Resume Writing Guide
How to Write a Resume Education Section
The education section is a key part of your resume. This guide explains how to format it correctly.
Video Demonstration
This video shows how to fill in the education section in our resume builder.
What to Include
A standard education entry includes these core components:
- 1.Degree and Major — Your official title and field of study
e.g., "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science"
- 2.University Name and Location — The institution's full name and its city/state
e.g., "University of California, Berkeley, CA"
- 3.Graduation Date — The month and year you graduated or expect to graduate
e.g., "May 2024 or Expected May 2025"
- 4.GPA (Optional) — Include if it's 3.5 or higher and you're a recent graduate
e.g., "GPA: 3.8/4.0"
- 5.Relevant Coursework/Honors (Optional) — List if you are a recent graduate with limited experience
e.g., "Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development. Dean's List all semesters."
Examples for Different Scenarios
Recent Graduate (High GPA)
(Entry-Level)Bachelor of Business Administration | May 2024
GPA: 3.9/4.0
Honors: Summa Cum Laude, Dean's List (8 semesters)
Experienced Professional
(Mid-Career/Senior)Master of Science in Data Science | May 2018
Unfinished Degree
(Some College)Completed 90/120 credits toward a B.S. in Psychology | 2020-2022
Relevant Coursework: Cognitive Psychology, Statistical Methods
Multiple Degrees
(Advanced Degrees)Master of Business Administration (MBA) | June 2020
University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Arts in Economics | April 2016
High School Diploma or GED
(No College Degree)High School Diploma | June 2023
GED
State of Illinois | 2023
Certifications & Bootcamps
(Alternative Education)Full-Stack Web Development Bootcamp | General Assembly | 2023
Common Mistakes: Before & After
1. Vague or Incomplete Information
Avoid
Business Degree, State University
Preferred
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Florida State University, 2022
Always provide the full degree name, university, and graduation date.
2. Including Irrelevant Information
Avoid
Florida State University, 2018-2022. Captain of the debate team, member of the film club.
Preferred
Florida State University, 2022. Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Minor in Communications.
Extracurricular activities generally belong in a separate section, unless they are highly relevant academic achievements.
3. Incorrect Date Formatting
Avoid
Graduated from NYU in '18
Preferred
New York University | May 2018
Use a consistent and professional format (e.g., 'May 2018' or '2018'). Avoid informal abbreviations.
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