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20 Examples: How To List Education on a Resume

Last Updated on July 4, 2026 by Status.net Editorial Team

Crafting the perfect resume is an essential step towards landing your dream job. As you focus on work experience, don’t forget to give your educational background the attention it deserves. Showcasing your education on your resume can make a big difference, especially for fresh graduates or candidates who lack extensive work experience. Related: How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Examples)

Part 1Highlighting Your Education

Your education is an important part of your background that employers want to know about. This section provides a quick overview of formatting guidelines for listing different levels of education on your resume. We will further explore how to effectively highlight your educational achievements and qualifications.

If you have completed high school, your education listing can be as simple as:
High School Diploma, [Name of School], [Location], [Year of Graduation]

For those with college education, you can list your degree and major. For example:
Bachelor of Arts in English, [Name of University], [Location], [Year of Graduation]

For graduates with multiple degrees, list them separately, starting with the most recent one:
Master of Business Administration, [Name of University], [Location], [Year of Graduation]
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, [Name of University], [Location], [Year of Graduation]

If you’re currently pursuing a degree and haven’t finished yet, mention that by including “In Progress” or “Expected [Year of Graduation]”:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, [Name of University], [Location], In Progress

or
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, [Name of University], [Location], Expected 2026

Don’t forget to include any relevant certifications or licenses you’ve earned, as they may be essential for the job you’re applying for. Format them like this:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), [Issuing Organization], [Year of Certification]

This covers the basic formatting for listing common education credentials. The following sections will take a closer look at strategies for positioning and emphasizing your education to its best advantage on your resume.

You might see this section labeled differently depending on the employer, the resume template, or the country where you’re applying. Terms like “educational background,” “educational attainment,” and “academic qualifications” all point to the same part of your resume: a summary of the schools you attended and the credentials you earned. If a job application specifically asks for your “educational attainment,” it typically wants your highest completed degree or credential, written the same way you’d list it on a resume.

Part 2Format and Structure for Listing Education on a Resume

First, list your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or highest level of education and working your way backward. This will ensure your most impressive achievements are at the top and the first to be seen.

For each entry on the education list, include the following information:

  • Name of the institution
  • Degree or certificate earned
  • Major or area of study
  • Graduation date or expected graduation date
  • GPA (only if it’s impressive or relevant to the position)

Example

 

University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Minor in Mathematics
Graduation Date: June 2023
GPA: 3.85

It is wise to only include the most relevant and recent education experiences that showcase your qualifications for the applied job. However, if you have completed certifications, courses, or workshops related to the job you’re applying for, go ahead and add a separate subsection for those experiences.

For recent courses or certifications, format them with a similar structure:

Widget Design Workshop
GreenTech Company
Completion Date: March 2023

Your education section should align with the format chosen for other sections of your resume. Consistency in styling (font, size, bullet points) is key to making your resume look polished and professional.

Quick Checklist: What Belongs in Your Education Section

When people ask what to put under education on a resume, the answer depends on how much experience you have and how relevant your schooling is to the job you want. As a general checklist, most education entries include:

  • Institution name and location
  • Degree, diploma, or certificate title
  • Major, minor, or field of study
  • Graduation date, or expected graduation date if you’re still enrolled
  • GPA, only if it’s strong (3.5 or higher) or specifically requested
  • Academic honors, such as cum laude or Dean’s List
  • Relevant coursework, a capstone project, or a thesis title

You rarely need every item on this list for every entry. A seasoned professional with fifteen years of experience might list only the degree, school, and graduation year, while a recent graduate applying for a first role might include coursework and honors to round out a thinner resume.

Part 3Placement of Education Section on a Resume

When it comes to placing your education section on your resume, it should usually be located right after your professional experience. However, if you’re a recent graduate or you have minimal experience in your field, you may want to place your education section right below your resume summary.

Keep in mind that placement may vary depending on your specific background and the job you’re applying for. No matter the placement, make sure your education section is easy to find and well-organized.

