related coursework what is

How to List Relevant Coursework On Resume [Tips & Examples!]

If you’re a college student, recent graduate, or entry-level professional, chances are you don’t have a lot of professional experience to list on your resume. 

This, in turn, might make you feel insecure about your application, especially considering that the work experience section is among the most important section of a resume. 

Well, listing your relevant coursework might just be the answer!

By listing the courses that are relevant to the job position or internship you’re applying for, you can show recruiters that while you don’t have much work experience, you have the right skills and knowledge for the job.

But what is the right way to list relevant coursework on your resume and is there a time when you shouldn’t list it all? And what exactly is relevant, to begin with?

In this article, we’re going to answer all those questions and more. Read on to learn:

When Is Relevant Coursework Necessary on a Resume?

• How to List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume in 3 Steps

7 Tips on Listing Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

Resume example with relevant coursework.

And more! Let’s dive right in. 

What Makes Coursework Relevant?

Professional experience is one of the most important sections of a successful resume, but you first need to land a job to start building it. 

Which begs the question, how can a recent graduate or entry-level professional prove they’ve got what it takes for an entry-level position with no, or minimal, professional experience ? 

Well, this is where coursework comes in. 

Together with academic projects and achievements, as well as extracurricular activities, listing relevant coursework can help students and entry-level professionals show they’ve got the necessary skills for the job despite not having the relevant professional experience.

The coursework you list on your resume should actually be related to the position you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as a graphic designer, listing your achievements in your World History class won’t really impress recruiters. If, on the other hand, you mention that you were top of your class in Design and Layout , you’ll be effectively showing recruiters that you have great potential as an up-and-coming graphic designer. 

To sum things up, here are the top cases when relevant coursework is necessary on a resume:

• When you’re still a student
• When you’re applying with an entry-level resume
• When you’re applying for an internship
• When the coursework is directly related to the job position 

If, on the other hand, you have 2+ years of work experience in the field, as well as the needed skill-set, coursework on your resume will only take up space and can be skipped entirely.

Checking the job description is another way of determining whether you should add relevant coursework to your resume. If, for example, the job description requires that you list your majors, GPA, diploma, or portfolio, chances are they’ll also be interested in your coursework, especially if it’s relevant to the position. 

How to List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume in 3 Steps 

So you’ve established that you should include relevant coursework on your resume. Now, you may be wondering where exactly to include it. 

As a rule of thumb, coursework is listed under an applicant’s education history. Depending on whether you have any professional experience to list, the education section may come before or after the work experience section. 

Here are the four best ways to add relevant coursework to your resume: 

#1. Add a New Line in Your Education Section

Instead of creating a fresh section called “Relevant Coursework,” you’re better off just adding the courses to your education section.

As a student resume can be one-page max , this helps you to save up the space needed for other essential resume sections.

Here’s a practical example of what this looks like on the resume of a recent graduate applying for a high-school teaching position: 

BA in World Literature 

UC Berkeley

2012 - 2016

Relevant coursework: British Literature, American Literature, Medieval Literature, William Shakespeare, Language and Cognitive Development 

#2. List Your Relevant Coursework in Bullet Points

To make your relevant coursework more visible and reader-friendly, list them in bullet points underneath your diploma title. 

Here’s how the above Literature graduate’s resume would look like following this formatting: 

Relevant Coursework: 

• British Literature
• American Literature 
• Medieval Literature 
• William Shakespeare 
• Language and Cognitive Development

#3. Explain How The Coursework is Relevant to the Position 

Finally, if you want to take your relevant coursework resume section to the next level, add detailed explanations to your courses to support how they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for or how they helped develop your skill-set. 

A recent study found that companies are suspending the use of degree completion as a proxy and instead now favor hiring on the basis of demonstrated skills and competencies . This means that your relevant coursework should aim to show exactly how it has helped you acquire the skills required for the position. 

Here’s an example of how that would play out for a journalism student applying for an entry-level reporting job at a newspaper:

B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication

Northwestern University, IL

2015 - 2018

• Writing and Reporting: Learned the ins and outs of news reporting through several practical assignments and exams.
• Media Ethics: Got introduced to the most essential ethical theories and decision-making strategies in journalism and wrote a paper on Ethical Journalism and Human Rights that got published in the Political Communication Journal.
• Gathering and Developing the News: Gained first-hand experience in interviewing, researching, newsgathering, and communicating with sources.

To make sure your coursework is as relevant as possible, check out the required skills in the job description. If you have taken classes that have helped you master those skills, then make sure to mention how by adding all the necessary details, as shown above. 

Here are seven tips you should always keep in mind when listing coursework on your resume: 

• Take advantage of keywords . When evaluating your resume, recruiters scan it to look for the keywords that were mentioned in the job description (e.g. skills, experiences, etc.). You can re-read the job ad and, where relevant, include these keywords in your coursework section.
• Tailor your resume to the job offer.  In order for your coursework to add value to your resume, it really needs to be relevant. So, if you’re applying for a job that doesn’t take academic background into consideration or that’s completely unrelated to your major, you’re better off omitting coursework altogether and focusing on other important sections, such as your hard and soft skills. 
• List online courses. If you’ve completed some online courses that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, feel free to also include them under relevant coursework. 
• Add value through other academic achievements. Relevant coursework can say a lot about your potential, but recruiters will be even more easily convinced if you support it with other academic achievements, including your GPA, extracurricular activities, etc. 
• Show how you’ve grown. When you’re explaining your relevant coursework in detail, you can include how you’ve grown by listing all the skills you acquired in the process. Those can be both soft skills, like communication and interpersonal skills, and hard skills like programming or doing extensive research. 
• Change the relevant coursework as you progress. Many college students start working in their freshman year. If that’s the case with you, make sure to update your resume from year to year to reflect your academic journey and most recently acquired skills. 
• Check for errors. A well-written, error-free resume shows that you’re attentive to detail and that you care to make a good impression. 

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You now have all the necessary information to add relevant coursework to your resume effectively. 

Before you start working on your resume, though, here’s a brief summary of the key points covered in this article:

• Listing relevant coursework on your resume is not mandatory but can be very helpful if you’re a student or an entry-level professional.
• If you have at least a year of professional experience, drop your relevant coursework and focus on tailoring your work experience and skills sections to the position. 
• Relevant coursework typically goes under the education section. You can either give a general or a detailed summary of your coursework. 
• You can make a separate relevant coursework section only if the job you’re applying for requires a strong academic record. 
• Your coursework needs to be relevant to the position. This means you should leave them out of your resume if they have nothing to do with the role.

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• Resume and Cover Letter
• How to Include Relevant...

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

13 min read · Updated on September 11, 2023

If you are a recent graduate struggling with a lack of work experience, knowing how to include relevant coursework on a resume can be one of the best ways to create a more compelling resume narrative.

One thing that many recent college graduates have in common with one another is a general lack of work experience. That lack of experience can sometimes make it difficult for them to construct a resume that sells their potential to be the best candidate for a job. Fortunately, there are ways to still create a strong and compelling resume, even without experience. For example, did you take classes that might be relevant to the position? If so, including relevant coursework on your resume may be the perfect solution to your resume challenges.

In this post, we will explain how you can identify relevant coursework and where it should be listed in your resume. We will also include several examples of relevant coursework on a resume so that you can see the best options for using these details to strengthen your job search efforts.

What is relevant coursework?

Of course, when we talk about relevant coursework, we are talking about those classes and educational activities that have direct relevance to the position you are seeking. The first thing you need to recognize is that many of the classes you took during your college career will not need to be included in your resume. After all, most degrees require that students complete any number of basic foundational courses that will have little if any relation to their chosen job — at least from a resume standpoint. 

So, what types of classes, achievements, and activities should you focus on as you identify suitable courses to add to your resume? While this sounds like a simple question, it actually requires some serious thought and evaluation. Fortunately, there are some basic rules that you can follow as you make that determination. Below are just some of the potentially relevant things that you might want to include in your resume: 

Coursework that demonstrates that you have a foundation of knowledge in a required aspect of the job you are seeking. For example, if communication skills are needed for the position, you should include courses that focused on business communications, writing, etc.

Projects that are related to particular job skills. For a marketing position, you should include any marketing-related projects you completed during your studies. Or you could include research projects you engaged in if you are seeking a job where research skills are essential.

Academic achievements can also be included, including notably high GPA scores or awards you received. Also, be sure to include any related extracurricular activities. That could include everything from clubs to sporting activities if they helped you develop skills that would be useful for the job.

Again, do not include coursework that has no bearing on the job at hand. This will require you to carefully consider each course to determine its relevance. One way to do that is to read the job posting and select keywords and phrases of import that seem to be describing the skills or educational qualifications needed for the job. Then go through your coursework and try to match courses to those skills. As you do so, remember that some basic courses like those involving communication—both written and verbal—may be included, since communication is one of those soft skills that every company values .

You can learn more about the difference between hard and soft skills by reading our excellent article, Key Differences Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills . A better understanding of those critical soft skills can help to ensure that you don't underestimate the value of any of your classes. There's a great chance that you have more marketable soft skills than you realize! 

When should you include relevant courses on your resume?

Before you add your job-related classes to your resume, you should decide whether it is necessary. For example, you can almost certainly benefit from including your relevant coursework on your resume if: 

You recently graduated from school or are beginning the process of looking for a job because you are close to graduation. Students and recent graduates typically have little or no real job experience to highlight skills. Fortunately, their studies and project assignments will likely have helped them to develop important skills that they can highlight in their resumes.

Your educational achievements are necessary to qualify for the position you are seeking. In those instances, your prospective employer will be interested in knowing that you have fulfilled those requirements and have the basic knowledge needed for the position.

There may also be times when you need to include coursework even after you have been in the workforce for some time. For example, if you are switching careers and your current work experience does not include the skills needed for your new job, that may not matter as much if you can show that your studies prepared you for the role. 

Including coursework related to your minor

As you select relevant coursework for your resume, don't forget to consider courses of study related to your minor too. Hopefully, you will have selected a minor that is at least tangentially related to your desired career path. If so, then chances are that some of the courses you completed may have some relevance that can translate to a useful resume listing. For more information about minors and when they can be added to your resume, read How to Include a Minor on Your Resume .

When should I take coursework off my resume?

Obviously, there will be times when you should forgo any mention of your courses in your resume. Some examples of situations where you might not need to list your specific coursework include:

When your coursework is not really relevant to the position you seek. Including irrelevant coursework could actually distract from your important skills and experiences.

Situations in which coursework was completed so long ago that the information is no longer useful. For instance, many technology-related courses can lose their value over time. Other examples include old marketing courses and other educational achievements that involve skills that have evolved rapidly in recent years.

If your resume is already filled with enough work experience and skills that there is no need or room for specific course details. Remember, you want to add your courses to enhance your value as an employee. If adding a particular course does nothing more than add length to the resume, skip it. 

Where should relevant coursework be listed in your resume?

In most resumes, the coursework should be placed in the education section, with a subheading titled “Relevant Coursework.” When creating this part of the education section, you should insert the subheading under the name of your degree, with a list of the courses you studied. For example:

Bachelor's in [Name of Degree]

[College Name, City, Graduation Date]

Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2], [Course 3], [Course 4], [Course 5]

Alternatively, you can also opt to show your courses in a bullet-point list if your resume is short and you need to fill more space. You can even elaborate on each course with a few words to describe the skills you learned in class. For example:

Relevant Coursework:

If you have no actual work experience, you may even want to consider using your education section as a substitute for that experience section. If you choose that option, you may want to place the education section closer to the top of your resume and flesh out each course in the same way you would detail a job listing in your work experience section. That means using detailed descriptions that include quantifiable results highlighting your achievements.

