In a resume, you typically include your highest level of education completed or the degree that is most relevant to the job you are applying for. Common education levels to include on a resume, listed from highest to lowest, are:
- Doctorate (Ph.D.): Include this if you have a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. It’s common for academic or research-oriented positions.
- Master’s Degree (e.g., M.A., M.S., M.B.A.): Mention your master’s degree if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, especially if it’s a requirement or a strong preference.
- Bachelor’s Degree (e.g., B.A., B.S.): Include your bachelor’s degree, which is a standard requirement for many positions.
- Associate Degree (e.g., A.A., A.S.): Mention your associate degree if it’s directly relevant to the job, especially if it’s a requirement.
- Diploma or Certificate: Include certifications, diplomas, or relevant courses that are directly related to the job and can demonstrate your qualifications.
- High School Diploma: Generally, high school education is not included on professional resumes unless you have limited higher education or work experience.
When including your education, provide the following details:
- Name of the degree (e.g., Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration).
- Major or field of study.
- Name of the institution (university or college).
- Location (city and state/province) of the institution.
- Graduation date or expected graduation date.
Here’s an example of how to format your education section on your resume:
**Education:**
Master of Science in Computer Science
XYZ University
City, State
Graduation Date: Month, Year
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
ABC College
City, State
Graduation Date: Month, Year
Certificate in Project Management
XYZ Institute
City, State
Completion Date: Month, Year
Remember to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for, emphasizing the educational background and qualifications most relevant to the position.