List your degree on your resume by including your university name, degree type, major, and graduation date in reverse chronological order.
Keep the format clear and consistent so recruiters and applicant tracking systems can quickly understand your education at a glance.
How do I write my degree on my resume?
You should write your degree on your resume using a clear, consistent format that includes your university name, degree title, and graduation date.
Most employers expect to see this information in reverse chronological order, with your most recent or highest qualification listed first.
Use this simple format
When listing your degree, include:
- University name
- Degree type and major
- Graduation date (or expected date)
You can also add:
- Honors (such as cum laude)
- GPA (if strong or recently graduated)
- Relevant coursework or activities
Example of how to list a degree
- University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor of Science in Business
May 2012
When to add extra details
If you are early in your career or applying for a role related to your studies, adding detail can strengthen your application.
For example, including your GPA, coursework, or leadership roles helps show how your education connects to the job.
If you have several years of experience, keep this section shorter and focus on your degree and institution.
Recruiters will prioritize your work history instead.
Having a degree shows drive, determination, and skill. However, you may no longer need one to land certain skill-based roles.
The last decade has seen a colossal shift. More employers than ever are now prioritizing skills over education alone.
According to Harvard Business Review, between 2017 and 2019 employers lowered degree requirements for 46% of middle-skill positions and 31% of high-skill positions.
While some positions will always require a degree, the same isn’t true across industries. It’s worth checking out the job market when you’re considering a college education.
What is the best format for listing a degree on a resume?
Once you know the basic structure, the best format depends on your experience level and how much detail adds value.
While the structure stays consistent, the level of detail, placement, and formatting should adjust based on how recruiters will evaluate your application.
Choose the right level of detail
Your education section should reflect your career stage:
- Recent graduates: Include GPA, coursework, and achievements to strengthen your application.
- Mid-career professionals: Focus on degree, institution, and graduation date.
- Experienced candidates: Keep it minimal and prioritize work experience instead.
Keep formatting consistent across your resume
Your education section should match the formatting style used in the rest of your resume.
That means:
- Consistent date format (for example, May 2022 vs 2022)
- Consistent use of abbreviations or full degree names
- Clean spacing and alignment
Inconsistent formatting can make your resume harder to scan and may signal a lack of attention to detail.
Make your degree easy for ATS to read
Applicant tracking systems scan for standard education details, so avoid overly complex layouts.
Stick to:
- A clear “Education” section heading
- Standard degree titles (for example, Bachelor of Science, not custom phrasing)
- Simple formatting without columns, graphics, or unusual layouts
Example of a clean, ATS-friendly entry
New York University
Master of Arts in Marketing
May 2024
GPA: 3.7
Graduated with honors
Degree formatting examples
| Degree level | Full example | Abbreviated example |
|---|---|---|
| Associate’s | Associate of Science in Biology | AS in Biology |
| Bachelor’s | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | BA in Psychology |
| Master’s | Master of Science in Data Science | MS in Data Science |
If you upload your resume to an online application, ATS systems will scan this section to confirm you meet basic requirements.
How should I list multiple degrees on a resume?
You should list multiple degrees on your resume in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent or highest qualification.
This helps recruiters quickly identify your education level without scanning your entire resume.
Use the same formatting for each entry to keep your resume consistent and easy to scan.
Follow reverse chronological order
In most cases, your degrees should be listed like this:
- Master’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Associate’s degree
This keeps your education section aligned with standard resume expectations and makes it easier to read.
When can you change the order?
You can adjust the order if one degree is more relevant to the job you are applying for.
For example, if your bachelor’s degree directly relates to the role but your master’s does not, it can make sense to highlight the more relevant qualification first.
Use this approach carefully.
In most cases, recruiters still expect to see your highest qualification first.
How to format multiple degrees
List each degree as a separate entry, using the same structure for each one:
University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Business
September 2014
University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor of Science in Business
May 2012
If your degrees are from the same university
If you earned multiple degrees from the same institution, you can group them to save space:
University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Science in Business, 2014
Bachelor of Science in Business, 2012
This format keeps your resume concise while still showing your full education history.
What about double majors or dual degrees?
If you completed a double major, you can include both subjects within the same degree:
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science
For dual degrees, list each qualification separately to avoid confusion.
Should I use degree abbreviations or full titles on a resume?
You can use either full degree titles or abbreviations on your resume, but clarity and consistency matter more than the format you choose.
Full titles are easier to understand at a glance, while abbreviations are useful when space is limited or widely recognized in your industry.
Use full degree names for clarity, abbreviations for space, and both together if you want to optimize for ATS.
For example, if a job posting mentions ‘MBA,’ using that exact term can improve keyword matching.
When to use full degree titles
Use the full version of your degree when:
- You want to keep your resume clear and easy to read
- The role is outside your field and may not recognize abbreviations
- You are early in your career and your education needs to stand out
Example
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
When to use abbreviations
Abbreviations are acceptable when:
- They are widely understood (such as MBA, BA, or BS)
- You need to save space on a one-page resume
- You are applying within a specialized industry
Example
- BS in Computer Science
Should you use both?
In some cases, you can include both the full title and abbreviation to improve clarity and keyword matching:
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science
This approach can help your resume perform better in applicant tracking systems while still being easy for recruiters to read.
Common degree abbreviations
| Degree | Full title | Common abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Arts | BA |
| Bachelor of Science | Bachelor of Science | BS |
| Master of Science | Master of Science | MS |
| Master of Business Administration | Master of Business Administration | MBA |
Whichever format you choose, use it consistently across your resume.
