How to List Degrees on a Resume

Your degree is an important qualification, and it is easy to format inconsistently. A missing abbreviation, unclear status or mismatched date can raise questions you never meant to raise. Written well, the same entry lets a recruiter confirm quickly that you meet the requirement.

This guide shows you how to list degrees on a resume: the standard format, degree abbreviations, placement, examples for each degree type and multiple degrees, and what to do with an unfinished degree. The schools in the examples are fictional; use your own accurate details.

Why Listing Your Degree Correctly Matters

• Clarity: A recruiter should understand your education level at a glance.
• Keyword matching: Writing both the full name and abbreviation helps your resume match whichever form an employer or applicant tracking system searches for.
• Credibility: Consistent abbreviations, dates and degree names make the section easier to trust.

Employers use this section to confirm stated requirements, so the goal is simple: make your qualification easy to find and understand.

The Standard Format for Listing a Degree on a Resume

Most resumes follow one simple formula:

You can stack the details on separate lines instead. Both layouts work; choose one and use it for every entry.

What to Include When You List a Degree

Some details are essential. Others depend on your career stage.

If your school uses a scale other than 4.0, state it, such as "CGPA: 8.4/10."

Degree Abbreviations on a Resume

Write the full degree name followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. This keeps the line readable for people and supports keyword matching.

More Abbreviation Rules

• Use the formal title, such as "Master of Science," rather than "Masters." The apostrophe form is fine in a sentence such as "master's degree."
• Match the job posting where it is accurate.
• Spell out unusual abbreviations, especially for international or specialized degrees.

Where to Put Your Degree on a Resume

Placement depends on your experience and how important the degree is to the role.

If you want an experience-first resume but still need the degree seen early, mention it in your summary. Put professional credentials beside your name only when they are highly relevant, such as "Alex Smith, CPA." Keep academic degrees such as an MBA in the education section.

How to List Each Type of Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Add a thesis only when it supports the role.

Doctoral and Professional Degrees

For academic and research roles, place education before experience and add the dissertation, publications and key projects. Keep it shorter in corporate applications.

How to List Multiple Degrees on a Resume

Use reverse-chronological order, with your highest or most recent degree first.

Different Schools

Same School

Double Major and Dual Degrees

• Double major, one degree: List the degree once with both majors, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science and Spanish.
• Two distinct degrees: List a BS and BA as separate entries.

Which Degrees to Keep

• Keep a bachelor's degree alongside a master's or doctorate to show the full path.
• Drop an associate degree once you have a bachelor's or higher unless it supports the role in a different field or carries a useful certification.
• Drop high school once you have college education.

Unfinished Degree on a Resume

You can list a degree in progress or one you did not complete as long as you are honest about its status. Employers may verify education during background checks, so never present an unfinished degree as completed.

Degree in Progress

Degree You Did Not Finish

Focus on what you completed: the school, credits and relevant coursework.

Avoid words such as "unfinished," "incomplete" and "dropped out." Skip the entry if it is outdated, unrelated or duplicated by a completed degree.

Online, International and Professional Degrees

• Online degrees: List an accredited online degree the same way you would an in-person degree. You do not need to label it "online."
• International degrees: Use the name your school conferred and add the city and country. Mention a formal credential evaluation when available or requested; do not guess an equivalence.
• Certifications: Put them in education when they are your main credential or closely tied to the role. Use a separate Certifications section when you have several.

Degree Listing Examples by Career Stage

Student or Recent Graduate

Include more detail: GPA, honors, minor and relevant coursework.

Early-Career Professional

Keep the degree prominent while shifting more space toward experience.

Mid-Career and Experienced Professional

List your highest and most relevant degrees and drop GPA and coursework. After 10 or more years, keep the section minimal and consider removing older dates.

Career Changer

Lead with the credential that supports the new field, followed by your earlier degree.

Degree Listing Examples by Industry

When to Shorten or Remove Degree Details

• High school: Remove it once you have started college or hold a higher degree.
• GPA: Drop it after roughly three to five years of professional experience, or when it is below 3.5 and not requested.
• Coursework and honors: Remove them once your experience speaks for itself.
• Graduation dates: After roughly 10 to 15 years, many career experts suggest leaving them off to emphasize current skills and reduce the chance of age bias. Follow any application instructions.
• Lower-level degrees: Drop an associate degree when you hold a bachelor's or higher, unless it remains relevant.

If the role requires a specific degree, always include it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Degrees

1. Mixing abbreviation styles, such as BA and B.A.
2. Using only the abbreviation instead of the full name and abbreviation.
3. Listing an unfinished degree as completed.
4. Using an incorrect degree name, such as "Bachelors in Science" or "Masters."
5. Omitting a school location or date without a reason.
6. Using columns, graphics or complex tables in the education section.
7. Using a creative heading instead of "Education."
8. Never tailoring supporting details such as coursework.
9. Formatting education differently from the rest of the resume.

Quick Checklist Before You Send

• Full degree name and abbreviation on every entry
• The same abbreviation style throughout
• Reverse-chronological order
• School name, city and state included
• Dates consistent or removed intentionally
• GPA only when it helps
• High school removed when you have a college degree
• Unfinished degrees clearly labeled
• Education placed according to your career stage

For the rest of the section, use the broader guide to listing education on a resume. If you earned a Latin honor, see how to list summa cum laude.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct way to list degrees on a resume?

Include the full degree name and abbreviation, your major, the school, its location and the graduation date, with the highest or most recent degree first. Keep the format identical across entries.

Should I write BA or B.A. on my resume?

Both are acceptable. Most modern resumes omit periods and use BA. Whichever style you choose, use it consistently.

Should I list my associate degree if I have a bachelor's?

Usually not. The bachelor's generally covers it. Keep the associate degree when it is in a different field that supports the role or includes a certification your bachelor's does not.

Should I put MBA or PhD after my name?

List academic degrees in the education section. Professional credentials that function as licenses, such as CPA or RN, can appear beside your name when required or highly relevant.

Do I list my degree before the school?

Most guides put the degree first so the qualification stands out. Some resumes put the school first. Either approach works when it is consistent.

How do I list a degree I did not finish?

List the school, credits completed and relevant coursework. Avoid words such as "incomplete." Skip the entry if it is outdated or irrelevant.

How do I list a degree that is still in progress?

Write the degree and add "Expected" with the month and year, such as "Expected May 2027." Use "In Progress" if graduation is more than a year away.

Should I list my thesis or dissertation?

For a PhD, yes, especially for academic and research roles. For a master's degree, include it only when the topic supports the job.

Do I need to list my high school diploma?

Only when it is your highest level of education or the job requires it. Remove it once you have college education.