn How and Why Put Hobbies on a Resume (20+ Real Examples) !

When should you put education after your work experience?

If you’ve been working for a few years and have a few solid positions to show, put your education after your experience. After all, companies want to hire you for what you can do , not what you’ve learned in theory.

Of course, a degree can be a very helpful asset, but the experience here has a higher value. If you’ve been working for 5-10 years, your experience has become more relevant and recent than your degree so you can put your education in the second part of the resume.

#basic-formatting

We will go over the basic formatting requirements of listing your education on your resume.

• List your highest degree first (Ph.D-MA - BA - Associate)
• If you put your college degree, you don’t need to list high school

It makes sense to list your highest degree first. It will be the one you obtained most recently and the most valuable of all. If you’ve got a Ph.D, it would be at the top of your resume. You can leave off the rest of your degrees in that case, especially if they are in the same discipline.

For example, if you have a Ph.D in Neuroscience and a Master's in the same sphere, just list your Ph.D. Besides the doctorate, Master’s degrees go next, followed by Bachelor’s and finally, Associate’s degree.

Additional details to include:

• School you graduated from
• Major/ minor
• Year of graduation
• Location of school

These are the four additional pieces of information you should mention when listing your education on your resume.

The name of your school is important. The area of study matters as well. If you had both a major and a minor, list the major first . The year of graduation is important as the recruiter will be judging your progress based on it.

Finally, the location of the school is a good piece of information to have, but it isn’t crucial. It’s important in case the name of your college is popular. For example, when you say you graduated from “Trinity College,” the recruiter would ask which one - the one in Ireland or Connecticut.

Here is an example of what this format looks like:

for example

2015 MA in Psychology

Boston University, Boston, MA

3.8 GPA Followed by:

2013 BA in Psychology

• Trinity College, Hartford, CT

As you can see, this candidate has listed their HIGHEST and MOST RECENT degree first, followed by their previous education.

Need some extra help? Check out these resume templates .

bonus tips:

• Every space on your resume counts. Shorten “Master’s” to MA, “Bachelor’s” to BA, etc.
• It’s good to put your GPA on your resume as long as it’s higher than 3.2.

If you attended an Ivy League school (Harvard, Princeton, Yale), you could lead with the name of the school instead of the major.

#how-to-list-high-school-education

We will follow the same format as above. If you didn’t graduate high school, simply say:

• Name of High School, Town, State
• Attended school from YEAR - YEAR

For example:

• Union High School, Gilford, NH
• Attended school from 2003 - 2005

Since your education is not the strongest suit on your resume if you didn’t finish high school, go ahead and emphasize your relevant work experience and qualifications instead.

If you are still in high school, list the following:

• Expected to graduate YEAR

It would look like:

• Expected to graduate 2010

Finally, if you didn’t finish high school, but later completed a GED, say this: GED High School Equivalency Diploma

• Institution, State, YEAR
• Attended High School From YEAR - YEAR
• GED High School Equivalency Diploma
• Greenville Center, Gilford, 2010
• Attended High School From 2003- 2005

Why do we list both institutions? This is because you began your education in high school and finished elsewhere. Together, the two add up to what the recruiter needs to know. You'll see this information in all good resume templates .

If you finished high school

Listing your completed education is very simple. Just say the following:

• Graduated in YEAR

It would look like this:

• Graduated in 2013

Looks simple? That’s because it really is, no catch. While your high school experience can be quickly summed up in a few lines, you should put more effort into discussing your skills and experience in case this is your highest level of education.

We know you're a rockstar. Check out these 50+ Essential Skills to Put on a Resume (And Get the Job) !

Now let’s talk about college education on your resume. We will look at how to list it in case:

• You never finished college
• You are still in college
• You completed a college degree

Simply list it like this:

• University of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH
• 2012-2014 Completed 70 credits towards BA in Economics
• Graduated in 2012

Here, we list your high school along with the college courses you’ve taken in order to demonstrate a more wholesome educational experience. If you did the work and completed a certain number of courses, definitely mention it.

