Knowing how to list education on a resume can make a significant difference in your job search. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or experienced professional, the way you format your education section affects how employers view your qualifications. This guide explains what to include, how to format it, and how to tailor it for your experience level.
Why Your Education Section Matters
Your education section helps employers quickly understand your academic background, qualifications, and relevant training. For early-career job seekers, education may be the most important part of the resume. For experienced applicants, it supports your professional credibility.
Where to Place Education on a Resume
The placement depends on your experience level:
If you have limited experience: List education at the top.
If you have strong work experience: Place it below your professional section.
If you’re changing careers: Position education based on relevance.
What to Include in the Education Section
A standard education section typically includes:
School name
Degree or program
Major or field of study
Graduation year (optional)
Location of institution
Honors, awards, or relevant achievements
How to Format Education Correctly
Keep formatting simple and consistent. Use clear headings and bullet points when needed. Employers should be able to scan your education in seconds. List your highest level of education first unless instructed otherwise by industry standards.
Listing Education When You Have Work Experience
If you have several years of experience, your education section becomes shorter. Include only essential details—degree, school, and optionally the year. Additional items like GPA or coursework can usually be omitted.
Listing Education With No Work Experience
Students and recent graduates can expand the education section. Include:
GPA (if above 3.0)
Relevant coursework
Projects
Academic achievements
Dean’s list or honors programs
This helps demonstrate your capabilities when professional experience is limited.
How to List Education in Progress
If you are currently enrolled in a program, state that the degree is “In Progress” or include the expected graduation year. This shows employers your commitment and forward progress.
How to List GED, High School, or Non-College Education
For applicants without college degrees, list:
High school diploma or GED
School name
Location
Graduation year or year earned
Once you complete college coursework, it becomes appropriate to remove high school details.
How to List College Degrees
Write out the full degree name, such as:
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Bachelor of Science (BS)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
Avoid abbreviations that employers may not recognize.
How to List Certifications and Courses
Certifications can either appear under the education section or in a separate section labeled “Certifications” or “Professional Training.” Include:
Certification name
Issuing organization
Completion year
These can significantly strengthen your resume—especially for technical roles.
How to List Honors, Awards, and GPA
Honors and awards showcase academic excellence. Include:
Honors programs
Dean’s list
Scholarships
Distinctions (Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, etc.)
List GPA only if it strengthens your application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Including outdated or irrelevant coursework
Listing high school after earning a college degree
Overloading the section with excessive details
Using inconsistent formatting
Adding unverified certifications
Keep everything accurate, relevant, and professional.
Example Education Section Formats
While your exact format may vary by industry, an effective education section is clean and structured. A typical format includes:
Degree Type, Major
School Name, Location
Graduation Year, Honors (optional)
Tips for Making Your Education Stand Out
Tailor the section to match the job description
Highlight achievements relevant to the role
Keep formatting clean and consistent
Include additional training that aligns with industry expectations
Use strong keywords to enhance applicant-tracking compatibility
FAQs
How far back should I list my education?
List your highest degree and any relevant training. Remove older items that are no longer relevant.
Should I include my GPA on my resume?
Include it if it is strong or if you are early in your career. Experienced professionals can omit it.
Do I list my high school diploma if I have a college degree?
No. High school information should be removed once you complete college-level education.
Should education be before or after work experience?
Place it based on relevance. Early-career applicants list it first; experienced applicants list it later.
How do I list unfinished college education?
State “In Progress” or include your expected graduation year.
