How to List a Degree on Your Resume: Examples & Best Practices

How to List a Degree on Your Resume: Examples and Best Practices

Your academic background can be a strong indicator of your skills and knowledge. Knowing the best way to present your degrees on your resume is essential. Whether you have an associate's, bachelor's, or a more advanced degree, the way you format this information can significantly impact how hiring managers perceive your qualifications.

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to effectively showcase your degrees on your resume. We'll cover everything from proper formatting and placement to addressing unique situations, such as having multiple degrees or incomplete education.

Let's explore the different types of degrees and the recommended way to list each one in the education section of your resume.

Formatting Degrees on Your Resume

Maintaining a clear and consistent format is crucial when adding degrees to your resume. Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one. Follow these steps to format each degree correctly:

1. Write the complete name of your degree. You can include abbreviations after the full name.
2. Specify your major or concentration area. You can also include any minors you completed.
3. Include the full name of the institution you attended, as well as any specialized programs you participated in.
4. List the city and state where the institution is located.
5. Provide your graduation date or expected graduation date, including the month and year.

Recent graduates may also consider including honors, relevant coursework, or projects to demonstrate their achievements and impact. For advanced degrees, you might include your thesis or dissertation title, as well as any relevant residencies, fellowships, or funding you received.

Here are two common formatting options for presenting your degree:

• Standard Format: [Degree Type] in [Major], [Institution Name] – [City, State], [Graduation Month and Year]
• Extended Format: [Degree Type] in [Major], [Institution Name], [City, State], [Graduation Month and Year]

Listing an Associate's Degree

When listing an associate's degree, include the full name of the degree, your major, the institution's name and location, and your graduation date. If space is limited, you can use abbreviations for the degree name, either instead of the full name or after it. Common abbreviations for associate's degrees include:

• Associate of Arts (AA)
• Associate of Science (AS)
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
• Associate of Business (AB)
• Associate of Business Administration (ABA)
• Associate of Nursing (ASN)

Here's an example of how to list an associate's degree:

Education
  Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
  Milwaukee Technical College - School of Nursing
  Milwaukee, WI
  December 2023

Listing a Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degrees are significant academic achievements and often a fundamental requirement for many positions. To list a bachelor's degree, include the complete degree name, your major and minor (if applicable), the institution's full name, its location, and your graduation date. Common bachelor's degree abbreviations include:

• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Science (BS)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Engineering (BE)
• Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)

Here's an example of how to list a bachelor's degree:

Education
  Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BS)
  Milwaukee State University
  Milwaukee, WI
  June 2022

For more inspiration, explore resume examples to see how others have listed their degree credentials.

Listing a Master's Degree

When listing a master's degree, include the complete degree name, your specialization or concentration, the institution's name and location, and the date you completed the degree. Because a master's degree demonstrates advanced knowledge, you might also include your thesis title and any notable academic achievements relevant to the job you're applying for. Common master's degree abbreviations include:

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
• Master of Engineering (MEng)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Education (MEd)

Here's an example of how to list a master's degree:

Education
  Master of Science in Data Science
  University of California, Berkeley
  Berkeley, CA
  Graduated May 2023

Listing a Doctorate

There are a few ways to list a doctorate on your resume, depending on whether it's an academic (research-based) or professional degree. Include the full degree type and name, your concentration or field of study, the institution's name and location, the month and year of graduation (or expected graduation), and your dissertation title (if applicable). Common doctorate abbreviations include:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Here's an example of how to list a doctorate:

Education
  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biomedical Analysis
  University of California, San Diego
  La Jolla, CA
  Graduated: May 2023
  Dissertation: “Molecular Imaging Techniques for Early Detection of Neurodegenerative Diseases”

For academic doctorates, you can also include any relevant research, publications, or contributions that support your application. For professional doctorates, you might highlight relevant fellowships, funding, or residency programs you completed.

Listing Multiple Degrees

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order, with the most recent one first. Include the degree title, major, institution name, location, and graduation date for each degree. Here's an example:

Education
  Master of Science in Molecular Biology
  University of Texas
  Austin, TX
  Graduated: May 2018
  Thesis: “The Role of MicroRNA in Regulating Cellular Responses to Oxidative Stress”

  Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
  University of Florida
  Gainesville, FL
  Graduated: May 2015

Formatting In-Progress or Incomplete Degrees

There are professional ways to present your academic experience whether you're currently working toward a degree or have some unfinished coursework. Here's how to handle both situations while being transparent and highlighting the value of your education.

Listing a Degree in Progress

To list a degree that you're currently pursuing, include the degree type and major, the institution's full name and location, and your expected graduation date. This shows employers that you are actively working towards completing your education.

Education
  Bachelor of Arts in History
  University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  Los Angeles, CA
  Major: History | Minor: French
  GPA: 3.8/4.0
  Expected Graduation: May 2026

Listing an Unfinished Degree

To list an incomplete degree, include the degree type and concentration, the number of credits you completed, the institution's name and location, and the dates you attended.

Education
  Bachelor of Science in Biology (Incomplete)
  New York University (NYU)
  New York, NY
  Completed: 75 credits
  Relevant Courses: Genetics, Microbiology, Ecology
  Key Projects: Conducted a research project on genetic variation in a population of 200 fruit flies, leading to a 15% increase in accuracy in predicting inheritance patterns.

Degree Formatting Best Practices

Follow these guidelines to ensure your educational credentials are clear and impactful:

Do:

• List degrees in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree first.
• Spell out the full name of your degree on the first mention (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering instead of BS in CE).
• Maintain consistent formatting throughout the education section.
• Include graduation dates for degrees completed within the last 15 years.

Don't:

• Use inconsistent abbreviations or formatting styles for multiple degrees.
• Include your GPA unless you're a recent graduate (within 3 years) and it's above 3.5.
• List high school education if you've completed a college degree.
• Misrepresent or exaggerate your educational credentials.

Highlighting Your Qualifications

Properly listing your educational credentials is key to creating a strong resume that accurately reflects your academic achievements. Whether you're a recent graduate, hold multiple degrees, or are still pursuing your educational goals, taking the time to format your degrees correctly demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism. Remember to tailor your education section to highlight the qualifications most relevant to the specific job you're applying for, while maintaining honesty and clarity about your academic background.

Ready to create a resume that showcases your educational journey effectively? Minova's AI Resume Builder makes it easy to format and customize your education section, with built-in templates and design tools to help your credentials stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to include my graduation date on my resume?

Yes, including your graduation date or expected graduation date is always recommended. It provides context about when you completed your education and is necessary for background checks.

How do I list education on a resume without a degree?

List your completed coursework as "Coursework in [Field of Study]" at [Institution Name], followed by the dates you attended. Only include this if the coursework is relevant to the job and you completed at least one year of study.

Should I put all my degrees on my resume?

Include degrees that are relevant to the job you're targeting and demonstrate career progression. For most professionals, this means including all post-secondary degrees. However, if you have multiple degrees in unrelated fields, consider listing only those that align with your current career goals.