Here is the best way to list your education on your resume if you are still in college :

• BA in Economics in Progress

Simply mention when you will have your degree. You can use the phrase “in progress,” or “anticipated,” or “expected.” These terms are interchangeable.

Listing a completed college degree on your resume is very straightforward. Simply say:

• YEAR Degree Type in Discipline
• University, City, State
• 2015 BA in Economics
• University of Boston, Boston, MA

#mention-awards

Let's have a look at how to list degrees higher than BA on your resume. Feel free to include additional details such as:

• Honors and awards
• Relevant courses taken
• Extracurricular activities and volunteer work
• Published work

It is always a good idea to mention any honors you’ve received with your degree or whether you’ve been a part of any societies such as Phi Beta Kappa.

This is what an example looks like:

• Honors BA in Economics, Summa Cum Laude
• Graduated in 2015

Other honors can include any scholarships you’ve received on Dean's List .

It’s a good idea to mention details about the courses you’ve taken if they are relevant. For example, if you are applying for a position in politics and you’ve taken courses in international political economy, politics of developing countries and international relations, do mention those courses.

Your resume should be one page long, so only mention these details if you have space left.

You can spend more time on your education section in case you have little to no work experience. That way, you will demonstrate that this is where the majority of your efforts have been focused.

What if you graduated with a degree that isn’t relevant to the position you are applying for? Then simply list the courses you’ve taken that can be helpful in the industry.

For example, if you’d like to work as a Human Resources Specialist, but you studied Economics, that’s fine. List courses that may be relevant, such as Psychology 101, Behavioral Psychology and Social Psychology.

• Bachelor of Arts in Economics
• Relevant Coursework: Psychology 101, Behavioral Psychology, Social Psychology

You can back your resume up with relevant extracurricular and volunteer experiences as well, such as:

• Mentor programs
• Debate team
• Sports teams
• Creative writing
• Student government

These extracurricular activities demonstrate that you’ve closely worked with people in a team and as a leader, as well as have imagination and creativity.

Don't be shy, it's fine to show off. Here's How to Mention Accomplishments on Your Resume (10+ Examples)

Here are the things to remember when discussing education on your resume.

It’s important to talk about your studies when you apply for a job. Though your experience will be more important if you’ve got ten years of experience under your belt, if you are just starting out or are still in school, your education matters.

You can list any sort of education - both high school and college, regardless of whether you completed a degree or not. There are different ways to speak about your education, depending on whether you have completed your studies, have dropped them or are still in progress.

You should leverage your extracurricular activities , honors and rewards and mention details about your coursework in order to position your candidacy best for the job.

Make sure to be concise in your education description, as your resume should be a neat one page. It’s easy to choose whether to put your education at the top or bottom of your resume, depending on how much professional experience you’ve accumulated.

If you have years of solid work experience behind you, place your education after your experience. In case you have recently graduated from school or don’t have much professional experience to show, put your education second.

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How to (and How Not to) List Education on Your Resume

About a week ago, I received a resume from a job seeker interested in a technical sales position one of my recruiting clients has available. All was going well—until I reached the education section of his resume.

Here’s what it said:

Graduate, and Ongoing Student

School of Life, Multiple Locations

I wanted to admire his creativity , I really did. But instead, I just felt sort of annoyed and duped. I wondered why this job seeker, who had tons of great work experience and plenty of continuing education coursework under his belt, felt like he had to invent something to put into this section of his resume.

The more I pondered, the more I realized: Resumes are just damned hard for most people to craft, even under the most straightforward of circumstances. This challenge becomes even more daunting when you have to strategize on something sensitive or complex, like having no degree or a non-completed degree.

And then there’s the whole, “Where do I put my education on the resume, top or bottom?” thing. And how about dates? Do you list them, or not? Do you cite GPA, courses completed? Committee memberships?

