How to List Education on a Resume (Examples & Tips)

The placement of the education section on a resume can vary based on your career stage and the relevance of your education to the position you’re applying for. For example:

• If you are a student or recent graduate, you might use the functional format and place your education section at the top of your resume, directly under your resume header. 
• If you have 1-10 years of experience and are applying for the same position in the same industry, you could place your resume at the bottom of your chronological resume. 
• If you are a mid-level or senior-level professional you should put your education section at the bottom of your resume to keep the focus on your relevant work experience. 

We recommend exploring our resume format guide to determine whether to put experience or education first on a resume depending on your experience and career stage.

You don’t always have to separate your licenses, education and certifications on your resume, but if you have room to do so, it is a good way to make each one stand out and easy to read. 

Separating your certifications from education on your resume can be especially useful if you are applying for a job in an industry that requires certification, such as healthcare, nursing, safety, fitness and education. 

Review some of our resume examples for ideas on how to add certifications and licenses to your resume. 

Describing your education on a resume involves highlighting key details that demonstrate your qualifications and readiness for the position you’re applying for. 

Customize your education section to highlight skills and experiences that align with the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

List any courses that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. For example, “Relevant coursework includes Data Structures and Algorithms and Database Management Systems.”

See what a resume should look like for additional tips and examples on formatting a visually appealing document that stands out to hiring managers.

If you don’t have formal education or if your education is not directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, you can focus on other sections that showcase your qualifications. For example:

• Highlight certifications, professional development courses or workshops that demonstrate your commitment to learning and relevance to the job.
• Showcase significant projects you’ve completed, either in a professional capacity or on your own. Describe your role, the skills utilized and the outcomes achieved.
• Include relevant volunteer experiences or internships that demonstrate your skills and commitment to the field.
• Highlight any notable achievements, awards or recognitions that are relevant to the job and showcase your strengths and contributions.
• Mention memberships in professional organizations or associations related to the industry, which can indicate your involvement and ongoing interest in the field.

See what to put on a resume for tips and examples of key information to include in each section of your resume.

To list a degree on your resume, start with the type of degree you earned (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science) then specify your major or area of study. 

Include the full name of the institution where you earned your degree. Mention the city and state (or country, if applicable) where the university is located.

If you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse-chronological order starting with the most recent credentials earned. See our guide on how to list a degree on your resume for tips and examples from certified career experts.

Yes, in most scenarios, you should list your education on your resume. Job postings often specify certain educational criteria (e.g., degree type, major) that candidates must meet.

Listing your education provides clear evidence of your academic qualifications and foundational knowledge, which can be important for many employers.

Education is crucial to demonstrating readiness and capability for entry-level roles or positions where academic credentials are highly valued (e.g., engineering, healthcare).

However, if you’re changing careers and your previous education is not directly relevant to your new field, you may choose to emphasize other areas, such as certifications or relevant skills.

If you have attended college or university but did not complete a degree, or if you have taken some coursework relevant to the job you’re applying for without earning a degree, you can still include this information on your resume. 

Mention the specific coursework or number of credits completed, especially if they are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include the name of the college or university where you completed coursework and specify the location (city, state) of the institution.

If you’ve taken relevant courses, workshops or certifications outside of traditional education settings, consider including them under a “Professional Development” or “Certifications” section instead.

Emphasize any hard skills and soft skills gained through internships, volunteer work or professional roles that demonstrate your capabilities and readiness for the job.

Putting expected education on a resume is important for roles where your anticipated degree or certification is relevant to the job requirements. 

Specify the type of degree or certification you are pursuing or expect to complete. Mention your major or field of study, especially if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Include the anticipated month and year of your graduation. This informs employers of your timeline for completing your education. Once you graduate, remember to update your resume to reflect your completed degree and any relevant academic achievements.

You can explore our guide on writing a resume without experience for practical tips on creating a job application for your first job or for a job in a new field that you are transitioning to. 

How far back the education section should go on a resume depends on your career stage and the relevance of older education to your current job application. Here are a few examples:

• Recent graduates or students: If you are a recent graduate or currently a student, list your most recent degree(s) and any relevant coursework or academic achievements. You can include high school information if you lack extensive college experience.
• Early-career professionals: Typically, include your undergraduate degree and any relevant coursework, honors or academic projects. If you have recently completed advanced certifications or courses, include those as well.

• Mid-career or senior-level professionals: List any relevant degrees in reverse-chronological order. Older education may be summarized briefly without detail if it is not directly relevant to your current career goals.

See how long a resume should be to determine which resume length best suits your professional experience and qualifications. 

If you are a recent graduate (within the last 1-3 years), including the year you graduated can demonstrate your current level of education and indicate your readiness for entry-level positions.

When current education is a key qualification for the position, it can be beneficial to include the graduation year on your resume. This is especially true if you are applying for roles where specific educational backgrounds are required or preferred.

If you graduated more than 5-10 years ago and your work experience is more relevant to your current career goals than your education, consider omitting the graduation year to avoid potential age bias or to focus attention on your recent professional accomplishments.