How to List Education on Resume: Tips for Job Seekers

Including your education on resume may seem simple, but it plays a significant impact in how potential employers evaluate your qualifications. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or changing careers, how you state your education history might impact how well your resume promotes you as the best fit for the job.

Your academic history demonstrates not only your level of formal education, but also that you meet certain job requirements, have a relevant skill set, and have the motivation and discipline to complete structured goals. Understanding what to include, where to put it, and how to format your education section will help your resume stand out from other candidates in a competitive employment environment.

Where to place education on your resume

Knowing where to place your education section is mostly determined by your work stage. If you are a recent college graduate or have recently graduated, it is usually ideal to mention your education near the top of your resume, right below your resume description or contact information. Because you may not have much relevant experience yet, your academic credentials, such as a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or even a high school diploma, can be a major selling point.

On the other hand, if you've been in the workforce for a while and have a more extensive work history, your education section should follow your professional experience. Remember that many resumes are scanned quickly, sometimes in seconds, so make sure your education is clear, relevant, and well-organized.

Use formatting tools like Google Docs to make your layout look neat and professional. If you're unsure, look through resume samples. Employers frequently favor relevant information related to your actual employment experience over where or when you attended school. However, if your advanced degree is a key qualification, such as a master's degree or a degree in Business Administration, it may still warrant a prominent position on your resume.

What to include in the education section

A strong education section includes your school's name, degree title, major, and graduation year or end date. If you're still in school or haven't finished your degree yet, your expected graduation date shows hiring managers that you're actively working toward completion.

Students or recent graduates can also benefit from incorporating extras that supplement the education section, especially if they don't have a long work history. Details such as relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or any awards, such as cum laude or being on the dean's list, might assist in highlighting your abilities. If you participated in study abroad programs, that is also worth mentioning, it demonstrates adaptability and cross-cultural experience.

When formatting this area, don't forget Google Docs or resume samples. Many resume samples show how to include both necessary and optional information, such as a high GPA, leadership responsibilities, or certifications, in your education section. However, take care not to overwhelm this section.

Aside from academic credentials, you might highlight other achievements such as leadership positions, club memberships, or awards that demonstrate your dedication and growth. If you're changing careers, go into more detail about the coursework or academic credentials that will help you get there. To minimize confusion, properly distinguish each degree and indicate the institutions by name when listing multiple degrees or attending multiple schools.

You can still indicate the school, subject of study, and years you attended if you have an incomplete education, such as if you attended college but did not graduate. Honesty and clarity are essential. Highlight any relevant courses or academic credentials that relate to your job.

How to format education for different scenarios

Even if you only have a high school diploma and did not pursue a college degree, your education is still valuable. For applicants without college experience, include your high school education, school name, city, and graduation year. This is especially relevant if you're applying for employment that doesn't require a college degree or if you're new to the workforce.

Include the degree title, major, graduation year, and school name if you have a college degree, whether it's an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree. Like this one: "Bachelor of Science in Marketing, XYZ University, 2022."

If you have attended multiple schools or earned multiple degrees, list your education in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent. This gives a clear timeline and guarantees that hiring managers prioritize your best qualities. For example, someone with a master's degree and a bachelor's degree would put the master's first.

Sometimes people transfer or attend multiple schools but only receive one degree. If so, only include the school from which you acquired the degree obtained, unless your earlier school experience included highly relevant coursework or significant academic credentials. Similarly, if you earned multiple degrees from the same college, list them separately under the same school's name.

When your education is continuous, such as when you are pursuing a graduate or advanced degree, clearly state your expected graduation date. This informs companies that you are working toward a higher certification that may meet future job requirements.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions in listing education on resume:

Should I include my GPA?

Only include a strong GPA (usually 3.5 or better). A high GPA can help you stand out, especially if you're a recent graduate applying for competitive positions. If your GPA is low, you can ignore it and concentrate on your other skills, such as academic projects or relevant experience.

What if I didn't finish my degree?

Be open about your incomplete education. You can still list your school, major, and enrollment years. Highlight relevant courses or skills you've obtained, especially if they're relevant to the position you're looking for. Many employers like openness and may consider your education or experience, even if you haven't obtained a degree.

How do I list a study abroad experience?

Study abroad programs can be listed in your major education history, usually underneath your home university. Make sure to indicate your nation, university, and field of study. Like this one: "Semester Abroad - University of Amsterdam, Fall 2023 (Global Business and Culture)."

Should I include certifications or online courses?

Yes, if they are related to the job. While they may not be listed in your formal education section, certificates can still offer value and demonstrate initiative. Make sure to identify them from your formal degree qualifications. If you're unclear how to present your education professionally, see a certified career coach. They can assist you in customizing the section of your resume to best highlight your strengths.

Our Personal Salary Report shows how your background compares in the job market. Use it to highlight key credentials in the right section of your resume and plan your next move with confidence.