For example, avoid mixing “Bachelor of Science” with “B.A.” in the same section.
Consistency makes your resume look more professional and easier to scan.
How do I list an associate degree on my resume?
You should list an associate degree on your resume using the full title, such as “Associate of Arts” or “Associate of Science,” followed by your major, school name, and graduation date.
Keep the format consistent with your other degrees and avoid unnecessary abbreviations unless space is limited.
Example of an associate degree
- University of Texas at Dallas
Associate of Arts in English Literature
August 2014
Can you abbreviate an associate degree?
You can use abbreviations like AA or AS if needed, but they are less commonly used than bachelor’s or master’s abbreviations.
If you choose to abbreviate, make sure the meaning is still clear and consistent across your resume.
Example
- AS in Business Administration
When to include extra details
If your associate degree is your highest level of education or directly relevant to the role, you can include:
- Relevant coursework
- Academic achievements
- Certifications earned during your studies
If you later earn a bachelor’s degree, your associate degree may become less important and can often be removed or shortened.
How do I list a bachelor’s degree on my resume?
You should list a bachelor’s degree on your resume using “Bachelor of” followed by your field of study, along with your university and graduation date.
This is the most commonly expected format and is easily recognized by both recruiters and applicant tracking systems.
Example of a bachelor’s degree
University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor of Science in Business
May 2012
Can you abbreviate a bachelor’s degree?
You can abbreviate your degree if space is limited and the abbreviation is widely recognized.
Common examples include BA (Bachelor of Arts) and BS (Bachelor of Science).
Example
- BS in Computer Science
If you choose to abbreviate, make sure you use the same format throughout your resume.
How to include a major, minor, or honors
You can add more detail to your degree if it strengthens your application:
- Double major: Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science
- Minor: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry
- Honors: Bachelor of Science in Business, magna cum laude
Only include these details if they are relevant or add value to the role you are applying for.
How do I list a master’s degree on my resume?
You should list a master’s degree on your resume using “Master of” followed by your field of study, along with your university and graduation date.
Place it above your other degrees and keep the format consistent so recruiters can quickly understand your highest level of education.
Example of a master’s degree
- University of Texas at Dallas
Master of Arts in English Language
September 2014
Can you abbreviate a master’s degree?
You can use common abbreviations like MA, MS, or MBA if they are widely recognized in your field.
This is especially useful when space is limited or when applying for roles where these credentials are expected.
Example
- MBA
How to list an MBA on your resume
You can list your MBA as either “Master of Business Administration” or “MBA,” depending on space and context.
Most employers recognize the abbreviation, so using “MBA” is widely accepted and keeps your resume concise.
Example
- Harvard Business School
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
May 2022
Should you include additional details?
If your master’s degree is directly related to the role, you can include:
- Specializations or concentrations
- Relevant coursework
- Key projects or research
If not, keep the entry simple and focus on your work experience instead.
Most recruiters expect GPA only from recent graduates.
How should I list my degrees and certificates on my Indeed profile?
When listing degrees and certificates on your Indeed profile, use the same structure as your resume but take advantage of the platform’s fields to add more detail.
Keep your degree titles clear, include accurate dates, and separate certifications so employers can quickly understand your qualifications.
How to list degrees on Indeed
Most online profiles guide you through structured fields, so focus on:
- Full degree name (or widely recognized abbreviation)
- Field of study
- School name
- Start and end dates
Make sure each entry is complete, as employers often filter candidates based on this information.
How to list certifications
Certifications should be listed separately from your degree and include:
- Certification name
- Issuing organization
- Date earned (and expiration date if relevant)
Keeping certifications in their own section makes it easier for recruiters to spot additional qualifications.
Key differences from your resume
Unlike your resume, your Indeed profile allows more detail and is searchable by keywords, so using clear degree titles and relevant terms is important.
- Allow more detailed descriptions
- Show all entries in full (no space limits)
- Be searchable by keywords
Because of this, it can be useful to include both full degree names and abbreviations where relevant.
Key takeaways
- Degrees may give you the competitive edge when applying for jobs. However, more and more recruiters are now valuing skills more highly than education.
- Keep things simple when it comes to the format. A recruiter should be able to quickly and easily see your educational background.
- You will need to include the basic information: University name, start and end dates, degree type, major, and minor (if applicable).
- If you have additional space, you can add details beneath your degree listing. You can include your honors, GPA, and any extracurricular activities.
- Don’t overcomplicate the design or you might not get past the ATS. Make things easy for yourself by using our recruiter-tested resume templates.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about how to list your degree clearly and professionally on your resume.
What is a high school degree called on a resume?
A high school degree is typically listed as a “High School Diploma” on a resume.
If you have completed a college degree, you usually do not need to include your high school education unless it is your highest level of education or directly relevant to the role.
How do I professionally say I have a degree?
You can professionally state your degree by listing the full title in your education section, such as “Bachelor of Science in Marketing.”
Avoid casual phrasing like “I have a degree in…” and instead present it in a structured format that includes your school and graduation date.
Do you write B.A. or BA?
Yes, both “B.A.” and “BA” are correct, but consistency is more important than the format you choose.
Most modern resumes use “BA” without periods because it is cleaner and easier to scan, but either option is acceptable if used consistently throughout your resume.
How do I tell if my degree is BS or BA?
You can tell whether your degree is a BS or BA by checking your official diploma or university records.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) typically focuses on technical or scientific subjects, while a Bachelor of Arts (BA) is usually awarded in humanities or social science fields.
