by Knowing how to list degree on your resume is essential for making a great first impression with potential employers.
It’s one of the most important sections of your application, and formatting it correctly can make a huge difference.
Whether you're fresh out of college or an experienced professional, understanding the right way to present your academic credentials is key to showcasing your qualifications.
How to format your degree on a resume?
A well-structured section of your document highlights your qualifications and helps potential employers quickly assess your background.
- Placement
Your degree should go in the "Education" block, which is typically located near the end, after your work experience and skills.
If you're a recent graduate with limited job history, you can place your this part higher on the page.
- What to include when listing degrees on resume?
Degree
Start with the full name of your credential (e.g., "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science," "Master of Business Administration"). This helps the employer understand your field of study at a glance.
Avoid abbreviating degree titles (like "BS" or "MBA") unless space is a concern.
Institution name
Include the school where you earned your diploma. Make sure to spell out the full name.
e.g., "University of California, Berkeley"
This adds credibility and context. If the college is well-known, it can stand out to employers. If it's less recognized, make sure the degree name and other sections of your application are strong.
Dates
List your graduation year ("Graduated: May 2022"). If you're still a student, you can note your expected date (e.g., "Expected Graduation: May 2026").
This allows employers to know when you’ll have completed or have completed your degree. If you’re still in school, it provides a timeline they can reference when planning for hiring.
Additional Information (Optional)
| Detail | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| GPA | If your GPA is strong (typically 3.5 or higher), you can include it. | GPA: 3.8/4.0 |
| Honors | Any academic distinctions you earned during your studies (e.g., Dean’s List, Latin honors). | Dean’s List (2019–2024) / Summa Cum Laude |
| Relevant Coursework | List specific courses that are most relevant to the job or industry you’re applying for. | Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Machine Learning |
| Certifications | Any specialized training or courses that support your qualifications. | Certified in Advanced Data Analytics / Completed Internship in Business Strategy |
| Location | The city and state (or country) where your university is located. | New York, NY |
How to list associate degree on resume?
An associate degree can be a valuable asset to your resume, especially if you're entering the workforce or advancing your career.
It demonstrates a solid foundation in your field and shows your commitment to education.
Here's an example of how you can list degree on resume:
Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Santa Monica College, CA
Graduation Date: May 2023
Or for someone still in school:
Associate of Science in Computer Science
University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Expected Graduation: May 2027
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
How to write bachelor's degree on a resume?
Listing your bachelor’s degree on your resume should be done clearly and professionally to showcase your academic foundation. This diploma typically signals that you have a comprehensive understanding of a specific field of study.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Typically awarded in fields related to the humanities, arts, and social sciences.
Bachelor of Arts in English
University of Chicago, IL
Graduated: May 2023- GPA: 3.7/4.0
- Honors: Dean’s List (2019–2023)
- Relevant Coursework: Modern American Literature, Creative Writing, Literary Criticism
Bachelor of Science (BS) on your resume
Awarded in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on analytical and technical skills.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2022
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Certifications: Certified Java Developer (Oracle), AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Machine Learning, Algorithms, Web Development
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Given to students pursuing professional studies in the visual and performing, preparing them for artistic careers.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
New York University, NY
Graduated: May 2024- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Honors: Summa Cum Laude
- Certifications: Stage Combat Certification
- Relevant Coursework: Acting Techniques, Stage Production, Theatre History
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Awarded in business and management fields, focusing on leadership, strategy, and organizational development.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
University of Texas – Austin, TX
Graduated: May 2021
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Certifications: Google Analytics Certified, HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
- Relevant Coursework: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Market Research
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
This degree is awarded in engineering disciplines, preparing students for professional practice in various fields.
Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI
Graduated: May 2022- GPA: 3.6/4.0
- Certifications: AutoCAD Certified, LEED Green Associate
- Relevant Coursework: Structural, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management
Bachelor of Nursing (BN or BSN)
Awarded to students in nursing, preparing them for clinical roles in healthcare and patient care.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC
Graduated: May 2023
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Licenses: Registered Nurse (RN), North Carolina
- Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Relevant Coursework: Clinical Nursing Practice, Pediatric Care, Pharmacology
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
This degree is awarded to those studying law, providing the foundation for a career in legal practice and research.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Oxford University, UK
Graduated: June 2023- GPA: 3.85/4.0
- Certifications: Legal Research and Writing Certificate
- Relevant Coursework: Constitutional Law, International Law, Criminal Law
How to write master's degree on a resume?
A master’s degree represents a higher level of expertise and specialization in a particular field. Listing it on your application properly is crucial, as it can demonstrate advanced knowledge and commitment to your profession.
Whether you're aiming for a leadership role or specialized career path, presenting the diploma effectively can make a significant difference in how you're perceived by potential employers.
Master of Arts (MA)
Typically awarded in fields related to the humanities, social sciences, and some fine arts.
