3 key takeaways
- You list education on your resume in a designated Education section to show your academic background and qualifications.
- There are at least four things every resume Education section needs.
- Teal's AI Resume Builder can help you create and format a standout Education section—fast.
Listing your education on a resume might seem straightforward, but how you approach it can impact the way your knowledge and skills are perceived. Employers rely on this information to verify your qualifications and ensure you have the necessary background for the job—so you have to get it right.
But how do you list your education on a resume correctly? What information do you need? And how do you include your degrees or diplomas while making sure these key details are easy to find and understand?
If you're struggling to add education to your resume with the right details, make a free resume with Teal and use the flexible design to showcase your academic background clearly and correctly.
How to write a resume education section
Your education section is crucial in showcasing your academic background and qualifications. It highlights the foundation of your knowledge and skills, giving employers a look at your educational achievements. When creating this section, focus on clarity and relevance to make sure it complements the rest of your resume.
What to include in a resume education section
Your resume Education section should include the most pertinent details about your academic background. Here's what you should have:
- A clear header identifying the section
- Most recent degree or current in-progress education
- Name of school
- Location
- Graduation month and year or anticipated graduation month and year
- Optional:
- Grade point average (GPA) if it's 3.8 or above
- Major and minor
- Academic honors, relevant courses, achievements
- Extracurricular activities, programs, accolades, associations
What employers look for in the Education section of a resume
Specific academic or educational credentials might be an expectation for certain jobs. Whether you have a degree, diploma, or PhD, if these qualifications are listed in the JD, you should include them on your resume.
These details are also something recruiters search for in the ATS when they first start reviewing resumes—especially if they're required for the job. If your resume doesn't have these details, it won't come up when recruiters conduct their searches.
Employers also look for more than just a degree or diploma in your resume's Education section. The year you graduated also plays a significant role. This information helps hiring managers conduct background checks and gives them a sense of how recent your education is.
How far back should an education section on a resume go?
When listing your education, focus on the highest level of education you've completed and any other relevant degrees in reverse chronological order.
For some professionals, this means a bachelor's or master's. If you've completed additional coursework or training that's directly relevant to the job, you can include that with your education or in a separate Certification section.
Typically, earlier instruction, like high school education, should be omitted unless it's your highest level of education, required, or relevant to the role you're applying for.
Where to put education on a resume
The placement of your education section depends on your experience level and how relevant your academic background is to the job.
For recent graduates or those with no relevant work experience:
Your education section becomes the centerpiece of your resume. Think of it as your as your Work Experience section. Sitting just below your professional summary, focus on relevant projects, courses, and the impact you've made throughout your education history.
For experienced professionals:
Position your education section after your work experience. In this case, your professional accomplishments take priority, with your education acting as a supporting detail.
But, like many resume guidelines, there's no hard and fast rule for exactly where you have to put education on a resume. Ultimately, it's up to your discretion. How you prioritize this information will depend on:
- How important your educational background seems to the employer
- The role you're applying for
Education section for students
If you're attending college or still in the middle of getting your diploma, your Education section is one of the most important parts of your resume. Since you might not have extensive work experience yet, this section should highlight your academic achievements, relevant coursework, projects, and any relevant activities that connect your experience with the job your're applying to.
Include details like your degree in progress, the name of your school, your expected graduation date, and any honors or awards. If you've completed projects or are involved in organizations that align with the position, be sure to mention those, too.
Below is what an Education section for students could look like.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
Expected Graduation: May 2025
Relevant Projects:
Social Media Marketing Campaign
• Developed and executed a comprehensive social media marketing campaign for a local nonprofit organization. Increased online engagement by 45% over a three-month period and grew the nonprofit's follower base by 30%. This project involved creating content calendars, analyzing audience data, and optimizing posts for peak engagement.
Market Research Analysis
• Conducted an in-depth market research analysis for a startup's product launch, leading a team of five peers. Utilized survey data and competitor analysis to identify target demographics and market opportunities, resulting in actionable insights that contributed to a 20% increase in initial product sales.
Education section for recent graduates
As a recent graduate, your education section is a key part of your resume. Highlight your college degree, add your GPA if it's 3.8 or above, relevant coursework, academic honors, and any projects that align with the role you're applying for. Below is an example that includes one course, however, a good rule of thumb would be to include two to four relevant courses or projects with additional details and metrics.
