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How To Properly List an Associate Degree on a Resume

Wondering how to write an associate degree on your resume — or whether you should include it at all? Here’s a complete guide on how to list an associate degree.

2 years ago   •   4 min read

An associate degree isn’t just a springboard into a four-year bachelor’s degree. It’s also a complete degree in its own right and listing it can be a valuable addition to your resume. Here’s our recruiter-vetted guide on how to get the most out of your associate degree.

How to write an associate degree on your resume

• Include an associate degree in the education section of your resume. You can simply title it, "EDUCATION".
• If you have multiple degrees, list them separately, with your most recent or advanced degree at the top.
• List the school you attended, location, and the full name of your degree (including any majors ). Your graduation date is optional — if it’s been 8+ years since you graduated, leave it off.
• (Optional) Include any relevant additional information, like coursework, awards, and extracurricular activities . The longer you’ve been out of school, the shorter your education section should be.
• If you graduated recently (or are still studying), your education section can go at the top of your resume. Otherwise, it should go below your work experience .
• Run your resume through a free resume scanner for additional tips and personalized advice.

If you want to check if you’ve listed your associate degree the right way, upload your resume to the tool below — it’ll scan it and let you know if you’ve highlighted the right information for your degrees, majors and minors , relevant coursework and GPA. It’ll also let you know which of these belong on your resume and which ones to remove.

Associate degree resume examples

Here’s how you should write an associate degree on your resume if you’re a recent graduate.

EDUCATION University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN Associate in Applied Science Relevant coursework: Mathematical Reasoning, Managerial Accounting, Accounting for Business Operations Dean’s List 2018

You can include extra information here to make up for a lack of professional work experience. This could include relevant coursework, awards, student activities and organizations, and even your GPA (but only if it’s above 3.5). You can also pin your education section to the top of your resume, above your work experience.

Once you’ve been in the workforce for a few years, you can shorten your education section and move it to the bottom of your resume.

Here’s an example of how to list an associate of arts degree on your resume if you’re a mid-level hire with a bit more work experience:

Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 2018–2019 Associate of Arts in History

If you’re still a student, currently on hiatus, or didn’t finish your degree, you can still include it on your resume.

If you haven’t graduated yet , simply list your expected date of graduation . It’s okay if this changes — just use your best guess.

Queensborough Community College (Expected May 2024) New York, NY Associate in Science in Business Administration Activities: Alpha Beta Gamma Honor Society, Student Government, Stock Market Club

Here’s how to list an incomplete degree if you didn’t graduate:

Community College of Rhode Island (2020-2021) Warwick, RI Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — Completed 20 credit hours

Looking for more detailed tips on how to format the education section of your resume? Check out our guides on the must-haves when writing your education on your resume and listing an unfinished degree on your resume .

Related : How To Put Dean’s List on Your Resume

Tips for listing an associate degree on a resume

Wondering about the nitty gritty of writing an associate degree on your resume? Here’s our complete guide on spelling, grammar, and abbreviations:

Abbreviations

How do you abbreviate an associate degree on your resume?

• The correct abbreviation for an associate of arts degree is AA.
• In most cases, you should use the full name of your degree rather than the abbreviation — for example, Associate of Business Administration rather than ABA. This is the same rule used for any acronym that isn’t instantly recognizable.

Is it an associate degree, or an associate’s degree?

• There’s no “s” at the end — It’s “associate,” not “associate’s” or “associates.”
• This is different from a bachelor’s or master’s degree, so be aware that different degrees have different rules for spelling.

Is it Associate in or Associate of?

• “Associate in” and “Associate of” are both correct. Check with your school to see which one it uses.
• List the name of the degree as it officially appears on your degree, e.g. Associate in Applied Science, Associate of Teaching.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an associate degree and a regular degree.

An associate degree is a two-year degree. It’s a post-secondary qualification, above a high school diploma but below a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree can be awarded on its own or used to gain advanced entry into a four-year degree program.

