You worked hard not only to graduate college, but you were ambitious enough to pursue two different majors simultaneously. That’s no easy feat.
But how do you list a double major on your resume without confusing employers?
No worries. This article will give you all the info you need on what to highlight, what to avoid, and how to make your broad education work for you.
When should you add a double major to your resume?
If the role you’re targeting lends itself to both majors, you should include your double major on your resume. Earning degrees in two different areas of study shows employers that you are versatile, goal-oriented, ambitious, and can offer a broader skill set–which are attractive attributes in any candidate.
On the other hand, if one of your majors is unrelated to the job, it might not add value. Highlighting an unrelated degree can dilute the impact of your relevant skills and may clutter your resume if space is limited. There is also the risk of confusing the reader, especially if the fields seem completely unrelated. You don’t want them to question your focus and career direction.
The key is to prioritize listing education that strengthens your position as a candidate. Think about whether your double major complements the job description.
Ask yourself, “Does listing both majors make me more competitive for this role?”
How to add a double major to your resume
In general, your double major is an asset. If you decide to list both majors, follow these steps to ensure your resume reflects the full value of your education.
1. List your education section clearly
You should include the name of the institution, both majors, and your graduation date.
EDUCATION
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology (May 2022)
In this example, it’s clear that the candidate has two majors. Both are relevant to fields that involve understanding people.
If you have a dual degree with two separate awards you can list them separately like so:
EDUCATION
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (May 2022)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (May 2022)
2. Place the most relevant major first
If one of your majors is more relevant to the job you're applying for, list that major first. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to spot the most important information right away.
If you are applying for a role in tech, for example, list Computer Science first.
Education
Harvard University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Economics (June 2021)
3. Use bullet points to describe each major's focus
After listing your majors, add a few bullet points that describe relevant coursework, projects, or skills. This shows the specific value of each major.
Education
New York University
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Communications (May 2020)
- Courses: Market Research, Digital Strategy, Corporate Communication
- Projects: Developed a branding campaign for a local nonprofit
This example gives hiring managers a sense of the coursework and hands-on experience that will benefit their organization.
4. Include relevant honors or certifications
When adding your degrees to your resume, if you earned any honors or certifications related to your double major, list them. Include your GPA if it’s impressive. This adds weight to your academic background and shows you excelled in your field.
Education
New York University
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics (May 2020)
- Dean’s List | Maintained 3.9 GPA (3 semesters)
- Earned Google Analytics Certification
5. Make sure it’s ATS-friendly template
Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords. Make sure your education section uses straightforward language.
Avoid adding too much detail that might confuse the system. Stick to clear section headings and simple formatting.
Do's and don’ts for listing double major on your resume
Do:
- List both majors. Clearly state both majors to reflect your broad educational background.
- Tailor to the job. Highlight the major that best aligns with the position.
- Show relevant coursework. Include courses that directly relate to the job you're applying for.
- Use clear formatting. Make sure your education section is easy to read.
Don't:
- Overcomplicate it. Don’t mix unrelated majors if they don't add value to the position.
- Include unrelated details. Leave out classes or projects that don’t align with the job.
- List minors with equal weight. If you have a minor, don't give it as much emphasis as your majors.
- List both majors clearly
- Tailor to the job you want
- Highlight relevant coursework
- Use bullet points for clarity
- Overcomplicate with irrelevant info
- Give unrelated majors equal weight
- Add unnecessary details
- Use confusing formatting
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Key takeaways
Include your double major if both are relevant to the job or if one adds specific value. Tailor how you present your double major based on the job.
Emphasize the major that aligns with the role. Keep your education section simple and easy to read, using bullet points to clarify key achievements and coursework. Avoid confusing the reader with too much detail. The goal is to make your double major a strength, not a distraction.