Example
Education section for mid-career professionals
For mid-career professionals, your Education section should emphasize the degrees that have shaped your expertise. Focus on your highest qualifications, such as a master's degree and bachelor's degree. You can also include your major and minor if these are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Example
Education
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
New York University, Stern School of Business, New York, NY
Graduated: May 2015
• Specialized in Finance and Marketing, with a focus on strategic management and business development.
Bachelor of Science in Economics
University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2010
Major: Economics | Minor: Statistics
Education section for senior-level professionals
At the senior level, your education section should focus on the highest level of education you've completed, such as a master's degree or doctorate. If your thesis or capstone project is relevant to the job you're applying for, you can include that, too. But only if it helps makes the case for your value as a candidate.
The assumption is that if you've reached a high level of education, you've completed the foundational steps to get there—like earning a bachelor's degree. However, if the job you're applying for specifically requires a bachelor's degree or another foundational qualification, be sure to include that as well.
Example
Education
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Harvard Business School, Cambridge, MA
Graduated: May 2005
Dissertation: "Innovative Leadership Models in Global Corporations"
• Explored how innovative leadership practices can drive organizational success in multinational companies. The research provided a framework for implementing leadership strategies that led to a 25% increase in employee engagement at a Fortune 500 company.
Education section for changing careers
When changing careers, your education section should still include your degree, even if it's not directly related to your new field. If your degree isn't relevant, simply list it. However, if you don't have any work experience that aligns with the job you're applying for, you can go more in-depth with academic experiences that demonstrate transferable skills. For instance, highlight specific projects, coursework, or internships that showcase skills applicable to your new career.
Example
Let's say you're applying for a copywriting position but have a degree in social work. Here's how you can focus on relevant transferable skills in your Education section.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Graduated: May 2010
Experience
• During an internship with the Department of Child Services, I wrote 120+ comprehensive court reports, requiring clear, accurate, well-researched writing. These reports had a 100% acceptance rate in the Michigan court system and improved reunification plans for 75% of families involved.
Pro Tip: If you have online certifications relevant to your new career, (think digital marketing or project management) create a separate Certifications section to highlight them.
How to format education on a resume
Properly formatting your resume Education section helps employers quickly and easily identify your qualifications.
Whether you have multiple degrees, specialized coursework, or relevant projects, formatting this section correctly can make a big difference in how easy it is for hiring managers and recruiters to find this information.
Multiple degrees
If you hold multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree first. This approach focuses on your latest qualifications. Each degree should include the title, school name, location, and graduation date.
Here's an example of multiple degrees on a resume:
Major
Your major is a key indicator of your expertise and should be prominently displayed. List your major directly under your degree to make it clear what field your education focused on. This is especially important if your major aligns with the job you're applying for. Here's one way to add it to your resume.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2022
Major: Computer Science
Minor
A minor complements your major and shows additional areas of study. List your minor after your major to indicate a broader knowledge base. If you have relevant experience and your minor isn't relevant to the job, it's okay to omit it from your resume. If you opt to add it, here's how to do it.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley, CA
Graduated: May 2022
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Business Administration
Double major
A double major can show versatility and a strong work ethic. If you've completed a double major, it's important to clearly list both fields of study to highlight the breadth of your education. (Also, way to go!)
Example
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Graduated: May 2021
Double Major: Political Science and Economics
Honors societies
Being a member of an honors society reflects academic excellence and a commitment to your field. Including honors societies in your education section can distinguish you from other candidates by showcasing your dedication and achievements.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Graduated: May 2020
Honors Societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Psi Chi (Psychology Honor Society)
Relevant coursework and projects
If your work experience is limited or if you're applying for a position that requires specific knowledge or skills you gained during your studies, you can add them to your education. (Think coursework or projects that are directly relevant to the job.)
Example
Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Graduated: May 2021
Relevant Coursework
• Thermodynamics | Fluid Mechanics | Advanced Materials Science
Key Project
• Designed and tested a heat exchanger as part of a senior design project, which improved thermal efficiency by 15%.