When listing your educational background, format it in a way that is clear and concise. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Example University, May 2021, City, State

Include any relevant coursework, honors or awards, and specialized training under the appropriate degree. For example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Example University, May 2021, City, State
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Networking
Honors: Dean’s List Fall 2020 – Spring 2021

For those who have multiple degrees or certifications, list the most recent first and work your way backward chronologically. Here’s a sample format:

Master of Business Administration
Example University, June 2019, City, State

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Example College, December 2016, City, State

Be sure to tailor the education section to the job you’re applying for by emphasizing any coursework or certifications that are applicable to the position. This will help demonstrate your qualifications and show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge.

As a rule, the education section of a resume should list schools in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recently attended or highest-level program appears first, with earlier schools listed below it. This holds even when an older degree feels more impressive, since recruiters generally expect the newest information at the top.

If you graduated more than fifteen or twenty years ago, consider leaving off the exact graduation year. Listing “Bachelor of Science in Marketing, State University” without a date keeps the focus on your experience and skills. This approach is common among experienced professionals who would rather highlight recent accomplishments than the timeline of their education.

Part 4How to List High School Education on a Resume

When listing your high school education on your resume, start with the name of the school, followed by its city and state. If you’ve graduated, include the year of graduation. If you haven’t graduated yet or are still in high school, simply mention “in progress” or the expected year of graduation. Here’s an example:

Springfield High School, Springfield, IL Graduated 2015

If you earned any significant achievements (such as honors or awards) during your high school years, feel free to add those as well. For example:

Springfield High School, Springfield, IL Graduated with Honors, 2015 Awarded the John Smith Scholarship for Excellence in Mathematics

Keep the focus on accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you participated in clubs or activities related to your desired field, mention them too. For instance:

Springfield High School, Springfield, IL Graduated with Honors, 2015 Member of the student-led Tech Club, where we collaborated on coding projects and organized workshops

As you gain more work experience, your high school education may become less relevant. However, if you’re a recent graduate with limited work history, it’s still important to include it. Related: Impressive Resume with No Work Experience (for Students)

Don’t worry about including your GPA unless it’s exceptional (above 3.5) or the job posting specifically requests it.

If you earned a GED rather than a traditional diploma, list it the same way: GED, [Name of Program or School], [Location], [Year]. If your high school offered a specific course of study or track, such as a vocational, STEM, or International Baccalaureate program, you can mention it when it’s relevant to the role:

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Springfield High School, Springfield, IL Course of Study: Career and Technical Education, Automotive Technology, Graduated 2015

Once you’ve completed a college degree or gained a few years of solid work experience, most job seekers drop their high school details entirely. There’s no fixed rule for when to remove it, but a good gauge is whether it still adds anything a recruiter can’t already see from your college degree or job history.

Part 5How to List Undergraduate Education on a Resume

When listing your undergraduate education on your resume, start by mentioning the name of the college or university in bold. Follow this with the city and state of the institution. Next, include your degree, major, and minor (if applicable) along with the year you completed your studies. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2023 Minor in Marketing

If you want to showcase your impressive GPA, you can add it right after your major. However, it’s generally recommended to include your GPA only if it’s 3.5 or above. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (GPA: 3.8), May 2023 Minor in Marketing

Perhaps you have a couple of relevant coursework that could be of interest to an employer. In this case, you can make a bullet point list with the names of these courses. Don’t include too many courses; choose 2-4 of the most relevant ones. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, May 2023 Minor in Marketing

  • Marketing Strategy
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Promotional Management

In case you’re still pursuing your undergraduate degree but want to include it on your resume for internships or part-time positions, you can list it as “In progress” or “Expected [month/year]”. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Expected May 2024 Minor in Marketing

If you’re a current student applying for an internship or part-time role and don’t have an exact graduation date yet, class standing works just as well. For example:

State University – Townsville, NY Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Junior (3rd Year), Expected Graduation May 2025

This format is common on internship applications and gives recruiters a clear sense of how far along you are in your degree, even before you’ve settled on a precise graduation month.

