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How to Put a Double Major on Your Resume

Wondering how — or if — to put a double major on a resume? Here's a complete guide with examples from top resumes.

2 years ago   •   6 min read

Graduating with a double major is no small feat. Double-majoring in college or university is an impressive accomplishment that signals to others your strong work ethic , dedication to excellence, and commitment to going above and beyond — so you want to make sure the way it’s detailed on your resume does it justice.

In this article, we provide tips and pointers on how to list a double major on your resume so that it can attract the attention of prospective employers.

Should you include a double major?

Yes! If you completed a double major, definitely include it in your resume — and this goes double (no pun intended) if the job you’re applying for seeks expertise from both your majors.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to list your double major on your resume, along with dos, don’ts, and things to watch out for.

How to list a double major on your resume

• Create a separate section in your resume exclusively for your educational qualifications.
• In this section, list your education in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree at the top.
• On a single line, list the school you attended and your graduation date ( or expected graduation date , for current studies) in bold font.
• Below that line, include your degree (e.g. Bachelor of Engineering) and your  majors.
• You can list any minors alongside your majors, as long as they’re relevant to the job that you’re applying for.
• If you have a dual degree and not just a double major, you should list both degrees on separate lines. More on the different between double majors and dual degrees below!

Listing a double major in your education section

Create an education section.

No need to get fancy with this — simply title it "Education" so it stands out and recruiters can find it easily.

In most cases, your education section should go below your work experience. The exception to this is if you're still a student or have graduated very recently. If this is the case, and your education is your most relevant experience, you can put it at the top of your resume instead.

Use reverse chronological order

You should always use reverse chronological order for entries on your resume, which means that your most recent accomplishments are always at the top.

Alternatively, if you have multiple degrees, you can begin by listing your highest credential first — if it's more relevant to the job you're applying for.

List a graduation date

This is optional — if you graduated 8+ years ago, feel free to leave it off. If you haven't graduated yet, put an expected graduation date instead, e.g. "Expected May 2024."

Be explicit about your double major

A double major is a good thing, so don't be afraid to call attention to it! You can list your majors on a separate line with their own subheading, for example:

Double major: Computer Science and Electrical Engineering

List any relevant minors

Minors are optional on a resume — basically, like anything else, include them if they're relevant and leave them off if they aren't. Double minors follow the same rule as double majors — put the most relevant minor first. You can list these on the same line as your majors (if they fit) or on a separate line below.

Include triple majors

List a triple major like you would a double major — on a single line below the line specifying your degree, except prefaced by “Triple Major:” instead of “Double Major”. For example:

Triple Major: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Data Science

I’d recommend uploading your resume to the tool below to find out if your education section highlights relevant majors, minors, dual degrees and other educational qualifications. It’ll also let you know if any of these should be removed from your resume.

Double major do's and don'ts

Do list the most relevant major first. If they're both equally relevant, list your primary major first.

Don't list your degree twice when showcasing a double major, since that implies that they are two separate degrees.

Do list any relevant minors, including a double minor.

Don't make your education section bigger than it needs to be, especially if you've been in the workforce for a few years.

Do briefly include relevant information, like academic awards and honors.

How to list a double major on LinkedIn

List your double major on LinkedIn by following these steps:

• Navigate to your Education section on LinkedIn, then click the pencil icon to the right of your existing listings.
• In the dialogue box that appears, navigate to the “Field of Study” field, then enter both your majors, separated either by a comma or the word “and”.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a dual degree and a double major.

A double major is a single degree in two areas of concentration (e.g., a Bachelor of Engineering with a double major in Aerospace Engineering and Civil Engineering). A dual degree is two separate degrees in two distinct fields (e.g., a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art).

A dual degree typically takes longer than a single degree, even with a double major, though it can be quicker than studying both degrees separately. You can find more information on dual degrees here .

What else should I include in my education section?

List coursework only if you’re a recent graduate. You can remove that section once you’ve secured full-time post-graduate employment.

Definitely list academic awards, honors , publications, or certifications — as long as they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you co-authored a paper published in a top microbiology journal, you should absolutely list that on your resume for any applications you send out to research and development-related positions.

How do I know if my double major is relevant?

Your resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying to . By targeting your resume and sending modified versions to each prospective employer, you improve your chances of landing an interview at all of them.

We know that this can seem like a big ask — and that’s why we’re here to help!

Resume Worded’s Targeted Resume service analyzes the job description of the positions you’re applying to and identifies the keywords, skills, and other important details recruiters, hiring managers, and their applicant tracking systems (ATS) look for behind the scenes when they screen applicants.

That way, you can write a bespoke resume that gets past recruiters’ first line of defence — without all the hassle.

You can also use the tool below to get a list of hard skills and relevant keywords to include in your skills section.

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How to put a double major on your resume

If you earned a double major at college, this is something you should be extremely proud of.

It’s also something that can help to give your resume a boost when applying for jobs.

Graduating with expertise in two fields can give you a competitive edge and open you up to more diverse opportunities.

It proves to potential employers that you are dedicated, organized, and have a strong work ethic, among other great qualities.

But how do you effectively showcase a double major on your resume?

You can start by checking out our guide below.

Resume templates 

Detail your double major in your education section

If you want to set yourself apart from other candidates, an engaging and well-structured education section is a must. Here’s how to format this section correctly to include your double major on your resume.

Create an education section

In order to perfect your education section, you need to understand what to include and how to format this information.

You need to list your educational achievements in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent qualification. In this case, it is likely to be your college degree.

Each qualification in your education section should include

• The name of the educational institution studied at – e.g. Harvard
• The dates you attended – e.g. 2018-2021
• The subjects you studied – e.g. Politics & Sociology
• The grades you achieved – e.g. GPA 2.5
• Details on modules studied – e.g. Ecology and evolution

It is helpful to use subheadings and bullet points to format this information to increase readability and make it easy for recruiters to find key information.

Where you place this section will differ depending on how experienced you are and what the employer is looking for.

If you have recently graduated (and have no relevant experience) place the education section higher up your resume – because employers will be more interested in your education than non-relevant work experience.

If you have lots of experience behind you, this can go underneath your employment history section, because employers will want to read about your career first.

Include your degree with double major

Now you know how to format your education section, let’s look in more detail at exactly how to include your double major.

• Title with subjects – First, you need to give the name of your degree. This will be the two subjects that you majored in, for example, environmental science and law. If one subject is more relevant to the role you’re applying for, you might choose to list this first.
• Add dates & institution – Next, you need to include the name of the institution you attended. Follow this with the dates of your studies. To keep it short and sweet, simply include the year and month you started, to the year and month you graduated.
• Provide details of coursework and papers – It’s also a good idea to include details of any coursework or papers you wrote. These should be relevant to the roles you are applying for ideally or should showcase your achievements in some way. For example, if you were published in a well-respected journal.
• Add a minor (if you did one) – If you also studied a minor while you were at college, this can help strengthen your education section. Be sure to include this if it’s relevant to the role or if you achieved some impressive results in the field.

Example double major inclusions

Examples of including double majors from real-life resumes.