Schools or programs
If you've attended multiple schools or completed specialized programs that contributed to your qualifications, be sure to list them in your education section. This is particularly important for programs or schools that are highly regarded in your field.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Graduated: May 2018
Exchange Program:
Parsons School of Design, New York, NY
Spring 2017
How to list education on a resume with Teal
Whether you're highlighting multiple degrees, showcasing relevant coursework, or deciding whether to include your GPA, Teal's Design Mode offers different ways to structure your education section.
You can easily move this section to where it fits best on your resume using the Drag-and-Drop Editor. Plus, because Teal's sections are comprehensive, if you have additional details to include (like academic honors or coursework) you can add them in the "Additional Information" section without any manual formatting.
Use Teal's flexible design to create your Education section without the hassle of manual formatting
How to list education on a resume as a student
As you may not yet have extensive work experience, your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any projects or extracurricular activities can help demonstrate your qualifications if you're still a student. Learning how to properly list and format this information can make your resume stand out to potential employers.
Resume education section for high school students
For high school students, your education section should highlight your school experience and any relevant accomplishments. This can include your GPA, relevant courses, and involvement in activities that demonstrate skills applicable to the job you're pursuing.
Example
Education
High School Honors Diploma
Westfield High School, Westfield, NJ
Expected Graduation: June 2024GPA: 3.7/4.0
Relevant Coursework
• AP English Language and Composition (Grade: A) | AP Statistics (Grade: A-) | Introduction to Computer Science (Grade: A)
Activities
• Captain of the Soccer Team (Responsible for leading 19 players) | Member of the National Honor Society | Volunteer at the Local Food Bank (Logged 150+ hours)
Resume education section for college students
As a college student, your education section should include whether you're working on a bachelor's or associate degree, along with your expected graduation date. Highlight relevant coursework, academic honors, and any key projects that align with the job you're applying for.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
Expected Graduation: June 2025
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework
• Cognitive Psychology (Grade: A+) | Research Methods in Psychology (Grade: A) | Developmental Psychology (Grade: A-)
Key Project
• Conducted a 3-month research study on memory retention techniques, which was presented at the UCLA Undergraduate Research Conference for an audience of 1000+ and received a commendation for its thorough methodology
How to list in-progress or incomplete education on a resume
Similar to a resume for students, listing in-progress or incomplete education shows you have some expertise or knowledge in a specific area to help bridge gaps if you have limited work experience.
However, suppose you have significant work experience, certifications, or another type of education—such as an associate degree—in place of an unfinished degree. In that case, you may not need to list the incomplete degree at all. Focus on the qualifications that are most relevant and show your readiness for the job.
Listing in-progress degree
If you're currently pursuing a degree, include it on your resume with your expected graduation date. This shows employers that you're actively working toward completing your education.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
Expected Graduation: May 2025
GPA: 3.9/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Data Structures | Algorithms | Operating Systems
Listing incomplete degree
If you started a degree program but didn't complete it, you can still list it on your resume. But, you must focus on the coursework and skills you gained that are relevant to the job. If you have other qualifications, like relevant certifications, opt to highlight those instead.
Example
Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology (Incomplete)
New York University, New York, NY
Completed 75 credits toward a degree in Biology
Relevant Coursework
• Genetics: Conducted a research project on genetic variation in a population of 200 fruit flies, leading to a 15% increase in accuracy in predicting inheritance patterns. Developed skills in DNA extraction and analysis applicable to genetic research roles.
• Microbiology: Performed microbial culture experiments, achieving a 20% reduction in contamination rates in lab environments. Proficient in using lab equipment and protocols relevant for lab technician or research assistant positions.
• Ecology: Participated in a field study that involved collecting and analyzing data on local ecosystems, leading to a detailed report on biodiversity with actionable recommendations for conservation efforts. Contributed to a 10% improvement in data accuracy for environmental assessments.
What can you put in place of education on a resume?
If you have limited formal education, you can highlight relevant work experience, certifications, skills, or professional development courses that align with the job you're applying for.
How to list continuing education on a resume
Continuing education refers to additional courses, certifications, or training you've completed beyond formal education. These can be included in your Education, Certifications, or even a Professional Development section, depending on how relevant they are to the job.
Adding extra sections and headers can offer clarity for these elements that are not part of formal education, making it easier for employers to spot the credentials that matter most.