Key tips to remember when listing relevant coursework

Before we show you some examples of how to list relevant coursework on your resume, there are a few tips that can help to ensure that your final product is as compelling as possible. By incorporating these ideas into your resume creation process, you can more effectively make that all-important great first impression on any hiring manager.

Only list relevant coursework if you lack sufficient work experience to meet the job requirements.

Always make sure that the courses you list highlight skills and knowledge needed for the position. If a course has nothing to do with your chosen line of work, it has no place in your resume.

Relevant courses may be related to hard and soft skills.

If you choose to use descriptions for each course, use that as an opportunity to insert relevant keywords from the job description. This can be a great way to ensure that your resume can get past any applicant tracking system .

Always proofread your entire resume to eliminate spelling mistakes, punctuation and grammar errors, and style or formatting discrepancies.

Make sure that you tailor your resume to fit the job you want. Since you will likely be applying for different jobs during your job search, you may need to modify your educational coursework details to align with the needs of each position.

Do not forget to include important skill information in your coursework descriptions. Again, try to use those job description keywords.

If you are maintaining an updated resume throughout your educational career, be sure to continually edit your resume as your coursework evolves over time. This can make it easier to keep it updated and can save you some time when your job search begins.

3 Examples of relevant coursework on a resume

In this final section, we will explore some different examples to show you how you can successfully incorporate relevant coursework into your resume. We have included a couple of examples of the most basic listing options, as well as an expanded sample that enables you to provide more details and skills. You can refer to these samples and use them as guides as you create your own relevant coursework section.

Example #1: The Basics

Bachelor's in Information Technology

My College, Anytown 2022

Relevant Coursework: Cyber Security 101, Business Intelligence, Application Development, Networking and Telecom, Artificial Intelligence

This simple listing would be a good option for anyone who has at least some relevant work experience but who still needs an additional boost to meet the job requirements. In this case, the job seeker's coursework listing is presented in a minimalist format, documenting the specific courses and areas of focus—but without any other information about those studies.

Example #2: Bulletpoint List of Courses

Cyber Security 101

Business Intelligence

Application Development

Networking and Telecom

Artificial Intelligence

This option is similar to the first example but presents the classes and areas of focus as separate bullet points. This provides additional emphasis for each area of study, while also taking up a bit more space in the resume. This can be a great option if your resume is a little short and you need to expand the content.

Example #3: Detailed Format

My College, Anytown

Completed in 2022

Certified Cyber Security Expert, skilled in protecting data, information, and infrastructure.

Coursework included training on risk analysis, threat mitigation, compliance assurance, and cloud security.

Completed multiple projects and research assignments designed to test knowledge and adaptability to various types of cyber threats.

 Business Intelligence

Business analytics certificate, training focused on data interpretation and communication to resolve business problems with a data mindset.

Course included 3 projects testing analytical skills using hypothetical business challenges based on real-world business scenarios.

 Application Development

Courses focused on the development of software coding skills used for web application creation, troubleshooting, and debugging.

Final course project involved the creation of an independent web app to streamline online sales processes for a test company.

Training focused on routing, packet switching, and cybersecurity needs.

Spent eight weeks as a volunteer networking intern for a local ISP, receiving hands-on training from experienced networking professionals.

AI and machine learning studies, emphasizing tech integration into business processes, impact on sales and marketing, and ethical concerns.

Conducted study for the course final, evaluating potential AI benefits for enhanced marketing in the digital age and impact on online sales.

This more detailed example is a superior option for those who have no work experience and need their educational credentials to highlight their skills. In this sample, each area of interest is accompanied by bullet point details describing the types of courses studied and the lessons or skills developed during those classes. In addition, bullet points are added to highlight specific achievements, describe studies and real-world application of skills, and demonstrate competency in the subject matter.

This type of format can enable your coursework section to serve as a replacement for work experience if you have never been employed. When used for that purpose, you can expand on each course listing to include additional skills and keywords from the job post. Simply add new bullet points where needed to flesh out each area of emphasis.

Again, if you choose to replace your work experience section with this relevant coursework section, make sure that you move this section closer to the top of your resume so that it receives more prominence. Basically, if your strongest selling point is your education, then make sure that your important courses are one of the first things that a prospective employer sees. Also, you may want to highlight your educational qualifications in your resume summary so that the reader expects to see those coursework details.

Don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted and compelling resume

Finally, it is important to reiterate just how vital it is that your resume makes the best possible impression. When you approach the labor market with little or no work experience, you are usually already at a competitive disadvantage. There will almost always be someone else who has a similar level of skill and educational background, as well as real-world experience. To compete against a qualified rival, you need a resume that can effectively sell you as the best candidate for the job.

For recent graduates and job seekers moving to entirely new careers, a lack of relevant work experience can be a major impediment to landing job interviews and employment offers. One way to overcome this obstacle is to learn how to use relevant educational coursework on your resume to highlight your qualifications and skills. Hopefully, this post and its resume examples can provide you with the inspiration and help you need to translate your educational experience into a compelling resume narrative. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your resume effectively positions you to have the best chance at landing any interview and job. To make sure that your resume is up to par, get a  free resume review  today. And if you really want to be sure that your resume is ready for prime time, take a few moments to discover just how easy it is to get professional resume assistance from our team of experts!

Recommended Reading:

What Should I Say About My Education On My Resume?

Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?

14 Reasons This is a Perfect Recent College Grad Resume Example

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How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume

In This Guide:

How important is it to list relevant coursework on a resume as a college student, how can i include relevant coursework on a student resume, when to avoid coursework on resume, what other sections can you add that can have more impact than coursework, volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, passions/strengths/interests, relevant coursework on resume – takeaways.

In today’s hiring landscape, your resume needs to quickly communicate all of your potential value to an employer. If you’re a student or recently graduated, your practical job experience may still be poor – but your coursework is probably rich.

So should you include the relevant classes you took on your resume? You can!

However, there are some factors you should consider before listing your coursework. You need to think about where you are in your career, what is the position you are applying for, and how relevant your education is to the job description.

Don’t get scared, it is not so much. Stay with us. This article will help you decide whether you need to include your relevant coursework.

You can also browse through our Resume Examples where you can see a perfect one for your dreamed position.

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If you are a student or have just graduated, it is possible that you don’t have enough professional experience to show. So a good way to demonstrate your expertise is by including your relevant coursework.

However, if you already have a year or more work experience, this section won’t be much of a help.

Then you should focus on the professional experience and achievements you’ve accomplished.

Even if you are a student or freshly graduated, there are jobs, for which relevant coursework won’t be helpful. For example a cashier or a waiter. If you are looking for these jobs, better emphasize on your technical skills and past experience.

If you’re applying for a job that emphasizes the importance of academic experience, like an internship or other education-focused position, it would be best to include a relevant coursework section on your resume.

Whether they are needed or not, look through the job description. This could help you understand what to write. If they’re looking for a certain diploma, certification, portfolio or GPA, these are indicators that you should include.

How much coursework you fit into your resume and where you include it depends on three factors:

• The number of relevant courses you’ve taken
• The detail you want to include
• The space you have

Most people include relevant coursework in the education section of their resumes.

To do this, just write “Relevant Coursework” beneath the degree name, and then use commas to separate the titles of the courses.

If you have enough space, you could also make a bullet list. This way it would be easier for the Recruiter to read.

Another way to write it is a separate section.

We, from Enhancv, have made that easy. Just go to our resume builder and make the most of it.

Write your relevant courses as a separate section if you want to include more than just the names of the classes. A perfect way to tell the Recruiter what you have learned through your studies when they are related to the job you are applying to.

Couple with academic achievements / GPA

If you don’t want to use a separate section, or you don’t have enough space for it, you can always couple them with your academic achievements or with your GPA.

Decide which to use in your resume, after you read the job description and see which is going to be more helpful to you to get that job.

If you have created a separate section for your coursework, just write the most important courses, depending on the job description.

Don’t put in all of your classes. It is going to take a lot of space and it would only distract the Recruiter.

If your coursework is crucial to the position consider putting it closer to the top of your resume.

If the class is necessary for the Hiring Managers don’t put it in the education section, because it could get lost along with all of the information.

Only list the names of your classes on your resume. Your university probably uses an internal system to number your courses, however, the employers wouldn’t know or care what the numbers mean.

If you have created a separate section for your coursework write just the most important courses, depending on the job description.

Don’t put all of your courses. It is going to take a lot of space and it would only distract the Recruiter.

Only list the name of your classes on your resume. Your university probably uses an internal system to number your courses, however, the employers won’t know or care what the numbers mean.

As we said earlier, coursework is a good way to show your educational achievements. However, there are times when it’s better not to include them.

If it’s been some time since you have been in school and the coursework is outdated, it might be best to leave the specifics off your resume.

What is more, keep an eye on the length of your resume. If you have just graduated or still a student, better make it no longer than one page. If there is no space for the related coursework, don’t include them if they are not specifically asked for in the job description.

Don’t include courses that are in no way relevant for the position.

If you have successfully finished a course in “Art History”, but you are applying to a position in a call center, don’t include it in your resume.

It will not help you to get the job you want and it will distract the Hiring Manager from your skills related to the position.

There are many other sections, which you can include if you have no experience. And sometimes, they could be much more important than the coursework.

According to Deloitte, 82% of hiring managers prefer applicants with volunteer experience.

They believe volunteer work makes you a good leader and strengthens your communication skills.

You should include your volunteer work when it is relevant to your professional development.

It can put you in good light and make you stand out among other applicants..

Check the great example from Avery Leclerq:

If you don’t have volunteer experience or it is not related to the position you are applying to, choose one of the sections below.

Focus the Hiring Manager’s attention on your experience outside of the university. It could be any extracurricular activity related to the position you are applying to.

For example, you could have been part of your local AIESEC team and participated in their initiatives.

Or you could have been part of a student organization or a club and made your university a better place to study in.

Adding this experience in your cover letter tells the Recruiter that you have developed yourself, your organizational skills, and you are motivated to help others.

Another way to make your resume look good without work experience is by adding activities and projects that are related somehow to the position you are applying for.

Even if they were university or academy projects, you have gained a lot while finishing them.

Recruiters will see that you’re a person who is dedicated to their career path and gains better skills and experience with side projects!

These can help you in identifying yourself and your own personality with the company’s culture fit profile.

Be sure to highlight your personality and unique qualities.

See this example:

As it’s clear, the candidate is an outgoing, extroverted person who enjoys nature, tech and education.

It is a creative way to show your hobbies and interest. What is more, the Recruiter could make a conclusion just by seeing the pie chart and the distribution of time.

There is another section you can use – Passion. It can be used to enhance the effect of the hobbies and interests section.

Adding them is not mandatory, but might be valuable when your life passions are relevant to the job.

Whatever you choose to include, always make sure you present it in a way that sounds and looks professional.

When both are included, they give a complete picture of who you are – not only in your work time.

That will significantly improve your chances of landing an interview, especially if you have a resume without job experience.