Mathematics and computer science

Biology and mathematics

IT and applied mathematics

Computer science and applied physics

Mention your double major in your summary

A double major can show potential employers that you’re passionate, dedicated, and knowledgeable. Therefore, it’s worth shouting about.

Don’t shy away from the fact that you studied hard by including your double major in your resume summary . It’s a great way to ensure that it gets noticed by recruiters, with it being at the top of the resume.

For example could start your summary with something like:

“Ambitious college graduate with double major in science and mathematics…”

You might also want to mention coursework, papers, or experience you gained as part of your college degree , highlighting your key achievements – but keep it brief here and save the detail for your education section.

Mentioning your double major in your resume summary is particularly useful if you’re a recent graduate or if the employer has highlighted education as important in the job description.

What is a double major?

A double major is when students study two subjects side by side to earn a degree in those two disciplines. Typically, the two subjects will complement one another, for example, economics and statistics or business and psychology.

This type of degree requires the same number of credits as a standard one, though it can take longer to complete. But the outcome is a student with a wider and more developed skill set and an in-depth knowledge of two fields.

What else should I add to my education section?

As well as including your studies at college and your double major, you can also give a brief overview of the rest of your educational background, including your high school grades and extracurricular activity.

You don’t have to go into too much detail about these if you don’t have lots of space left on your resume;  but simply follow the above format, listing the school name and the years you attended. You can then give details of any relevant subjects you studied or any key achievements if you think these will boost your application.

If you studied for any General Educational Development ( GED ) diplomas after high school, you might want to include these in your education section as well.

As well as giving details of any relevant coursework and papers you completed, this is your opportunity to mention any honors and awards you achieved during your time in education.

You can also add information about any subjects you excelled in, your grade-point average ( GPA ) if relevant, and any minors you studied at college.

Just be sure that everything you include in this section will support and strengthen your application in some way – Recruiters don’t want to see tons of irrelevant information on your resume.

Further reading: How to put minor on resume

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How to Write Your Degree on a Resume

Last Updated: April 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Colleen Campbell, PhD . Dr. Colleen Campbell is the Founder and CEO of The Ignite Your Potential Centers, Career and Life Coaching based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Colleen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sofia University and has been career coaching since 2008. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 397,249 times.

Including information about your degree in a resume can be tricky business. You might wonder where to place your education section, how to list multiple degrees, or whether to list things like dates or your GPA. While there are few set rules about formatting or including content, there are several guidelines to follow. Format your education and other sections consistently. Include your university, its location, and your degree title, and list the date only if you’re a recent grad. Be concise and strategic when writing your resume, and try to include only relevant information that will make your application as competitive as possible.    

Sample Resumes

Formatting Your Education Section

• For example, if you bold employers’ names in your experience section, write your college in bold, especially if it’s a prestigious school or one known for excellence in your field.
• Use a standard sans-serif font, like Arial, for easy readability. Use a 10-12 point size for general text and 14-16 point for section headings.   

• If you’re a recent grad with a high GPA, you could opt to include your GPA. Just be sure to explain your GPA system by writing, for example, “3.92/4.0.”
• You can also include your graduation year if you’re a recent grad. Otherwise, you should avoid including dates, especially if your degree is older than 15 years.
• An example degree listing could be: Yale University, New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Arts in English, Magna cum laude .

• Avoid unnecessary words elsewhere in your resume, too. For example, don’t write “Email:” or “Phone:” before listing your contact information. Just write your email address and phone number.

• If you’re not a recent grad or have substantial professional experience, place your relevant experience section ahead of your education. In general, professional experience is more valuable information than your education.

• If you double majored, you can just list both degrees in the same section under your university: Yale University , New Haven, CT. Double major: Bachelor of Arts, English. Bachelor of Arts, Art History.

• If not, and if your high school diploma is your highest degree, include your high school's name and location, graduation date (if it's within the last three years), and, if it's above a 3.5/4.0, your GPA: Nashua High School, Nashua, New Hampshire High School Diploma, 2016. GPA: 3.8
• If your highest degree is a GED diploma or state equivalent certificate, include it if you don't have substantial work experience: Education General Educational Development Diploma, 2016. Education CHSPE (Certificate of Proficiency from the State of California), 2016.

Including the Best Information

• Don’t include undergraduate degree acronyms after your name. For example, never write, “Jane Smith, B.A.”

• Exceptions to this rule include study abroad programs or coursework at prestigious institutions. For example, you might include relevant information like this: University of Georgia , Athens, GA. Bachelor of Science in Biology (Marine Biology emphasis), 2016. University of Auckland , Auckland, New Zealand. Study abroad program with emphasis in ecological preservation.

• For example, you could describe an incomplete undergraduate degree like this: Yale University , New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Science, Biology (expected 2017)
• You could describe a graduate degree like this: Yale University , New Haven, CT Master of Business Administration degree candidate Thesis under development; anticipated completion June 2018

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application

• For example, suppose you’re applying for an engineering job and earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in 2009 and a master’s in graphic design in 2012. You should list your engineering degree first.
• You might have also researched your prospective job and found that the department head who will read your resume graduated from your undergraduate university. You might then want to include your undergraduate degree first and place your education section at the top of your resume.

• For example, you could structure your education section like this: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering , University of Texas, Austin, TX. Relevant courses : Thermodynamics, Properties of Engineering Materials, Solid Mechanics, Dynamics of Machines, Strength of Mechanical Components.

• For example, instead of listing computer programs and other skills you learned at school in a block of text under your degree, put them in a separate section at the top of your resume. Be sure to include skills, programs, and other keywords from the job posting.    

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://careercenter.georgetown.edu/major-career-guides/resumes-cover-letters/resume-formatting-tips/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-list-education-on-a-resume
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/high-school-education-on-resume
• ↑ https://www.southeastern.edu/admin/career_srv/student_alumni/build_a_resume/assets/resume-faq2.pdf
• ↑ https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/blog/2023/01/17/exactly-when-where-and-how-to-list-certifications-on-your-resume-because-youve-earned-them/
• ↑ https://career.arizona.edu/resources/tailoring-your-resume/
• ↑ https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/resume/step2

About This Article

To write your degree on your resume, start by writing the name of your school, followed by where it's located. Then, write your degree and any honors you received. For example, you would write something like, “Yale University, New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Arts in English, 2.1” If you’re a recent grad with a high GPA, you can include your score at the end. Write your degree at the top of your education section so it’s above your high school. If you've completed or you're currently studying a postgraduate degree, put this above your undergraduate degree so it's in chronological order. In addition to your major, feel free to include your minor underneath if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can still include your degree on your resume, but make it clear that you’re still studying by putting something like, “Expected 2020,” in brackets at the end. For more tips from our Careers co-author, including how to tailor your resume for each job application, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To List a Double Major on Your Resume

In This Guide:

• What is a double major

Why include your double major on your resume

How to include a double on your resume

Tips and tricks

A template for featuring a double-major

Having a double major on your resume can show the hiring managers your commitment to learning, and your motivation for professional growth.