Certifications and licenses
If you've earned specific certifications or licenses that are required for your role, it's best to list them in a separate Certifications section. This keeps these important qualifications from getting lost in your education, so they stand out quickly.
Example
Certifications
Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
Project Management Institute
December 2021
Professional development courses
Professional development courses can be listed in their own section or included as part of your Certifications or Education section. These courses should be relevant to the position and showcase your commitment to learning and staying updated in your specific field.
Example
Professional Development
Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies
Coursera
August 2022
Pro Tip: Want to create your own unique section? Use Teal's flexible design to rename and organize sections like Professional Development to better fit your resume's needs.
Best practices for a resume education section
1. List degrees in reverse chronological order
Always start with your most recent degree or education and work backward. This ensures that the most relevant and advanced education is highlighted first.
2. Include key details
Make sure to include the degree title, the name of the institution, the location (city and state), and your graduation date or expected graduation date.
3. Tailor your education section to the job
Focus on the aspects of your education that are most relevant to the job you're applying for. Customize the details to align with the JD.
4. Keep formatting consistent
Use consistent formatting for all entries in your Education section. This includes font size, style, and alignment, ensuring a clean and professional appearance.
5. Use a clear and simple layout
Ensure that the education section is easy to read, using bullet points or short descriptions to highlight key achievements or coursework. Avoid cluttering this section with unnecessary details.
6. Highlight relevant coursework or projects
If you're a student or recent graduate with limited work experience, include relevant coursework, projects, or research that aligns with the job you're applying for.
7. Consider adding your GPA
Include your GPA if it's 3.8 or above. This can demonstrate your academic excellence, but if your GPA is lower or you've been out of school for several years, it's usually best to leave it off.
8. Include honors and awards
If you've received academic honors, such as being on the dean's list or membership in an honor society, be sure to include these to showcase your achievements.
9. Certifications and continuing education
If you've completed certifications or continuing education that's relevant to the job, consider creating a separate section to highlight these accomplishments. This can also be included under education if closely related to your degree.
10. Omit irrelevant or dated information
If you've been in the workforce for a while, you may choose to leave off older or less relevant education details, such as high school information, unless it's your highest level of education.
Common questions about education on a resume
Should education be first on a resume?
The placement of your education section depends on your career stage. If you're a student or recent graduate with limited work experience, placing your education at the top makes sense. It highlights your academic achievements and relevant coursework, which can be crucial for roles where your education is a key qualification. However, if you have several years of professional experience, your work history should take precedence, with your education section following.
Where should education go on a resume?
The placement of your education section should be strategic, depending on your career stage and the relevance of your academic background to the job you're applying for. Here's how to approach it:
Student
If you're a student or recent graduate, your education is one of the most important aspects of your resume. It's often the first thing employers look at, especially if you have limited work experience. Place your education section near the top of your resume, right after your professional summary. This highlights your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the role.
[X] years of experience
If you're a professional with a few years of experience experience, your work history becomes more important than your education. In this case, your education section should be placed after your work experience. This allows employers to focus on your practical experience and how it aligns with the job, while still providing your educational background as supporting information.
Senior professional
As a senior professional with extensive work experience, your education section is typically less critical to your resume's overall impact. Position it toward the bottom of your resume, following your work experience, skills, and any other relevant sections. At this stage in your career, employers are more interested in your achievements and leadership roles, with your education serving as a foundational detail.
Should I include my anticipated graduation date?
If you're currently pursuing a degree, it's important to include your anticipated graduation date on your resume. Label it clearly as "Expected Graduation" or "Anticipated Graduation" to show that the date is in the future.
Do I need to include my graduation date on my resume?
Including your graduation date is always recommended. It provides context about when you completed your education and the necessary details for background checks.
What if you don't have the right education?
If your education doesn't perfectly match the job requirements, you can still position yourself as a strong candidate. Focus on highlighting your relevant experience, skills, impact, and other details like relevant certifications throughout the rest of your resume. The key is to show how your unique background equips you for the role, even if it's not the traditional path.
Should you include supplemental materials?
Including supplemental materials like transcripts or portfolios can add valuable context to your application—if they're relevant. However, these should serve as links in your contact information, allowing employers to easily access them without distracting from the main content of your resume. This keeps the focus on your qualifications while still providing additional depth for those who want to explore further.