Here’s all you need to know about putting relevant coursework on a resume:

• It is not absolutely necessary to list relevant coursework in a resume;
• If you are a student or just graduated they could help you.
• If you have the experience, drop relevant coursework from your resume, and focus on your practical experience and skills.
• Use the education section to present the relevant coursework, you can separate them with commas or make a bullet-pointed list.
• Make a section only for your relevant coursework if the position you’re applying for requires a strong academic background;
• If it is not wanted by the job description, better drop it and focus on volunteer and extracurricular activities, hobbies, and interests relevant to the position.

Still not sure whether or not you should put relevant coursework on a resume? Or maybe it has helped you get your dream job? Write to us in the comments below!

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Listing Relevant Coursework on a Resume: Get it Right!

Offering a very thin resume translates to modest employment potentials for newbie job hunters. Increasing the chances of finding work is dependent on the impression you make on the recruiter.

The best way to accomplish this is to have a major asset up your sleeve to enrich your resume—your overall coursework. It might not seem as relevant, but showcasing your coursework in your resume shows you’re a knowledgeable and well-prepared applicant for any position.

Featuring relevant coursework in your resume will build up your credibility—especially if you can share your projects and academic achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

It’s crucial to remember when you are making your resume that it should not be a catalog of volunteer work or an internship —but a tailor-made document that emphasizes the professional qualities you need to get the job.

But, what makes coursework essential on a resume?

More importantly, how does getting your coursework into your resume template make for a more professional impression?

Read on as we answer these and more below and discuss the importance of featuring relevant coursework in your resume.

In this post, you will find:

What is Relevant Coursework on a Resume?

A resume featuring relevant coursework consists of various courses you took at school, alongside the academic experiences that actually apply to the job position. The education section is the best place in a resume for coursework as it highlights your most hirable achievements concerning the role.

Still, both the subjects and projects listed must be relevant for the job position.

For example, being a debate champion has nothing to do with culinary arts. Instead, pointing out that you took and excelled in a class on economics at college is far more appropriate for that accounting position you’re applying for.

It is also not important to list the number of subjects you studied as a students part of your resume coursework . The specifics of what you studied, on the other hand, will be what counts the most in the employer’s eyes. Solely listing a course on resumes will not be enough in making those highlights stand out.

A resume with relevant coursework targets the skills vital for the target job and steers clear of stuffing the resume with filler information. The best approach to listing courses on resumes is to include projects, internships, and certificates you have acquired.

How to Write a Resume: The Ins and Outs

If you are wondering how to add relevant classes/courses on a resume , there are a couple of principles to follow for the best results.

When to Include and Exclude Relevant Coursework

Relevant coursework you add to your resume can include a past or present class you are taking or projects you were involved with. Not just that, it’s also highly recommended to list examples of where you have competence in a given field, and the degree of experience that will interest your employer in taking a chance on you.

Some instances when you should include your relevant coursework on your resume are:

• If you are a recent graduate . The education system aims to prepare students to join the workforce immediately. However, employers always want to see clear evidence of your core competencies , which can be conveyed via your coursework projects.
• Lacking work experience . If you haven’t had a full time job in your sector before, you can build credibility by including related resume coursework, thus showcasing your professional potential for the suitable position. Check our guide on how to write a resume with no experience and to make the most of your education and related coursework to catch the recruiter’s attention.
• A change of career . You may be a highly qualified professional in a given industry. Still, if you decide to change industry, you’ll be forfeiting your status as an experienced professional and starting from scratch as a rookie.

Our free online resume builder lets you can add relevant coursework easily to showcase your professional potential, that, in tandem with your work ethic, can make you a good fit for your desired position.

When to Exclude Coursework from Your Resume

With all this being said, there are also occurrences when it’s wiser to exclude coursework on your resume:

• If your resume is too long . If you’re blessed with both skills and work experience, you can afford to be selective and choose what’s appropriate. Unless you have a crucial certification for the job, listing all the relative coursework may be misunderstood as a not-so-subtle attempt to impress.
• Outdated coursework . You just celebrated your class reunion, but it’s been20 years since your graduation. Times have changed, and with them, so has the curriculum used for college classes. So, it could be better to leave out some irrelevant details from the resume altogether.
• Not relevant to the position . Let’s not forget that resume coursework must be compatible with the job opening. After all, it’s called relevant coursework for a good reason. So, if the coursework has nothing in common with the job you are going for, there’s no benefit in mentioning the coursework at all.

How to List Relevant Coursework

Depending on the structure of your resume and the information you provide, there are several ways you can add relevant coursework to your resume. Remember, the entry-level candidate resume should not be longer than one page. Also, don’t forget to mention online courses you’ve completed and to place the relevant coursework in the right order.

If a job requires educational achievements, put your education at the top of the list.

If a skill in the job posting appears to be a priority for your potential employee, you ought to list both relevant internships and projects that align with this desired skill.

The visuals of the resume are important, so consider a column or a detailed resume format. Below are a few different ways to list any relevant course on resumes. Look at them!

Single-column format

The single-column format is similar to the education part of the resume, promoting your relevant coursework in list form.

As a practical resume example, a candidate applying for a psychology job should include the following:

Bachelor’s in Psychology Columbia University, New York Graduation: 2019

Relevant Coursework:

• Learning and Cognition
• Cognitive Linguistics
• Social Psychology
• Psychology of Emotion

Multi-column Format

If you have multiple skills you are looking to make the focal point of this section, consider a multi-column format. For each column, use a different header with the relevant courses listed underneath.

Example of a multi-column format:

Bachelor’s in Information Technology Pennsylvania State University, PA Graduation: 2020

Related Coursework:

• Application Development—developed IT concepts and skills for web development.
• Human-Centered Design—research into increasing the usability of IT systems with a human-centric approach.
• Networking and Telecommunications—studied transmission media, cybersecurity, and digital signal modulations.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning :

• Machine Learning: Studying the interrelation between AI and machine learning, its influence on business processes, and marketing teams.
• Artificial Intelligence implications for business strategy: Acquired knowledge to guide AI integrations into current companies to implement strategic decisions.

Detailed Format

A detailed format resume goes more in-depth than just using the course title. It provides more specifics on the skills you may have learned in each individual course. This format will look more like the layout you’re used to seeing under the work experience section of a resume.

Bachelor’s in Marketing University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Graduation: 2020

Global Marketing Techniques

• Awareness of B2B marketing strategies, social media campaigning, public relations, and content creation.
• Studied the relationships between businesses and how acceptance to marketing is modified in contrast to B2C.

Public Relations

• Building contacts with editors, writing press releases, and pitching articles topics
• Implementing public relations campaigns, hosting open days, and event promotion.

Retail and Sales Management

• Learning the basics of marketing, copywriting, psychology of customers, analysis of data, and more.
• Formulating and implementing a marketing plan.

Coursework on a Resume: Conclusion

If you include relevant coursework on resumes, you make it easier to communicate the value you can bring to a business . Keep the job description in focus when choosing what information to incorporate when listing courses on resumes, and where you position it on the page.

Whether you opt for an online design tool, or want to use the free online resume builder of ResumeGiants specifically designed by professional resume experts—the details you put in it will be just as important as the things you decide to leave out.

Remember, at the end of the day, a quality resume is your signal bonfire to attract recruiters to your position—and including relevant coursework in it can be the fuel that ignites your dream career.

• Career Blog

Listing Relevant Coursework on Your Resume in 2024

Your resume is often the first impression that an employer will have of you as a job candidate. It serves as a marketing tool to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications. However, have you ever considered including your relevant coursework on your resume? In this article, we will explore why listing relevant coursework on your resume is important and how it can enhance your chances of getting hired.

The Purpose of a Resume

A resume is a document that outlines your professional experience, education, and skills. Its main purpose is to market you as a potential candidate for a job that you are applying for. The goal of a resume is to grab the attention of the employer and convince them that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job duties.

Why Listing Relevant Coursework on Your Resume is Important

Listing relevant coursework on your resume is important because it showcases your academic achievements and expertise in a particular field. Including relevant coursework on your resume can help you stand out from other candidates who may not have the same level of education or specialized knowledge.

Furthermore, if you are a recent graduate or have little work experience in your desired field, highlighting relevant coursework on your resume can demonstrate to employers that you have a solid foundation and understanding of the subject matter. It can also show that you have taken the initiative to learn and specialize in your field of interest.

Listing relevant coursework on your resume can enhance your overall candidacy and give you a competitive edge in the job market. In the next section of this article, we will discuss how to effectively incorporate relevant coursework into your resume.

Identifying Relevant Coursework

When it comes to listing coursework on your resume, it’s important to identify what is relevant to the job you’re applying for. This means recognizing the keywords and skills that employers are searching for and tailoring your coursework accordingly.

How to determine what coursework is relevant for your resume

First and foremost, look at the job description and identify the required or preferred qualifications. This will give you an idea of what the employer is looking for and what coursework you should focus on.

Next, consider the industry and position you’re applying for. Certain industries may place more importance on specific coursework. For example, a computer science degree would be more relevant for a software developer job than it would be for a marketing position.

Additionally, think about the skills and knowledge that are necessary for the job. If you have taken coursework that directly relates to these skills or pertains to the industry, then that coursework would be considered relevant.

Identifying the key keywords and skills employers are searching for

To effectively identify the relevant coursework to list on your resume, it’s crucial to understand the keywords and skills that employers are looking for. This requires some research and analysis of the job posting and industry trends.

Start by reviewing the job description for keywords and phrases that are repeated throughout the post. For example, the terms “analytical skills”, “project management”, or “communication skills” may be used frequently in a job posting. These are the skills that employers are looking for, and you should tailor your coursework to reflect these skills.

Another strategy is to research trends and skills pertaining to the industry or profession. Check out industry websites, blogs, or social media pages to keep up with the latest trends and skills. This information can help you identify relevant coursework and skills to include on your resume.

Identifying relevant coursework for your resume requires a combination of understanding the job requirements, the industry, and the specific skills employers are seeking. By tailoring your coursework and highlighting the relevant skills, you can increase your chances of landing the job.

Where to List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

When it comes to listing relevant coursework on your resume, there are different locations where you can include this information. Each location has its pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your individual circumstances and goals.

Here are some of the places where you can list relevant coursework on your resume:

1. Education Section

The most common place to list relevant coursework is in the education section of your resume. This section typically comes after your work experience section and includes your academic achievements such as your degree(s) and the name of your institution.

• It’s the most traditional and expected location for listing education-related information.
• It provides a clear and organized overview of your academic background.
• Employers can easily see what courses you’ve taken that are relevant to the position.
• It might make your resume too lengthy if you have a long list of relevant coursework.
• It could highlight the fact that you don’t have a lot of professional experience.

2. Skills Section

Another option is to list your relevant coursework under the skills section of your resume. This section highlights your skills and abilities that match the requirements of the job.

• It allows you to emphasize your relevant coursework as a skill.
• It can complement your work experience and strengthen your candidacy for the role.
• It creates a differentiator for you against other applicants.
• It might not be as straightforward for employers to see where you obtained the coursework.
• It could make your skills section look cluttered and unorganized.

3. Additional Information Section

You can also use the additional information section to list your relevant coursework. This section is a catch-all for information that doesn’t fit other sections of your resume.

• It can provide context for other qualifications you may have.
• Employers may appreciate the added detail.
• It doesn’t take away from other sections of your resume.
• It may not be as visible as the other sections.
• It could look like an afterthought if not presented well.