The education section is tough. And truthfully, there aren’t unbendable laws on it. But to avoid this job seeker’s mistake (and others), here are a few bits of advice on how to best manage this piece of your resume:

Don’t Be Overly Cutesy (or Lie)

Most of us have stuff in our past that we’d like to disguise on our resumes. If it happens that your Achilles heel falls in the education section, be strategic, of course, but not cheesy (see above) or dishonest. It probably won’t end well. If you feel your education section is a little light, load this section with continuing education and professional coursework .

Put Advanced Degrees First (Usually)

Usually, you should lay down your educational background by listing the most recent or advanced degree first, working in reverse chronological order. But there are exceptions. Say you earned a degree in geography, but are now working in the field of online marketing. If you more recently completed coursework specific to social media or digital marketing, list that first to grab the reviewer’s attention.

Lose the Dates, Unless You’re a Recent Grad

Unless you’re a recent graduate (one to three years out of school), you really don’t need to list the graduation dates . The reviewer cares more about whether or not you have the degree than when you earned it. And, as you progress in your career (that’s code for “as that gray hair starts springing out”), listing dates can work against you.

Don’t List Everywhere You Ever Attended

If you attended one or two colleges before landing at the one from which you graduated, it’s not necessary to list them all out. Again, the degree is what the reviewer is looking for, not an autobiographical account of the four colleges you hopped to and from before finally graduating.

Didn’t Quite Earn the Degree? Mention It Anyway

Last week, I counseled a woman who had completed her master’s program, but not the thesis. She wondered if it was OK to list that she’d completed the coursework, or if would it appear deceptive. Um, mention it . Absolutely mention it. I’d frame it something like this:

Master of Business Administration Degree Candidate, Marylhurst University, Marylhurst, OR

Thesis under development; anticipated completion June 2013

List Honors, Not GPA

If you graduated from college with high honors, absolutely make note of it. While you don’t need to list your GPA (especially if it’s under 3.5 or if you’ve been out of school for more than three years), don’t be afraid to showcase that summa cum laude status or the fact that you were in the honors college at your university.

Position It Strategically

Most people list educational background at the end of the resume, which is perfectly fine. However, if you have a degree from a prestigious university or one that may serve as an advantage for the types of positions you’re pursuing, consider listing your education at the beginning of your resume instead.

Above all, be strategic about anything you put in your education section. Like anything else on your resume, it should be working for you, not against.

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The Must-Haves When Writing Your Education On Your Resume [For 2024]

The education section on your resume is more important than you think. Here’s how to structure it, including advice for current students and recent grads.

3 years ago   •   11 min read

The education section is an easily overlooked part of any resume — which doesn’t mean it should be an afterthought. If you’re a current student or recent graduate, or if you’re applying to jobs that require a specific degree, you’ll know you need to put some thought into it, but the same is true even if you’ve been in the workforce for a while.

Here are some of our best tips for how to structure it, including where to put your resume education section and how to make the most impact without letting it take over more space than it needs.

Where to put your education on your resume

Where to put the education section of your resume mostly depends on how recently you graduated:

• If you've been out of school for a few years and have some relevant work experience, include your education section underneath your professional experience .
• If you graduated recently and your education is your most relevant experience, put your education section at the top of your resume .

We'll go into more detail on the why's and how's of listing your education vs work experience first on your resume later in the article. First, here's a quick guide on how to write a resume education section.

How to format a resume education section

• Create a separate section and title it "Education."
• List the name of the school and the degree you studied.
• List your graduation date. This is optional, especially if you graduated more than 10 years ago.
• List any major awards or honors, including cum laude or dean's list.
• If you're a current student or recent graduate, you can consider including extra details like GPA or relevant coursework (see below for more details).
• If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree first.

Resume education section template

Here are a couple of different templates you can use, depending on how much experience you have.

Education section for mid-level hires

Here's an example of a brief education section, suitable for experienced hires.

Use this template to copy this format:

EDUCATION Name of college or university, location Date of graduation Degree, major, and minor

Education section for students and graduates

This is a longer example you can use if you're a current student or recent graduate.