Should you put an associate degree on your resume?

You should include an associate degree on your resume if:

• The position requires an associate degree.
• Your degree is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.
• You’re changing careers and the degree is relevant to your new field.
• You don’t have a more recent or advanced degree.
• You’re currently studying toward an associate degree — this includes if you’re currently on hiatus.

You should leave an associate degree off your resume if:

• You have much more advanced or relevant degrees. If you completed an associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree in the same subject, you don’t need to list the associate degree.
• The job you’re applying for requires a more advanced degree. If it’s a hard requirement, only having an associate degree may be a dealbreaker, but if a bachelor’s degree is listed as a ‘nice to have,’ you should still apply if you have an associate degree in the same field.
• You completed your studies a very long time ago and have plenty of work experience since then. In that case, an associate degree likely isn’t adding anything to your candidacy and you should consider removing it.

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How to list a degree on your resume: Quick and easy guide

A strong education could catapult you toward your dream job. To showcase your studies to recruiters, learn how to list a degree on your resume. Fortunately, there’s a straightforward formula you can use time and time again. Within this guide, we will cover the following: 

• Why you should list a degree, or degrees, on your resume.
• General formatting advice when listing your degree or degrees.
• How to write an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree on your resume.
• Additional expert tips on how to format and write your education section .

Why should you list a degree on your resume?

It’s important to list your degree on your resume. Let’s face it, you don’t want those years of studying to go to waste. It takes an average of four to six years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Add that to your blood, sweat, and cash, and it’s quite a hefty investment. 

When you’re applying for a job, a degree is a notable achievement . Whether it applies to the role or otherwise, it may turn the hiring manager’s head. Having a solid educational foundation shows that you have what it takes to work hard and succeed. If you are up against candidates with only a high school diploma, it may give you the competitive edge. 

Having a degree shows drive, determination, and skill. However, you may no longer need one to land certain skill-based roles. The last decade has seen a colossal shift. More employers than ever are now prioritizing skills over education alone. 

According to Harvard Business Review , between 2017 and 2019 employers lowered degree requirements for 46% of middle-skill positions and 31% of high-skill positions. While some positions will always require a degree, the same isn’t true across industries. It’s worth checking out the job market when you’re considering a college education. 

There’s a right and wrong way to list your degree on your resume. Before you start working on your application, learning how to format this achievement is a major bonus. 

How to list a degree on your resume: General format

When listing a degree on your resume, it needs to be clear and simple. Recruiters’ time is precious. They should be able to scan your document and get the information they need. 

Luckily, there’s a standard format you can use every time. You will need to include the following details: 

• The University Name
• Start and End Dates
• Degree Type
• Minor (if you had one!)

Looking to bolster your resume ? You can add some extra information about your degree. With that in mind, you may find that it’s useful to include: 

• Coursework Subjects
• Extracurricular Activities

If you were a member of a society or club during college — and it applies to the role — you might want to mention it. For example, if you were President of the Anthropological Society and you’re applying to work at a museum, be sure to mention it on your resume. 

Check out our example below: 

University of Texas at Dallas, TX

Bachelor of Science in Business

Aug 2008 - May 2012

• Graduated with High Honors

While you don’t have to list bullet points below your degree, it can be useful. Figure out how much space you have on your resume before you add in these extras. 

How to list multiple degrees on your resume

Are you a serial student? If you happen to have more than one degree under your belt, you must highlight that on your resume. As a general rule, you should use a reverse chronological approach . That means that your most recent degree appears first. 

Of course, rules are there to be broken. If one of your degrees is more relevant to the job role than the other, you can highlight it by listing it first. Note that is the only time that you can switch up the order of your degrees on your resume. 

Needless to say, your degrees sit under the education section of your resume. When it comes to formatting, they need to go above each other in order. See our example here: 

Master of Science in Business

Sept 2012 - Sept 2014

Once again, you can bullet-point some additional details below. However, you don’t want your education to take up too much space on your resume. Consider whether you have enough room to add in your GPA , honors, subjects, or any extra information. 

