Q: <strong>Where should education go on a resume?</strong>

Place education near the top (after your objective ) if you're a recent graduate or if your degree is your strongest qualification for the role. Place it near the bottom (after professional experience) if you have 3+ years of relevant work experience. Your resume should lead with your strongest selling point.

Question 1

Should I include my education if I didn't graduate?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but be transparent. List "Coursework toward [Degree]" with the dates attended and credits completed. Never imply you earned a degree you didn't finish. If you have extensive work experience, you may choose to omit incomplete education entirely and let your professional achievements speak for themselves.

Question 2

How do I list education on a resume if I have multiple degrees?

Accepted Answer

List all degrees in reverse chronological order (most recent first). Include degree name, institution, location, and graduation date for each. If you have more than three degrees, consider including only the most advanced or relevant ones to save space.

Question 3

Should I include my GPA on my resume?

Accepted Answer

Include your GPA only if it's 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale and you graduated within the last 2-3 years. Once you have substantial professional experience, your work achievements matter more than your academic performance. If your major GPA is significantly higher than your overall GPA, you can list both.

Question 4

Where should education go on a resume?

Accepted Answer

Place education near the top (after your objective) if you're a recent graduate or if your degree is your strongest qualification for the role. Place it near the bottom (after professional experience) if you have 3+ years of relevant work experience. Your resume should lead with your strongest selling point.

Question 5

Can I leave dates off my education section?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially if you graduated more than 15 years ago. While age discrimination is illegal, omitting dates can help focus attention on your skills and experience rather than your age. However, if you're a recent graduate, include dates to show your credentials are current.

Question 6

How do I list certifications with my education?

Accepted Answer

You can either create a separate "Certifications" section or combine them into "Education & Certifications." List certifications with the issuing organization, completion date, and credential ID if applicable. Prioritize certifications that are current, recognized in your industry, and relevant to the target role.

Question 7

Should I include online courses or MOOCs?

Accepted Answer

Include online courses from recognized platforms (Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning) only if they're directly relevant to the job and you've completed them recently. Treat completed certificate programs with the same weight as traditional education. Avoid listing individual courses unless they demonstrate specific skills mentioned in the job description.

Question 8

What if my degree is in a different field than the job I'm applying for?

Accepted Answer

Emphasize transferable skills through relevant coursework, projects, or minors that connect to your target role. Consider adding a "Relevant Skills" or "Additional Training" section to highlight courses, certifications, or self-study that bridge the gap. Your professional experience section should do the heavy lifting to demonstrate your qualifications for the career change.

Resume Contents

How to List Education on Your Resume (With Examples)

How to Write A Resume Objective That Gets You Noticed

How to Write an Effective Resume Summary

How to Write a Resume Header with Tips & Examples for 2025

How to Write a Resume Headline That Gets You Noticed

What Resume Sections to Include (and What to Skip)