How To List Degrees on Your Resume: Complete Guide With Examples [2025]

Your educational credentials can be the key differentiator that sets you apart from other candidates. In fact, 73% of employers consider education a critical factor when screening resumes, especially for entry-level and specialized positions. Yet many job seekers struggle with properly formatting their degrees, deciding what to include, and positioning their education for maximum impact.

Whether you hold an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree—or you’re still working toward graduation—this comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to present your educational achievements professionally. We’ll cover formatting standards, ATS optimization strategies, and provide real-world examples for every scenario you might encounter.

Why Your Education Section Matters

Your education section serves multiple critical functions in your job search:

1. Meeting Basic Qualifications

Many positions require specific degrees. Properly listing your credentials ensures you pass initial screening filters, both human and automated.

2. Demonstrating Specialized Knowledge

Your degree signals expertise in particular fields, especially important for technical, medical, or academic positions.

3. Showing Career Progression

Multiple degrees or continuing education demonstrate ambition and commitment to professional growth.

4. Compensating for Limited Experience

Recent graduates can leverage academic achievements to strengthen their candidacy when work experience is limited.

5. Building Credibility

Degrees from recognized institutions add instant credibility to your professional profile.

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Standard Format for Listing Degrees

Follow this proven format to ensure your degrees are presented professionally and pass ATS screening:

The Essential Formula

[Degree Type] ([Abbreviation]), [Major/Field of Study]
[University Name], [City, State] | [Graduation Date]

Key Components Explained

1. Full Degree Name: Always write out the complete degree name
2. Abbreviation: Include the standard abbreviation in parentheses
3. Major/Field: Specify your area of study if relevant to the position
4. Institution Name: Use the full, official name of your school
5. Location: City and state (abbreviate the state)
6. Graduation Date: Year only, or month and year for recent graduates

Example of Perfect Formatting

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance
Columbia University, New York, NY | 2023

Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA | 2021

How to List Different Types of Degrees

Associate Degree

An associate degree demonstrates foundational knowledge and commitment to higher education. Here’s how to list it effectively:

Standard Format:

Associate of Science (AS), Business Administration
Miami Dade College, Miami, FL | 2022

With Honors:

Associate of Arts (AA), Liberal Arts
Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA | 2023
GPA: 3.85/4.0, Magna Cum Laude
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

When to Include Your Associate Degree:

• It’s your highest level of education
• It’s directly relevant to the job
• You have limited work experience
• The job posting specifically mentions associate degree

When to Omit:

• You have a bachelor’s or higher in the same field
• Space is limited and you need room for work experience

Bachelor’s Degree

The bachelor’s degree is often the minimum requirement for professional positions. Present it with confidence:

Standard Format:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Marketing
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ | 2023

For Recent Graduates (with details):

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | May 2024
GPA: 3.75/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Statistical Analysis, Research Methods, Behavioral Psychology
Honors: Dean's List (4 semesters), Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society

For Experienced Professionals (simplified):

Bachelor of Science (BS), Electrical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA | 2015

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree signals advanced expertise and dedication to your field:

Standard Format:

Master of Science (MS), Data Science
Stanford University, Stanford, CA | 2023

Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science
University of Washington, Seattle, WA | 2021

MBA Format:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA | 2024
Concentration: Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics
Duke University, Durham, NC | 2020

Specialized Master’s:

Master of Public Health (MPH), Epidemiology
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD | 2023
Thesis: "Impact of Social Determinants on COVID-19 Outcomes"

Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology
University of Maryland, College Park, MD | 2021

Doctoral Degree

Doctoral degrees represent the highest level of academic achievement:

Academic PhD:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Molecular Biology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA | 2024
Dissertation: "Gene Expression Patterns in Cancer Cell Development"

Master of Science (MS), Biochemistry
Harvard University, Cambridge, MA | 2020

Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology
Yale University, New Haven, CT | 2018

Professional Doctorate:

Juris Doctor (JD)
Harvard Law School, Cambridge, MA | 2023
Bar Admission: New York, 2023

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Political Science
Georgetown University, Washington, DC | 2020

Medical Degree:

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD | 2024
Residency: Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic (2024-2027)

Bachelor of Science (BS), Pre-Medicine
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL | 2020

Positioning Your Education Section Strategically

The placement of your education section can significantly impact your resume’s effectiveness. Use our resume templates to ensure optimal positioning based on your experience level.