Master of Arts in English Literature
University of Chicago, IL
Graduated: May 2025
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Thesis: "The Role of Nature in Victorian Poetry"
- Relevant Coursework: Literary Theory, Contemporary Fiction, Rhetoric and Composition
Master of Science (MS or MSc)
Generally awarded in scientific, technical, and professional fields.
Master of Science in Computer Science
Stanford University, CA
Graduated: May 2024- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Certifications: AWS Certified Developer – Associate, Google Professional Cloud Architect
- Relevant Coursework: Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Cryptography
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
A professional degree in the visual and performing arts.
Master of Fine Arts in Film Production
New York University, NY
Graduated: May 2023
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Honors: Dean’s Fellowship
- Thesis: "Breaking Boundaries: A New Approach to Narrative Structure in Independent Cinema"
- Relevant Coursework: Cinematography, Screenwriting, Post-Production, Directing
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
A highly recognized degree in business management and leadership.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Harvard Business School – Boston, MA
Graduated: May 2023- GPA: 3.85/4.0
- Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Green Belt
- Relevant Coursework: Organizational Behavior, Financial Accounting, Strategic Marketing, Business Ethics
Master of Engineering (MEng)
A professional degree in engineering fields that may focus more on practice than research.
Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – Cambridge, MA
Graduated: May 2023
- GPA: 3.7/4.0
- Certifications: MATLAB Certified, Cisco Network Associate (CCNA)
- Thesis: "Design and Implementation of Smart Grid Systems for Energy Optimization"
- Relevant Coursework: Digital Signal Processing, Semiconductor Devices, Embedded Systems
Master of Laws (LLM)
A postgraduate degree that allows lawyers to specialize in particular fields.
Master of Laws in International Law
Oxford University, UK
Graduated: June 2023- GPA: 3.85/4.0
- Thesis: "Globalization and the Impact on International Trade Law"
- Relevant Coursework: Trade Law, Human Rights Law, International Arbitration
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A degree for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner or educator.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), CA
Graduated: May 2023
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Licenses: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Thesis: "Exploring Advanced Care Models in Pediatric Nursing"
- Relevant Coursework: Clinical Practice in Primary Care, Advanced Pharmacology, Patient Assessment
Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ)
It is designed for those seeking to deepen their expertise in storytelling, reporting, editing, multimedia production, and media ethics.
Master of Science in Journalism
Columbia University – New York, NY
Graduated: May 2022- GPA: 3.7/4.0
- Certifications: Google Analytics for Journalists
- Thesis: "The Changing Landscape of Investigative Journalism in the Digital Age"
- Relevant Coursework: Investigative Journalism, Media Ethics, Data Journalism, Broadcast Media
Unfinished degree on a resume
Having an unfinished degree doesn’t automatically rule you out of job opportunities. In fact, when handled properly, it can reflect your ability to pursue education and gain valuable skills, even if you didn’t complete the program.
- Is it okay to list an unfinished degree on your resume?
- Absolutely! It still provides insight of your academic background and the effort you put into your studies. Whether you completed a couple of years or just a semester, it’s still valuable experience that can work in your favor, especially if the coursework is relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Here’s how you can format it:
- Degree title. Mention the diploma you were pursuing (e.g., “Bachelor of Science in Psychology”).
- Institution. Include the name of the school.
- Dates attended. List the start and end years or just the dates you were enrolled (e.g., 2020–2022).
- Credits (optional). If you’ve completed a significant number of credits, you can add that (e.g., “Completed 60 credits toward degree”).
Unfinished degree on resume example:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
University of Chicago, 2018–2021
Completed 75 credits toward degree, focusing on developmental psychology and research methods.
How to explain an unfinished degree on a resume?
If a potential employer asks why you didn’t finish your diploma, it’s important to have a clear, honest, and positive answer.
HRs understand that career paths can change, and many value practical experience as much as, or more than, formal education.
- Focus on the positive. Emphasize the valuable skills and knowledge you gained during your time in the program.
- Explain the decision. If there was a specific reason you didn’t finish, such as a personal or financial reasons, explain it in a way that shows you made a thoughtful decision for your future.
- Highlight your focus on development. If your choice was career-driven, make it clear that you were focused on gaining hands-on experience in your field, which ultimately led to greater satisfaction and growth.
Sample answer du to career change:
"I was pursuing a degree in Psychology, but after two years, I realized that my interests were shifting toward the marketing field. I decided to gain more practical experience through internships and part-time work, which led me to where I am today. The coursework I completed, especially in research and human behavior, still influences my work in marketing."
Example explanation due to financial reasons:
"I was pursuing a degree in Accounting, but due to financial constraints, I had to pause my education to focus on working full-time. While I wasn’t able to complete my degree at that time, the experience helped me build a strong foundation in financial management and problem-solving. I was able to apply many of the skills I learned through work, and I’ve continued to seek professional development opportunities to strengthen my knowledge in the field."
Conclusion
Overall, knowing how to write your degree on a resume isn’t just about including your educational background. It's about presenting it in a clear, professional, and impactful way.
Follow the tips outlined in this guide to make your degree stand out to hiring managers and increase your chances of landing that dream job.
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