Not only that, but it can put you at least one step ahead of all other candidates, and increase your chances of getting the job.

But just having a double major won’t do the trick, you need to know how to present it in the best possible way.

In this article, we are going to help you out, exploring the following questions:

• Why include double major on your resume?

How to include double major on resume?

And we are going to leave you off with some great tips and tricks , and a template for you to use in your education section.

If you are unsure about your overall resume performance, check out our Resume builder, and create a unique design in no time .

But if you are ready to learn how to list double major on your resume, stick around.

What is a double major?"?

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A double major is also referred to as a dual major. It is the process of a student pursuing two different degrees at once, and managing to finish both.

However, in most cases these two degrees are not given individually, but rather as one degree, with two (double) majors.

Typically, students would be required to spend some additional time in school, as many double majors have extra coursework with them .

Furthermore, your two majors don’t have to be in the same field of work, they can be whatever you want.

In any case, having a double major on your resume can set you apart from other candidates and improve your chances of getting the job you want.

Why include a double major on your resume?

We have already mentioned that a double major would set you apart from other candidates, but you need to understand what is the reason behind that.

There are two main reasons for that:

• A double major shows your potential employer that you are a dedicated learner and that you are coachable, which is a highly desirable trait;
• If your double major relates to the field you are trying to start a career in, you might be considered a better fit for the job than more candidates, as you already have extensive training and the qualifications needed for the job.

Now you know all the perks of listing your double major on your resume, but as we mentioned in the beginning, you need to know how to list it right.

Format your education section

The first step you need to take is format your education section correctly .

To get this right, you need to:

• Use reverse chronological order, meaning that your most recent education should come first
• List all the necessary information for each entry – Name of the institution, dates of attendance, dates of completion, the degree you earned, majors and minors , as well as any academic accomplishments, certification, and awards

List the more relevant major first

Your majors should be listed side by side under your degree, but that does not mean that order does not matter.

You should consider which of your majors is more relevant to the job position you are applying for and list that one first.

That would ensure that the hiring manager would see it, and understand that you have the skills and qualifications needed for the job.

Highlight relevant minors

Another great addition to your education section and your majors are any minors you have as well.

Listing a minor shows some additional skills and qualifications , and shows your potential employer that you are a determined learner.

However, if your minor is not relevant to the job position you are applying for, and you are running out of space, you can leave it out, and focus on the relevant.

Include additional coursework, certifications, or awards

If you have the necessary space, and you want to add up to your majors, you can always list any relevant coursework, certifications , or awards .

That would show your potential employer that you are highly motivated and committed to your career development.

However, if you have some professional experience behind you already, you might want to leave out these additional details, so that you would have more space for your career achievements .

Include your GPA if it's high

Another piece of detail you can use to spice up your double major is your GPA .

You can usually leave it out, but if it is high enough, you should consider listing it.

Along with that, you can also list any Latin honors you have, such as magna cum laude .

Now, as promised, we have two quick tips for you, so that you get the best results.

List each degree only once

You might want to list the name of your degree each time you mention a specific major, but that may come across as confusing.

You might give out the wrong impression of having multiple degrees, while trying to emphasize on just one.

To avoid this, try to format each degree program you completed as a separate entry on your resume with each major that corresponds to that degree.

Use a template for your resume

Using a template can really help you emphasize all the right sections, depending on the experience you have.

Take some time and browse through all the proven templates we have, and pick the right one for yourself .

Template for double major on resume

To get the best out of your double major on your resume, make sure you use the following template in your education section:

[Name of the college or university], [month and year of graduation]

[Primary major], [secondary major]

[Coursework]

[Certifications]

Keep in mind that you don’t need to list all of these, but only those which will serve in your favor.

We are all done, now you know how to list double major on your resume.

Let’s get through all the steps you need to get the best results:

• Format your education section correctly, using reverse chronological order and including all the necessary information for each entry
• Figure out which of your two majors is more relevant to the job position you are applying for and list that one first
• If you have any relevant minors, you should list them as well, but keep in mind that you should stick to a one-page resume
• Include any additional coursework, certification and awards, as long as they are relevant to the position you are applying for, and you have space for that on your resume
• Consider listing your GPA, if it above 3.5, as well as any Latin honors

Now you are ready to nail listing your double major on your resume, and get the job you want.

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How to List Education on Your Resume (with Examples)

10 min read · Updated on March 27, 2024

Use your education to show you have the knowledge to land the job

Your education is an essential detail to include on your resume, as it indicates that you're trained in your field. Even if your formal education isn't directly related to your current career path (perhaps you made a career change, for instance), it's still worthwhile to show that you succeeded in a high-level learning environment.

As with much of resume writing, the content and format of your resume Education section is fluid and will depend on where you are in your career. Still, it's important that you get it right to prove you're qualified for the job you want.

In this article, you'll learn how to list education on your resume and see examples that you can use for inspiration as you craft your own. 

What to include under Education on a resume

It sounds simple – you list the degrees you've obtained and the schools where you got them. 

But, wait! There's more.

In some instances, it may be appropriate to include your GPA, some relevant coursework, or even give a nod to some major project you worked on. Much of this depends on whether you're fresh out of school or have some experience under your belt. 

Here are some other things to consider when writing the Education section of your resume:

Does your education section go at the top or bottom of your resume?

Do you include a degree if you're still working on it?

Does high school belong on my resume?

Let's start with the basics.

1. Degree earned

When you finally graduated and received your diploma, what did it say? For example, you may have achieved a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Whatever it was, it's the most important education detail you can put on your resume, because it's the official evidence of your education.

One of the most important things to remember is that you should list your degrees in reverse chronological order. That means you start with the most recent one (which is likely to be your highest) and work backward. Also, once you get into college there is no reason to add high school. Employers know that you have to finish high school to get into college, so they'll assume you graduated. 

Remember that one degree type can be applied to a variety of fields of study. For example, a Bachelor of Science degree can be earned for both physics and computer science. Therefore, in addition to the degree itself, you must include the major for which the degree was earned. This way, a hiring manager knows exactly what topics you've studied.

If you completed any minors or concentrations, you can include those too.

3. University, college, or institution

Add some context to your education by listing the university, college, or institution where you went to school. This is especially important if you attended a well-respected program in your field, because it will make you seem all the more impressive.

4. Years attended

The timeframe that you were in school is generally something you don't need to worry about including unless you're still in school or graduated within the last year. Additionally, you might add the dates you were in school if you need to take care of a gap in employment. Outside of these conditions, you should leave off the timeframe you were in school.

Whether or not you include your GPA in the Education section of a resume depends on many factors. If you earned your degree 20 years ago, your GPA is likely a defunct measure of your current abilities. If you earned your degree recently, however, adding your GPA can be a great move – but only if it's 3.5 or higher. You can also indicate any distinctions you earned based on your grades, such as summa cum laude , if applicable.

6. Extracurricular activities

If you were in an honors society, you can list your membership. If you were part of a fraternity or sorority, it's a toss-up. While you might think this is a good inclusion because it demonstrates you were participating in service-related activities or so on, Greek rivalries can extend way past college years and you wouldn't want to accidentally tip off your hiring manager that you belonged to a rival group.