Part 6How to List Postgraduate Education on a Resume

When listing your postgraduate education on your resume, it’s important to showcase your highest degree or most relevant education. Here are a few examples:

Example: Master’s Degree Holder
Master of Science in Computer Science, May 2021
X University, City, State

Example: Doctoral Degree Holder
Ph.D. in Psychology, June 2019
ABC University, City, State
Thesis: “The Effects of Social Media on Mental Health”

Make sure to include the degree name, graduation date, institution, and location. If you have completed a thesis or a dissertation, include its title to highlight your area of expertise.

If you have multiple postgraduate degrees, list them in reverse chronological order. Tailor the information to the position you’re applying for and consider focusing on the degree most relevant to the job.

Example: Multiple Postgraduate Degrees
Master of Business Administration (MBA), May 2021
X Business School, City, State

Master of Science in Data Analytics, December 2018
DEF University, City, State

For ongoing postgraduate studies, indicate that you are currently enrolled, and mention your anticipated completion date.

Example: Ongoing Postgraduate Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Physics, Expected Completion: May 2025
ABC University, City, State

Keep the formatting consistent with the rest of your resume for a visually appealing and professional look.

Part 7How to List Continuing Education

Certifications

When listing certifications on your resume, include the certification title, the certifying organization, and the year you obtained it. This information should be organized in a clear and concise manner. For example:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Institute, 2021
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), American Institute of CPAs, 2020

Trainings

Training courses can be an excellent way to showcase your commitment to continuous learning and development. Mention the most relevant trainings, the provider or organization, and the completion date. Like this:

  • Advanced Excel Training, Udemy, 2022
  • Leadership and Team Development Workshop, Dale Carnegie Training, 2021

Workshops

Workshops are another great method to highlight your dedication to ongoing education. Be sure to mention the workshop title, the organizing institution, and the date you attended. For instance:

  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Workshop, Moz Academy, 2023
  • Design Thinking Workshop, Stanford University, 2022

Try to prioritize the most relevant certifications, trainings, and workshops to the job you are applying for and consider using bullet points for a clean, organized appearance.

Related: How To List Certifications on a Resume (Examples)

Part 8How to List Unfinished Degrees on a Resume

When listing an unfinished degree on your resume, it’s crucial to be clear and concise. Start by mentioning the name of your degree followed by the major. For instance, you could write “Bachelor of Arts in English” or “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.” Next, include the name of the institution you’re attending or attended.

For example:
University of (…), City, State
Bachelor of Arts in English, Expected Graduation Month Year

Make sure to indicate the anticipated graduation date if you’re still in progress. Use phrases like “Expected Graduation” or “Anticipated Graduation” followed by the month and year. This informs the recruiter about your commitment to completing the degree and the remaining timeline.

When showcasing your coursework or relevant skills, use bullet points for better readability. Give a brief summary of significant classes and projects that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Don’t forget to ensure that it aligns with the job requirements:
Relevant Coursework:
– Creative Writing
– Literary Theory
– British Literature

or
Key Projects:
– Developed an application for tracking reading progress using Python and Django
– Created an interactive website for showcasing short stories using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

Showcasing your accomplishments, relevant coursework, and projects can help make up for the incomplete degree, proving your value to potential employers.

There’s a meaningful difference between a degree that’s actively in progress and one you started but didn’t finish. If you’re no longer enrolled and have no plans to return, it’s often clearer to describe what you completed rather than imply you’re still working toward the degree. For example:

University of (…), City, State
Coursework completed toward Bachelor of Arts in English, 2019-2021

This phrasing is honest about where things stand while still giving credit for the credits and coursework you completed. It also avoids the awkward situation of a recruiter later asking about an “expected graduation date” for a degree you don’t plan to finish.

Part 9How to Highlight Key Achievements in Education on a Resume

When listing education on your resume, it’s important to highlight your key achievements. This will show potential employers that you not only completed your studies, but also excelled in certain areas. Consider the following examples to help you emphasize your accomplishments.

