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How to List Your Education on a Resume Like a Pro

Updated: 3 days ago


Hey there, friend! Crafting a resume that stands out is like telling a story about your skills and potential—and your education section is a key chapter. You might be wondering: What do I include? Where does it go? How do I make it shine? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the best way to showcase your education so hiring managers can’t help but notice you. Whether you’re a recent grad or a seasoned pro, these tips will make your resume pop.

Where to Put Your Education Section

The placement of your education section depends on your experience and career stage. Here’s the deal:

Put it near the top if…

  • You’re a recent grad with limited work experience.

  • You just earned a degree that’s super relevant to the job (especially if you’re switching careers).

Slide it to the bottom if…

  • You’ve got years of relevant work experience that speaks louder than your degree.

Think of it like this: your resume is prime real estate. Put the most relevant, attention-grabbing stuff where it’ll get noticed first.

What to Include in Your Education Section

Your education section doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to be clear and effective. For most folks, stick to the basics:

  • School name (e.g., University of Colorado)

  • Degree earned (e.g., B.S. in Marketing)

  • Years attended (e.g., 2018–2022)

Want to level it up? You can optionally add:

  • Your GPA (if it’s impressive—more on that later)

  • School location

  • Relevant honors, coursework, extracurriculars, or achievements

It’s simple but powerful when done right. Let’s talk about how to make it stand out.

6 Tips to Make Your Education Section Shine

Hiring managers scan resumes fast, so your education section needs to grab their attention and scream, “I’m a great fit!” Here’s how:

  1. Lead with your most recent degree.Got multiple degrees? Start with the latest one and work backward in reverse-chronological order. It keeps things clean and relevant.

  2. Skip high school if you’ve got college experience.Once you’ve got at least a year of college, your high school diploma can take a backseat. Use that space to highlight work experience or college achievements instead.

  3. Only flaunt your GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher.GPA is optional and mainly matters for recent grads. If it’s 3.5 or above, it can add some sparkle—especially for technical roles like engineering or data science. Below that? Leave it out.

  4. Highlight relevant coursework or achievements if work experience is thin.New grad with a short work history? No problem. Check the job description for key skills, then list coursework, projects, or leadership roles (like running a student club) that show you’ve got what they need.

  5. Show off incomplete education with credits or coursework.Didn’t finish your degree? You can still make it count. List the credits you earned or relevant courses you took to show the skills you gained.

  6. Keep it real.Don’t even think about fudging the details. Employers can verify your education with a quick transcript request, so honesty is your best bet.

Education Section Examples for Every Stage

Let’s see these tips in action with some examples tailored to different career stages. Find the one that fits you best!

Professionals with College Degrees

Example 1:Bachelor of Science, PsychologyUniversity of Washington2017–2021GPA: 3.7Honors: Dean’s List, Outstanding Student Leadership AwardExtracurriculars: President, Psychology Club; Volunteer, Campus Mental Health Initiative

Example 2:B.A. in Computer ScienceBoston University2015–2019Relevant Coursework: Algorithms, Web Development, Data Structures

Example 3:Associate of Applied Science, Graphic DesignCommunity College of Denver2012–2014GPA: 3.85

Professionals with an MBA

Example 1:Master of Business AdministrationKellogg School of Management, Northwestern University2010–2012

Example 2:Bachelor of Arts, EnglishUniversity of Florida2005–2009

Professionals with Postgraduate Degrees

Example 1:Ph.D. in NeuroscienceStanford University2013–2018Dissertation: Neural Pathways in Memory Consolidation

Example 2:Master of Public PolicyGeorgetown University2009–2011

Example 3:Bachelor of Science, PhysicsUniversity of California, San Diego2002–2006Honors: Summa cum laude

Students with Education in Progress

Example 1:Bachelor of Arts, CommunicationsUniversity of Southern CaliforniaExpected Graduation: June 2026Relevant Coursework: Digital Media Strategies, Public Relations, Social Media Analytics

Professionals with Incomplete Education

Example 1:University of ArizonaCompleted 60 credits toward B.A. in Business AdministrationDesert Vista High SchoolGraduated 2017, GPA: 3.9

Wrapping It Up

Your education section is a small but mighty part of your resume. By keeping it clear, relevant, and strategic, you can make it work hard for you. Use the tips above to decide where to place it, what to include, and how to tailor it to the job. And if you’re wondering how the rest of your resume stacks up, check out Career Katalyst's free resources to polish your entire resume and land more interviews. You’ve got the skills—now go show the world! 19 Resume Skills to Land Your Dream Job in 2025


 
 
 

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