Education

Education is a simple resume section that lists your most recent education first, then continues in reverse chronological order. In additon to degrees, it may include apprenticeships, certifications, classes, volunteer training, professional development or in-service training you took on the job.

Typically, list:

• The degree or other credential you earned or the program you studied
• The name of the school (and the city and state if it's not included in the name)
• The year you completed the credential (if it's fewer than 15 years ago)

Where you place your Education section depends on your goals and the stage you are at in your career:

• If you have relevant work experience since your education, place your Education section after Work Experience.
• If you are a new graduate or have recent relevant training, you can place Education before Work Experience.

Tips

• List your high school diploma if you are a recent graduate, or if it is your highest level of education and you have limited work experience. If you have a education or extensive work experience beyond high school, leave off high school.
• If you attended but did not complete college or other training, include the number of credits or years attended.
• If you are currently enrolled in school or a program, list the expected date of completion, such as: Bachelor’s degree: Major, anticipated graduation 2028. Name of college, City, State. 
• Current college students and recent graduates might include academic honors (can list a GPA, usually if 3.5 or higher), scholarships, or, where relevant to the job or workplace, extracurriculars such as sports, leadership activities, or study abroad programs. Or you can add 2-3 special courses, a thesis, or research project if especially relevant. But avoid a long list of activities.
• If you have certifications/licenses that are important to the job, create a separate section for them, otherwise include them in the Education section.
• If you are overqualified, it’s OK to include only your education relevant to the job.

In the resume sample below, Maya places her Education section near the bottom:

Why Maya positioned her Education section as she did:

• Education is the second-to-last item on her resume. Her college degree is important, but her work experience is a stronger selling point with ten years' experience, so it is listed higher.
• Because her recent professional development courses are directly related to her job goal, she places that section above Education.
• Since her degree is still within the past 15 years, she includes the year it was granted. Older workers might leave off a graduation date, since it calls attention to their age.