Example: Include GPA and Honors
Education
———-
Bachelor of Science in Marketing, X University, City, State, May 2023
– Cumulative GPA: 3.8/4.0
– Graduated cum laude

By mentioning your GPA and honors, you demonstrate your dedication to academic excellence. This information can help set you apart from other candidates with similar degrees.

Example: Showcase Relevant Coursework
Education
———-
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, ABC University, City, State, June 2022
– Relevant coursework: Logo Design, Typography, Web Design, Illustration

Mentioning specific relevant courses you performed well in will illustrate your expertise in certain aspects of your field. This can help employers understand your strengths and competencies.

Example: Highlight Extracurricular Involvement and Awards
Education
———-
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, LMN University, City, State, August 2021
– Active member of the Society of Mechanical Engineers (SME) chapter
– Winner of the University Engineering Excellence Award

Your involvement in extracurricular activities and accolades can demonstrate your passion for your field and your ability to go above and beyond.

Part 10How to Address Gaps in Education on a Resume

Sometimes, you might have gaps in your education history. This could be due to various reasons like taking a break, pursuing a different career, or dealing with personal matters. But don’t worry, you can tackle this issue when listing your education on your resume.

First, focus on the valuable skills and experience that you gained during the gap period. If you took online courses or attended workshops, you can highlight these under the education section or even create a separate section for professional development. For instance:

Education:

  • Bachelors in Business Administration, XYZ University, 2019
  • Project Management Certification, Online Course, 2021

Next, use a functional or hybrid resume format instead of a purely chronological one. This allows you to place a greater emphasis on your relevant skills and experiences rather than arranging everything by date. By doing so, the gap may become less noticeable:

Relevant Skills & Experience:

  • Project management
  • Data analysis
  • Financial planning
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Education:

  • Bachelors in Business Administration, X University, 2019
  • Project Management Certification, Online Course, 2021

Lastly, consider including a concise explanation for the gap in your cover letter to address any concerns upfront. For example:

“After completing my bachelor’s degree in 2019, I took a year to explore different career options. During this time, I realized my passion for project management and pursued a certification course to develop my skills in this field.”

Related: Confidently Explain Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Examples)

Not every education gap needs a detailed explanation on the resume itself. If your time away from school was spent on caregiving, travel, military service, or recovering from a health issue, a brief, factual note is usually enough, and the fuller story can wait for an interview if it comes up at all. Employers are generally more interested in what you did during the gap and what you’re bringing to the role now than in the reason for the pause.

Part 11How to List Multiple Degrees or Courses on a Resume

Example 1: Chronological order

List your degrees or courses in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one first.
– Master of Business Administration, X University, 2023
– Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC College, 2020
– Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, LMN Community College, 2017

Example 2: Prioritize relevance

If you have degrees in different fields, you can prioritize them based on their relevance to the job you’re applying for.
– Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC College, 2020
– Master of Business Administration, X University, 2023 (Relevant coursework: IT Management, Business Analytics)
– Associate of Arts in Graphic Design, Y Community College, 2017

Example 3: Grouping courses

For those who have completed multiple relevant courses or certifications, group them together under a “Relevant Courses” or “Relevant Certifications” section.
Relevant Courses:
– Data Analysis and Visualization with Python, ABC University, 2020
– Machine Learning Fundamentals, X Institute, 2019

Keep in mind that you can also choose to list your highest or most relevant degree if you’re concerned about space or if you’ve completed an extensive list of courses and education programs.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to add any accolades or achievements that came with your degrees or coursework, such as Dean’s List or scholarships. Showcasing these accomplishments can be a great way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence and drive in your education.