7. Certifications 

Outside of formal education, you may also have taken the initiative to earn supplementary certifications or complete online courses that are relevant to your field. Highlight these in your resume Education section, especially if they are on niche or high-level topics that prove your expertise far beyond a more generalized curriculum.

Here's an example of what all that looks like:

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

Bachelor of Business Administration | ABC University | 2021-2024

Dean's list - summa cum laude

President - Marketing Club

Certifications:

Project Management Professional (PMP) | Project Management Institute

Conditions to consider, aside from the basics

Some of those basics may be optional - as we mentioned, you wouldn't include the dates of your degree program if you've been out of school for more than a year. When you begin to craft the Education section of your resume, there are other things to consider as well.

You completed high school

Attending college may not be among the goals you've set for your life. That's okay!

If you decide to graduate high school and go straight to work, your career can still be rich and full. At this point, though, a lot of people ask if they should include high school on their resume. 

A few rules of thumb about adding high school to the Education section of your resume:

Exclude high school altogether if you go to college

Exclude high school if you've attended trade school

Include high school if you have no additional education, professional development, or certifications

Include high school if the job description specifically mentions that you need a high school diploma

Include high school if you're applying for a job while still in high school

This is what the Education section of your resume would look like if all you have to put in it is high school:

Diploma or GED [whichever is appropriate] | DEF High School

Graduated: 2023

Relevant courses: Accounting, Business Law, and Ethics

Just because high school is the highest education you've obtained, doesn't mean you can't take the opportunity to inject some relevant keywords into your resume. 

PRO TIP: Check out our article on tailoring your resume to different jobs to understand how important relevant keywords are when writing your resume.

You have an undergrad degree

Once you graduate from college and start searching for your first entry-level position, it's assumed that you'll remove any information that refers to your high school activities and focus on your new undergrad degree.

Go back to the basics to build your Education section when you earn your Bachelor's degree. 

Include your degree and major

Add the name of the school where you obtained the degree

Throw in some extras, like achievements, coursework, and affiliations

The last point – about adding extras – is extremely important if you have little to no work experience . Adding that you were a Resident Advisor or won first place in a robotics competition could be the thing that puts your resume at the top of the yes pile. 

You have an advanced degree

Once you enter the world of Master's degrees and PhDs the Education section of your resume becomes more robust and might include things like the title of a dissertation, fellowships or internships. 

As before, always start with your highest degree and work backward. Here's an example of an Education section with advanced degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Leadership Studies | CCC University 

International Student Scholar

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationships of Principal Preparation Programs and Leadership Styles on School Accountability Indices

Master of Arts (MA) – Counseling | BBB University 

Bachelor of Science – Psychology (cum laude) | University of AAA

You started college at one place but finished somewhere else

If you attended college at one institution – perhaps a community college – and then completed your education in another place, you only need to list the university where you completed your degree. All the employer wants to know is which college supplied you with your degree at the end of your education; they don't necessarily care or need to know how you arrived at this place. Save that resume space for more important information.

You didn't attend or finish college

If you attended college but didn't graduate, you may want to list the relevant courses you took, especially if you made it to some of the higher-level classes, to demonstrate the skills you built or the disciplines you were exposed to during your coursework.

You're still pursuing a college degree (undergrad or grad program)

If you're still attending college for either your undergraduate or graduate degree, you can simply add an expected graduation year to this information. You can add a list of a few courses you've completed if 

They're higher-level courses that are relevant to your job goals

You don't have a lot of relevant work experience to market on your resume.

You earned your degree more than 5 years ago

If you earned a degree or certification more than 5 years ago, place your Education at the bottom of your resume and remove the graduation date. It's important to demonstrate you've earned the degree, but there's no need to draw attention to how long ago this occurred.

Doing so will allow you to focus your resume on your skills, accomplishments , and professional history. For those who have many years of professional experience, education becomes less important because you should be moving forward in your career.

Where does the Education section of your resume go?

If you're new to the workforce and your new degree is your best selling point, the Education section should appear toward the top of your resume , because 

You most likely have limited professional experience to list on your resume

Your education is the core competency that you wish to highlight for an employer

After you have a few years of relevant experience under your belt, the education section gets shifted to the bottom of your resume, and your work history will get pushed farther up on the page.

Key takeaways

Presenting your education on your resume in a thoughtful way will open a lot of employment doors. Here's what you should keep in mind as you write the Education section of your resume:

You list education on your resume in a certain way based on what stage of your career you're at

The main components of your Education section are degree, major, school, years attended, and certifications

Tailor your Education section based on keywords and qualifications mentioned in the job description

Be honest about ongoing education or degrees you've decided not to complete

Your Education section is fluid

Remember, there isn't one resume format that fits all job seekers. Be strategic when placing your Education information by considering where you are in your career and how it will help you to land the jobs you're after. 

Find out if you are showcasing your education on your resume - get a free resume review from TopResume.

This article was updated in December 2023. It contains work by Amanda Augustine and Lauren Settembrino  and Heather Rothbauer-Wanish .

Recommended reading:

Resources for In-Demand Job Skills You Can Learn Online

How To Speed Up the Resume-Writing Process

The Most Essential Trait You Need to Land Any Job

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

Why You Lose When You Lie on Your Resume: Learning From Mina Chang

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How to List a Degree on a Resume

When creating a resume, experience, and skills are often highlighted. However, it’s important to remember that your educational background is also essential. Specific courses of study and levels of education are required for specific jobs.

Correctly listing your educational qualifications , such as a seminar you’ve attended, or a course or certification you’ve completed, shows that you have the training and, therefore, the skills you need.

Arguably the most influential titles you can will be a diploma or degree .  

So if you’re interested in applying for a job fresh out of college should you add your degree to your resume?

It’s definitely a great option. Having a degree or diploma says something about you as a future employee – you had the determination and perseverance to complete multiple years of study.

In fact, according to the BLS, median usual weekly earnings increase based on the level of education completed, which you can see in the graph below:

That’s why it’s essential to know how to list your bachelor or master’s degree on your resume along with any other title.

Follow our tips below and examples of degrees in a resume to understand the best ways to add your qualifications and stand out when looking for some of the most in-demand jobs out there.

How to Write a Degree on a Resume

Many types of degrees exist, but the same basic format is used for each in your resume education section.

You’ll need to include the following details to display your credentials in an organized manner:

• Name of the school
• Location of the school
• Type of degree earned

You can also choose to list the year you graduated . However, depending on when you finished college, it may be better to add it or leave it out.

If you have more than 5 years of experience, you don’t need to list the year you graduated in your resume.

Remember to include the city and state when you mention the location or country if you studied abroad.

Try our  intelligent resume builder  to  ensure that these details stay organized  in your application. Nothing looks worse than a sloppy education section.

How to List Different Degrees on a Resume

You may think that having more than one college degree is automatically a positive and will look good no matter what.

It’s fantastic that you can display your advanced knowledge, but having the right plan in place for listing your degrees on a resume is critical.

