How To Properly List an Associate Degree on a Resume
An associate degree can enhance your resume by showing you have strong knowledge in your field. But you may be unsure how much detail to give about your degree, or whether to include it if you’ve since earned a bachelor’s.
The following guide will help you address these concerns to integrate your associate degree with your resume correctly.
Consider Your Search Goals
Before listing your associate degree on a resume, view it in light of your job search goals. Does the degree help show you have knowledge of your target position, or is it no longer relevant? And does this credential stand out from your other education experiences? Your answers to these questions will help you decide how much detail to give about your degree program.
When To Add Your Associate Degree
Plan on including your associate degree if you graduated recently or it’s the highest degree you’ve earned.
Example:
Associate of Science – Computer Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2022
If you’ve since applied your associate degree credits toward a bachelor’s degree, you can leave it out as long as you earned your bachelor’s from the same school. The two-year associate degree is now simply part of your four-year college education, so there’s often no need to mention it separately.
Example:
Bachelor of Science – Computer Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2024
However, if you transferred to a different school before completing your bachelor’s, you must cite both institutions for accuracy. Otherwise, your education section would falsely indicate you attended the latter school all four years. But here, too, you can omit the associate degree title and just provide two school names.
Example:
Bachelor of Science – Computer Science | 2024
University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
How To List Your Associate Degree on a Resume
When adding an associate degree to your resume, use this template for basic details:
Example:
[Associate Degree Title], [School Name], [City, ST or online] | [graduation date – optional]
Once you’ve covered the basics, brainstorm and add any details about the program that speak strongly to your target job. The following template shows a few ways (highlighted) you can do this:
Example:
[Associate Degree Title – Concentration], [School Name], [City, ST or online] | [graduation date – optional]
- [Select coursework]
- [Academic projects or papers]
- [School clubs or activities]
Also, consider giving any details on your academic success – these can signal your sense of dedication, time management, or other relevant soft skills. The template below offers a couple of options in this vein:
Example:
[Associate Degree Title], [School Name], [City, ST or online] | [graduation date – optional]
[#.# GPA] | [Scholarships] | [Academic honors or awards]
Frequently Asked Questions: Using a Picture in Your Job Search
Graduation dates are optional. Leave yours out if you feel it would put you at risk of age discrimination. But include it if the date accounts for a gap in your recent work history.
Add the word Candidate before the degree title, along with your expected graduation date, as in:
Candidate: Associate of Science, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | expected 2026
In your education section, right below any bachelor’s degree(s) you’ve earned separately. Also mention your associate degree in your profile summary if it’s one of your three to five top qualifications for your target job, as in the first example below.
Associate Degree Resume Examples
Kevin Morrison
Boston, MA 12345 | (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | LinkedIn
Organized and efficient secretary with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and English, and an associate degree in office administration. Demonstrated success managing office operations, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and improving office productivity at Randstad and Kelly Services. Certified Administrative Professional with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and a strong ability to manage time effectively.
Key Skills
- Process streamlining
- Reporting and documentation
- Task prioritization
Professional Experience
Executive Secretary, Randstad, San Francisco, CA | January 2018 to present
- Streamlined office operations by implementing a new digital filing system, increasing efficiency by 30%
- Coordinate and schedule over 200 meetings and appointments annually, ensuring smooth operations and no scheduling conflicts
- Prepare and present monthly reports to the executive team, providing valuable insights on office productivity and efficiency
Administrative Assistant, Kelly Services, Houston, TX | June 2015 to December 2017
- Managed a multi-line phone system, efficiently directing calls and taking messages for a team of over 20 employees
- Organized and maintained an up-to-date database of over 1,000 client records, ensuring accuracy and easy access to information
- Helped plan and execute company events, improving team morale and fostering a positive work environment
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley, CA | May 2017
Associate of Applied Science in Office Administration, Houston Community College, Houston, TX | December 2015
Professional Development
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft
Professional Secretary Certificate (PSC), Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals (AEAP)
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