Part 12How to List International Degrees on a Resume

When listing your international degree on your resume, ensure the information is clear and easy to understand for potential employers. Here are some tips on how to present your international education effectively:

First, provide the name of the degree in its original language. This helps the employer understand the level of education you have attained. Next, include the English translation of the degree to make it more accessible for employers who may not be familiar with the international terminology. Ensure you include the name of the university and its location (city and country) to provide more context about your educational background. For example:

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Betriebswirtschaftslehre)
Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany

If your degree is from a non-English speaking country, include the equivalent U.S. or U.K. degree if possible. This helps employers gauge your educational level more accurately. For instance, if you have a Spanish Licenciatura, you can list it as:

Licenciatura in Psychology (Equivalent to Bachelor’s Degree)
University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Lastly, consider including your GPA if it’s impressive or required by the job. However, make sure to convert it into the 4.0 GPA scale commonly used in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries. There are various online tools available to help with this conversion. For example:

Master of Science in Computer Science (Diplôme d’Ingénieur)
École Polytechnique, Paris, France
GPA: 3.7/4.0 (Converted)

Part 13How to List Online Degrees on a Resume

When listing your online degree on your resume, treat it as you would a traditional degree. Make sure to include the name of the institution, the degree earned, and the completion date. If your online degree is from a well-known and respected institution, showcasing it can be a strong selling point.

For example:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
X University (Online), 2021

If you’ve taken a combination of online and in-person courses, there’s no need to differentiate between the two. Simply list your degree and the institution, as you would for traditional education. However, if the online nature of your degree is important to the job you’re applying for, you could mention it briefly in your cover letter.

It’s also essential to highlight your relevant coursework and certifications to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in the field. This can be particularly useful if your online degree has equipped you with specialized skills that are tailored to the position. You could list these accomplishments in a separate section on your resume, such as:

Relevant Coursework:
– Social Media Marketing Strategies
– Financial Analysis and Risk Management
– Project Management Tools and Techniques

Don’t forget to showcase any key projects, case studies, or team-based experiences you had while earning your online degree. This could be included under a “Projects and Achievements” heading on your resume:

Projects and Achievements:
– Capstone Project: Developed a comprehensive marketing plan for a new e-commerce start-up, resulting in a 20% increase in sales during the first quarter.
– Collaborated with a team of six peers to analyze and provide solutions for a real-world business challenge during an intensive two-month course.
– Ranked in the top 5% of my graduating class for overall GPA and academic excellence.

Part 14How to List Education in Progress on a Resume

Plenty of job seekers apply for roles while they’re still in school, whether they’re chasing an internship, a part-time job to cover tuition, or a full-time position that starts after graduation. Listing education that’s still in progress is straightforward once you know the format recruiters expect.

Currently Enrolled in a Degree Program

If you’re actively working toward a degree, list the school, the degree title, and your expected completion date. Use “Expected [Month Year]” or “In Progress” depending on how firm your timeline is:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, In Progress
State University, City, State
Expected Graduation: May 2026

If you’re pursuing an MBA or another graduate program while working, the format stays the same:

Master of Business Administration, Currently Pursuing
City Business School, City, State
Expected Completion: December 2025

Listing Your Year or Class Standing

If you don’t have a set graduation date yet, or your program doesn’t run on a traditional semester calendar, class standing is a reliable substitute:

  • Freshman / 1st Year
  • Sophomore / 2nd Year
  • Junior / 3rd Year
  • Senior / 4th Year

For example: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2nd Year, XYZ College

Waiting on Results or a Pending Credential

If you’ve completed your coursework or sat for a licensing exam but haven’t received your official results yet, it’s fine to note that status honestly:

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, XYZ University, Graduated 2024
CPA Board Exam: Results Pending

This situation comes up often in licensure-based fields like accounting, nursing, and teaching, where the degree is finished before the certification exam results come back.

Update your resume as soon as your status changes. An “Expected Graduation” date that has already passed can raise questions during an interview, so revise it to reflect your actual completion once you’re done.

Part 15How to List Education with No Work Experience

If you’re a recent graduate, a current student, or applying for a first job, including entry-level and retail positions, your education section often carries more weight than it will later in your career. When you don’t have much of a work history to lean on, education can do a lot of the work in showing employers you’re capable and ready to learn.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Move your education section above your work experience, right under your resume summary or objective.
  • Include relevant coursework, class projects, or a capstone that relates to the job.
  • List academic honors, scholarships, or leadership roles in clubs and organizations.
  • Add volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs, even if they’re unrelated to your target role. They still demonstrate reliability and work ethic.