Work and study now, graduate later. If that’s your timeline and you’re looking for a job, don’t let this common sticking point stand in your way: How do I put my expected graduation date on a resume? It’s really quite easy. Here are some tips and examples.

How to write an associate degree on your resume 

An associate’s degree is the lowest level of higher education, taking around two years to complete. When you’re listing this certificate on your resume, you should use the term ‘Associate of’. For example, you might write ‘Associate of Arts’ or ‘Associate of Science’. 

Most of the time, you should use the full name for this type of degree. However, if you have a load of information to squeeze onto your resume, there are abbreviations you can use. Most employers will understand the following: 

• AB = Associate of Business
• ABA - Associate of Business Administration
• AA = Associate of Arts
• AS = Associate of Science
• AAS = Associate of Applied Science

Don’t get too jazzy with the formatting. You should use the same format we have already mentioned and slip the ‘Associate of’ line beneath the university name. See our example: 

Associate of Arts in English Literature

Aug 2012 - Aug 2014

Avoid using columns when listing your education. More than 50% of U.S. businesses now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to vet candidates. Complicated resume designs may confuse the software, meaning your application ends up in the ‘junk’ pile.

Volunteer work can be a wonderful way to feature a variety of valuable skills, Here's a list of how to add volunteer work to your resume.

How to write a bachelor’s degree on your resume 

Next up, let’s talk about bachelor’s degrees. When listing this type of degree on your resume, you should use the words ‘Bachelor of’ plus your discipline. So, you might write that you have a ‘Bachelor of Science’ or a ‘Bachelor of Education’. 

Do you need to save some space? If things are getting tight, you can use some common abbreviations. Here are the main ones that you need to know about: 

• BS = Bachelor of Science
• BA = Bachelor of Arts
• BEd = Bachelor of Education
• BBA = Bachelor of Business Administration
• BLA = Bachelor of Liberal Arts
• BSW = Bachelor of Social Work
• BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts

If possible, you should write out the full title of your degree. However, if you’re applying for a role in which the hiring manager will be familiar with the abbreviation, you can use it. For instance, if you are going for a job at a school, the employer will understand BEd. 

Need some inspiration? Check out our example here: 

Bachelor of Social Work  

Winning an award at work or during your education might seem like a pleasant pat on the back at the time, but a relevant award can also impress a potential hiring manager.

How to write a master’s degree on your resume 

So you got a master’s degree? Good for you! You might have guessed it already — you’re going to use the words ‘Master of’ along with the discipline. Some examples of this include ‘Master of Arts’ and ‘Master of Science’. 

Once again, there are some abbreviations you can use if you need to. Here are some of the most common ones you need to familiarize yourself with: 

• MS (or MSc) = Master of Science
• MA = Master of Arts
• MEd = Master of Education
• MBA = Master of Business Administration
• ME = Master of Engineering
• MIB = Master of International Business
• MFA = Master of Fine Arts
• MAT = Master of Arts in Teaching
• MH = Master of Humanities

Chances are, you will stack your master’s degree above any previous degrees on your resume. The format you need to use is the same as before. Here’s an example: 

Master of Arts in English Language 

Decide whether you want to use periods in your abbreviations. For example, you can choose between writing ‘MAT’ and ‘M.A.T’ when listing your degree. Simply make sure that you take the same approach to all of the degrees you list. Consistency is key.

If you’ve gone through the trials of writing a paper or article, don’t be afraid to brag about it. Here’s how to list publications on your resume like a professional.

