Your Degree Matters — But Only If It's Listed Correctly

That college degree you worked so hard for (and probably paid a small fortune to obtain)? It could be completely overlooked if you don't format it properly on your resume.

Surprisingly, the education section trips up even experienced professionals. Some candidates overdo it with unnecessary details, while others undersell their academic achievements with vague or improperly formatted credentials.

The stakes are high: both human recruiters and ATS systems are specifically looking at your education section to verify qualifications. And in an age where positions posted on Linkedin jobs and other job hunting sites often use degree requirements as the first screening filter, getting this section right is more important than ever.

Let's break down exactly how to list your degrees for maximum impact in 2025's competitive job market.

The Basic Degree Listing Formula

The standard format for listing a degree follows this structure:

Degree Type and Major

University Name, Location

Graduation Year

For example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

Graduated: May 2022

This format works well because:

• It puts your credential (the degree) first — what recruiters are scanning for

• It includes your field of study clearly

• It provides the institution name and location for context

• It states when you completed the degree

ATS Resume Checker tools consistently confirm that this format is properly recognized by all major applicant tracking systems, making it the safest choice for online applications.

The Order Matters: How to List Multiple Degrees

When you have multiple degrees, the order becomes critical. Always list your degrees in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

For example:

Master of Business Administration

Harvard Business School, Boston, MA

Graduated: 2023

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

University of California, Berkeley, CA

Graduated: 2020

This reverse chronological approach:

• Showcases your highest level of education first

• Mirrors the format used in your work experience section

• Follows the standard reading pattern recruiters expect

One exception: If you have a Ph.D. plus a more recent but lower-level degree (like a certification), still lead with the doctoral degree, as it's generally considered the more significant credential.

How to Handle Incomplete or In-Progress Degrees

Not all educational journeys follow a straight line. Here's how to handle various scenarios:

Currently pursuing a degree:

Master of Public Health (Expected May 2026)

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Partially completed degree:

Completed 60 credits toward Bachelor of Business Administration

Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

2019-2021

Multiple degrees from the same institution: List each degree separately, even if from the same school. This ensures proper ATS processing and gives each credential its due attention.

When using AI Resume Builder tools, make sure to input these details accurately so the AI can format them correctly for your specific situation.

The Degree Name Matters: Be Specific and Consistent

Degrees come with official names that should be used correctly:

• Bachelor of Arts (not Bachelor's of Arts) 

• Master of Science (not Masters of Science)

• Doctor of Philosophy (not Doctorate of Philosophy)

Be equally specific with your major or concentration:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

• Master of Arts in International Relations with concentration in East Asian Studies

This precision helps with ATS optimization and ensures recruiters immediately understand your specific educational background.

Job finder applications often filter candidates based on specific degree terminology, so accuracy here directly impacts how discoverable you are to recruiters.

When (and How) to Include GPA, Honors, and Achievements

The general rule: Include academic achievements if they're impressive and relatively recent.

GPA guidelines:

• Include if 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)

• Consider omitting if more than 3-5 years post-graduation

• Format consistently: either "3.8/4.0" or "3.8 GPA"

Academic honors worth including:

• Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude)

• Dean's List (if consistent, e.g., "Dean's List: 6 semesters")

• Academic scholarships

• Department honors

For recent graduates: Consider adding relevant coursework, academic projects, or thesis titles that align with your target role.

As you advance in your career, your education section typically becomes more streamlined, with honors and GPAs eventually being removed to focus on your professional accomplishments.

International Degrees: Translation and Equivalency

If you earned degrees outside the country where you're applying for jobs, provide context:

Master of Engineering (equivalent to U.S. Master of Science in Engineering)

Technical University of Munich, Germany

Graduated: 2021

For degrees with titles that don't translate directly, provide the original name followed by the closest equivalent:

Diplôme d'Ingénieur (equivalent to Master of Science in Engineering)

École Polytechnique, Paris, France

Graduated: 2022

When using job search apps for international positions, research degree equivalencies for your target country to ensure accurate representation.

The ATS Perspective: Technical Considerations

Applicant Tracking Systems scan your education section for specific keywords and patterns. Optimize for these systems by:

Using standard section headings 

Title this section "Education" rather than creative alternatives like "Academic Credentials" or "Learning Journey."

Avoiding abbreviations for degree types 

Write out "Bachelor of Arts" rather than "B.A." to ensure proper parsing.

Being consistent with formatting 

Use the same format for all degrees to help the ATS recognize patterns.

Including key terms from the job description 

If the posting specifically mentions "Master's degree in Computer Science," use that exact phrasing rather than "M.S. in CS."

When using indeed job hunting or other major job sites, your resume likely encounters multiple ATS systems with different parsing capabilities. Following these standard practices ensures maximum compatibility.

The Education Section Placement: Where It Should Go

The position of your education section depends on your career stage:

For recent graduates (0-3 years experience): Place education near the top of your resume, directly after your contact information and summary.

For experienced professionals (3+ years experience): Position education after your work experience section, as your professional achievements now take precedence.

For academic or research positions: Education often remains prominently placed regardless of experience level.

Remember that job application tracker tools show that time-to-interview is often faster when your resume placement matches recruiter expectations for your career stage.

Common Degree-Listing Mistakes to Avoid

Even in 2025, these education section errors remain surprisingly common:

Including high school information unnecessarily 

Once you have college education, high school details become irrelevant (with rare exceptions for very recent graduates).

Listing incomplete degrees without explanation 

A degree you didn't finish should be clearly labeled to avoid misrepresentation.

Over-emphasizing education when experience is more relevant 

Extensive education details can signal career inexperience to recruiters.

Using inconsistent date formats 

Choose either month/year or just year format and maintain it throughout.

Including irrelevant minors or concentrations 

Focus on educational elements that support your current career goals.

AI-powered job search tools can help identify these issues before submission, ensuring your education section strengthens rather than weakens your application.

How Technology Can Perfect Your Degree Listings

Modern resume creation has evolved beyond basic CV builder free tools. Today's AI-powered platforms offer significant advantages for education section optimization.

CareerSwift's platform, for instance, goes beyond simple formatting by:

• Analyzing job descriptions to identify specific educational requirements

• Suggesting optimal degree presentation based on your career level

• Checking for ATS compatibility issues in your education section

• Providing industry-specific recommendations for academic detail inclusion

This targeted approach ensures your educational credentials are presented in the most effective way for each specific opportunity.

The Final Checklist for Perfect Degree Listings

Before submitting your resume, verify that your education section:

• Lists degrees in reverse chronological order

• Uses full, proper degree names

• Includes relevant majors and concentrations

• Features consistent date formatting

• Omits outdated or irrelevant details

• Properly represents incomplete or in-progress education

• Aligns with the specific job requirements

Remember that your education section, while typically shorter than your work experience, often serves as a critical qualification checkpoint that can either advance your application or stop it in its tracks.

Make Your Education Section Work as Hard as You Did for Your Degree

Your educational achievements represent significant investment and accomplishment — they deserve to be presented optimally on your resume.

If you're wondering whether your degrees are properly formatted for both ATS systems and human recruiters, CareerSwift can help. The platform analyzes your education section against specific job requirements and provides tailored recommendations to ensure your credentials make the right impression. Try CareerSwift's free resume review today to discover how small adjustments to your degree listings could significantly impact your job search success.