Listing Education on Resume: The Ultimate Guide

Listing education on resume applications is essential. Even more important is knowing what to include and how to format it correctly.

Read on to get all the information you need to create an impressive education section for your resume. From what to include, to how to format it, this guide will cover everything you need to know about listing education on your resume.

How to list your educational background on your resume

Listing education on your resume is the perfect way to show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to do the job.

There are a few basic guidelines you should follow in this regard.

First, list the most recent degree first, followed by any other educational experiences that are related to the job you are applying for.

Be sure to include the name of the school, the degree you earned, and any dates that may be relevant. It is also important to list any certifications or special qualifications you have. In addition, if you attended any special workshops or seminars, include these as well.

Finally, if you have any awards or honors related to your education, list these as well. With a clear and concise format for listing your educational background, employers will be able to quickly get a sense of your qualifications and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.

What to include in your education section

Here are the essential elements that you should include in your education section. Be sure to make sure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date so potential employers can easily verify it.

• Degree: The type of degree you achieved and the name of the school where you earned it.
•  Major: If you’ve earned a degree in a specific major, make sure to list it here.
• Graduation Year: If you recently graduated, you should include the year of graduation.
• Location: Make sure to include the city and state of the institution where you attended.
• Relevant Coursework: If you have relevant coursework that is applicable to the job you’re applying for, include it in your education section.
• Awards and Honors: Any awards or honors received in college should be included in your education section.
• GPA (optional): You can include your GPA if it was above a certain threshold or if the job requires it.

Additionally, you should make sure to tailor the language used when describing your academic achievements. Use action verbs like “completed” or “achieved” to describe what you did during your studies.

For example, instead of simply saying “graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English” you might say “successfully completed Bachelor’s degree in English with honors.”

Finally, consider adding any extracurricular activities related to your studies such as internships or research projects which may help boost your qualifications even further. With this advice, the education section on your resume will stand out and will help you land an interview!

How to format your resume education section

When it comes to formatting your education section, there are several key elements to consider.
First, you should list your degrees in reverse chronological order. That means starting with the highest degree you’ve earned and working backward.

You should also include the name of the school, location, year of graduation, and degree type.

Second, you should consider whether or not to include your GPA on your resume. If you’re applying for a job that requires a specific GPA, it’s important to include it.

Otherwise, unless you graduated with honors, you can typically omit your GPA from your resume.

Third, if you’re still in school and/or have taken courses that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, you can also include them in this section.

Listing these courses can demonstrate that you have an understanding of concepts related to the job and have put in the effort to stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Lastly, if you’ve completed any certifications that are related to the position, be sure to add them here as well.

Listing education on a resume without a degree

If you are a job seeker who has not obtained a degree, don’t let that stop you from listing your education on your resume. Here are some tips to help you effectively showcase your educational background on your resume without a degree:

•  List any coursework, certificates, or licenses related to the job you’re applying for. This will demonstrate to employers that you have acquired knowledge and skills in the areas related to the job.
• Highlight any certifications, apprenticeships, or professional development activities you have completed. These can demonstrate to employers that you have the necessary skills for the job.
• List any workshops, seminars, conferences, or other educational events you have attended. Include any awards or recognitions you have earned as well.
•  If you attended college or university but did not earn a degree, list the educational institution and relevant courses taken.
• Include any relevant volunteer or internship experiences you have had in the field. This can show employers that you are committed to learning and have real-world experience.

Listing ongoing education on a resume

If you are currently in the middle of obtaining your educational credentials, there are a few ways you can list them on your resume.

You want to make sure that you indicate that your education is ongoing in a way that highlights your progress and does not make it appear as though you have not yet achieved your educational goals.

The most important thing to remember when listing education on your resume when it is in progress is, to be honest, and transparent about your situation. You do not want to mislead potential employers into thinking that you have completed your education if you have not.

When listing education on your resume while it is in progress, start by stating the name of the degree program you are working towards, followed by the name of the college or university.

Be sure to include any relevant information such as the expected completion date, GPA, and awards or honors you have received.

For example:

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration,
University of California Berkeley,
Expected Graduation Date: May 2023,
Dean’s List: 2020.

If you are still taking classes but have not yet declared a major, you can simply list your college or university and expected graduation date. You can also include any specific courses you have taken that are relevant to the job for which you are applying.

For example:

California State University, Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2021
Relevant Courses: Business Accounting, Principles of Economics, Introduction to Finance

You may also want to consider including a short sentence after your education section to indicate that you are still pursuing your degree. This will help emphasize that you are actively working towards completing your education.

For example: Currently pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from University of California Berkeley.

No matter how you choose to list your education on your resume when it is in progress, be sure to keep it up-to-date and accurate. This will demonstrate to potential employers that you are reliable and dedicated to achieving your educational goals.

Tips on how to list your education on your resume

• If you have a college degree, list the name of your school, its location, the type of degree you earned, and your graduation year. For example:
  The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  Bachelor of Science in Psychology
•  If you are still pursuing your degree, include the name of the school, its location, the program you’re in, and the expected graduation date. For example:
  University of Washington, Seattle
  Master of Science in Biology
  Expected Graduation June 2021
•  If you have an Associate’s degree, list the name of the school, its location, and the type of degree you earned. For example:
  The Evergreen State College
  Associate of Arts in Business Management
•  If you have professional certifications or licenses, include the name of the certification or license, where you obtained it, and when you obtained it. For example:
  Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  Licensed by the State of California
  Awarded April 2021
•  If you’ve completed any coursework, include the name of the institution where you studied, the program or course you completed, and when you completed it. For example:
  Harvard University Extension School
  Six-month Course in Web Development
  Completed May 2020

Sample Resume with the education section

Summary

Recent college graduate with experience in the customer service and food service industries. Possesses strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn. Seeking a role as an Administrative Assistant where I can leverage my strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Education

University of Washington, Seattle WA
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, June 2020
• Cumulative GPA: 3.7
• Awarded Dean’s List honors each semester
• Relevant coursework: Communication Theory, Media Analysis, Public Speaking

Experience

Burger King, Bellevue, WA:  Customer Service Associate, April 2019-Present
• Greet and assist customers with orders in a friendly and professional manner
• Provide excellent customer service while managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Train new employees in proper customer service protocol
• Ensure the accuracy of order preparation and payment processing
• Restock items to ensure full availability of products

Starbucks, Bellevue, WA: Barista, June 2018-April 2019
• Prepared a variety of espresso-based drinks and blended beverages
• Operated a cash register and point-of-sale system for accurate payment processing
• Performed opening and closing duties such as cleaning and restocking inventory
• Developed a positive rapport with customers to ensure repeat business

Skills & Certifications
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Current Food Handler’s Certificate issued by the State of Washington
• Bilingual – Fluent in English and Spanish