Put Education First When:

• You’re a recent graduate (within 1-2 years)
• Your degree is directly required for the position
• You’re making a career change based on new education
• You have impressive academic credentials but limited experience
• You’re applying for academic or research positions

Put Education After Experience When:

• You have 2+ years of relevant work experience
• Your work achievements outweigh your academic credentials
• You’re in a field where experience matters more than education
• Your degree is older than 10-15 years

Industry-Specific Positioning:

Technology: Experience typically comes first unless you have a recent, relevant degree Healthcare: Education often leads due to licensing requirements Finance: Prestigious degrees may warrant top positioning Creative Fields: Portfolio and experience usually take precedence Academia: Education always comes first

What Additional Information to Include (And When)

Knowing what supplementary details to include can strengthen your education section without overwhelming it:

Always Include:

• Degree type and major
• Institution name and location
• Graduation date (or expected graduation)

Include for Recent Graduates (0-3 years):

• GPA (if 3.5 or higher)
• Relevant coursework
• Academic honors and awards
• Leadership positions
• Relevant extracurricular activities
• Thesis or capstone project titles

Include When Relevant:

• Professional certifications
• Study abroad experiences
• Research projects
• Publications
• Teaching assistant positions
• Scholarships (especially prestigious ones)

Usually Omit:

• High school information (unless it’s your highest education)
• GPA below 3.5
• Graduation date if concerned about age discrimination
• Irrelevant coursework or activities
• Community college credits if you have a four-year degree

Examples With Additional Information:

New Graduate – Comprehensive:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Software Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA | May 2024
GPA: 3.82/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, Database Systems, Mobile App Development
Honors: Dean's List (6 semesters), Andrew Carnegie Scholar
Senior Project: "AI-Powered Study Assistant App" - 10,000+ downloads
Activities: President, Women in Computer Science Club

Experienced Professional – Minimal:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, Evanston, IL | 2019

Bachelor of Science (BS), Finance
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL | 2015

Special Situations and How to Handle Them

Currently Pursuing a Degree

Show employers you’re actively advancing your education:

Master of Science (MS), Cybersecurity - In Progress
Expected Graduation: May 2025
New York University, New York, NY
Current GPA: 3.9/4.0
Completed: 24 of 36 credits

Incomplete Degree

Don’t hide incomplete education—frame it professionally:

Coursework toward Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business Administration
University of Texas, Austin, TX | 2019-2021
Completed: 72 credits (3.6 GPA)

Multiple Degrees from Same Institution

Streamline when you’ve earned multiple degrees from one school:

University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Master of Science (MS), Environmental Science | 2023
Bachelor of Science (BS), Biology | 2021
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude (both degrees)
- UCLA Sustainability Research Fellow

Double Major

Highlight your diverse expertise:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science and Mathematics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA | 2023
- Double major completed in 4 years
- GPA: 3.78/4.0

Dual Degree Programs

Showcase your ambitious academic pursuit:

Master of Business Administration (MBA) / Master of Science (MS), Engineering
MIT Sloan School of Management & School of Engineering, Cambridge, MA | 2024
- Dual degree program completed in 3 years
- Focus: Technology Management and Innovation

International Degrees

Ensure clarity for US employers:

Master of Science (MS), International Business
London School of Economics, London, UK | 2022
- First Class Honours (equivalent to 3.8+ GPA)
- Dissertation: "Brexit's Impact on UK-US Trade Relations"

