How to List Degree on a Resume: Writing Guide + Examples

To list a degree on a resume, the university name, degree obtained, study years, major, and minor are written in the order in the education section of a resume. To list multiple degrees on a resume, degrees are arranged chronologically, meaning the most recent degree is listed first. To put an unfinished degree in the education section of a resume, additional details and the expected graduation date must be written.

Candidates with an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree must list their degrees chronologically and fully on their resume. Candidates with dual degrees or double majors must include the information on a resume because it distinguishes candidates from others. Majors and minors across all degrees must be appropriately mentioned on the resume.

How To List Degree on Resume

To list a degree on a resume, the university name, degree obtained, study years, major, and minor are written in the order in the education section of a resume. To list a degree on a resume, 6 steps are listed below.

1. Include the university name. The university name is mentioned before listing the degree on the resume.
2. Specify the degree obtained. The degree received is indicated after mentioning the university name on the resume.
3. Note the years attended. The years during which the education for that degree was pursued are mentioned in the resume.
4. Mention the major. The major for which the degree was pursued is listed on the resume.
5. Include a minor if applicable. The minor is noted on the resume after mentioning the major.
6. Include a high GPA if applicable. GPA is included on the resume if there is a notably high GPA worth mentioning to capture the recruiter's attention.

How to List Associate Degree on Resume

To list an associate degree, the lowest level of higher education typically spans approximately 2 years, and all details are included. To list the associate degree on the resume 5 steps are listed below.

1. Note the institution's name. It is important to mention the name of the institution where the associate degree was obtained on the resume.
2. Specify the degree's major. It is important to indicate the major for which the associate degree was pursued on the resume.
3. Use the full name of the degree without favoring an associate degree abbreviation. It is advisable to use the full name rather than an associate degree abbreviation to prevent confusion on the resume. However, the following format is used if an associate degree abbreviation is necessary:

  4. Write 'Associate of' without using an apostrophe. It is advisable to write without an apostrophe, avoiding forms like 'Associate's of’ when using the phrase 'Associate of.

  5. Include the years the degree covers. It is important to mention the years during which the degree was pursued on the resume.

How to List Bachelor's Degree on Resume

To list a Bachelor's degree in the education section of a resume, the university name, dates of study, major, and, if significant, GPA are included. To list a bachelor’s degree on a resume 5 steps are listed below.

1. Specify the university name. The university name where the education was received must be mentioned when indicating the Bachelor's degree on the resume.
2. Note the discipline of the bachelor’s degree. The discipline of the Bachelor's degree is mentioned when indicating the bachelor’s degree on the resume.
3. Avoid a bachelor’s degree abbreviation when noting the degree. The bachelor’s degree abbreviation is avoided when noting the degree. The full name of the bachelor's degree is more appropriate because the hiring process is affected if a candidate is unable to understand the abbreviation. For example, instead of using the bachelor of science abbreviation BS or bachelor of arts abbreviation BA, it is better to use the full name. However, the following formats are used if space constraints require a bachelor’s degree abbreviation.

  4. Include the years of study. The resume must include the years of study during which the bachelor's degree was earned.

  5. Note GPA or honors. GPA or any honors received must be mentioned on the resume for the Bachelor's degree because the factors influence the selection process and differentiate the candidate from others.

How to Write a Master's Degree on a Resume

To write a Master's degree, the university name, dates of study, major, and, if notable, GPA and honors are listed in the education section of a resume. To write a master’s degree resume, 5 steps are listed below.

1. Write the university name. The university name where the Master's degree education was received is written on the master's degree resume.
2. Mention the discipline of the Master's degree. The discipline of the Master's degree must be noted on the resume after writing the university name.
3. Avoid prioritizing a master's degree abbreviation when writing the degree. A Master's degree abbreviation is avoided when writing the degree on the resume. Preference must not be given to a master's degree abbreviation because it impacts the job application process if the hiring manager doesn't understand the abbreviation. For example, instead of using the master of education abbreviation MEd or the master of science abbreviation MSc, it is better to use the full name. However, the following formats are used if space constraints require abbreviation.

   4. Note the years of study. The years of study are mentioned on the resume in which the Master's degree was pursued.

   5. Include a high GPA or honors if applicable. GPA or honors are mentioned on the master's degree resume because the aspects are influential in the selection process if a high GPA was achieved during the Master's degree or if there are notable honors.

How to List Multiple Degrees on a Resume

To list multiple degrees on a resume, degrees are arranged chronologically, meaning the most recent degree is listed first. However, the rule is broken, and writing the first bachelor's degree is more appropriate if the bachelor's degree is more relevant to the job than the master's degree.

1. List degrees in chronological order. Degrees must be listed chronologically, starting with the most recently completed degree.
2. Include the university name for all degrees. The university name from which each degree was obtained is mentioned for all degrees on the resume.
3. Specify the full names of all degrees. The precise names of all degrees must be mentioned on the resume, giving preference to avoiding abbreviations.
4. Note the years of study for all degrees. The years of study are indicated during which each degree was pursued on the resume.
5. Include any high GPA or honors for all degrees. GPA or honors must be mentioned on the resume because the factors influence the candidate's selection if there are notable high GPAs or honors for any of the degrees listed.

Dual Degree vs Double Major

A dual degree refers to obtaining two separate degrees in different fields of study, whereas a double major entails studying two distinct specializations within a single degree program. Dual degree programs typically require a longer duration since the student fulfills the requirements for two separate degrees. Students pursuing a double major delve deeply into two areas within one field, such as Communications and Business or Foreign Language and Political Science. However, individuals opting for a dual degree gain expertise in two different fields, for instance, Business Administration and Marketing or Chemistry and Biology. Dual degrees and double majors present certain challenges, and the choice between them varies based on the student's interests and future career aspirations. Mentioning the dual degree or double major on a resume is crucial because it distinguishes the candidate from others and influences the selection process in both cases.

How To List Major on Resume

To list majors on a resume, majors across all degrees must be listed in chronological order. The most recent degree attained must be emphasized first, including its details, and presented in a degree list format. To list majors on a resume, 4 steps are listed below.

1. Create an Education section.
2. List all degrees in chronological order.
3. Include university names, years of study, and degree names.
4. Specify the major pursued for each degree.

How To List a Minor on a Resume

To list a minor on a resume, minors across all degrees must be listed chronologically. A minor is listed in the education section of a resume after mentioning the major if applicable. To list a minor on a resume, 5 steps are listed below.

1. Create the Education section on the resume.
2. List the degrees obtained in chronological order.
3. Specify the degree's name, the university attended, and the years of study.
4. Mention the major pursued.
5. Include the minor after listing the major.

How to Put Unfinished Degree on a Resume

To put an unfinished degree in the education section of a resume, additional details and the expected graduation date must be written. To put a resume unfinished degree, 5 steps are listed below.

1. Create an Education section on the resume.
2. Specify majors and minors.
3. Include completed courses.
4. Add university details.
5. Note the expected graduation date.

Unfinished degree on resume example