Smart Ways to Include Your Degree on a Resume and Impress Employers
When you’re putting together a resume, one of the first things employers look for—especially if you’re early in your career—is your education. And yet, many job seekers aren’t quite sure how to add their degree information in their resume the right way. Do you include your GPA? Should your degree go before your experience? What if you didn’t finish the degree?
The truth is, the way you present your education can make a significant difference, especially if you're applying for roles where academic credentials matter—such as positions in finance, healthcare, engineering, education, and even many entry-level roles in business. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional with multiple degrees, showcasing your academic background clearly and professionally is essential.
Let’s walk through the best practices for including degree information on your resume—and then we’ll show you a full, realistic resume sample to see it in action.
Where and How to Add Your Degree Information in Your Resume
Education is typically listed in one of the following two places:
For new grads or those with limited experience, your Education section should go near the top of your resume, just under your summary or objective.
For experienced professionals, place your Education section at the bottom, unless your degree is specifically relevant to the job you’re applying for (like a job requiring a specific certification or advanced degree).
When listing your degree, always include:
Full degree title (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering)
School name
Graduation year (or expected graduation date, if applicable)
Honors (if applicable—e.g., Cum Laude, Dean’s List)
GPA (only if it's 3.5 or above, or if specifically requested)
Now, let’s look at what this all looks like on a real resume.
Sample Resume – Including Degree Information Clearly
Jordan M. Taylor
123 Maple Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
(555) 123-4567
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented and analytical finance graduate with strong academic background and internship experience in investment banking. Proficient in financial modeling, market analysis, and Excel. Adept at working in fast-paced, data-driven environments. Seeking a full-time analyst role where I can contribute insights and grow professionally.
Skills
Financial Analysis & Reporting
Investment Research
Excel & VBA Modeling
Market Trend Analysis
Bloomberg Terminal
Attention to Detail
Team Collaboration
Education
Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign — May 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Dean’s List (2021–2024)
Relevant Courses: Corporate Finance, Investment Banking, Financial Modeling
Experience
Investment Banking Intern
Clearview Capital, Chicago, IL — Summer 2023
Supported senior analysts in preparing pitch books for M&A transactions and IPOs
Conducted company and industry research across technology and healthcare sectors
Built and maintained Excel-based valuation models (DCF, comps, precedent transactions)
Participated in client calls and learned deal structuring fundamentals
Student Investment Fund Analyst
University of Illinois, Student-Managed Fund — 2022 to 2023
Helped manage a $500,000 equity portfolio as part of a team of analysts
Performed sector analysis and presented stock pitches using value and growth frameworks
Wrote investment memos that were reviewed by finance faculty and alumni advisors
Certifications
Bloomberg Market Concepts (BMC)
Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) – In Progress
Practical Resume Writing Tips for Listing Degrees
Spell out your degree – Avoid abbreviations like “B.S.” or “MBA” unless the job listing does.
Put the degree first, not the school – Hiring managers scan for qualifications first.
Include academic honors and high GPAs – These add weight, especially for early-career applicants.
Customize your coursework – For students and recent grads, listing 2–3 relevant courses can help tailor your resume.
Don’t fake anything – If you didn’t complete a degree, be honest. You can write “Completed 90 credits toward B.A. in Psychology.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Degrees to Resumes
1. Should I include my degree if I didn’t finish it?
Yes, you can. Just be transparent. Mention how many credits you completed or the years you attended. Employers appreciate honesty and context.
2. Do I need to include my high school education?
Only if you haven't yet earned a college degree. Once you have a higher education credential, there's no need to list high school.
3. Where should I list my GPA?
Only list your GPA if it's 3.5 or higher and you're early in your career. For experienced professionals, it’s usually unnecessary.
4. How should I format multiple degrees?
List your highest or most relevant degree first. If both are equally important, list them in reverse chronological order.
Knowing how to add your degree information in your resume isn’t just about filling in a section—it’s about strategically showing your qualifications in a way that supports your goals. Tailor your resume for the job, keep it honest, and format it cleanly. Your degree is more than just a line on paper—it’s proof of your dedication, focus, and foundation for success.
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