To effectively add your well-deserved degrees you should:

• List your degrees in reverse chronological order
• Place your highest level of education at the top of your education section and continue from there
• Separate your double majors with an & symbol to avoid clutter

Remember to  include any noteworthy honors or distinctions  along with your  degrees , especially if they’re relevant to the position you are applying to.

Here’s an example of how to list a bachelor of science degree on a resume:

Master of Business Administration, Focus on Finance, Ivy League University, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Double Major: Marketing, Management, State University, 2020

• Relevant Coursework: Strategic Marketing, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior
• Achievements: Graduated Cum Laude, President of the Business Club (2019-2020)

How to Write Your Associate’s Degree on a Resume and Impress Employers

While it may take less time to get an associate’s degree is  nothing to look over , especially on a resume.

That means you’ll need to highlight your achievements,  just like on bachelor’s or master’s degrees .

Generally, you will record your associate’s degree in the format of the example below:

Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design, Springfield Community College, 2021

• Relevant Coursework: Digital Illustration, Typography, Web Design
• Honors: Graduated with Distinction

As a general rule, you should spell out the name of the degree rather than abbreviating it. This prevents confusion on the part of the recruiter.

If you’re running out of space on your one-page resume,  you can opt to abbreviate . These are common associate’s degree abbreviations and their meanings:

• AA means Associate in Arts
• AAB means Associate of Applied Business
• AAS means Associate in Applied Science
• AAT means Associate of Arts in Teaching
• ABA means Associate of Business Administration
• AS means Associate in Science

Depending on your college, your degree may be called “Associate of” or “Associate in.” Double-check to make sure you are using the correct terminology. Also, never write “Associate’s Degree” on your resume.

It should always be listed as the proper degree name, without an apostrophe “s”.

How to List Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that takes four or more years of study. As like an associate’s degree, you will list your degree with the years you were in school, the university name, the city, and state, the type of degree, and the subject of study. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Magna Cum Laude, University of Michigan, 2021

• Major: Marketing, Minor: Communication Studies
• Relevant Coursework: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media Marketing

Remember to  spell out the name of your degree  rather than abbreviating it. If you need an abbreviation to save space, you can use BA for Bachelor of Arts or BS for Bachelor of Science. Additional, less common abbreviations include:

• B.A. for Bachelor of Arts
• Bach. Sci., B.Sc., S.B., B.S., BCs for Bachelor of Science
• BJHum for Bachelor of Journalism and Humanities
• BMPD for Bachelor of Media Production and Design
• BMusA for Bachelor of Musical Arts
• BPAPM for Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management
• BScFS for Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.

Before using any of these uncommon abbreviations, think seriously about whether the meaning will be clear to your hiring manager.

Again, you won’t be using an apostrophe. It’s “Bachelor of” not “Bachelor’s.” As with the high school diploma, you can also cite your GPA if it was above 3.5 and include any distinctions, such as graduating Cum Laude .

How to Include Unfinished Degrees on a Resume

What if you are currently working on your degree, but have not yet graduated?

An in-progress degree on a resume doesn’t look bad at all so go ahead and add it!

List it similarly, with your expected graduation date on your resume as the closing year.

If you list a future date, your hiring manager will understand it is your expected graduation date. Optionally, following the listing, you can place the words “Expected graduation in [year]”.

What if you worked hard in college but  did not finish your degree ?

Don’t worry! Life happens. This experience can  still be placed on your resume . You can still list your relevant classes and focus on the transferable skills you picked up while studying.

Consider this unfinished degree on resume example:

2019-2022 Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN Completed 48 credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in English

How to List a Master’s Degree on a Resume

Once you’ve obtained a bachelor’s degree, you might get a master’s degree. These graduate degrees usually require two additional years of study.

Always  list your master’s degree first  and your bachelor’s degree second.

Like previously discussed degrees, your master’s degree listing will include the standard format, meaning dates, the institution’s name, etc.

If you need to abbreviate, the following are common master’s degree abbreviations:

• A.M., M.A., or MA for Master of Arts
• M.B.A. or MBA for Master of Business Administration
• M.E., ME, MEng, or M.Eng. for Master of Engineering
• M.Ed. or MEd for Master of Education
• M.S., MS, M.Sc., or MSc for Master of Science
• M.S.Met. for Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering

How to Add a Ph.D. to a Resume

If you have a Ph.D. it will look fantastic on your resume or CV , especially if you are looking for a position in the field of education.

Having a Ph.D. in a field that values it will help your application big time. 

However, if you are applying to a field that is unrelated to your Ph.D. no need to show it off that much.  But let’s say your Ph.D. is relevant to the position . Where should you place it?

Since it’s the highest distinction you can earn in education, you’ll want to place your Ph.D. at the top of your education section , and even s how it off in your summary.

Here’s how it should look when written on a resume:

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Focus on Artificial Intelligence, ABC Institute, 2019

• Dissertation: “Deep Learning Approaches to Natural Language Processing”
• Advisor: Dr. John Doe
• Research Interests: Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Sentiment Analysis
• Publications: 3 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals
• Teaching Experience: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Programming, Prestigious Institute (2019-2021)
• Awards: Best Paper Award, International Conference on Machine Learning (2022)

How to List a High School Diploma

If you’ve only completed high school, don’t worry; your education section can still shine! A large portion of the U.S. job market only has a high school diploma to their name.

However, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself before including your high school diploma:

• What if you received a General Education Development Diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED)?
• Should you list your high school education on your resume if you have later degrees?

Firstly, a GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma , and it should be listed similarly.

Secondly, If you have just one additional degree, you can also list your high school. Remember to place the college degree first and the high school diploma second, following the reverse chronological order.

Listing your high school information is unnecessary if you have multiple graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Variations in Listing Your Degrees

Now that we’ve looked at how to list each type of degree, let’s look at  some acceptable variations .

First, you don’t always have to list all the years you attended a college in [Year-Year] style. It’s also okay to list the year you graduated.

You can also adjust the order of the listing if you want to  emphasize  what  you studied  rather than  when  you graduated.

This is especially helpful if you  completed your education many years ago . You can replace the year, school/place, and degree order with a degree, school, and year order. Here’s an example of what that might look like:

[Type of Degree] in [Subject] [University Name, City, State] [Graduation Year]

You can also do this if you’re still working on your degree. Then, it will look like this:

[Type of Degree] in [Subject] [University Name, City, State] Expected Graduation in [Year]

The important thing is that you maintain the same format throughout your resume.

In Conclusion

Having the right education can mean the difference between getting your desired job and missing out. Therefore, it is essential to master listing your degrees in your resume education section.

Whether you need to list a high school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., the steps are the same.

Remember to always list your education in reverse chronological order , placing the most recent achievements – and the highest degrees – first. It’s up to you to place the education section before or after the work experience section.

Your choice should depend on how much experience you have, as education is great for new applications, and if education is more pertinent to the position. 

In either case, you can use a resume template and these tips to ensure you create a stand-out application.

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Degrees on Your Resume: How to List Associate & Bachelor

As a job seeker, your resume is your first opportunity to impress potential employers. A resume is a document that summarizes your professional experience, skills, education, and achievements. It provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications and serves as your personal marketing tool.

