Putting a degree on a resume is more complex than it seems. All of a sudden, you’re bothered with the following questions: “How do I list my associate’s degree? Should I use periods in the abbreviation? What if I haven’t completed my degree yet?”
Besides, you might feel uncertain about writing a resume and a cover letter: even the best workers have this issue of showcasing their talents, which results in failing to land a job.
However, remember that you can always apply to a cover letter and professional resume writing service to complete a paper for you!
This article will provide examples of listing your academic accomplishments and support them with a writing guide for non-creative candidates. You’ll learn how to list a degree on a resume and tailor it to the desired job.
How To List A Degree On A Resume
An applicant with an excellent educational background is a good catch for most employers. For example, if you’re a doctor, a lawyer, or a political expert, people will treat you differently in any position. So, before conducting a job search, don’t hesitate to go through the critical application requirements.
Associate Degree
A student gets an associate degree after completing two or three years of post-secondary education. It’s the next stage after a high school diploma and the important one on the way to a bachelor’s degree.
The experts say you must put in a full degree rather than a shortage. Depending on your previous experience, you can choose to put in a degree before or after the work section. If you find yourself short of space, you’re free to abbreviate your associate degree.
Here’s a list of short forms you might use in a resume:
- AA (Associate in Arts)
- AAB (Associate of Applied Business)
- AAS (Associate in Applied Science)
- AAT (Associate of Arts in Teaching)
- ABA (Associate of Business Administration)
- AS (Associate in Science)
Bachelor’s Degree
According to Zety analytics, an average resume length is around 489 words, and the vast majority of applicants use the standard five sections:
- Personal Information: is included in 99.85% of resumes
- Work Experience: 98.33%
- Education: 97.25%
- Skills: 89.81%
- Summary or Objective: 88.75% accordingly.
Many job seekers include education on resumes; however, it’s important to include a correct qualification to ensure you’re on the same page with a hiring manager.
A bachelor’s degree is one you earn after undergraduate training. Therefore, when listing it on a resume, consider adding the details, such as relevant coursework or the GPA score.
The two most common abbreviations for Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. are:
- BA (Bachelor of Arts)
- BS (Bachelor of Science)
In other cases, you may find such options: B.A., Bach. Sci., B.Sc., S.B., B.S., ScB, or BSc.
If you’re applying to positions related to your field of study, spend more time on this section: when you engage with a recruiter, make sure they know what the abbreviation stands for without getting confused.
Master’s Degree
The listing principle here is no different: be as clear and precise as possible. The typical abbreviations for a Master’s Degree are the following:
- A.M., M.A., MA (Master of Arts)
- M.Ed., MEd (Master of Education)
- M.S.Met. (Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering)
Additionally, be consistent with a writing style. If you choose to follow The Gregg Reference Manual, put periods everywhere; if you decide to go with The Chicago Manual of Style, remove the periods.
How To List Multiple Degrees on Resume
You might want to switch jobs if you are looking for career growth. Moreover, people tend to change areas of study, when they realize their first occupation does not align with the definition of a dream job.
If you have a few degrees, you should list them in reverse-chronological order. However, in case one degree is more relevant than others, you can break this rule and list your degrees out of order.
How To List An Incomplete Degree On Resume
If you’re still a student but want to apply for a job, you should include the degree on your resume. Don’t forget to put an expected graduation date as you list your degrees. Before a job interview, prepare to tell more about your field of study and ensure you’ll combine the work and studying just fine.
This rule may not be applicable if you switched a course or have an unfinished degree: better not to put things that will raise lots of questions.
Summary Of Takeaways
An education section is one of the main ones people use on their resumes. However, applicants often pay less attention to the field of study than to the summary of professional experiences.
If you have a degree, which is relevant (or sometimes not appropriate) in a position you apply for, you should mention it. But, if you wonder how to list a degree on a resume, check out the abbreviation for your field of study, and arrange your background in reverse- chronological order.
The education section is equally important as work experience or skills. Therefore, you should spend some time on it working to make sure it aligns with your expectations about a job and matches your career objective.