Here's the expanded template:

EDUCATION Name of college or university, location Date of graduation Degree, major, and minor Awards and GPA (if above 3.5) Relevant coursework

What to include in your resume education section

As a general rule, you should limit your education section to information that's relevant to the job you're applying for.

Must haves:

• The university or college you attended
• The degree you obtained
• Your major(s)
• The year you graduated

Awards and honors

Study abroad.

• Relevant coursework

Extracurricular activities

Other certifications, educational projects, internships and student placements, unfinished degrees, the university or college and degree.

This one's a no-brainer. If nothing else, you must include the name of your degree and where you obtained it.

Major and minor

You should pretty much always list your major, unless you completed your degree in a completely unrelated field. Listing your minor is a good idea if it's in any way relevant to the job you're now applying for.

More information: How to put a double major on a resume and the minors you need to include on your resume

Any major awards or honors should go in your resume education section. These include cum laude or magna cum laude, dean's list , and fellowships.

More information: How to list honors on your resume

Your GPA is very optional — only include it if you're a current student or recent graduate and it's above 3.5. In all other cases, leave it off.

If you’re a current student, it’s fine to list study abroad on your resume. You can list the experience under the host school, making sure to note that it was a study abroad program.

More information: Turn study abroad into a job with these resume tips

If you're an experienced hire, skip this step. If you have real work experience, including coursework will look strangely out of touch.

If you're a current student and don't have a lot of relevant work experience, relevant coursework can help demonstrate key skills and get you past Applicant Tracking Systems . You can list a handful of subjects on one line underneath your degree and major.

More information: What to put on your resume if you don't have a lot of experience

You can include student activities a subsection of your resume education section (if they only take up a line or two) or in a separate section (if you want to include key accomplishments).

More information: How to showcase extracurriculars on your resume

Other certifications and qualifications can go on your resume, but be critical about what you list. This could include certificates, licences, technical qualifications, and other types of continuing education — as long as they’re relevant to the job you’re applying for. You also don’t need to list every conference or seminar you’ve ever attended. Keep it limited to substantial qualifications that help you stand out.

More information: The right way to list certifications on a resume

Projects can also be listed in their own section if you choose to elaborate on your accomplishments — if you're a current student or recent graduate, this is a great way to highlight relevant skills. If you'd rather keep it brief, include a 'Projects' subheading in your education section and list them there instead.

More information: How to list projects on your resume

Internships — paid or unpaid — are generally a better fit for your work experience section, since they take place in a professional work environment. List these the same way as paid work experience, including the name of the employer, the dates of the internship, and a few key accomplishments in bullet points.

You can include student placements if they were a) significant, b) recent, and c) relevant. In other words, a six-month hospital placement belongs on your resume if you're a recent nursing graduate, but a two-week observation probably doesn't.

More information: How to write effective resume bullet points

It's fine to list an unfinished degree on your resume. Do list an unfinished degree if it's relevant to the job you're applying for, demonstrates key skills, or explains a long career gap. Don't list an unfinished degree if it's much older or  in a different industry than the one you now work in — only include it if it strengthens your candidacy.

It’s also okay to include your degree if you haven’t officially graduated yet — simply list it as “expected May 2024” (or whatever date applies).

Boston University (2020-2021) Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts in Communication — Completed 20 credit hours

More information: Listing an unfinished degree on your resume

I’d recommend uploading your resume to the tool below to find out if your education section is structured the right way. It’ll scan your education section and let you know if you’ve listed your degrees, majors & minors, GPA, honors, coursework and projects the right way. It’ll also let you know which of these belong on your resume and which ones to leave off entirely.