How to Highlight Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

When it comes to highlighting relevant coursework on your resume, it’s important to use effective strategies that showcase your skills and knowledge. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Strategies for Effectively Showcasing Your Relevant Coursework

Create a separate section:  Consider adding a “Relevant Coursework” section to your resume. This section can come after your education section and can list relevant courses and their descriptions. Be sure to use relevant keywords to grab employers’ attention.

Include relevant coursework in your education section:  You can also include relevant coursework in your education section. This can give employers a quick snapshot of your relevant skills and coursework. Be sure to include the name of the course, the institution, and the grade earned.

List relevant coursework under each job experience:  If you have taken courses relevant to a particular job, consider listing them under the job experience section. This can highlight your skills and knowledge, and show how you can apply coursework to real-life situations.

The Importance of Targeting the Job Description

Another important strategy is to target the job description. Employers often use specific keywords in job descriptions to communicate what skills and experience they are looking for. By using these keywords in your resume, you can demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

When listing relevant coursework on your resume, be sure to read the job description carefully and list courses that are directly related to the job. Use the same terminology and keywords that the employer uses in their job description.

Highlighting relevant coursework on your resume can help you stand out from other applicants. By using effective strategies and targeting the job description, you can showcase your skills and knowledge, and demonstrate that you are the right candidate for the job.

Using Keywords in Your Relevant Coursework

When it comes to listing relevant coursework on your resume, it’s important to realize the significance of industry-specific keywords. These keywords are the industry terms, jargon, and buzzwords that are commonly used in your field. Using the appropriate keywords can help you stand out in the applicant pool and demonstrate your proficiency in the subject matter.

Understanding industry-specific keywords and why they matter in your resume

Most hiring managers and recruiters use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they’re passed on to human reviewers. ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords based on the position requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a job as a graphic designer, the ATS may be looking for keywords like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Therefore, including industry-specific keywords in your relevant coursework section can increase your chances of passing the ATS screening process. Additionally, keywords can help give context to the reader about the courses you’ve taken and demonstrate your fluency in the language of the industry.

How to incorporate keywords into your relevant coursework

Here are some tips for incorporating industry-specific keywords into your relevant coursework:

Research relevant job postings : Look at job postings for positions you’re interested in and note the common keywords used in the qualifications section.

Choose courses that align with your target job : Identify courses that directly relate to the positions you’re applying for and include them in your relevant coursework section. Be sure to include the course title, institution, and the skills or concepts you learned in each course.

Use industry jargon and technical terms : Incorporate industry-specific language and technical terms used in your field to demonstrate your familiarity with the industry.

Include relevant tools and software : If a job posting lists specific software or tools as requirements or preferred skills, be sure to include any courses that directly relate to those tools or software.

Including industry-specific keywords in your course listing can help you make a strong impression on hiring managers and improve your chances of landing an interview. It’s important to research the industry terms and language associated with the job you’re applying for and incorporate them into your relevant coursework section in a meaningful way.

Formatting Tips for Listing Relevant Coursework

When it comes to listing relevant coursework on your resume, proper formatting is key. Here are some tips to ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read:

Font, Size, and Spacing

Choose a professional font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, and use a font size no smaller than 10 points. It’s important to have enough spacing between lines to give your resume a clean look. A standard spacing of 1.15 or 1.5 is recommended.

Consistency

Consistency is important in order to make your resume look polished and well-organized. Use the same font and size throughout your entire resume, including your relevant coursework section. Consistency also applies to the formatting of your coursework section. Use a bullet point format with clear headings for each course.

Readability

Be mindful of readability as you format your relevant coursework section. Use bullet points and short, concise descriptions of each course to make it easy for the reader to quickly scan and understand the content. Avoid lengthy paragraphs or complicated language.

By following these formatting tips, you can ensure that your relevant coursework section is visually appealing and easy to read. Remember, your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you, so it’s important to make sure it looks professional and well-organized.

Example of Listing Relevant Coursework for New Graduates

As a new graduate, your coursework is an essential component of your resume, especially if it pertains to the job you are applying for. Here are some strategies you can use to highlight your relevant coursework on your resume:

Create a dedicated coursework section: This section should come after your education section and can be called “Relevant Coursework” or “Course Highlights.” List the courses that are most relevant to the job you are applying for, and include the course title, the semester you took it, and the grade you received.

Incorporate coursework into your experience section: If you have completed any projects or internships that are relevant to the job, you can include relevant coursework in the description. For example, if you were part of a team that designed a new marketing campaign, you could include the marketing coursework you completed that helped you contribute to the project.

Use bullet points to highlight coursework: Use bullet points to describe the skills and knowledge you gained from each course. Focus on skills that are relevant to the job, such as research skills, data analysis skills, or communication skills.

Customize your coursework section for each job application: When applying for different jobs, adjust your coursework section to highlight the coursework that is most relevant for the job. Look for keywords in the job description and include coursework that is related to those keywords.

Here is an example of how a new graduate applying for a marketing position could list their relevant coursework on their resume:

Relevant Coursework

• Essentials of Marketing
• Consumer Behavior
• Marketing Research and Analysis
• Social Media Marketing
• Advertising and Promotions
• Marketing Communications

By highlighting your relevant coursework, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job. So, take the time to review your coursework and tailor your resume accordingly.

Example of Listing Relevant Coursework for Experienced Professionals

As an experienced professional, it can be challenging to showcase your relevant coursework on your resume. However, it is essential to highlight your education and training, especially if it aligns with the job you’re applying for. Here are a few examples of how you can list your relevant coursework effectively:

1. Create a separate section for education

If you have accumulated a significant amount of coursework throughout your career, it’s best to create a separate section for education. This section should be placed after your work experience section and before your skills or certifications. List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or certificate program. You can use the following format:

• Degree Name  – Institution Name, Location, Graduation Date
• Relevant Coursework: Course Name, Course Name, Course Name

For instance, suppose you achieved an executive MBA degree and completed coursework relevant to your target job such as strategic management, financial analysis, and leadership. In that case, you could list your education section in the following way:

• Executive MBA  – XYZ University, Chicago IL, May 2021
• Relevant Coursework: Strategic Management, Financial Analysis, Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

2. Incorporate coursework into your bullet points

If you don’t want to create a separate education section, you can still highlight your relevant coursework in your work experience section. Specifically, you can integrate your coursework into your bullet points to show how your education and training have informed your work experience. Here’s an example:

Marketing Manager

• Developed and executed digital marketing campaigns that increased website traffic by 30%, including email marketing and social media advertising.
• Conducted market research to identify target audiences, analyze customer behaviors and preferences and develop data-driven marketing strategies. (Relevant Coursework: Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior)
• Collaborated with sales team to develop sales collateral (e.g., brochures, presentations) that highlight benefits of products and improve team productivity.

3. Emphasize relevant coursework in your cover letter

If you’ve completed coursework that is highly relevant to the job you’re applying for but doesn’t fit neatly into your resume, consider mentioning it in your cover letter. A cover letter is an opportunity to elaborate on your qualifications and expand on your resume. You can explain how your coursework has prepared you for the position and how you plan to apply that coursework to the role.

Listing relevant coursework is an excellent way to showcase your skills and knowledge, especially when transitioning careers or industries. By highlighting your education and training, you demonstrate your commitment to professional development and show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the position. With the above examples, you can create an effective resume that highlights your relevant coursework and improves your chances of landing an interview.

What if You Don’t Have Relevant Coursework to List?

If you don’t have relevant coursework to list, don’t worry. There are still several ways you can demonstrate your skills and knowledge:

Alternative ways to demonstrate your skills and knowledge

Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to a particular field. Look for certifications that are recognized in your industry and relevant to your desired position.

Projects: If you have completed any projects that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, list them in a separate section on your resume. Use this section to showcase your skills and experience.

Volunteer work: Volunteer work can be a great way to gain experience in a particular field and demonstrate your commitment to a cause. If you have volunteered for any organizations that are relevant to your desired position, list them on your resume.

How to leverage your work experience instead

If you don’t have relevant coursework or certifications, you can still leverage your work experience to demonstrate your skills and knowledge. Here are a few tips:

Focus on transferable skills: Look for skills that you have developed in your previous work experience that are transferable to the position you’re applying for. For example, if the position requires strong communication skills, highlight any roles where you had to communicate effectively with others.

Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Identify the key skills and requirements for the position and highlight your relevant experience in those areas.

Use action verbs: Use strong action verbs to describe your previous work experience. This will emphasize your skills and achievements and make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Remember, even if you don’t have relevant coursework to list, you can still demonstrate your skills and knowledge in other ways. Use your resume to showcase your experience, skills, and achievements, and don’t be afraid to highlight your transferable skills.

Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

When listing relevant coursework on your resume, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes that can hurt your chances of getting hired. Here are some of the most frequent errors candidates make and how to avoid them:

1. Listing Irrelevant Courses

One of the most common mistakes is listing coursework that is irrelevant to the position you’re applying to. For example, mentioning your graphic design class when you’re applying for a software engineering role. This will only confuse the hiring manager and may harm your application.

To avoid this mistake, carefully read the job description and the company’s requirements. Then, customize your resume to only list the coursework that aligns with the job requirements. By doing so, you’ll demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge the company is looking for.

2. Listing Too Many Courses

Another mistake that can hurt your chances of getting hired is listing too many courses. Hiring managers don’t have time to read a long list of every class you’ve ever taken. They want to see concise, relevant information that shows you’re qualified for the job.

Instead of flooding your resume with a laundry list of coursework, only list the courses that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Also, try to focus on the ones that are recent and that you’ve excelled in. This will help convey your expertise in the subject matter.

3. Failing to Highlight Achievements

When listing relevant coursework on your resume, it’s important to not just list the classes but to also highlight any achievements or notable projects you completed during those courses.

For example, if you completed a project that involved coding a website, you should mention that and highlight any successful results that came from it. By showcasing your achievements and how you tackled challenges during coursework, you’re providing tangible examples of your abilities.

4. Not Proofreading

As with any section of your resume, it’s vital to proofread your listing of relevant coursework for any typos or mistakes. An error like this can make you come across as careless and less qualified.

Take the time to double-check your writing and make any necessary corrections before submitting your application. Having error-free writing can demonstrate a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Listing relevant coursework on your resume can be a great way to demonstrate your skills and qualifications. But to do so successfully, it’s essential to avoid the mistakes above. By tailoring your resume to the job requirements, highlighting your achievements, and proofreading your work, you’ll be better placed to succeed in your job search.

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More from ResumeHead

Should You Include Relevant Coursework on Your Resume?

What to include, how to list it, and when it is appropriate (with examples).

Work experience can be hard to come by when you’re a full-time student, and maybe you’ve only had an internship or two. You might be anxious that your resume is essentially a blank page.

So how can you show employers what you bring to the table?

One way to add relevant experience to your resume is to include relevant coursework. The college courses that you’ve taken can highlight your academic achievements, niche skillsets, knowledge in a certain area, or anything else that gives you an edge in your job search.

The relevant coursework section is optional for a reason, however: everything you list needs to be relevant to the role that you’re applying for. Listing random classes won't help hiring managers see that you’re the right fit for the job.

According to the Stanford Career Center , whether or not you add coursework "depends on the skills required, if by adding your coursework you are able to demonstrate that you have gained specific skills for that job, then it might be worth adding a few courses."

