How to List Degrees on Your Resume (8 Examples and Tips)
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Your education information is one of the crucial resume sections employers use to check your qualifications. This article covers how to list degrees on resumes from current students to long-graduated candidates.
1
Add the Following Information to Your Degree
You should always list your degrees and relevant education under an education section. In this guide, we’ll cover how to add your bachelor’s, associate’s, and ongoing degrees.
1 Add the following degree information:
Before we dive into resume examples, you should always pair your degree with the following information.
- Full name of the degree, including your field of study
- Name of college or university
- Location of school
- Date of graduation
2Start with the highest level of education:
Your education section follows the reverse chronological order of your resume’s experience section. This means you start with your current or most recent degree and work backward.
You can delete your high school diploma or GED if you have a degree higher than a bachelor’s.
3Placement:
Unless you’re a recent graduate and using the Harvard resume format, you should always list your degrees in the education section at the end of your resume. When in doubt, follow the combination format:
- Name and contact information
- Summary statement
- Skills
- Experience
- Education
2
Sample Template For Your Resume
Name of Degree | University Name
City, State | Graduation or Estimated Graduation Date: Month, YYYY
- OPTIONAL GPA:
- OPTIONAL HONORS OR AWARDS
- OPTIONAL HONORS OR AWARDS
- OPTIONAL HONORS OR AWARDS
3
5 Samples for How to List Degrees on Resumes
How to list unfinished degree on resumes
Before we cover how to list an unfinished degree, let’s go over some of the reasons you might need to add this information to your resume. You may be a:
- A current student mid-way through your program.
- Deferred student taking a break for personal, medical, or financial reasons.
- Student dropout for personal, medical, or financial reasons
Whatever your reason, there are ways to list your pending degree and related coursework. For example, you can highlight your participation in work-related clubs, internships, extracurricular activities, and practical classes. Although we have a vast library of resume examples, here’s how to list your unfinished degree with relevant information.
How to list an unfinished degree on resumes if you’re still in school:
Bachelor’s of Science, Biology and Marine Biology | University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, USA | Estimated Graduation: June 2028
Relevant coursework:
- Biological Oceanography: Contributed to group projects analyzing the reproductive lifecycles of coral reefs over the last four decades.
- Conservation Biology: Participated in group projects analyzing the successful conservation efforts related to the Tubbataha Reefs.
- Field Studies in Behavior and Ecology: One of five students selected to participate in specimen collection and analysis of symbiotic relationships between coral and algae.
If you applied for a temporary or indefinite deferment, you can use a resume objective to briefly explain your reason for leaving the program and highlight transferable skills.
Here’s how to list an unfinished degree on resumes if you’re taking a temporary leave or have left your program:
Resume Summary:
Former marine biology student taking an indefinite leave to provide part-time care for a family member. Passionate researcher with a focus on tropical species revolving around coral reef environments. Currently seeking a part-time position as an Interpretive Program Naturalist with Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Guest Experience team.
Education:
Bachelor’s of Science, Biology and Marine Biology | University of Alaska Southeast
Juneau, AK | Estimated Graduation: June 2028
Relevant coursework:
- Conservation Biology: Participated in group projects analyzing the successful conservation efforts related to the Tubbataha Reefs.
- Field Studies in Behavior and Ecology: One of five students selected to participate in specimen collection and analysis of symbiotic relationships between coral and algae.
How to list an associate degree
From here on out, most of your degree entries will follow the same layout; degree name, topic of study, university name, location, and graduation date. If you’re a recent graduate with less than three years of experience, you can also list notable school projects, honors or awards, and relevant experience.
For example, here’s a recent associate graduate applying for their first full-time job:
Associate Degree in Nursing | Northeast Texas Community College
Mt. Pleasant, TX | May 2023
- Relevant coursework: Health Care Concepts, Introduction to Ethics, and Professional Nursing Concepts.
- Top 3% of students in 14 of 16 classes.
- Specialized in labor and delivery during clinical rotations.
How to list a bachelor’s degree on a resume
List your bachelor of science, arts, education, business administration, computer science, engineering, or architecture under your education section. Feel free to add your GPA if you have less than three years of experience.
However, you shouldn’t add your GPA or relevant coursework if you have over three years of steady work experience. Employers will be more interested in the practical application of your training.
Sample resume entry:
Bachelor’s of Architecture | University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA | June 2023
How to list your master’s degree or higher
Sample resume entry:
Master of Library and Information Sciences (MLIS) | University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA | May 2024
4
Where Should You List Your Degrees and Certifications
Depending on the resume format that you use, your education section will normally live at the bottom of your resume.
Sample resume with one degree
Bachelor of Science in Accounting | University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA | May 2022
Sample resume with two or more degrees
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) | University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA | May 2024
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature | California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA | June 2021
Sample resume with degrees and certifications
Relevant Degrees:
Ph.D. in Art History | The University of Chicago
Chicago, IL | Estimated graduation: June 2025
- Dissertation Title: “Designing a Modern Game: Mexican Surrealists, Graphic Designers, and the 1968 Olympic Games”
Master’s in Museum Studies, Museum Archivist | Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD | June 2022
Relevant Certifications:
School Librarian Certification, State of Massachusetts, August 2022
Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) certification, Society of American Archivists, June 2020
5
Key Takeaways
Remember, your education sits near the bottom of your resume. Add the following key information to make the most of your degrees.
FAQ
How do you mention your degree?
Thankfully, most resume writing guides include a dedicated education section where you can list your degrees and certifications.
List the full degree name (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Biology), your major, the university name, its location, and your graduation date (or expected date). You can also include relevant coursework, honors, or awards below the degree information.
Should you put your GPA on your resume?
If you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience, you can add your GPA if it’s above a 3.5. This indicates that you’re a top student. If your GPA is lower than 3.5, focus on relevant classwork and internships that help you develop job-related skills.
Should my degree be at the top of my resume?
Your degree should be at the top of your resume only if you’re a recent graduate with limited or no work experience. Resumes like the functional resume help you highlight job-related skills and education over your lack of experience.
Should I ever delete degrees from my resume?
Yes, you should delete degrees after earning higher degrees. For example, you can delete your high school diploma or GED after earning your Bachelor’s since most undergraduate programs only accept students with these academic degrees.
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how to list degree on resume
Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II - February 28, 2025
Gabriela Barcenas
CPRW, Content Writer IIGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design, and career advice.