Key takeaways

• Degrees may give you the competitive edge when applying for jobs. However, more and more recruiters are now valuing skills more highly than education.
• Keep things simple when it comes to the format. A recruiter should be able to quickly and easily see your educational background.
• You will need to include the basic information: university name, start and end dates, degree type, major, and minor (if applicable).
• If you have additional space, you can add details beneath your degree listing. You can include your honors, GPA, and any extracurricular activities.
• Don’t overcomplicate the design or you might not get past the ATS. Make things easy for yourself by using our recruiter-tested resume templates.

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How to List a Degree on a Resume

When creating a resume, experience, and skills are often highlighted. However, it’s important to remember that your educational background is also essential. Specific courses of study and levels of education are required for specific jobs.

Correctly listing your educational qualifications , such as a seminar you’ve attended, or a course or certification you’ve completed, shows that you have the training and, therefore, the skills you need.

Arguably the most influential titles you can will be a diploma or degree .  

So if you’re interested in applying for a job fresh out of college should you add your degree to your resume?

It’s definitely a great option. Having a degree or diploma says something about you as a future employee – you had the determination and perseverance to complete multiple years of study.

In fact, according to the BLS, median usual weekly earnings increase based on the level of education completed, which you can see in the graph below:

That’s why it’s essential to know how to list your bachelor or master’s degree on your resume along with any other title.

Follow our tips below and examples of degrees in a resume to understand the best ways to add your qualifications and stand out when looking for some of the most in-demand jobs out there.

How to Write a Degree on a Resume

Many types of degrees exist, but the same basic format is used for each in your resume education section.

You’ll need to include the following details to display your credentials in an organized manner:

• Name of the school
• Location of the school
• Type of degree earned

You can also choose to list the year you graduated . However, depending on when you finished college, it may be better to add it or leave it out.

If you have more than 5 years of experience, you don’t need to list the year you graduated in your resume.

Remember to include the city and state when you mention the location or country if you studied abroad.

Try our  intelligent resume builder  to  ensure that these details stay organized  in your application. Nothing looks worse than a sloppy education section.

How to List Different Degrees on a Resume

You may think that having more than one college degree is automatically a positive and will look good no matter what.

It’s fantastic that you can display your advanced knowledge, but having the right plan in place for listing your degrees on a resume is critical.

To effectively add your well-deserved degrees you should:

• List your degrees in reverse chronological order
• Place your highest level of education at the top of your education section and continue from there
• Separate your double majors with an & symbol to avoid clutter

Remember to  include any noteworthy honors or distinctions  along with your  degrees , especially if they’re relevant to the position you are applying to.

Here’s an example of how to list a bachelor of science degree on a resume:

Master of Business Administration, Focus on Finance, Ivy League University, 2023

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Double Major: Marketing, Management, State University, 2020

• Relevant Coursework: Strategic Marketing, Operations Management, Organizational Behavior
• Achievements: Graduated Cum Laude, President of the Business Club (2019-2020)

How to Write Your Associate’s Degree on a Resume and Impress Employers

While it may take less time to get an associate’s degree is  nothing to look over , especially on a resume.

That means you’ll need to highlight your achievements,  just like on bachelor’s or master’s degrees .

Generally, you will record your associate’s degree in the format of the example below:

Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design, Springfield Community College, 2021

• Relevant Coursework: Digital Illustration, Typography, Web Design
• Honors: Graduated with Distinction

As a general rule, you should spell out the name of the degree rather than abbreviating it. This prevents confusion on the part of the recruiter.

If you’re running out of space on your one-page resume,  you can opt to abbreviate . These are common associate’s degree abbreviations and their meanings:

• AA means Associate in Arts
• AAB means Associate of Applied Business
• AAS means Associate in Applied Science
• AAT means Associate of Arts in Teaching
• ABA means Associate of Business Administration
• AS means Associate in Science

Depending on your college, your degree may be called “Associate of” or “Associate in.” Double-check to make sure you are using the correct terminology. Also, never write “Associate’s Degree” on your resume.

It should always be listed as the proper degree name, without an apostrophe “s”.

