Highlighting Education on your Resume
Begin with the most recent degree, followed by the full name of the institution and its city
and state. The month and year of graduation should also be listed.
You may use an acronym for your institution in parentheses after the first display of the
name. With this addition, you may substitute the acronym instead of the full title later in the
resume. This is particularly helpful in displaying campus jobs, graduate assistantships, and
some co- curricular activities.
If your major or overall GPA is 3.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale), you may wish to include this
information. GPA information is usually only shown for the first job search after college and
is generally dropped from the resume after that.
You may wish to include relevant coursework, senior research projects, independent
studies, study abroad, publications or honors in the education section. Additionally you
may include some reference to your contribution to college expenses through part time or
summer employment and scholarships.
Sample Education Sections
1. Single Major
2. Double Major
3. Master and Bachelor from different institutions
4. Master and Bachelor from same institution
5. Two Bachelor Degrees from same institution
6. Transfer students with Associate degree
7. Transfer students with some college hours
Additional Content for Education Section
1. Self-financing or contributing to education
2. Research, Independent Study, Study Abroad, etc.
Suggested Template
Degree, Major (no abbreviations) Graduation Month, Year
University or College, City, State GPA 3.0/4.0 (If above)
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Sample Education Sections
1. Single Major Back to Top
Education
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture December 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), Maryville, MO Overall GPA: 3.4/4.0
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. Double Majors Back to Top
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Double major in English Literature and Spanish Communication December 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), Maryville, MO Overall GPA: 3.9/4.0
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Double Major: Marketing and Business Management December 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), Maryville, MO
♦ Cumulative GPA 3.8/4.0
♦ Education self-funded through scholarships and part-time employment
3. Master and Bachelor from different institutions Back to Top
Education
Master of Science in Education Teaching: Middle School May 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO GPA 3.3/4.0
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education May 20XX
Missouri Southern College, Joplin, MO
4. Master and Bachelor from same institution Back to Top
EDUCATION
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), Maryville, MO
Master of Business Administration Dec. 20XX
Cumulative GPA: 3.5/4.0
Self-financed 100% of tuition through athletic scholarships and part-time employment on campus
Bachelor of Science, Double Major in Business Management and Marketing Dec. 20XX
Cumulative GPA: 3.0/4.0
EDUCATION
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), Maryville, Missouri
Master in Business Administration (GPA: 4.0/4.0) December 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Psychology (Major GPA: 3.18/4.00) May 20XX
Minor in Business Management
________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Two Bachelor degrees from the same institution Back to Top
Education
Bachelor of Science in Interactive Digital Media: Visual Imaging Concentration July 20XX
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest) Maryville, MO
Interactive Digital Media is an interdisciplinary degree with an integrated curriculum from the
departments of Computer Science, Mass Communication, and Art.
(Note: The description of degree when its name is unfamiliar to employer readers can be very helpful.)
6. Transfer students with Associate degree Back to Top
Education
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Business
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO May 20XX
Associate in Applied Science Degree, Emphasis in Agriculture and National Resources
North Central Missouri College, Trenton, MO May 20XX
Education
Bachelor of Science in Political Science July 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
Associate in General Studies May 20XX
North Central Missouri College, Trenton, MO
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting December 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO
Associate of Science May 20XX
Southwest Iowa Community Creston, IA
Career Option: Accounting
________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Transfer students with some college hours Back to Top
Education
Bachelor of Science in Recreation: Recreation and Park Management July 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, Mo
Earned 32 Academic Credit Hours Fall 20XX -Spring 20XX
Maple Woods Community College, Kansas City, Mo
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Content for Education Section
1. Self-financing or contributing to education Back to Top
Employers are interested in candidates that are working their way through college. This type of work shows
that the candidate can balance work with school commitments. Significant academic or athletic scholarships
also display responsibility and commitment to education. The following phrases can be used as a single bullet
point in the education section. Pick one that best suits your needs.
Self-funded 80% of education through scholarships and part-time work
Education self-funded through scholarships and part-time employment
Financed 100% of educational expenses through scholarships and part-time employment
Self-financed 100% of tuition through athletic scholarships and part-time employment on campus
Contribute to education through 20 hours of work per week while pursuing coursework full-time
2. Research, Independent Study, Study Abroad, etc. Back to Top
The education section can also relay information about a variety of significant experiences including such
items as research, an independent study, study abroad experience relevant coursework, or internship.
Study Abroad:
Education
Bachelor of Arts: Double major in English Literature and Spanish Communication December 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University (Northwest), Maryville, MO Overall GPA: 3.9/4.0
Academic Study Abroad May – August 20XX
Institute for the International Education of Students, La Plata, Argentina
o Studied abroad with classes in international finance
o Traveled throughout South America with culturally diverse student group
o Broadened language skills and global knowledge
Research:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Economics August 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, MO Major GPA: 3.77/4.00
Undergraduate Research, School of Business January 20XX-April 20XX
Economic Development in Minority Communities for Puerto Rico
Application for publication in process
Relevant Coursework:
Statistics, Econometrics, Accounting, Public Finance, Computer Science
Internship:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science December 20XX
Northwest Missouri State University (NWMSU), Maryville, MO Major GPA: 3.55/4.00
Intern May 20XX – August 20XX
Volunteer Fire Department, Hopkins, MO
Analyzed, designed, and implemented a database system (using dBASE) that included reporting
mechanisms for logging Fire/EMS calls, personnel trainings, and response records
Trained 10 users in operation of new system as well as other computer software.
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