Here are some tips to help you decide whether you need a resume section for your relevant coursework, or if there is a better way to show potential employers why they want to hire you. 

Formatting Your Resume Like a Pro

The first thing you need to do is think about how to format the rest of your resume. Relevant coursework can be a valuable addition, but you need to position it correctly with the rest of your experience. Websites like Canva provide a variety of resume templates that you can use to start. 

First of all, it's essential to note: an entry-level resume should be exactly a page long, no more, no less. This shows off a variety of experience and helps potential employers read it quickly and easily.

Within that page, you need to include multiple sections including education, experience, skills, and volunteer work/extracurriculars.

 With so many potential sections, where does relevant coursework fit in?

Tricks to Make Your Education Section Shine

For most folks, the education section of your resume includes your degree (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, etc) and GPA. Depending on how you choose to format, it may encompass research projects, awards, academic achievements, or even extracurricular activities and volunteer experience.

If you choose to include relevant coursework in your resume, it also belongs in the education section. There are several options when formatting your relevant coursework section, but make sure that it’s a clearly labeled subsection listed below your degree.

Option 1: Additional Line

Beneath your degree, make a list of courses that you think best represent your knowledge and expertise as related to the job description. Here’s an example:

Option 2: Bullet points

If you have more space available on your resume, you can make your relevant coursework section more impactful by spacing out the courses in a bullet point list. 

Option 3: Detailed bullet points

You can go the extra step and add descriptions of each course to your bulleted list. This is a good option if the course titles don’t make the content of the course clear. You can use descriptions to show how the courses are applicable to the job.

Option 4: A separate section

If the position you want requires a particularly strong academic focus, you can create an entirely separate section just for your related coursework, so you can go into even greater detail. However, this will not be necessary for most positions.

The Only Things to Include in Your Relevant Coursework Section

If you choose to add relevant coursework, the courses should always be applicable for the position. If you’re applying for a job in software engineering, a recruiter probably won’t care about your biology classes. However, they definitely want to know what programming languages you're proficient in what domain expertise you have. Even if you haven’t had work experience in the field yet, your computer science classes probably provided a solid foundation. 

Pay close attention to the job description: what hard skills or unique experiences are they looking for? How do your courses relate?

The job description may provide other queues about how to tailor your education section. They may be looking for a specific certification that you'll need an online course to fulfill. Or, they may require a specific GPA or degree type, which could make or break your chances of getting the job. Knowing that a potential employer cares about your GPA is also a good way to gauge if they care about your college courses.

When to Include a Relevant Coursework Section

✅ When including the section is a good idea...

There are some circumstances when adding relevant coursework to your resume is a great idea. Here are a few:

• When you have limited work experience. This is especially applicable if you are a college student or a recent high school graduate. Adding relevant coursework allows you to showcase knowledge and skillsets that a recruiter wouldn’t see in your work experience.
• For jobs that place a higher value on educational accomplishments. Some roles are more interested in your academic expertise (and the papers, projects, and awards that come along with it) than your hands-on experience. 
• When you're switching careers . If you've taken online courses (or even recent college courses) that relate to your new role, include them! Show potential employers that you're dedicated to learning about the field. 

❌ When including the section is unnecessary...

Although it may not be harmful, there are a lot of times when including classes is just unnecessary. Here are a few:

• When you have a lot of experience. If you’ve had several jobs or internships’ worth of relevant work experience, then you probably don’t need to include college courses unless they’re strongly related to the role. At that point in your career, you have professional experiences and achievements that you can point to instead. Highlight a work project or initiative rather than a school project, as it will likely be more relevant.
• For jobs that won't take it into account. Some companies don't find coursework helpful in the hiring process, or don't take it into account (example: retail and food service jobs)
• When it's unrelated to your career path. You might have a degree in an area that doesn’t intersect with your current career path, in which case your professional experience will be far more important to include. 

Main Takeaways

Including relevant coursework on your resume is entirely optional, but it can be a welcome addition to a resume when it’s, keyword, relevant .

When applying to jobs, dedicate time and attention to each section of your resume in order of importance. If you choose to include a relevant coursework subsection, make sure you’re tailoring it to each job you apply for.

If you think your college courses are the key to getting hired, then make the section prominent. If not, then be sure to add other sections to your resume to showcase your skillset and expertise. 

👉 Read Next:   How far back should your resume go?

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How To List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

Most students and recent graduates do not have a wealth of professional experience to list on a resume, so including relevant coursework can help potential employers get an idea of the skills and qualifications that you are currently developing.

This article will cover what relevant coursework is as well as how and when to include it on your resume .

What is Relevant Coursework?

Relevant coursework refers to the classes and subjects that you studied in school which are useful for the position that you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to a marketing position and you have taken classes in psychology that focus on language, emotion, and motivation, that class would be considered relevant since the goal of marketing is to use language and emotion to motivate people to purchase goods and services.

Relevant coursework doesn’t only have to be strictly classes. You can also include academic projects like a thesis or dissertation as well as research that you have done. Online courses are also acceptable to list if they pertain to the job.

The courses and projects that you include must actually be relevant to the position that you are applying for. Don’t list your entire transcript - instead, choose the top 3-5 courses, projects, or subjects that are the most relevant.

If it’s not immediately clear why you are listing a course on your resume, consider including a brief description of the subject materials, projects you completed for the class, and/or how the class will help you perform in the position that you are applying for.

When To Include Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

Consider including relevant coursework on your resume if you are currently a student, you’ve recently graduated, you are applying to an internship , or you are applying to entry-level positions. Additionally, if you are applying to academic or other education-focused positions, it may be appropriate to include relevant courses and details about your studies.

Especially if you have taken AP, IB, or honors classes, listing relevant courses on your resume can show potential employers that you are intelligent, dedicated, and studious.

Finally, if the employer asks for details like a certain degree or diploma, your GPA, or a portfolio of past projects that you have completed, that can be a cue that they will be pleased to see your relevant coursework on your resume as well.

When Not To Include Relevant Coursework

If you have more than a year of professional work experience , you likely don’t need to include relevant coursework on your resume. If you have more than five years of work experience, you almost definitely do not need to include high school or college coursework. Employers will be focused more on your recent work experience than classes that you took many years ago.

Additionally, if you are applying for entry-level positions where school coursework isn’t particularly relevant at all (such as waitstaff jobs, outdoor recreation positions, etc.) then you may be better off focusing on hard and soft skills and certifications over schoolwork.

How To List Your Relevant Coursework

If you’ve decided that it makes sense for you to include your relevant coursework on your resume, here’s how to do so:

Add Courses to Your Education Section

Naturally, it makes the most sense to add relevant coursework to the education section of your resume. You can add a subsection under each degree that you earned or school that you attended, or you can place your coursework at the bottom underneath all of your school details.

If you have little or no professional experience , place your education section first on your resume, just below your header and your resume objective . You may also wish to use a functional or skill-based resume format to highlight your skills. If you do have some relevant professional experience to list, place that at the top and your education section underneath.

Use either a comma-separated list, a simple bulleted list, or a bulleted list with some additional details for each course.

For example, here’s how to list coursework in a comma-separated list:

BA in Journalism

UC Davis, Davis, CA

Relevant Coursework: Ethical Journalism, Global Journalism, Technical Writing

You can also use a bulleted list, which can be helpful if you want to demonstrate proficiency in multiple fields:

Relevant Coursework: Journalism

• Ethical Journalism
• Global Journalism
• Editor of the weekly student newspaper
• Completed Research Internship with LA Times

Relevant Coursework: English

• Technical Writing
• Creative Writing
• Expository Writing

Finally, you may wish to include a short description of each course that reinforces its relevance to the job:

Relevant Coursework:

• Ethical Journalism - Learned principles and practices to ensure the accurate, complete, and fair exchange of information
• Global Journalism - Learned how to present news items with a global outlook and report on issues that affect the entire world
• Completed Research Internship with LA Times - Learned the basics of journalistic research and the processes involved in operating the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country

A comma-separated list will take up the least amount of precious space on your resume, but if your relevant coursework is the highlight of your resume and/or you have blank space to fill, you may wish to provide more detail about each course.

Tailor Your Relevant Coursework to Each Position

Tailoring your entire resume to each position can help your application pass automated applicant tracking system ( ATS ) scans and get your resume into the hands of a human hiring manager. This can be achieved by using keywords and phrases from the job description as well as pertinent industry keywords throughout your resume to demonstrate that you have the qualifications , skills, and experience necessary for the job.

You can even tailor your education section and your relevant coursework to the job posting. Especially if you opt to use a detailed, bulleted list of relevant coursework, you can use the description of each course as an opportunity to include more keywords.

Start With the Most Relevant Courses

Again, all the coursework that you include on your resume should be directly relevant to the position you are applying for. However, always start with the most relevant coursework first within your list. Most hiring managers will only spend a few seconds scanning your resume, so it’s crucial to put your most impressive and important details first.

Consider Adding Other Education Details

If you decide to include relevant coursework, you may wish to add other educational details and achievements as well to round out your academic background. For example, you might include your GPA (if it’s above a 3.5) and awards like honor roll, scholarships, dean’s list, being valedictorian/salutatorian, Latin honors (magna cum laude, etc.), and so forth. You can also include membership in school, national, or international honor societies, business or professional fraternities, and other groups or organizations.

Key Takeaways

Adding relevant coursework is a great way to beef up your resume if you do not have professional work experience to list, such as if you are currently a student, you’ve recently graduated, or you are applying to entry-level jobs. It can also be appropriate to include your coursework if you are applying for an academic-based position. If you do include your relevant coursework, ensure that it is, in fact, relevant - only include courses if they directly boost your ability to perform the job you are applying for.

Need help creating a resume to highlight your relevant coursework? Check out Jobseeker ’s resume builder tool, which allows you to add your details and easily swap between resume templates , styles, colors, and more with just a few clicks. Then, download your polished, professional resume instantly and get started applying for jobs!

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How to List Relevant Coursework on your Resume

When you’re a college student or a recent grad working on your resume, sometimes your most related experiences are from your college courses. If that’s the case, then it’s totally acceptable and easy to list your relevant coursework on your resume.

The goal of your resume is to show off how your experiences and knowledge come together to make YOU an excellent candidate. So, it’s important to be strategic when you put your relevant coursework on your resume.

Let’s dive into the most common questions about listing classes on a resume, then  how to put relevant coursework on your resume!

“What is relevant coursework?”

Relevant coursework on your resume is the classes and projects that relate to the jobs you’re applying for.

We’ll go into more details later, but this section is usually for advanced or niche classes- not super general or intro level. Instead of using it to prove you took the basic classes of your program, you should show off the specific industry knowledge you have.

For example, if you’re a photography major who took a few advanced classes on editing or portrait photos. Or, if you’re a marketing major whose program dove deep into crisis communication or PR for celebrities.

Basically, any impressive or industry specific classes should be listed on your resume. 

You can also use this section if you have classes with related transferable skills. For example, if you took an advanced course on leadership or small group communication, and the job description lists those as qualifications.

Alright, now that we know what relevant coursework is, let’s go into if you should put college classes on your resume!

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“Should I put relevant coursework on a resume?”

If you’re in college or recently graduated and have little or no experience related to the position, then a relevant coursework section is a great solution.

It takes up space, shows off your industry knowledge, and lets them see the value of your education. As long as you use it strategically, instead of just throwing up all the classes you can think of.