How to List Bachelor’s Degree on a Resume

A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate degree that takes four or more years of study. As like an associate’s degree, you will list your degree with the years you were in school, the university name, the city, and state, the type of degree, and the subject of study. Here’s an example:

Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Magna Cum Laude, University of Michigan, 2021

• Major: Marketing, Minor: Communication Studies
• Relevant Coursework: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing, Public Relations, Social Media Marketing

Remember to  spell out the name of your degree  rather than abbreviating it. If you need an abbreviation to save space, you can use BA for Bachelor of Arts or BS for Bachelor of Science. Additional, less common abbreviations include:

• B.A. for Bachelor of Arts
• Bach. Sci., B.Sc., S.B., B.S., BCs for Bachelor of Science
• BJHum for Bachelor of Journalism and Humanities
• BMPD for Bachelor of Media Production and Design
• BMusA for Bachelor of Musical Arts
• BPAPM for Bachelor of Public Affairs and Policy Management
• BScFS for Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.

Before using any of these uncommon abbreviations, think seriously about whether the meaning will be clear to your hiring manager.

Again, you won’t be using an apostrophe. It’s “Bachelor of” not “Bachelor’s.” As with the high school diploma, you can also cite your GPA if it was above 3.5 and include any distinctions, such as graduating Cum Laude .

How to Include Unfinished Degrees on a Resume

What if you are currently working on your degree, but have not yet graduated?

An in-progress degree on a resume doesn’t look bad at all so go ahead and add it!

List it similarly, with your expected graduation date on your resume as the closing year.

If you list a future date, your hiring manager will understand it is your expected graduation date. Optionally, following the listing, you can place the words “Expected graduation in [year]”.

What if you worked hard in college but  did not finish your degree ?

Don’t worry! Life happens. This experience can  still be placed on your resume . You can still list your relevant classes and focus on the transferable skills you picked up while studying.

Consider this unfinished degree on resume example:

2019-2022 Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN Completed 48 credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in English

How to List a Master’s Degree on a Resume

Once you’ve obtained a bachelor’s degree, you might get a master’s degree. These graduate degrees usually require two additional years of study.

Always  list your master’s degree first  and your bachelor’s degree second.

Like previously discussed degrees, your master’s degree listing will include the standard format, meaning dates, the institution’s name, etc.

If you need to abbreviate, the following are common master’s degree abbreviations:

• A.M., M.A., or MA for Master of Arts
• M.B.A. or MBA for Master of Business Administration
• M.E., ME, MEng, or M.Eng. for Master of Engineering
• M.Ed. or MEd for Master of Education
• M.S., MS, M.Sc., or MSc for Master of Science
• M.S.Met. for Master of Science in Metallurgical Engineering

How to Add a Ph.D. to a Resume

If you have a Ph.D. it will look fantastic on your resume or CV , especially if you are looking for a position in the field of education.

Having a Ph.D. in a field that values it will help your application big time. 

However, if you are applying to a field that is unrelated to your Ph.D. no need to show it off that much.  But let’s say your Ph.D. is relevant to the position . Where should you place it?

Since it’s the highest distinction you can earn in education, you’ll want to place your Ph.D. at the top of your education section , and even s how it off in your summary.

Here’s how it should look when written on a resume:

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Focus on Artificial Intelligence, ABC Institute, 2019

• Dissertation: “Deep Learning Approaches to Natural Language Processing”
• Advisor: Dr. John Doe
• Research Interests: Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Sentiment Analysis
• Publications: 3 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals
• Teaching Experience: Graduate Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Programming, Prestigious Institute (2019-2021)
• Awards: Best Paper Award, International Conference on Machine Learning (2022)

How to List a High School Diploma

If you’ve only completed high school, don’t worry; your education section can still shine! A large portion of the U.S. job market only has a high school diploma to their name.

However, there are a couple of questions you should ask yourself before including your high school diploma:

• What if you received a General Education Development Diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED)?
• Should you list your high school education on your resume if you have later degrees?