Online Degrees

Present them with the same professionalism as traditional degrees:

Master of Science (MS), Data Analytics
Georgia Institute of Technology (Online), Atlanta, GA | 2023
- Completed while working full-time
- Specialization: Machine Learning

Certificate Programs

Include relevant certificates that enhance your qualifications:

Certificate in Digital Marketing
Google Digital Garage | 2024
- 40-hour comprehensive program
- Modules: SEO, SEM, Analytics, Social Media Marketing

Industry-Specific Education Guidelines

Different industries have unique expectations for education credentials. Here’s how to optimize your education section by field:

Technology/IT

Focus on technical competencies and projects:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science
Stanford University, Stanford, CA | 2023
Relevant Projects:
- Developed ML algorithm improving image recognition by 30%
- Built full-stack web application used by 5,000+ students
Technical Skills: Python, Java, React, AWS, Docker

Healthcare/Medical

Emphasize certifications and clinical experience:

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Family Nurse Practitioner
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA | 2023
Certifications: AANP Board Certified, BLS, ACLS
Clinical Rotations: 800+ hours in primary care settings
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | 2020
NCLEX-RN: Passed 2020

Business/Finance

Highlight prestigious programs and relevant concentrations:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance
Chicago Booth School of Business, Chicago, IL | 2023
- Concentration: Private Equity and Venture Capital
- GMAT: 740
- Investment Banking Lab Participant
Bachelor of Science (BS), Economics
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL | 2019
- Graduated with Honors (3.85 GPA)

Education/Academia

Detail teaching experience and research:

Master of Education (MEd), Curriculum and Instruction
Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY | 2023
- Thesis: "Integrating Technology in Elementary Mathematics"
- Graduate Teaching Assistant for Educational Psychology
- Published in Journal of Educational Technology
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Elementary Education
Boston University, Boston, MA | 2021
- Student Teaching: Grade 3, PS 123, Brooklyn
- Certified: New York State Teaching License (Grades 1-6)

Creative Fields

Balance formal education with practical application:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Graphic Design
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI | 2023
- Senior Portfolio: Featured in RISD Annual Exhibition
- Internship: Design Intern at Pentagram NYC
- Software: Expert in Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Sketch

ATS Optimization for Your Education Section

Ensure your education section passes automated screening systems with these strategies:

1. Use Standard Degree Names

• ✅ “Bachelor of Science” NOT ❌ “B.S.” only
• ✅ “Master of Business Administration” NOT ❌ “MBA” only
• Include both full name AND abbreviation

2. Match Job Posting Language

If the posting asks for “Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science,” mirror this exact phrasing while maintaining proper formatting.

3. Include Keywords

Incorporate relevant terms from the job description:

• Specific software or tools learned
• Relevant coursework matching job requirements
• Industry-standard certifications

4. Avoid Formatting Tricks

• No tables or columns in education section
• Skip special characters or symbols
• Use standard fonts and sizing

5. Be Consistent

• Same date format throughout
• Consistent abbreviation style (B.S. or BS)
• Uniform spacing and punctuation

Our AI Resume Builder automatically optimizes your education section for ATS while maintaining professional formatting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lying About Degrees

Never fabricate educational credentials. Background checks will reveal the truth and destroy your credibility.

2. Including High School (When Inappropriate)

Once you have college experience, omit high school unless:

• It’s a prestigious prep school relevant to the role
• You’re applying locally and the school has strong connections
• You have no college education

3. Overloading with Information

Avoid turning your education section into a transcript. Include only relevant details that strengthen your candidacy.