Do's and don'ts for structuring your education section

Here are some general do's and don'ts for formatting the education section of your resume:

• Keep it brief. In most cases, your education section only needs to be a line or two underneath your work experience.
• Highlight any particularly impressive accomplishments, like graduating summa cum laude or receiving a prestigious fellowship.
• Include unfinished degrees if you're still in school or they're relevant to the job you're applying for.
• List all your degrees, not just the most recent. You may think your bachelor’s degree in art history doesn’t matter if you have a master’s in engineering and are applying for jobs as an engineer, but it’ll look weird if you leave it off altogether.
• Leave a degree off your resume only if it isn’t relevant and it could make you appear overqualified — for example, if you have PhD in mathematics and are applying for jobs as an entry-level salesperson.
• Always include an education section, even if it's very short.
• Include more information than is necessary. Stick to details that strengthen your candidacy — if it's not relevant, leave it off.
• Include your GPA unless it's very high (above 3.5) . Listing a 2.0 GPA isn't going to impress any recruiters — but the good news is, once you've graduated, it isn't relevant anyway.
• List high school information (unless you're a current high school student).

Tips for writing a resume education section

Wondering how these rules apply to your specific circumstances? Here's some more targeted advice for different situations.

If you’re a recent graduate

As a recent graduate, always include your graduation date on your resume. If you don’t have a lot of work experience, a recent graduation date makes it obvious why.

Unlike more experienced hires , recent graduates can use your education section to highlight your achievements. This includes awards, student initiatives, study abroad programs, language proficiency , key leadership skills, and any major accomplishments.

If you’re a current student

If you’re still studying, your education section can be a lot bigger, since you’re unlikely to have a lot of relevant work experience. You should include any major accomplishments, including awards and involvement in extracurricular activities. If you know when you’ll be graduating, go ahead and list the expected date .

Any part-time work experience or internships can go in the work history section of your resume.

If you graduated a while ago

Try to keep your education section as short as possible.  The longer you’ve been in the workforce, the shorter it should be. If you graduated some time ago (e.g. 8+ years), it’s common practice to omit the date (and a good idea for those who want to avoid any potential age discrimination) .

If you transferred schools

If you started and finished your degree at different institutions — including transferring between four-year schools or from a community college — it's fine to just list the name of the school you graduated from. If you're a recent graduate and have achievements on your resume from your previous institution (like involvement in student organizations), you can consider listing both schools for clarification.

If you have multiple degrees

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order with the most recent first.

Key takeaways

Remember that your resume is about presenting you as a strong applicant for a position rather than about adding as much information as possible. Normal resume rules apply — if it strengthens your candidacy, leave it in. If it takes the spotlight off more impressive work experience, take it off.

Everything on your resume should have a single purpose: Demonstrating that you’re a good fit for the position you’re applying to. This means:

• Tailor your resume : Add or remove experiences and qualifications from your experience section as necessary to fit each specific role.
• If you don't have much work experience: Expand your education section when you don’t have a lot of work experience, or if the experience you do have isn’t particularly relevant. On the other side, if your work experience is extensive or impressive on its own, anything else you add risks taking focus away from the parts you want to highlight.
• If you’re a career changer: Fresh qualifications can help bridge the gap between your old industry and the new role you want.

Should you lead with work experience or education on your resume?

The convention is for your education section to be after your work experience, but there are some situations where that doesn’t apply.

You can put your education section at the top of your resume if:

• You're still a student
• You graduated recently
• You're changing careers
• Your education is the most relevant part of your resume

Recent or current students can lead with your education section

If you’re a current student and don’t have a lot of work experience , it’s fine to lead with your education section. It’s the most recent (and likely most relevant) experience you have. Leading with your education also prevents anyone who’s skimming over your resume from assuming that you’re simply inexperienced or unemployed, when the reality is that you’re in full-time education.

The same applies if you’re a recent graduate. If your education is still the most relevant or most impressive experience you have, list it first.

Career changers can start their resumes with an education section, if it's relevant

The last exception is career changers . If you’ve gone back to school as part of the career change process, you can list your education first. A new qualification is more relevant than your experience in a different industry. It also provides important context for your application, as a resume that solely focuses on your past experience in a different sector might otherwise be confusing to a hiring manager.