Firstly, a GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma , and it should be listed similarly.

Secondly, If you have just one additional degree, you can also list your high school. Remember to place the college degree first and the high school diploma second, following the reverse chronological order.

Listing your high school information is unnecessary if you have multiple graduate and undergraduate degrees.

Variations in Listing Your Degrees

Now that we’ve looked at how to list each type of degree, let’s look at  some acceptable variations .

First, you don’t always have to list all the years you attended a college in [Year-Year] style. It’s also okay to list the year you graduated.

You can also adjust the order of the listing if you want to  emphasize  what  you studied  rather than  when  you graduated.

This is especially helpful if you  completed your education many years ago . You can replace the year, school/place, and degree order with a degree, school, and year order. Here’s an example of what that might look like:

[Type of Degree] in [Subject] [University Name, City, State] [Graduation Year]

You can also do this if you’re still working on your degree. Then, it will look like this:

[Type of Degree] in [Subject] [University Name, City, State] Expected Graduation in [Year]

The important thing is that you maintain the same format throughout your resume.

In Conclusion

Having the right education can mean the difference between getting your desired job and missing out. Therefore, it is essential to master listing your degrees in your resume education section.

Whether you need to list a high school diploma, GED, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or Ph.D., the steps are the same.

Remember to always list your education in reverse chronological order , placing the most recent achievements – and the highest degrees – first. It’s up to you to place the education section before or after the work experience section.

Your choice should depend on how much experience you have, as education is great for new applications, and if education is more pertinent to the position. 

In either case, you can use a resume template and these tips to ensure you create a stand-out application.

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How To List Degrees on Your Resume

Write the Full Name of Your Degree

List multiple degrees in reverse-chronological order, recent graduates should feature extra information, how to list an associate degree on your resume, how to list a bachelor’s degree on your resume, how to list a master’s degree on your resume, education section frequently asked questions.

Education is often a key asset to your job search, so it’s important to list your academic credentials on your resume correctly. First, give the name of your degree, followed by your major if it relates to your target job. Next, write the full name of your school as well as the city, state, and (optionally) your graduation date. In this guide, we’ll show you how to properly feature your associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees on your resume.

Provide the full name of your degree followed by its abbreviation in parentheses. This ensures your document will achieve Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliance for either “Bachelor of Arts” or “B.A.” when the software parses your document for keywords. Regarding the use of periods in degree abbreviations, standards differ among the Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and other academic institutions. But whether you choose to write “Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)” or “Bachelor of Arts (BA),” stay consistent for all degrees in your education section.

When citing multiple degrees on your resume, put them in reverse-chronological order, or newest to oldest. If you’ve earned a master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree all within the same major, feel free to leave off your associate to save space.

Master of Science (M.S.), Information Technology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2020

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Information Technology University of Florida, Gainesville, FL | 2018

If you’re just out of school and don’t have relevant work experience to highlight, you can compensate for this by noting the stronger aspects of your education. These extra details may include your grade point average (GPA), academic awards, associations, or even coursework.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Philosophy Harvard University, Cambridge, MA | 2021 GPA: 3.92/4.0

• President, Continental Philosophy Association, 2020 – 2021
• Member, Harvard Diversity Student Coalition, 2018 – 2021
• Editor, Harvard University Literature Magazine, 2017 – 2019
• Summa cum laude
• Dean’s List, 2017 – 2021

Write out the full name of your associate degree followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. If your work experience is limited, flesh out your education section with any academic honors or awards you’ve won.

Associate of Science (A.S.), Nursing University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY | 2021 GPA: 3.8/4.0

Follow the same format when detailing your bachelor’s degree. Keep your years of experience in mind here, as you won’t need to include details such as your GPA, academic awards, or an associate degree if you already have substantial hands-on experience in your field.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Software Engineering University of Seattle, Seattle, WA | 2021

In most cases, show both your master’s and bachelor’s degrees on your resume. Although hiring managers will likely assume you’ve earned a bachelor’s, failing to cite this degree could hinder your resume during the initial ATS scan. As previously mentioned, order your degrees from newest to oldest. You can also leave off additional academic achievements unless you lack relevant work experience to feature on your resume.

