How To List a Degree on a Resume (Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s)

A resume is the first impression you make on potential employers, and properly presenting your education is a critical part of this process. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, how you list your degree can influence your candidacy and credibility. Learn best practices for listing associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees on a resume, providing guidance on formatting, placement, and tailoring your education to specific roles.

Why Listing Your Degree Correctly Is Important

Including your degree accurately and effectively on your resume not only reflects your qualifications but shapes how employers perceive your background. A resume that presents educational credentials clearly strengthens your case as a viable candidate and emphasizes your attention to detail. Employers look for candidates whose education aligns with the job requirements.

Presenting your educational background correctly establishes a foundation for your candidacy. By clearly listing your degrees, you illustrate your academic achievements, which may often be a minimum requirement for certain positions. Precise and comprehensive education details build trust with hiring managers, as they provide quick insight into whether you meet the basic qualifications for the role.

Listing degrees with clarity ensures that your qualifications are clear and bolsters your professional image. A resume that clearly specifies degree names, institutions, and completion dates shows that you take your professional presentation seriously. Any ambiguity in your education details may raise questions, but a structured and accurate education section strengthens the perception of your professionalism.

Employers carefully evaluate the educational qualifications listed on your resume, particularly in fields where specific degrees or certifications are essential. Whether it’s a technical field demanding a specialized degree or a general role where a bachelor’s degree is the baseline requirement, tailoring how you present your educational background to match the job description helps set the stage for a successful application.

General Guidelines for Listing Degrees on a Resume

Presenting your degrees correctly on a resume is more than just writing down titles. There are formatting rules, placement decisions, and additional details that can elevate your resume and make your qualifications stand out.

The typical format for listing degrees is straightforward: start with the degree, followed by the major, the name of the university, and the graduation date. For example, “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University, 2024.” This structure provides all the essential information in a clean and digestible way, enabling recruiters to easily verify your credentials.

Where your education section appears on your resume depends on your experience level. For recent graduates or those with less work experience, it’s common to place education at the top of the resume, right after your contact information and summary. However, if you have several years of relevant work experience, your education section should be placed after the work experience section.

In addition to the degree name and university, there are other details you can include in the education section. These might include your GPA (if it’s impressive), academic honors, relevant coursework, or even the title of your thesis if applicable to the role. However, keep it concise — only include details that support your candidacy for the specific position you’re applying for.

How To Format Education on a Resume

Depending on the type of degree you have, the format for listing them can vary slightly. Below are examples of how to present associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees on your resume.

• Listing an associate degree: An associate degree on a resume can be written out in full or abbreviated, depending on preference and industry norms. For example, you can list “Associate of Arts in Business Administration” or use the abbreviation “AA in Business Administration.” If the degree abbreviation is common within the industry, it’s acceptable to use it, but when in doubt, opt for clarity and spell out the full degree name.
• Listing a bachelor’s degree: When listing a bachelor’s degree, it’s essential to specify whether it’s a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), or another type. For example, “Bachelor of Arts in History” or “Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.” Make sure the degree type aligns with your major— this distinction can matter in fields like science and business.
• Listing a master’s degree: Master’s degrees should follow a similar structure to bachelor’s degrees. Specify whether it’s a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another type. For example, “Master of Science in Data Science, XYZ University, 2022.” For specialized master’s degrees, ensure that the degree type is clear to the hiring manager, as it may demonstrate a deeper level of expertise in your field.
• Including double majors and minors: If you completed a double major or minor, this can be included directly below your degree entry. For example, “Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Sociology, ABC University, 2020.” In cases where you’ve completed a double major, it’s important to specify both majors in a clear, readable format, such as “Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science.”
• Listing incomplete or in-progress degrees: If you’re still working toward completing a degree, you can list it as “In Progress” or specify your expected graduation date. For example, “Master of Science in Cybersecurity, XYZ University, Expected 2025.” If you completed part of a degree but did not graduate, you can list the credits earned or simply note that you “Studied” or “Pursued” the degree.

Additional Education Information To Include

Beyond listing your degrees, there are other educational accomplishments you might want to showcase if they enhance your candidacy.

• Relevant coursework and projects: Including coursework can be a great addition for recent graduates or those looking to pivot into a new field. This section should feature courses or projects that are directly relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, a software engineering applicant might list “Advanced Algorithms” or “Database Management” to highlight specialized skills.
• Honors and awards: Academic honors such as cum laude, dean’s list, or scholarships can be included to emphasize academic achievement. For example, “Graduated magna cum laude” or “Recipient of XYZ University Merit Scholarship.” Awards help demonstrate your commitment and excellence during your academic career.
• Certifications and professional development: If you’ve earned certifications related to your field, they can be listed either in the education section or under a separate “Certifications” section. For example, a certified project manager might include “Certified ScrumMaster, Scrum Alliance, 2023” directly under their degree to demonstrate additional qualifications.

Examples of How To List Degrees on a Resume

Varying stages in your career call for slightly different approaches to listing your degrees.

Example for a recent graduate

For a recent graduate, your education section might look like this:

Example for an experienced professional

An experienced professional with a master’s degree might structure it like this:

Example of an in-progress degree

For someone currently pursuing a degree, it could be formatted like this:

Resume Education Formatting Tips

Beyond simply listing your degree, there are several strategies you can employ to be sure your education section helps you stand out.

• Highlight relevant education for the job: Customize your education section by focusing on degrees, coursework, and academic experiences that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. If your degree or studies align with the industry or role, call attention to them through relevant details.
• Use consistent formatting: Maintaining uniformity in formatting throughout the education section ensures your resume looks polished and professional. Use the same font size, style, and format for each degree to provide clarity and consistency.
• Avoid common mistakes: Some common errors to avoid include using incorrect degree abbreviations (e.g., writing “BA” when it should be “BS”), omitting key information like graduation dates, or inconsistent formatting. Proofreading your education section is crucial for avoiding these pitfalls.
• Tailor your education section for different jobs: Adjusting your education details based on job requirements is essential. Prioritize information that aligns with the specific position to better appeal to potential employers.
• Leverage your degree during interviews: When discussing your degree and educational background in interviews, emphasize how your education has prepared you for the role. Relate your academic experiences to real-world applications in your previous positions.
• Keep your education information updated: It is crucial to regularly update your education section as your career progresses. This ensures that your resume remains accurate and reflects your current qualifications and achievements.

Additional Resources

Resume templates and examples

• College
• Entry-level and student
• Recent college graduate

Online tools for resume writing and formatting

• Are resume templates a good idea?
• How to make a resume
• ResumeTemplates.com builder

Career advice articles and job application tips

• Business Insider: Why You Should Delete Your Graduation Year 
• CNBC: How to Format Your Resume if You Don’t Have a Degree
• The Chronicle of Higher Education: Dos and Don’ts of Creating Your CV

Andrew Stoner

Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach

Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.