B. Importance of Education on Your Resume

One of the most important sections of a resume is the education section. Your educational background can help set you apart from other candidates and provide valuable information to potential employers. Listing your degrees on your resume can help demonstrate that you have the necessary qualifications for the position you are applying for.

Types of Degrees

When it comes to listing educational degrees on your resume, there are two main types to consider: Associate Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to understand the differences before deciding which degree to pursue or list on your resume.

A. Associate Degrees

Definition of Associate Degree:  An Associate Degree is an undergraduate degree offered by community colleges, trade schools, and some four-year colleges. It typically takes two years of full-time study to complete and is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need for entry-level jobs in a particular field.

Pros and Cons of Associate Degree:  One of the main advantages of an Associate Degree is that it is a relatively affordable way to get started on your education. It also allows you to gain practical, hands-on experience in your chosen field before committing to a longer degree program. However, the downside is that it may limit your career options and earning potential.

Examples of Associate Degrees:  Some common Associate Degrees include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Programs vary widely but may include nursing, culinary arts, paralegal studies, and computer science.

Benefits of Listing Associate Degree on Your Resume:  If you have an Associate Degree, it is worth listing on your resume even if you plan to pursue further education. It can demonstrate your commitment to your chosen field and show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well in an entry-level position.

B. Bachelor’s Degrees

Definition of Bachelor’s Degree:  A Bachelor’s Degree is an undergraduate degree offered by four-year colleges and universities. It typically takes four years of full-time study to complete and is designed to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills in their chosen field.

Pros and Cons of Bachelor’s Degree:  One of the main advantages of a Bachelor’s Degree is that it can open up a wider range of career options and higher earning potential. It also provides a more well-rounded education and prepares students for advanced studies. However, the downside is that it can be more costly and time-consuming to earn than an Associate Degree.

Examples of Bachelor’s Degrees:  Some common Bachelor’s Degrees include Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). Programs vary widely but may include biology, psychology, literature, engineering, and more.

Benefits of Listing Bachelor’s Degree on Your Resume:  If you have a Bachelor’s Degree, it is essential to list it on your resume. It demonstrates to potential employers that you have completed an accredited program, possess the necessary skills and knowledge, and are committed to your field of study. Additionally, it can improve your chances of being considered for higher-paying jobs and promotions.

How to List Associate Degree on Your Resume

When including your associate degree on your resume, it’s important to include all relevant information that showcases your education and qualifications. Here are the key elements to include:

Begin by listing the full title of your associate degree, such as “Associate of Arts” or “Associate of Applied Science”.

B. Name of Institution

Next, list the name of the institution where you obtained your degree. This could be a community college, technical school, or other type of institution.

C. Field of Study

Include the field of study that your associate degree focused on, such as “Business Administration” or “Nursing”.

D. Graduation Date

List the month and year you graduated from your associate degree program. This helps provide a timeline of your education and career progression.

Include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher. This shows your academic achievements and dedication to your studies.

F. Honors and Awards

If you received any honors or awards during your time in your associate degree program, list them here. This could include academic honors like Dean’s List or awards for specific achievements in your field of study.

G. Relevant Coursework

Highlight any relevant coursework you completed as part of your associate degree program. This could include classes related to your field, as well as any general education requirements that helped you develop important skills.

H. Professional Certification

If you obtained any professional certifications related to your field of study, list them along with your associate degree. This demonstrates your commitment to ongoing professional development.

I. Summary of Relevant Skills and Accomplishments

Finally, include a summary of your relevant skills and accomplishments. This could include any internships, work experience, or other achievements that demonstrate your qualifications for the positions you are applying for.

By including these key elements when listing your associate degree on your resume, you can showcase your education and qualifications in the best possible light to potential employers.

How to List Bachelor’s Degree on Your Resume

When it comes to listing your bachelor’s degree on your resume, there are several important pieces of information to include. Here’s what you need to know:

List your degree as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS), followed by the type of degree you earned. For example, Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Include the name of the college or university where you earned your bachelor’s degree.

Indicate your major, as well as any minors, concentrations, or areas of emphasis. If you had multiple majors, list them in order of importance or relevance to the position you’re applying for.

Include the month and year you graduated from college.

If your GPA is high (3.5 or above), it’s worth including on your resume. However, if your GPA is lower, it may be better to leave it off.

List any honors, awards, or academic achievements you received while in college, such as Dean’s List, scholarships, or academic organizations.

Include any coursework that is relevant to the position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position, include relevant classes such as Marketing Strategy, Consumer Behavior, and Social Media Marketing.

If you have any professional certifications that are relevant to the position, include them on your resume as well.

Finally, include a section that summarizes your relevant skills and accomplishments. Use this section to highlight any internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your skills and experience.

When listing your bachelor’s degree on your resume, focus on providing clear, concise, and relevant information. Keep in mind the position you’re applying for and tailor your resume accordingly. With these tips, you can showcase your education and experience in a way that impresses potential employers.

When to List Both Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees

When it comes to listing both your associate and bachelor’s degrees on your resume, there are certain scenarios in which it’s appropriate and can be beneficial. Here are some examples:

A. Examples of When to List Both Degrees

When both degrees are relevant to the position you’re applying for: If the job requires skills and knowledge that you acquired from both your associate and bachelor’s degree, it’s a good idea to list them both.

When the associate degree is in a different field than the bachelor’s degree: If you have an associate degree in a different field from your bachelor’s degree, listing both can demonstrate your versatility and breadth of knowledge.

When the associate degree is your highest level of education: If your associate degree is the highest level of education you’ve completed, but you also have a bachelor’s degree, it’s important to list both to avoid any confusion or assumptions.

B. Benefits of Listing Both Degrees

Listing both your associate and bachelor’s degree on your resume can bring several benefits, such as:

Demonstrating a wide range of skills and knowledge: Listing both degrees can showcase your ability to learn and excel in different areas.

Showing your commitment to education: Listing both degrees can demonstrate your dedication and investment in education.

Making you a more competitive candidate: Having both an associate and bachelor’s degree can make you stand out among other candidates with only one degree.

C. How to List Both Degrees on Your Resume

To properly list both your associate and bachelor’s degrees on your resume, follow these guidelines:

List your highest level of education first: If your bachelor’s degree is your highest level of education, list it first followed by your associate degree.

Use consistent formatting: Use the same format for both degrees, such as including the name of the degree, the name of the institution, and the date of graduation.

Be clear and concise: Avoid wordiness and unnecessary details when describing your degrees.

Listing both your associate and bachelor’s degrees on your resume can showcase your skills, versatility, and dedication to education, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market. Follow the guidelines above to ensure your resume accurately portrays your educational background.

Possible Challenges When Listing Degrees on Your Resume

As much as having a degree can increase your chances of landing a job, there are still some potential challenges that you may need to overcome when listing your degrees on your resume. Here are some of the most common challenges and some strategies to help you address them:

A. Incomplete Degree

If you didn’t finish your degree program, you may worry that it will be a major disadvantage when it comes to your job search. However, there are ways to position your incomplete degree so that it doesn’t hinder your application.