If you’re a career changer looking for new qualifications to include in your education section but aren’t sure what skills you need, use the tool below to find a list of skills and keywords required for the job you want.

Otherwise, your work experience should come before your education section

If the situations above don’t apply to you, and you don’t have another good reason to list your education first, stick to the standard convention as lead with your work experience. Employers primarily want to know about your work history and achievements, so unless your education is very recent, you’re better of focusing on your professional accomplishments.

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How to Write a College Resume? 8 Tips to Help You Get Started

When applying for college, you’ll be tasked with writing a specialized type of resume, the Common App Activities List. Permitting 10 entries with specified categories and character limits, this list gives you far less room for variation in formatting and writing style than an independently drafted resume.

The Activities List carries a lot of weight —this is the main section for you to “show off” everything you’ve accomplished in high school and demonstrate the impact you’ve had on your school community and beyond. In order to write an effective Activities List, there are clear tips and tricks to keep in mind that allow you to leverage this format to your advantage. 

In this article, we’ll run through 8 key things to keep in mind when writing your Activities List, from ordering your activities to using the Additional Information section. 

1. Provide quantifiable details 

Many activities or achievements are common among high school students, and overrepresented among candidates. But, of course, not all levels of participation are the same. The ways you engage with a given activity can be phrased in a very generic fashion that will make it hard to stand out among other applicants.

Though descriptive details are helpful, they aren’t objective—their relevance and significance can be open to interpretation, especially for evaluators unfamiliar with what top performance looks like in a given activity.  

So,  to avoid ambiguity and best prove your success, the most effective strategy is to employ quantifiable details—impressive numbers and statistics can be universally understood , no matter one’s level of familiarity with an activity or experience. Provide the regularity with which you practice or compete in an activity. If you win an award, specify how many competitors you were up against. If you formed a new club, include the number of members you recruited. Objectively impressive numbers and statistics will help turn a resume entry from good to great!

2. Think about activities broadly

Students often view the Activities List as solely a place to provide extracurriculars, limiting entries to traditional involvements such as school clubs, athletic teams, research programs, or music study. However, the actual scope is much broader. Colleges are interested in seeing any activity that was important to you, on which you spent a great deal of time, or where you built up achievements, even if it’s not a “standard” extracurricular activity.

This can range from independent non-academic pursuits to family responsibilities. For example, if you have a successful YouTube account with thousands of subscribers and views, this will be impressive—even if it’s on a non-academic topic. Or if your parents work late and you babysit younger siblings every night, this is also valuable information showing maturity and dedication to supporting others. So if you feel like the clubs you’re in don’t represent the scope of your non-academic commitments, make sure you’re not leaving out important context!  

3. Take advantage of the Organization Name 

The Common App Activities List provides 100 characters for describing the Organization Name, far more than is usually necessary for the name of a club, organization, or responsibility. Though one might assume that the rest of the character count is irrelevant after the official name has been written, there’s actually more that can be added. 

Providing context on the organization can both save space in the “Description” section and add important clarity to the entry. Some organization names do not clearly describe the organization’s goal or what involvement looks like. Rather than saving this context for the resume entry, you can add it to this section. 

For example, ‘the Best Buddies nonprofit’ provides little information about what one actually does as a member. Instead of just writing out the name, an effective student might state: Best Buddies (1:1 friend & mentor pairing to peers w/ intellectual/developmental disability).  This 92-character description makes the entry much more informative and gives the student additional space later on to provide details about how they supported their buddy. 

4. Be descriptive in Position/Title

In the “Position/Title” line of the Activity List, you’re allotted 50 characters to describe your role in the organization. Just like with the Organization Name, this simple-looking part of the resume can be used strategically.

In clubs for which you did not hold an official leadership position, still try to avoid writing basic roles like “Participant” or “Club Member” whenever possible.  When your resume is being reviewed quickly, the reader may assume that you had limited involvement or impact on the organization. Even simple changes like modifying your Debate Team role from “Member” to “Public Forum Debater” can make a difference. In certain cases, you can be more creative in your description by defining the role you played in the organization, even if it wasn’t an official title. This should be done carefully—you should only add an accurate description, rather than fabricate a leadership position. 