However, if you have a ton of related experience on your resume and you’re choosing between putting your classes or another relevant position, then ditch the related coursework section.

Wondering how to format the experience on your resume? Check out The Best Resume Forma t

Your goal with your resume is to stand out and show you have the skills and knowledge they’re looking for. So, if you don’t have direct experience in the field, then a related coursework section is your BFF. If you do have experience, then go with the experience.

Another great way to use your related classes strategically is if you’re changing careers and don’t have much experience in the field- so, you’d use this section to emphasize your transferable skills. 

If you’re not sure whether you should change careers, this video has great advice on how to know if it’s time for a career change!

“Where do I put relevant coursework on my resume?”

Well, it depends. Btw, if you’re searching for a resume template with a related coursework section, you’ve gotta hop over to my guide to the best resume templates (the answer WILL surprise you!)

When you’re putting college classes on your resume, you might be asking “Should I have a relevant coursework section on my resume?”

• If you have just a couple of solid, relevant courses to list, then just put them in your education section. 
• If you have 3 or more classes that work (or need to add space to your resume), then you can list them in their own section labeled “Relevant Coursework.”

So, depending on the number of relevant classes and the space you have on your resume, you can either add them under education or create a new section for them.

Alright, now that I’ve answered the most common questions about it, let’s get into exactly how to list courses on your resume!

Are you wondering how to format the rest of your education section? Check out Expert Tips to Write & Format Your Resume Education Section

How to Write a Resume with Relevant Coursework

1. keep it related.

You might’ve already figured this out, but the college courses you put on your resume must be related to the job you’re applying for.

Since employers spend an average of 7 seconds reading your resume, it’s important you grab their attention with relevant courses.

If you’re applying for a marketing job, they’re not going to care if you took classes on human anatomy. Instead, focus on courses that show how your education has prepared you for this job specifically .

Keeping the coursework listed on your resume relevant to the job also shows them you’re paying attention to the company and the job description.

So, when you’re listing coursework on your resume, keep it relevant!

2. Use ones that stand out

In addition to being related, you also want the college courses on your resume to help you stand out.

If your college offers a class that’s given you a unique perspective on a topic, then listing it would help you get noticed. This also goes for classes gave you specific skills or knowledge. 

As an example of relevant coursework on my resume, since I was a Communication Studies major, two classes I think stand out are Gendered Blackness and Rhetoric of Religion . They were both advanced classes in my program and neither of them are a standard part of a communications program.

If you’ve taken a niche/ advanced, technical, or unique course, then it would definitely help your resume stand out- so include it when you’re listing relevant coursework on your resume .

3. NO intro levels

This ties in with the last one, but it’s worth saying on its own: you shouldn’t include intro level courses on your resume.

Why? Here’s the example I always said to my clients…

Let’s say you’re an accounting major applying for an accounting job. Even though it’s relevant, listing “Introduction to Accounting” is unnecessary. Employers know you took intro to accounting- it’s standard and beginner.

Your goal is to show them the amount of knowledge you’ve gained through your coursework: listing beginner classes doesn’t give them an idea of your growth and experience .

Remember, when you list classes on your resume leave intro level classes off.

4. List 3-6(ish)

You might also be wondering how many courses you should list on your resume.

A good rule is around 3-6 classes, depending on (again) your space and amount of related classes. 

If you only have one or two relevant classes, then it’s probably better to just leave them off or put them in your education section. However, if you have 10+ related classes, then you should get more selective about which to include.

Essentially, you want your resume to have a good balance between courses and experiences. Sticking to 3-6 college classes on your resume makes sure you keep that balance.

5. Use the course’s name 

Finally, here’s the last rule of putting relevant coursework on your resume- and it’s important. 

Although your school uses an internal system to number your courses, o nly list the name of your classes on your resume. Since the system for numbering courses is internal , employers won’t know or care what the numbers mean.

By listing only the course names on your resume, the information is clearer and easier for employers to understand. You can also use a short bulleted list to describe each class and the work you did, especially if you need to take up more space on your resume.

Adding relevant coursework on a resume is a great way to show your knowledge about a subject and make up for a lack of work experience on your resume. When listing college classes, make sure to keep them related, use ones that stand out, avoid intro levels, add them to the right spot, list 3-6, and use the course names. With these simple rules, it’s easy to add your college courses to your resume!

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How to Include Relevant Coursework On Your Resume

Craft a Resume That Focuses on Student Coursework

What Courses and Projects to Include

Other experience to include.

• How to Add Relevant Coursework

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Proofread and edit.

• Where to Put the Education Section
• Example of a Coursework-Focused Resume

As a current student or recent graduate, you may not have very much work experience to include on your resume. However, you can potentially strengthen your resume by emphasizing related coursework and other academic projects. 

Employers understand that entry-level employees may not have a whole lot of career experience. They will often look at your coursework and academic experiences to help determine whether you have the knowledge to fill the open position.

Add Relevant Coursework

When  creating a resume , you can add a section titled “Relevant Coursework." In it, include the courses directly related to the position you are applying for. For example, if you're applying for work as a paralegal, list any classes you took related to law or politics.

List Projects

Similarly, if you have completed any research projects related to your future career, list these too. If you're applying for a job that involves conducting research, list any extensive research projects you worked on.

Having a section listing relevant coursework makes sense if you're applying for an internship or entry-level position. Once you can no longer be termed a recent graduate, and have some on-the-job experience, you can remove this section from your resume. 

Emphasize Your Achievements

Beyond related coursework, you should also emphasize any academic successes, such as a high GPA or an award from an academic department. It's a good idea to include this information in the education section.

Although these successes may not appear to be directly related to the job for which you are applying, they demonstrate your hard work and responsibility.

Extracurricular Activities

If you participated in any sports or clubs where you developed skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, include these too. You could, for example, include a section in your resume titled “Extracurricular Activities,” or you might highlight activities in a broader section titled “Relevant Experience.”

Volunteering

Volunteer work is a relevant experience. Even if you didn't get paid for this work,  volunteer experiences  can make terrific additions to your resume. For example, if you're applying for a job as a teacher’s assistant, describe your volunteer tutor experience.

How to Add Relevant Coursework to Your Resume

You'll likely want to add this information below your college or graduate information.

Relevant Coursework Section

You can format it as a single section—for example, if you're applying for a role as a journalist:

Relevant coursework:  Ethics in Journalism, Modern Media Communications, and Forensic Accounting for Journalists

Relevant Coursework List

Or, you may opt to format the information as a bullet-point list. For instance, if you're applying for a role in marketing, you could present your coursework like this: 

Relevant Coursework

• Developing a Brand 
• Communications 
• Public Speaking 

More Options

Finally, you may want to share several types of experience, using more detailed bullet points. Or, you may want to share some descriptive details about the courses you've listed if it's not clear from the course titles. 

If you include coursework on your resume, be prepared to talk about the classes and what you learned in them during interviews. 

Including relevant coursework on your resume is a good way to incorporate keywords. Look for keywords in the job listing, and try to include them in this section. 

For instance, if the job requires field research experience, you can mention your “30+ hours of field research” in the description of your senior project. Or, you can add "Field Research Methods" as one of the courses you've taken. 

Take the time to thoroughly edit your resume for spelling and grammar errors. Also, make sure that your font and style choices are consistent—for example, if you format one section title in bold, all section titles should be bold.

You might set up a meeting with a counselor at your college career services office to have someone else read through your resume too.

Where to List the Education Section of Your Resume

The education section of your resume—which generally includes relevant coursework—can be placed at the top or bottom of the document. If it's your best experience, or if you think your educational background will be relevant to hiring managers, include whatever is most appropriate at the top of the document.

Example of a Coursework-Focused Resume

This resume focuses on relevant coursework and leadership experiences.

Student Resume Focusing on Coursework

Hailey Applicant 456 Oakwood Terrace Anytown, PA 99999 (555) 555-555 haileyapplicant@XYZcollege.edu

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Advancing science and law through dedicated legal and scientific research

A respected research assistant who has worked with tenured professors, practicing lawyers, school administrators, and company executives to produce research reports on scientific study and Supreme Court case law.

Key skills include:

• Computer-Assisted Research
• Organizing Research Data for Comprehensive Reports
• Analyzing Case Law
• Working with Research Teams
• Presenting Research Data

RELEVANT LEGAL COURSEWORK AND RESEARCH

XYZ LABS, White Plains, NY RESEARCH ASSISTANT (Fall 2020 – Present) Collaborate with an adviser, research team, and Smith School of Medicine to conduct research regarding the effects of steroids on the activity level of rats.

Notable accomplishments:

• Use a computer to gather and analyze data for distribution to the research team.
• Present new findings in bimonthly discussion with the department.

SOCIOLOGY OF LAW COURSE, SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, XYZ COLLEGE, White Plains, NY RESEARCH INTERN (Spring 2020) Researched case law dealing with social policy and the Supreme Court.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Analyzed cases and produced final paper regarding social policy in court cases.
• Explained results and conclusions in a final presentation to practicing lawyers.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

XYZ COLLEGE , White Plains, NY Bachelor of Arts in Government (Cumulative GPA: 3.9) Awarded Outstanding Government Student, May 2020

Computer Skills

Microsoft Word • Excel • PowerPoint • LexisNexis • Adobe

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How To Include Relevant Coursework On A Student Resume

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If you are a student who is looking for and applying to jobs, you may not have enough work experience to fill up your resume. If you look online at resume templates or examples, most will have sections for work experience, skills, and education.

Adding a relevant coursework sections gives a potential employer a decent understanding of the skills you’re developing and if you’d make a good fit for the position they’re advertising.

However, including your coursework on your resume should be handled delicately. Below, we discuss how to include coursework on your resume as a student or recent graduate.

Key Takeaways:

Including relevant coursework on your resume can increase your chances of landing a job or internship , especially when you lack formal work experience.

As a student or recent graduate, most of your impressive accomplishments happened during your time in school through clubs, activities, and your coursework.

When including your relevant coursework you should put it in a single-column format, multi-column format, or detailed format.

Relevant coursework should be put under the education section of your resume.

What Is Relevant Coursework on a Resume and Where to Put It

How to include your coursework on a resume, example of coursework focused resume, when to include and not include relevant coursework on your resume, tips for including relevant coursework on your resume.

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Relevant coursework includes any classes, projects, or academic experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for. You can include relevant course in the education section of your resume as a way of making up for your lack of formal work experience.

Not all of your college classes are particularly relevant for many entry-level positions . For example, someone applying for an accounting role shouldn’t bother including their philosophy class.

Relevant coursework should usually follow the basic information about the school (university name, anticipated graduation date , major) and any other optional academic topics you feel will improve your candidacy (Dean’s List, awards, honors, etc.)

Relevant coursework beneath the education heading . Remember, highlight only the information that is relevant to the position you’re applying for. In some cases, especially when you highlight relevant skills or abilities, your information might make sense in a different place on your resume.

It’s important to remember that all resumes will look different based on your experience level and what kind of job you’re applying for. Be sure to tailor your resume in a way that’s right for you and your future career goals.

Depending on the amount of coursework you have, you’ll have a few different ways to include this coursework on your resume. This can include a column format or a detailed format.

Depending on the amount of information already on your resume and how relevant the details of your coursework are for the position, you’ll need to alter how you list this information. Unless you have a very bare resume, it’s a good idea to consider the single-column format or the multi-column format.