Firstly, you can list the years you attended school and the courses you completed. This way, potential employers can see that you have some education under your belt. Additionally, if you have any relevant coursework or experience, make sure to highlight those on your resume. Lastly, focus on the skills and knowledge you gained from your time in school that can support your application.

B. Multiple Degrees

On the surface, having multiple degrees may seem like an advantage – and in many cases, it is. However, there are situations where having multiple degrees can pose a challenge. For example, if you’re applying for a job that doesn’t require any specific degree or has a lower level of education than the degrees you have earned.

To overcome this challenge, focus on emphasizing your most relevant degree and how it relates to the job you are applying for. You can also highlight the skills and experiences you gained from your other degrees that can support your application.

A low GPA can be a major concern for many job seekers, but it’s not always a deal-breaker. While a high GPA can demonstrate your intelligence, a low GPA doesn’t necessarily mean that you are less capable or qualified.

One way to address a low GPA is to highlight other achievements and experiences that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in your field. You can also explain any extenuating circumstances that led to your low GPA, such as health issues or a difficult family situation. Finally, if you have relevant work experience, make sure to include that on your resume to demonstrate your practical skills.

D. Non-Relevant Degree

It’s not uncommon for candidates to have degrees that are seemingly unrelated to the job they are applying for. This can be challenging, as it may raise questions about your qualifications and experience in the industry.

To overcome this challenge, focus on highlighting transferable skills that you gained from your degree program, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. You can also showcase any relevant work experience or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your interest in the industry.

E. Strategies to Overcome Challenges

The key to overcoming any challenge when listing your degrees on your resume is to focus on the skills, experiences and achievements that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Other Tips to Enhance Your Resume

In addition to properly listing your degree on your resume, there are other tips you can use to make your resume stand out to potential employers.

A. Layout and Format

The layout and format of your resume is crucial to attracting the attention of potential employers. Make sure you choose a format that is easy to read and highlights your most important information. Use bullet points, bold and italic text, and adequate spacing to make your resume visually appealing.

B. Use of Keywords

In order to get your resume noticed by automated tracking systems used by many companies, it’s important to include relevant keywords. Look at the job listing and include some of the keywords in your resume to increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

C. Relevant Work Experience and Internships

Be sure to highlight any relevant work experience or internships you have had in the field you are applying for. This shows potential employers that you have practical experience and can perform well in that industry.

D. Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work

Participation in extracurricular activities and volunteer work can demonstrate skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. Including this on your resume can make you stand out to potential employers and show your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.

E. Professional Networking

Networking is a powerful tool in your job search, and you should take advantage of all opportunities to connect with professionals in your field. Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and reach out to alumni from your college or university to build your network. Mentioning any professional networking activities on your resume can demonstrate that you are invested in your career and are well-connected in your industry.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember that your degree is important, but it’s only one aspect of your qualifications. Make sure your resume showcases your skills, experience, and personality to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Dos and Don’ts in Listing Degrees on Your Resume

When it comes to listing degrees on your resume, there are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Here are some tips on how to effectively list your associate and bachelor degrees:

• DO include your degree and major

Make sure to list your degree and major in a prominent place on your resume. This information should be clear and easy to read so that potential employers can quickly identify your educational background.

• DO include your school and graduation date

In addition to your degree and major, be sure to include the name of the school you attended and the date you graduated. This information can help employers verify your education and also provides context for your degree.

• DO highlight any honors or special achievements

If you graduated with honors or received any special recognition, be sure to highlight this on your resume. This can demonstrate your academic achievements and may make you a more attractive candidate to employers.

• DO tailor your education section to the job

Consider tailoring your education section to the job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a job in a specific field, you may want to emphasize relevant coursework or certifications.

B. Don’ts

• DON’T include irrelevant information

While it’s important to list your degree and major, you don’t need to include every detail of your educational history. Avoid including irrelevant coursework or degrees that don’t relate to the job you’re applying for.

• DON’T exaggerate your qualifications

Be honest about your education and qualifications. Don’t exaggerate or embellish your achievements, as this can damage your credibility as a candidate.

• DON’T overlook the importance of formatting

Make sure your education section is easy to read and well-formatted. Use bullet points and clear, concise language to make it easy for employers to scan your resume and quickly understand your educational background.

• DON’T forget about continuing education

Lastly, don’t forget to include any relevant continuing education or professional development you’ve completed. This can demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and may be an asset to potential employers.

Listing your degrees on your resume requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following these dos and don’ts, you can effectively showcase your educational background and make a strong impression on potential employers.

Example of Resume with Associate Degree

A. analysis of the example.

This resume example beautifully showcases the candidate’s associate degree in Graphic Design. The layout is clean, organized and easy to navigate. The candidate smartly arranges their content in reverse chronological order by starting with their most recent work experience first.

The candidate also includes a clear summary statement which highlights their skills and experiences. They include relevant coursework under their education section which demonstrates their technical abilities. Additionally, the candidate highlights their relevant work experience and provides details of their specific contributions to each organization they worked at.

B. Tips for Improvement

While this resume is impressive, there are a few ways in which the candidate can improve it. Here are some tips:

1. Add Soft Skills

The candidate does a great job highlighting their technical skills, but it would be helpful if they also showcased their soft skills. Soft skills are just as important as technical skills in certain industries. Including skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving can help the candidate stand out to recruiters.

2. Tailor the Content

While the candidate does an excellent job highlighting their relevant experiences, they should tailor their content to the specific job they are applying for. This means researching the job description and company culture and adjusting your resume to highlight any relevant experiences or skills.

3. Include Metrics

The candidate does a great job providing details of their specific contributions at each job. However, including metrics, such as percentages, revenue generated, or cost-savings, can add credibility to their accomplishments and further demonstrate their value to potential employers.

4. Use Active Language

The candidate can improve their resume by using active language in their bullet points. Using action verbs and highlighting your accomplishments can help your resume stand out and demonstrate your abilities.

5. Consider Additional Certifications

While the candidate has an impressive degree, adding additional certifications can further showcase their skills and expertise. This can include online courses, professional development workshops, or industry-specific certifications.

This resume is a great example of how to showcase an associate degree on your resume. With a few tweaks, it can become even stronger and increase the candidate’s chances of standing out to recruiters.

Example of Resume with Bachelor’s Degree

When it comes to listing your educational background on your resume, it’s important to do it in a way that is clear, concise, and effective.

The Example

Let’s take a look at an example of a resume that includes a Bachelor’s degree:

This example is well-structured and easy to read. The candidate’s name and contact information are clear and easy to find.

In the education section, the candidate lists their Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, along with the name of the university they attended and their graduation date. They also include their GPA, which can be a good indicator of academic performance.

In the experience section, the candidate clearly outlines their job responsibilities as a Marketing Assistant.

Finally, the skills section highlights the candidate’s relevant abilities without being too long or extensive.

One potential improvement could be to include some bullet points under the education section that highlight any relevant coursework or academic achievements. This can help to further emphasize the candidate’s knowledge and expertise in their field.