4. Using Incorrect Degree Names

Research the official degree name. “Bachelor of Science” not “Bachelor’s of Science”

5. Inconsistent Formatting

Maintain uniform style throughout:

• Same date format (2023 or May 2023)
• Consistent use of periods in abbreviations
• Aligned spacing and indentation

6. Listing Degrees in Wrong Order

Always use reverse chronological order (newest first)

7. Including Irrelevant Continuing Education

Skip that pottery class unless applying to an arts-related position

25+ Real Examples by Degree Type and Situation

Entry-Level Examples

Recent Graduate – Computer Science:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA | May 2024
GPA: 3.72/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Algorithms, Machine Learning, Database Systems, Web Development
Honors: Dean's List (3 semesters), ACM Programming Competition Finalist
Projects: Developed COVID-19 tracking app used by campus health services

Recent Graduate – Business:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing
University of Texas, Austin, TX | May 2024
GPA: 3.65/4.0
Activities: Marketing Club President, Case Competition Winner
Internship Project: Created social media strategy increasing engagement by 150%
Study Abroad: Copenhagen Business School, Denmark (Fall 2023)

Mid-Career Professional Examples

MBA Addition:

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Duke Fuqua School of Business, Durham, NC | 2023
- Executive MBA Program completed while working full-time

Bachelor of Science (BS), Mechanical Engineering
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA | 2015

Career Change:

Master of Science (MS), Data Science
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL | 2024
- Career pivot from marketing to data analytics
- Capstone: Predictive model for customer churn (87% accuracy)

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Marketing Communications
DePaul University, Chicago, IL | 2018

Senior Professional Examples

Executive Level:

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA | 2020

Bachelor of Science (BS), Industrial Engineering
Penn State University, University Park, PA | 2005

Multiple Advanced Degrees:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Organizational Psychology
Yale University, New Haven, CT | 2018

Master of Arts (MA), Psychology
Columbia University, New York, NY | 2014

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Psychology and Sociology
Brown University, Providence, RI | 2012

Special Situation Examples

International Student:

Master of Science (MS), Electrical Engineering
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA | 2024
- F-1 Student Visa, OPT Eligible
- GPA: 3.9/4.0

Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Electronics and Communication
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India | 2022
- First Class with Distinction (US GPA Equivalent: 3.8/4.0)

Military to Civilian:

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Operations Management
Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY | 2023
- Completed through GI Bill benefits

Bachelor of Science (BS), Leadership and Management
United States Military Academy, West Point, NY | 2015
- Distinguished Military Graduate
- Army Service: 2015-2021 (Captain)

Non-Traditional Student:

Bachelor of Science (BS), Information Technology
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT | 2023
- Completed online while working full-time
- Accelerated program: Degree in 2.5 years
- Industry Certifications earned: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+

Tailoring Your Education Section for Maximum Impact

Your education section should work in harmony with the rest of your resume. Browse our resume examples to see how successful candidates in your field present their educational credentials.

Questions to Ask When Tailoring:

1. Does the job require a specific degree?
2. Would additional details strengthen my candidacy?
3. Is my education a key selling point for this role?
4. Should I emphasize certain aspects of my education?
5. Are there keywords from the job posting to incorporate?

Remember to Coordinate With:

• Your resume summary/objective
• Skills section (technical skills learned in school)
• Cover letter (expand on relevant projects or research)
• LinkedIn profile (ensure consistency)

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Final Thoughts: Making Your Education Work for You

Your education section is more than a list of degrees—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications, commitment to learning, and readiness for the role. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you’ll present your educational background in the most compelling and professional manner possible.

Remember these key principles:

• Always use full degree names with abbreviations
• Order degrees from newest to oldest
• Include relevant details for recent graduates
• Keep it concise for experienced professionals
• Optimize for both human readers and ATS
• Tailor content to the specific job and industry

Whether you’re a recent graduate leveraging your education to land your first job or an experienced professional adding new credentials, proper formatting and strategic presentation of your degrees can significantly impact your job search success.

Take the time to craft an education section that truly represents your academic achievements and supports your career goals. Your investment in education deserves to be showcased effectively—make sure it works as hard for you as you worked for it.

Ready to create a perfectly formatted resume? Try our AI Resume Builder to ensure your education section—and entire resume—makes the strongest possible impression.