For example, a recent high school graduate applying for a retail position might format their resume like this:

Education
Springfield High School, Springfield, IL, Graduated 2024
– Member, Student Council; Honor Roll all four years

Experience
Volunteer, Springfield Food Bank, 2022-2024
– Assisted customers, organized inventory, and handled cash donations

This structure leads with what you have to offer academically, then backs it up with any hands-on experience, even if it’s unpaid or informal. Related: How to Write a Resume With No Experience (Examples)

Part 16Understanding Educational Attainment and Field of Study

Job applications and online forms don’t always use the word “education.” You’ll often see terms like “educational attainment,” “field of study,” “qualification achieved,” or “degree status” instead, especially on formal applications, government forms, or systems used outside a traditional resume. Here’s what each one is asking for.

Educational Attainment

Educational attainment refers to the highest level of education you’ve completed, not a full list of every school you’ve attended. If a form asks for your educational attainment, a short, direct answer works best:

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Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, XYZ University, 2021

If you’re still studying, note the highest level you’ve completed so far along with what’s in progress:

Highest Completed: High School Diploma
Currently Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Expected 2026)

Field of Study

Your field of study is simply your major, specialization, or area of concentration, the subject your degree focuses on. If a form asks for it separately from your degree title, list just the subject:

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Field of Study: Computer Science

Qualification Achieved and Degree Status

Some application forms, particularly ones used for licensing, government jobs, or international employers, ask for “qualification achieved” or “degree status” as separate fields. These typically want a short answer describing whether your credential is complete, in progress, or pending:

  • Qualification Achieved: Bachelor of Arts in English
  • Degree Status: Completed / In Progress / Pending Results

When a form gives you a word limit, such as “background and academic details (max 200 words),” keep your answer to the essentials: your degree, institution, graduation year, and one or two sentences about relevant coursework or honors. Save the longer story for your resume or cover letter.

Part 17How to List Education on a CV or Job Application

A resume and a curriculum vitae (CV) handle education a little differently. On a resume, keep entries brief: institution, degree, and dates. A CV, which is standard for academic, research, and some international roles, usually calls for more detail, including a thesis or dissertation title, an advisor’s name, relevant publications, and any conferences or academic honors tied to each degree.

If you’re filling out a formal job application or biodata form rather than submitting a resume, you may run into fields like “school attended,” “course of study,” or “degree received” that ask for the same information in a more rigid format. Match your answer to what’s listed on your actual diploma or transcript:

  • School Attended: XYZ University
  • Course of Study: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
  • Degree Received: Bachelor of Science

When in doubt, use the full, official name of your program exactly as it appears on your diploma. Abbreviating or paraphrasing your degree title can create confusion during credential verification later in the hiring process.

Part 18Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Education Section

After reviewing enough resumes, a few education-section mistakes tend to show up again and again. Watch for these:

  • Listing outdated or irrelevant details. A high school achievement from a decade ago rarely adds value once you have a college degree or several years of work experience.
  • Including a weak GPA. If your GPA is below 3.5, it’s usually safer to leave it off entirely rather than draw attention to it.
  • Formatting inconsistently. If one entry lists the school first and the next lists the degree first, the section becomes harder to scan. Pick one format and use it for every entry.
  • Forgetting to update an “Expected Graduation” date. Once you’ve graduated, go back and change it to your actual graduation date and month.
  • Leaving out the field of study. “Bachelor of Science” alone tells a recruiter far less than “Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.”
  • Overexplaining an incomplete degree. A line or two about coursework completed is plenty. There’s no need to justify why a program wasn’t finished.
  • Using inconsistent date formats. Stick to one style, such as “May 2023” or “05/2023,” throughout the entire resume.

Small errors like these don’t disqualify a candidate on their own, but they add up. A clean, consistent education section signals the same attention to detail you’d bring to the job itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I include an unfinished degree on my resume?

