How to List Education on a Resume

The education section seems simple — but most people include too little, too much, or put it in the wrong place. Here's exactly how to format it for maximum impact.

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Step-by-Step Guide

1

Use the correct formatting for your degree

Standard format: Degree Name, Major — University Name, City, State — Graduation Month, Year (or Expected). Example: 'Bachelor of Science, Computer Science — University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI — May 2023'. Always spell out the degree type.

2

Decide where education goes based on your experience level

Less than 3 years of experience: education goes at the top of your resume. More than 3 years: education goes at the bottom after work experience. This is the standard placement rule most recruiters expect.

3

Include GPA only when it helps

Include GPA if it's 3.5 or above and you graduated within the past 3 years. If it's under 3.3, omit it. Never round up. If you have a higher major GPA than overall GPA, you can list both: 'Overall GPA: 3.2 | Major GPA: 3.7'.

4

Add relevant coursework selectively

Include 4-6 courses only if they're directly relevant to the role and you're light on experience. 'Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Database Systems, Algorithms' adds value for a tech role when you're entry-level. Remove it once you have 3+ years of experience.

5

Include honors, awards, and notable achievements

Dean's List, Magna Cum Laude, academic scholarships, and student leadership are worth including for the first 5 years of your career. Format them as a sub-item under your degree, not in a separate section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I include my high school on a resume?+
No, unless you have no college education. Once you've completed any college coursework, remove high school from your resume.
What if I didn't finish my degree?+
List the credits completed: 'Bachelor of Business Administration (completed 90 of 120 credits) — State University, 2019–2022'. Honesty is required. Some roles still value partial college work.
How do I list an online degree?+
Exactly like a traditional degree. The institution name speaks for itself. You don't need to label it as 'online' — WGU, Southern New Hampshire, and ASU Online degrees are recognized by most employers.
Should I list multiple degrees?+
Yes, list all degrees in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include all completed degrees and any in-progress degrees marked 'Expected [Year]'.
What if my degree is unrelated to the job I'm applying for?+
List it normally. A degree demonstrates completion, discipline, and baseline competency regardless of major. Focus your resume's narrative on transferable skills and relevant experience rather than your major.

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