3 key takeaways
- Learn how to list a degree on your resume, and what to include
- See various degree formatting examples, with tips
- Learn how Teal's AI Resume Builder and Design Mode can help you highlight your credentials effectively
Your academic credentials can be a powerful signal of your qualifications and expertise. But knowing how to properly list degrees on your resume isn't always straightforward.
Whether you hold an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or advanced credentials, how you format these qualifications can affect how quickly hiring managers understand your educational background.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to list degrees on your resume to maximize their impact—from proper formatting and placement to handling special situations like multiple degrees or incomplete education.
Let’s dive into the various types of degrees, and how each type should be listed within your resume education section.
How to format a degree on your resume
When adding a degree to your resume, it’s important to use a clear and consistent format. Your degrees should always be listed in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent degree at the top.
Follow these steps to properly format each degree:
- Write out your full degree name (you can add abbreviations after the degree type).
- Add your major or area of concentration (you can also include minors).
- Include the institution's complete name, and any specialized programs.
- List the institution's location (city and state).
- Add your graduation date, or anticipated date using the month and year.
- For recent graduates, you may also choose to include honors, relevant coursework, or projects to show results or impact made.
- For advanced degrees, you may choose to include your thesis, dissertation, residencies, fellowships or funding (when relevant to your target role).
When it comes to presenting your degree on your resume, there are two professional formatting approaches to consider.
Standard format:
[Degree Type] in [Major]
[Institution Name] - [Institution City, State]
[Graduation Month and Year]
Extended format:
[Degree Type] in [Major]
[Institution Name]
[Institution City, State]
[Graduation Month and Year]
How to list an Associate’s degree
To list an associates degree on your resume, write the full degree name, specify your concentration or major, include the institution's name and location, and your graduation date.
If you’re limited on space, you can use abbreviations in lieu of listing the full degree name, or append the abbreviation after listing the degree title.
Associate degree abbreviations:
- Associate of Arts (AA)
- Associate of Science (AS)
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
- Associate of Business (AB)
- Associate of Business Administration (ABA)
- Associate of Nursing (ASN)