Below are the different ways to include relevant coursework on your resume:

Single-column format. The single-column format displays your relevant coursework in a list form with bullet points. Here, you’ll list the relevant class title you’re looking to highlight and no additional information.

Multi-column format. If you have multiple skills you’re looking to highlight that fit into different categories, you can consider the multi-column format. Each column should have a different header (such as; Marketing or English) with the relevant courses listed beneath.

Detailed format. The detailed format is more in-depth than just using the title of the course. It provides more specifics on the skills you may have learned in each specific course. This format will look more like the format you’re used to seeing under the work experience section of a resume .

In this format, you’ll give the course, school, dates, and a few bullet points beneath that help to highlight the learnings you’ve gleaned from your time in this course. If you decide to use this kind of format, take extra care to only include skills that are relevant to the job at hand.

As you work through what coursework to include and how to format it appropriately, you’ll also need to decide on the appropriate place to put it. If it’s a supplement to the rest of your resume, you can consider adding it at the end.

However, if it’s the most impressive part of your resume, you can consider placing it more towards the top so that the employer sees it at first glance. In certain circumstances, it’s appropriate for your relevant coursework to replace the work experience section.

So how exactly should this look on your resume? As mentioned above, it will differ depending on the individual, the amount of existing information on your resume, and the relevant coursework you’re able to share. Below are a few examples of ways to include your relevant coursework on your resume.

Single-column format:

Master of Science in Learning Technologies Pennsylvania State University Completion: 2014 Related Classwork: Cloud Computing in the Digital Age Integrating Social Media in Online Learning Environments Learning Technologies Foundations and Applications

Multi-column format:

Bachelor’s in Information Technology Saint Joseph’s University Completion: 2015 Related Coursework: Information Technology Application Development: Developed coding skills for web development. Networking and Telecommunications: Studied transmission media, packet switching and routing, and cybersecurity. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Researched the relationship between AI and machine learning, its impact on business processes, and sales and marketing teams. Artificial Intelligence Implications for Business Strategy: Gained knowledge to support AI integrations into existing organizations to make strategic business decisions.

Detailed Format:

Bachelor’s in Marketing Rowan University Completion: 2017 Related Coursework: Business to Business Marketing Deep comprehension B2B marketing tactics, including digital campaigning, paid advertising, public relations , and content creation. Studied the relationships and nuances between businesses and how receptiveness to marketing is altered in comparison to B2C. Public Relations Fostered relationships with editors, create pitch emails and articles, and how to best process a press release over the wire. Execute a public relations campaign from editorial relationships, press releases, by-line articles, and event promotion. Principles of Marketing Practiced the fundamentals of marketing, including data analysis, copywriting, buyer personas, and more. Developed and execute a full marketing plan.

Relevant coursework refers to the list of subjects and classes you have taken or are currently taken at a school that is related to the job you’re applying for. So, when should you include this type of information on a resume?

When to include relevant course work:

The following situations are appropriate instances to include relevant coursework on your resume:

You are a recent graduate or will be graduating soon. When you’re getting ready to enter the workforce or are preparing a resume for graduate school, including relevant coursework is a must.

You lack professional experience. If you’re writing a resume without work experience or related work experience, putting in related coursework will help your credibility and opportunity to snag the job.

You want to change careers, and your coursework is relevant. A career change is a big move for any professional, and depending on where you’re moving, you may have minimal experience or skills from your work experience to highlight. In this case, it’s relevant to mention your coursework.

When not to include relevant coursework:

If you’re uncertain about when to include or exclude coursework on your resume, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind. The following instances may be applicable when considering leaving your coursework off your resume:

Your resume is already a page long . If you have enough work experience, skills, and education to fill up an entire page of your resume, it’s probably best to leave coursework off, even if it is relevant

The coursework is outdated. If it’s been some time since you have been in school and the coursework is outdated, it might be best to leave the specifics off your resume.

Your coursework is not relevant to the position. Of course, if the coursework isn’t immediately relevant to the job you’re applying for, it’s better to leave it off . If it comes up as an opportunity during your interview, feel free to bring it up there.

Tailor your resume for the job . Regardless of where you are in your career, this is the golden rule of resume-writing. The definition of “relevant” changes depending on what the job description looks like.

Give more educational details. If you’re opting to include coursework, you should also include brief mentions of other educational achievements.

Be explicit about skills. Your resume will also have a skills section that’s ripe for hitting keywords that applicant tracking systems (ATS) love to see. But an advantage of including relevant coursework is that you can also include even more skills.

Edit continually. Everyone should update their resume often, but nobody should do it more often than students and recent graduates. As a freshman, it’s fine to include some basic courses, but each year brings more difficult (and therefore more impressive courses) that should take precedence over your earlier studies.

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Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

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How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

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Including relevant coursework on your resume can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.

This can be especially useful if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience in your field.

By highlighting the courses you have taken that are related to the job you are applying for, you can show that you have a strong foundation in the subject matter and are well-prepared to handle the tasks and responsibilities of the role.

In this article, we will provide some examples and tips for how to effectively include relevant coursework on your resume.

Find out: How to Create a Job-Winning Resume with No Education

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant coursework refers to coursework that is related to the job you are applying for.

For example, if you are applying for a job as a software developer, relevant coursework may include computer science courses such as data structures, algorithms, and programming languages.

On the other hand, if you are applying for a job in marketing, relevant coursework might include courses in marketing research, consumer behavior, and advertising.

Essentially, relevant coursework is any course like Power BI Course that helps demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field you are pursuing.

Here are some examples of potentially relevant coursework that you might want to include on your resume:

• Courses that are directly related to the job you are applying for, such as programming languages for a software developer role or marketing research for a marketing role.
• Courses that have taught you skills that are applicable to the job, such as project management, teamwork, or problem-solving.
• Courses that demonstrate your knowledge in a particular subject area, such as economics for a finance role or biology for a healthcare role.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all coursework will be relevant to every job you apply for.

You should only include coursework that is directly related to the position you are seeking and that will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.

When should you include relevant courses on your resume?

There are a few situations when it may be appropriate to include relevant coursework on your resume:

1. When you are a recent graduate with limited work experience

If you are a recent graduate or have only had a few internships or part-time jobs, it can be helpful to include relevant coursework on your resume to show employers that you have a strong foundation in the subject matter and are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of the role.

2. When you are changing careers

If you are transitioning into a new field , highlighting relevant coursework on your resume can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the new industry.

3. When you have taken advanced or specialized courses

If you have taken advanced or specialized courses that are related to the job you are applying for, it can be helpful to include them on your resume to show your level of expertise.

4. When the job posting specifically requests education or coursework

If the job posting lists specific courses or education requirements, it is a good idea to include any relevant coursework on your resume to show that you meet those requirements.

In general, including relevant coursework on your resume can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.

However, it is important to consider whether or not the coursework is actually relevant to the job and will add value to your application.

Including coursework related to your minor

If you have a minor in a subject that is related to the job you are applying for, it can be a good idea to include this information on your resume.

For example, if you have a minor in computer science and are applying for a software development role, it can be helpful to mention your minor in your resume.

This can show that you have a strong foundation in the subject matter and are committed to learning and growing in your field.

To include your minor on your resume, you can list it under your education section along with your major and the name of your degree.

For example:

“Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Minor in Marketing”

It’s also a good idea to mention any relevant coursework or projects that you completed as part of your minor.

This can help to further demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the subject area.

Keep in mind that while a minor can be a valuable addition to your resume, it is not as important as your major and should not take up too much space or attention on your resume.

The focus should be on your major and any work or educational experience that is directly related to the job you are applying for.

When should I take coursework off my resume?

There may be times when it is appropriate to remove coursework from your resume.

Here are a few situations when this might be the case:

When the coursework is not relevant to the job

If the coursework you have listed on your resume is not related to the job you are applying for, it may be a good idea to remove it.

You want to make sure that the information on your resume is relevant and helps demonstrate your suitability for the role.

When you have limited space on your resume:

If you have a lot of coursework listed on your resume and are running out of space, it may be necessary to remove some of the less relevant courses in order to make room for other important information.

When the coursework is outdated

If you have taken a course that is no longer relevant to the jobs you are applying for, it may be a good idea to remove it from your resume.

For example, if you took a course on a programming language that is no longer widely used, it may not be necessary to include it on your resume.

in general, it’s essential to make sure that the information on your resume is relevant and up-to-date.

Removing outdated or irrelevant coursework can help ensure that your resume is focused and effectively showcases your skills and experience to potential employers.

Find out: How to Write An ATS Resume- Full Guide

Where should relevant coursework be listed on your resume?

There are a few options for where to list relevant coursework on your resume.

Here are a few examples:

Under the “Education” section

One option is to list your relevant coursework under the education section of your resume.

This can be a good choice if you have limited work experience and want to highlight your education and coursework as a way of demonstrating your knowledge and skills.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, XYZ University (20XX)

Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming

Under a separate “Relevant Coursework” section

Another option is to create a separate section on your resume specifically for listing relevant coursework.

This can be a good choice if you have a lot of relevant coursework and want to give it its own section on your resume.

Relevant Coursework

Data Structures

Object-Oriented Programming

Computer Networks

In a “Skills” section

If you have a skills section on your resume, you can also list relevant coursework in this section.

This can be a good choice if you want to highlight specific skills or knowledge areas that you gained through your coursework.

Proficient in Java, C++, and Python (relevant coursework: Introduction to Programming, Data Structures)

Knowledge of marketing research and consumer behavior (relevant coursework: Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior)

After all said, the best place to list relevant coursework on your resume will depend on the specific content of your resume and the job you are applying for.

It’s important to consider which option will effectively showcase your skills and knowledge to potential employers.

Find out: 15 Key Skills To Put On a Resume Right Away

Key tips to remember when listing relevant coursework

Here are a few key tips to remember when listing relevant coursework on your resume:

1. Be selective

It’s important to be selective when deciding which coursework to include on your resume.

Only include courses that are directly related to the job you are applying for and that will help demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

2. Use specific course titles

Instead of just listing “Computer Science coursework,” list specific courses that are relevant to the job, such as “Data Structures” and “Object-Oriented Programming.”

This will help to show the depth of your knowledge and skills.

3. Include course descriptions

If possible, include a brief description of each course you list.

This can help to provide more context and detail about what you learned and can help to further demonstrate your knowledge and skills.

4. Keep it concise

It’s important to keep your resume concise and to the point.

Avoid listing every single course you have taken, and focus on the courses that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.

5. Customize for each job

Make sure to tailor your resume and the coursework you list to each specific job you apply for.

This will help to ensure that the information you include is relevant and shows that you are a strong fit for the role.

3 examples of relevant coursework on a resume

Find below three examples of how you might list relevant coursework on your resume:

Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Object-Oriented Programming, Computer Networks

-Data Structures

-Algorithms

-Object-Oriented Programming

-Computer Networks

-Human-Computer Interaction

Experience with project management (relevant coursework: Project Management, Agile Software Development)

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted and compelling resume

It’s important not to underestimate the power of a well-crafted and compelling resume.

Your resume is often the first thing that a potential employer will see, and it’s your chance to make a good first impression.

By including relevant coursework on your resume, you can demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field you are pursuing and show that you are well-prepared to handle the responsibilities of the role.

However, it’s important to remember that a strong resume is not just a list of courses and education.