To include an unfinished degree on your resume, list the school you attended, the degree you were pursuing, and your years of attendance. Indicate that your degree is still in progress by adding a phrase such as “Expected Graduation” with the estimated completion date, like this:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, In Progress
X University, City, State
Attended from 2023 – Present
Expected Graduation: May 2026

What is the proper way to list a bachelor’s degree on a resume?

To properly list a bachelor’s degree on your resume, include the degree name, your major, the name of the school, its city and state, and the graduation date. If you’ve graduated with honors or have any specializations, include those as well:

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
X University, City, State
Graduated Cum Laude, May 2019
Specialization: Organic Chemistry

Should I include my high school education on my resume?

It’s generally not necessary to include your high school education on your resume if you have completed higher education (e.g., a college degree) or have substantial work experience. However, if you are a recent high school graduate with limited work experience or are applying for positions where high school education is a requirement, you can include your high school education like this:

High School Diploma
ABC High School, City, State
Graduated June 2021

What’s an example of listing a field of study on a resume?

An example of listing a specific field of study on a resume might look like this:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
X University, City, State
Graduated Summa Cum Laude, May 2020
Focus: Typography and Branding

Here, the resume highlights the specific area of study (Graphic Design) and additional focus within that area to demonstrate the candidate’s expertise.

What does “educational attainment” mean on a resume or application?

Educational attainment simply means the highest level of education you’ve completed, such as a high school diploma, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctorate. When a form asks for it, a one-line answer is usually enough: the degree title, the school, and the year you completed it.

What is a good sample answer for educational attainment?

A sample answer might look like: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of the Philippines, 2022. If you’re still studying, you can note both your current status and your highest completed level, for example: Highest Completed: Associate Degree in Nursing; Currently Pursuing: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Expected 2026).

What does “field of study” mean on a job application?

Field of study refers to your major or area of academic concentration, the specific subject your degree focused on, rather than the general degree type itself. For example, if your degree is a Bachelor of Arts, your field of study might be Psychology, Communications, or Economics.

How do I list education on a resume if I’m still in college?

List the school name, your degree program, and either an expected graduation date or your current class standing (such as “Junior” or “3rd Year”). This lets recruiters know you’re still enrolled without leaving them guessing about your timeline. See the section above on listing education still in progress for detailed examples.

Should education be listed before or after work experience?

In most cases, education goes after work experience once you have a couple of years of relevant job history. If you’re a student, recent graduate, or changing careers into a field where your degree is your strongest credential, placing education above work experience often makes more sense.

In what order should schools be listed on a resume?

Schools should be listed in reverse chronological order, meaning your most recent or highest level of education appears first, followed by earlier schools in descending order.

How do I list education on a resume for a job with no experience?

Move your education section near the top of the resume, and include details like relevant coursework, GPA (if strong), honors, and extracurricular activities. Pairing this with any volunteer work, internships, or part-time jobs helps round out a resume that doesn’t yet have a long work history. The section above on listing education with no work experience walks through a full example.

How do I explain a career gap in my resume?

You can address a gap by highlighting any courses, certifications, or skills you gained during that time, using a functional or hybrid resume format that emphasizes skills over strict chronology, and keeping any explanation brief and factual. A short note in your cover letter can also help address the gap upfront if you feel it’s necessary.

What if I never completed my degree?

If you’re no longer working toward the degree, it often reads better to list the coursework you completed rather than an “expected graduation” date you don’t plan to meet. For example: Coursework completed toward Bachelor of Arts in English, 2019-2021. This is honest about where things stand while still giving credit for the time and credits you earned.

What does “proposed further qualifications” mean on an application form?

This field is asking about any additional certifications, courses, or degrees you plan to pursue in the future, rather than what you’ve already completed. If you’re not currently planning further education, it’s fine to write “None at this time” or briefly note any professional development you’re considering, such as a certification relevant to the role.

Your Complete Interview Roadmap to Land Your Dream Job:
1) How to Prepare for a Job Interview: The Complete Guide
2) Full Guide to Common Interview Questions & Best Answers
3) The Right Questions to Ask After a Job Interview (Complete Guide)
4) How to Follow Up After a Job Interview and Actually Get the Job
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