This example serves as a good template for how to list a Bachelor’s degree on your resume. It’s clear, concise, and effectively highlights the most important details.

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As healthcare systems evolve to meet the complex needs of patients, there's a growing demand for advanced nursing roles such as nurse practitioners and nurse managers. However, you need high-level skills to become a leader in the healthcare system—and an associate degree often is not enough to achieve this.

If you want to further your nursing career, earning a bachelor’s degree can open the door to many positions and high-level credentials. By understanding the distinction between an associate vs. bachelor’s in nursing, you can decide which academic path is right for you.

Download our guide to discover which nursing degree is right for you.

What is an Associate Degree in Nursing?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) provides a foundation in health sciences and its clinical applications for patients.

“The associate degree really focuses on your care models—anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and how to read medical language,” says Deborah Roy, Director of the RN-to-BS in Nursing degree program at Regis College. “It's all of that introductory information you need to go in and take care of patients.”

ADN programs typically cover the most essential knowledge needed to assess patient well-being and implement daily care plans. Nursing students in these programs also learn to manage disease processes and collect diagnostic data, such as blood pressure, medical history, and specimen samples.

Even with this foundational education, graduates with an ADN are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain RN licensure. After that, nurses can begin working in two years and even prepare for additional education.

What is a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

A bachelor’s (BS) in nursing combines all the clinical fundamentals of an ADN program with more analytical coursework that examines the reasoning behind nursing methodologies.

“What is not taught in an ADN program is some of the higher-level theory, philosophies, leadership, advanced application of practice, and larger implications of policy,” Roy says. “A BS in nursing program encourages students to assess the effectiveness of nursing practices and to look at contextual factors that influence health outcomes.”

A bachelor's degree in nursing offers two key advantages: higher salary potential and broader career opportunities. This is because many employers prefer or require a bachelor’s degree for RN positions in specialized medical fields or supervisory roles.

Associate vs. Bachelor’s in Nursing: Key Differences

Associate and bachelor’s degrees are both viable educational options that can jumpstart a rewarding career in nursing. However, the option that’s right for you largely depends on your professional goals, how much time and money you are able to invest, and how quickly you want to start working.

Here’s a comprehensive degree comparison to help you determine which is right for you.

Program Duration

Since traditional associate degree programs only last two years, they are often available at community and technical colleges. This also means that this degree option has fewer financial barriers associated with higher education.

There are even accelerated ADN programs that allow you to shorten enrollment to as little as six months. However, these are rigorous full-time programs that often cost more and require you to demonstrate higher proficiency in math and science. Therefore, an associate degree is beneficial for prospective nurses who want to enter the field quickly and affordably.

Bachelor’s degree programs are four years and are typically offered through universities and colleges. Students must be able to commit to a longer enrollment period without earning income, which may be challenging if they have personal obligations or limited financial support.

However, students can attend a bachelor’s in nursing program full-time or part-time, which can make a significant difference in whether or not they can work while enrolled. Even the modality of the courses—in-person, online, or hybrid—offers additional scheduling flexibility. Similar to ADN programs, there are also accelerated bachelor’s degree programs that can help you transition back to school after becoming an RN.

Curriculum and Training

Earning an associate degree prepares graduates for entry-level nursing positions, equipping them with the foundational skills and knowledge to carry out direct care.

“With the associate degree, you're learning the role of a nurse in a more task-driven environment or educational level,” says Sharon Higgins, Interim Dean of Regis’s Young School of Nursing.

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree comes with a broader curriculum that includes leadership training, critical thinking, public health analysis, and research shaped by personal interests. As a result, BS degree holders enter the field with the confidence and insight to take on more complex roles.

“Baccalaureate-prepared nurses are going to ask much more targeted questions,” Higgins explains. “They're going to have a language that gives them an advantage over ADN nurses in terms of the interdisciplinary conversations.”

Career Opportunities

Nursing graduates with an ADN can start their nursing careers very quickly, but are limited to patient care responsibilities. Since ADN programs are designed to tackle nursing shortages by reducing barriers, more professionals are entering the field this way to fill the gap in patient care. This is why the curriculum is highly concentrated and includes fewer opportunities for deep critical thinking.

As a result, employers may perceive bachelor’s degree holders as a better long-term investment, even though all RNs have to demonstrate the same proficiencies for licensure.

“Over the course of a person's professional career, they will be very limited in what they can do in terms of branching out into different specialties and different kinds of work,” Roy says. “The ADN tends to be the nurse that stays at the bedside.”

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree gives graduates a career advantage from the beginning. The most prestigious healthcare facilities, such as magnet status hospitals, often prefer a bachelor’s degree in nursing—even for entry-level RN roles. The same applies if you’re interested in specialized departments, such as cardiac care, critical care, emergency care, or hematology.

Salary Potential

Without the ability to take on advanced roles, nurses with an ADN may find their earning potential capped at a certain point. RNs who don’t have a bachelor’s degree already face limitations on which healthcare facilities they can work in, and living in an area with fewer job openings may reduce these options even further.

On the other hand, nurses with a bachelor’s degree have a higher earning potential over the course of their careers. In fact, the income gap between ADN and BS-trained nurses only grows as the latter move into more advanced positions . According to Payscale, nurses with a bachelor’s degree earn an average annual salary of $94,000 , while ADN nurses earn an average of $77,000 per year .

Transitioning from an Associate to a Bachelor’s Degree Program

If an ADN and BS in nursing are both appealing to you, earning each degree and pacing your education may be the best way to achieve a nursing career. To transition from an associate to a bachelor’s degree program, start by evaluating your career goals and whether you can manage this commitment. For instance, what program length can you commit to, and how much time can you devote to coursework?

You also need to consider whether you prefer to start working before continuing your education. RN-to-BS transition programs typically require some work experience, but you can decide if you want to spend more time on the job to develop your skills further, prepare for the financial costs, or qualify for an employer-sponsored reimbursement program.

Research RN-to-BS programs to find a format and curriculum that aligns with your personal needs and professional qualifications. You also need to make sure the programs you’re interested in accept transfer credits from the institution you earned your ADN. This not only ensures you are getting the most out of your previous education, but it can also help with affordability.

Reaching out to financial aid is another way to ensure you can afford to go back to school. In addition to federal aid and personal funds, there are research nursing schools that offer scholarships that you may be eligible for. If you plan to pay out of pocket though, consult an admission counselor to find out what payment plans are offered to help you manage the cost.

Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career

If you have already obtained RN licensure and want to develop a more versatile career, the RN-to-BS program at Regis College can help you expand your nursing skill set. The program is tailored to nursing professionals who are ready to refine their expertise to become leaders in the field.

The program is in an online format and can be completed in as little as 12 months, building upon your current RN experience. The curriculum strongly emphasizes research and critical thinking to inspire nursing students to think about how they can make an impact within the context of current public health trends, public policy, and healthcare advancements.

To learn more about the program, reach out to a Regis College admissions counselor to request information and find out if this transitional degree aligns with your career goals.

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