It’s also important to highlight your work experience, skills, and achievements in a way that showcases your value to potential employers.

By combining relevant coursework with a well-written summary, strong work experience, and specific skills and achievements, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates.

SUMMARY- How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume

In summary, including relevant coursework on your resume can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers.

It is especially useful if you are a recent graduate or have limited work experience in your field.

It’s important to be selective and only include coursework that is directly related to the job and will add value to your application.

There are a few options for where to list relevant coursework on your resume, such as under the “Education” section, in a separate “Relevant Coursework” section, or in a “Skills” section.

Remember to tailor your resume and the coursework you include to each specific job you apply for and to keep your resume concise and focused.

If you are looking to improve your job prospects and stand out in the competitive job market, consider seeking the professional assistance of our affordable resume writing service .

We specialize in crafting visually appealing and content-rich resumes that showcase your skills and experience to potential employers. Let us help you land your dream job! Get started today.  

Further Reading

How to Prepare for A Career or Job Fair

The Importance of Personal Branding on Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Freelancing is the New Black: How to Become a Freelancer

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• Career Development

Incorporating Relevant Coursework into Your Resume

10 min read

If you've recently graduated, your practical job experience may be thin – but that doesn’t mean you don’t have other ways to show you’re qualified for the position. After all, your education should have included courses to prepare you for your chosen profession. The question is whether you should list relevant coursework on your resume. The good news is that you can include that information if it relates to your chosen career.

There are a few factors to consider before you list your last semester's classes, however. You need to think about where you are in your career, what your job target is, and how relevant your education is to that job target. This article will help you figure out if you should add relevant coursework to your resume, offer some tips on which types of courses and academic achievements to highlight, and explain how to incorporate relevant coursework into your resume.

What is relevant coursework in a resume?

It’s important to understand how you can determine whether coursework is relevant for the position you’re seeking. Fortunately, that determination is easy to make. All you need to do is consider whether the courses you completed are related to the job you’re seeking.

For example, if you are applying for a position in IT, those art classes you took in college would be irrelevant to employers. However, including any computer science courses that you completed could help demonstrate your competency and show that you’re qualified for the job.

While coursework is not the equivalent of actual hands-on professional experience, it can be enough to sway an employer who is impressed with the rest of your student resume. Remember, the whole goal of a resume is to garner enough interest to net you an interview. These tiny details may be just what you need to earn that consideration.

When should you include relevant coursework in your resume?

As a rule, relevant coursework should only be on your resume when it's both relevant and recent. Unlike your degree – which almost always belongs on your resume – your coursework is optional on a resume. In that case, you're most likely to want to list some coursework if you're a recent graduate and applying for an entry-level job.

If you’re a recent graduate, chances are that you have little to no relevant job experience to list on your resume . In that case, including relevant coursework on a resume will demonstrate your exposure to diverse topics.

Put simply, you may benefit from including relevant coursework on your resume if you are a recent graduate with little work experience, are changing careers, and need to demonstrate qualifications in your newly chosen industry or when you have additional space to fill in your resume.

KEY TAKEAWAY: When you have little work experience, including relevant coursework on a resume can be the best way to help you land that interview and get hired for a fantastic job!

What's your job target?

To help you decide whether to include relevant coursework in your resume, think about the type of job you want your resume to target. If your only professional experience with the job function or industry is through your education, it's a clever idea to list some of your classes. Again, you want to check that the classes are both relevant and recent.

Some positions have educational requirements where everyone has basically the same educational background. Others may have few educational requirements at all. If you have a BA or higher education and you're applying for jobs that only require an AA or a high school diploma, your college coursework is probably not relevant.

Before you decide to include any relevant coursework on a resume, you need to ask yourself whether it bolsters your qualifications for the job you want to land. In general, work experience, internships, and volunteer work are more compelling than education experience.

Where should you include your coursework?

Carefully consider the placement of relevant coursework on a resume. For jobs that emphasize educational achievements, you may want to list your coursework and education near the top.

If the position relies on skill and experience, you can list the topics you studied in your skills section. Otherwise, you can include your coursework in your education section of the resume . In fact, most job seekers place these details in their education section.

Finally, there may be times when you want to place this information in your work experience section. More on that later in the post.

How to include relevant coursework on a resume

If your experience is thin and you need to focus on relevant coursework, you want to do it correctly. Here are some tips to help you learn how to create a relevant coursework resume.

1. Be selective

You shouldn't include your full transcript on your resume. You should always prioritize the most advanced or specialized courses over any introductory or general coursework. "Advanced Financial Accounting" is a better choice than "Accounting 101." In that example, you would want to only include the advanced course since the more general class would be redundant.

While there isn't a fixed rule about how many classes you should list on your resume, somewhere between three and eight courses can be a good goal. If you plan to include more than four classes, you may want to get some advice about how to format your skills on a resume and apply it to a list of courses instead.

Using bullet points can help you save space and create a more visually appealing presentation. Remember, your resume is supposed to be one or two pages – and for entry-level candidates, one page is likely sufficient. Use commas, columns, or other visual dividers to keep your coursework organized.

2. Add other relevant educational experience

If you’re including relevant coursework, you might also include your high GPA on your resume.

You can also include other details related to your schoolwork. For example:

Academic awards like making the dean's list

School projects

Original research

Memberships and affiliations

Extra-curricular activities

3. Don't forget about online courses

If you've taken any online classes, you can put those relevant courses on your resume even if they weren't part of your degree. We have a separate guide about how to include online courses on your resume .

Relevant coursework: examples

There are a couple of acceptable ways to list your relevant coursework on a resume. Your choice should be based on need.

If you have some experience and just want to bolster your credentials, you can take a simple approach to this information. Recent graduates will want to spend more time on this section to emphasize its importance.

Remember to identify your coursework with a label. Many job seekers simply use the format:

Related Coursework: [Course #1], [Course #2], [Course #3], etc.

Below, we’ve included some relevant coursework resume examples that you can refer to as you prepare your resume.

Option One: When your resume already includes some relevant experience

If you have relevant experience to list on your resume, you can include your relevant coursework in that section. You don’t need to include a lot of details, though. Instead, you can address your coursework using a format like this:

Bachelor of Science, Marketing, Best College USA

Relevant Coursework: Advertising, Copywriting, Sales Management, E-Marketing, Brand Management

Option Two: For recent graduates with no relevant experience

If your coursework-focused resume needs to emphasize education over experience, then you might want to use a different format altogether. The example below can serve as a template when you’re listing relevant coursework on a resume:

EDUCATION Best College USA, AnyTown, AnyState May 20XX Bachelor of Science in Marketing Cumulative GPA: 3.9

RELEVANT MARKETING COURSEWORK Advertising Concepts & Practical Application, Best College Marketing Department

Fall 20XX-Spring 20XX

Explored advertising theory and history

Analyzed ad-market dynamics

Developed effective advertising campaigns for partner businesses in the area

Brand Management 101, Best College Marketing Department Spring 20XX

Hands-on program working in collaboration with area merchants

Successfully rebranded two major employers in the area

Developed proposed brand-enhancing campaigns for six other employers

Including relevant coursework in your work experience section

There may also be times when you want to include relevant courses in your work experience section. For example, if your desired position includes qualifications that focus on specific skills, you may want to include more details about your education to show the types of skills you developed and how you’ve used them.

One additional benefit that you can enjoy from this approach is the opportunity to include some of those relevant keywords from the job posting. Employers who use applicant tracking systems tend to include job qualifications as keywords in those postings. If you can use those exact terms in your relevant coursework descriptions, you can help enhance your chances of getting your resume past the ATS.

If you do decide to list this information in your work experience section, make sure that you include enough detail to demonstrate measurable achievements in those classes. This can help a prospective employer to better understand how those courses have prepared you for employment at their company. Below is an example of how you can highlight a relevant coursework listing in your work experience section:

Brand Management 101, Best College Marketing Department

Rebranding Lab : Successfully completed rebranding project with local merchant, modernizing the firm’s brand with offline and digital campaigns that increased brand awareness by 42%,

Online marketing : Developed and implemented an online survey for test company that measured client brand preferences for five distinct products.

Client presentation : Researched, crafted, and presented nine separate test client presentations related to brand enhancement, expansion into new markets, and digital rebranding efforts.

As you can see, the use of relevant coursework not only lists the course but also presents detailed information about the types of skills the job seeker developed during their education. This information could be crucial for a prospective employer whose focus is on hiring someone with those specific skills.

How to tell when you should avoid putting relevant coursework on your resume

Of course, adding relevant coursework to a resume may not always be the right thing to do. You need to decide whether the inclusion of this information adds or detracts from your other qualifications. Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to know when you can just skip this information altogether.

1.      Compare your resume to the job posting. Does it already include all the required skills that the employer has cited as necessary qualifications? Do you have work experience achievements that highlight those skills in a quantifiable way? If so, then there is no need to include your coursework.

2.      Is your resume already one or two pages in length? That’s usually a good sign that you already have enough relevant skills and experience to highlight your qualifications, so chances are that your coursework won’t add any additional value.

3.      Are you thinking about adding coursework that’s still in progress? Don’t. If your only relevant courses are ones that you’re still trying to complete, that information is better omitted.

Putting relevant coursework on a resume can make a real difference!

Like many job seekers, you may not be thrilled at the prospect of listing your relevant coursework on a resume. Still, adding coursework details can sometimes be crucial for establishing yourself as a viable candidate for a job. When you're short on work experience, your coursework is a wonderful way to include keywords from the job posting. This reinforces the relevance of your included coursework details and can also help your resume get past the applicant tracking systems (ATS) .

You just might find that your educational achievements are the one thing that pushes you past your rivals and gets you that all-important interview!

Need help deciding whether to include relevant coursework in your resume? Get a free resume review today and let our team of experts provide the help you need!

Recommended reading:

How To Write Your Resume's Education Section

What Is Relevant Experience on A Resume?

Resume Bullet Points or Paragraphs?

Ken Chase, Freelance Writer

During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on  ZipJob’s blog .

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Teacher suspended, principal resigns amid grade manipulation investigation at Clinton High School

A NDERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — Anderson County Schools is currently investigating possible issues related to student grades and coursework at Clinton High School, which has led to the suspension of a teacher and an administrator’s resignation.

According to ACS, it appears that at least one student’s records were “possibly manipulated to meet graduation requirements.” As a result, principal Daniel Jenkins and a teacher were placed on suspension status, pending further investigation. However, Jenkins submitted his resignation, which was accepted by the Director of Schools.

The investigation is ongoing, and ACS said they are in communication with the Tennessee Department of Education. Due to the materials being reviewed including confidential student records, ACS said they will offer no further comment.

“In my 14 years at Clinton High, and the four most recent as its principal, I have been dedicated to my students, teachers and the entire community. I look forward to the facts coming to light in this matter and clearing my name.” Daniel Jenkins

On Friday, April 12, 2024, Clinton High School Assistant Principal Amanda Powers was appointed to serve as the school’s Interim Head Principal by Director of Schools Tim Parrott.

“As an experienced educator and administrator, Director Parrott has full faith and confidence in Principal Powers as she leads Clinton High School through the remainder of this school year,” wrote ACS on Facebook.

Once the investigation is complete, ACS said they will deliver a full report to officials, parents, and community members during a future Anderson County Board of Education meeting.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to add a statement from Jenkins.

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