One example: Let’s say for a club you were the de facto planner for club events. Maybe you booked rooms, delegated preparation tasks, got approval from administration, and put up posters across the school. It would be reasonable in this case to describe your position as “Event Planner/Coordinator.” On the other hand, if you were a club member who only attended the events or played a minimal role in planning, this would be an unethical descriptor. 

5. Use action verbs

Students can quickly minimize the significance of their resume entries by using passive language. Small word choices can have a large impact on how impressive your involvement appears. For example, writing that you “attend practices” for the debate team makes it seem like you play a limited role at these meetings. Maybe you show up, then mainly observe others or do work quietly. 

Using action verbs emphasizes that you are a committed participant in the group.  Rather than just being a member, you add value to the club. An effective way of rewriting the example above might be “Debates teammates in weekly practice rounds, collaborates on policy research, writes 2 cases monthly.” In this entry, the reader gets a clear picture of what the student does as a club member, feeling confident in their level of commitment to the club.

6. Order entries strategically 

Unlike traditional resumes, the Activities List doesn’t require you to list involvements in reverse chronological order, as students are typically involved in multiple activities at the same time. So when you work on ordering your entries, place priority on the “most impressive” choices. These choices typically include leadership positions, high-level achievements, and long-term involvement. Since the resume will be read quickly, make sure to capture the reader’s attention with the most impactful content. If you’re the President or founder of a club with national reach, make sure it’s near the top. On the other hand, if you’re a member of a group that meets once a month with limited events or impact, this entry might be better to leave towards the end. 

7. Use “Additional Information” sparingly and strategically

At the end of the Activities List, the Common App provides a 650-word text box where students can add “Additional Information” that can strengthen the content of their application and the resume as a whole. This section is tricky, as it can work both to your advantage and  disadvantage, depending on your approach. 

The Common App only permits 10 entries for a reason. It keeps the application at a reasonable length and encourages students to think critically about what experiences have been most important to them. If you’ve done more than 10 activities, don’t add resume entries here. If they wanted more entries, they’d have that option built in! 

So, what is worth putting in this section? You’ll need to think critically about this on a case-by-case basis, but relevant content can generally be broken into two categories. The first includes details of significant achievements that cannot appear elsewhere in the resume. For example, if you’ve completed high-level independent research, you might include a brief abstract of your work. Links to an online portfolio, successful social media, or publication may also be relevant.

The second category includes context about personal circumstances that may have negatively impacted your academic performance. During the height of the pandemic, students wrote about struggles such as serious illness in the family or insufficient income for stable wifi, both of which could significantly limit one’s academic performance. In other contexts, students may write about personal health struggles, financial instability, or increased responsibilities at home that detracted from their schoolwork. 

Note that you have absolutely no obligation to use this section; in fact, AOs will prefer you leave it empty than add extra material that reads like irrelevant or “filler” content. 

8. Opt for review services

To finalize your work and ensure it meets the standards of your top-choice schools, application review services can be very helpful external resources. These outside services can provide an objective opinion that avoids any bias that you or your peers may have. Additionally, application review services such as Early Bird   typically employ college admissions consultants or individuals who have worked in college admissions offices, which allows them to give you feedback that directly addresses how an Admissions Officer would react to your materials. So once you’ve finished drafting your Activities List, consider these opportunities to find any last improvements to make. 

One other option – Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’d like to pursue a rigorous research program open to high schoolers, you may want to consider the Lumiere Research Scholar Program , a selective online high school program for students founded by researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form  here. 

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation , a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Alexej is a graduate of Princeton University, where he studied Linguistics, Cognitive Science, and Humanities & Sciences. Alexej works in college admissions consulting and is passionate about pursuing research at the intersection of humanities, linguistics, and psychology. He enjoys creative writing, hiking, and photography.

• college applications
• high school students