Master of Science (M.S.), Chemical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2021

Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI | 2019

Should my degree be at the top of my resume? -

Not usually. As a general rule, order your resume sections by relevance. For most job seekers, that means putting the work experience section first and education second. But you may opt to reverse this order if, say, you just graduated, and your degree program speaks strongly to your target job.

How do I list an unfinished college degree? -

Although you may be tempted to leave your college experience off your resume if you didn’t finish your degree, it is helpful to include. Having some higher-level education is better than none, and may help you avoid being rejected by ATS if the company scans for a particular word or term like “bachelor's degree.” Write "Coursework toward" before the degree name, and list the dates you attended and the number of credits you earned so you don’t give the wrong impression that you graduated.

If you’re still completing the degree in question, put "Candidate" in front of the title, as in Candidate: Bachelor of Science (BS).

Coursework toward: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), English Literature University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA | 2016 – 2018

• Completed 40 credits in English literature

Does it ever make sense to omit degrees on my resume? -

Yes, but rarely. As mentioned above, you might leave out an associate degree to save space. In rare cases, you may also choose to omit an advanced degree if it would overqualify you for the job opening at hand.

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How to Write Your Degree on a Resume

Last Updated: September 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Colleen Campbell, PhD . Dr. Colleen Campbell is the Founder and CEO of The Ignite Your Potential Centers, Career and Life Coaching based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Colleen received her MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Sofia University and has been career coaching since 2008. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 407,266 times.

Including information about your degree in a resume can be tricky business. You might wonder where to place your education section, how to list multiple degrees, or whether to list things like dates or your GPA. While there are few set rules about formatting or including content, there are several guidelines to follow. Format your education and other sections consistently. Include your university, its location, and your degree title, and list the date only if you’re a recent grad. Be concise and strategic when writing your resume, and try to include only relevant information that will make your application as competitive as possible.    

Sample Resumes

Formatting Your Education Section

• For example, if you bold employers’ names in your experience section, write your college in bold, especially if it’s a prestigious school or one known for excellence in your field.
• Use a standard sans-serif font, like Arial, for easy readability. Use a 10-12 point size for general text and 14-16 point for section headings.   

• If you’re a recent grad with a high GPA, you could opt to include your GPA. Just be sure to explain your GPA system by writing, for example, “3.92/4.0.”
• You can also include your graduation year if you’re a recent grad. Otherwise, you should avoid including dates, especially if your degree is older than 15 years.
• An example degree listing could be: Yale University, New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Arts in English, Magna cum laude .

• Avoid unnecessary words elsewhere in your resume, too. For example, don’t write “Email:” or “Phone:” before listing your contact information. Just write your email address and phone number.

• If you’re not a recent grad or have substantial professional experience, place your relevant experience section ahead of your education. In general, professional experience is more valuable information than your education.

• If you double majored, you can just list both degrees in the same section under your university: Yale University , New Haven, CT. Double major: Bachelor of Arts, English. Bachelor of Arts, Art History.

• If not, and if your high school diploma is your highest degree, include your high school's name and location, graduation date (if it's within the last three years), and, if it's above a 3.5/4.0, your GPA: Nashua High School, Nashua, New Hampshire High School Diploma, 2016. GPA: 3.8
• If your highest degree is a GED diploma or state equivalent certificate, include it if you don't have substantial work experience: Education General Educational Development Diploma, 2016. Education CHSPE (Certificate of Proficiency from the State of California), 2016.

Including the Best Information

• Don’t include undergraduate degree acronyms after your name. For example, never write, “Jane Smith, B.A.”

• Exceptions to this rule include study abroad programs or coursework at prestigious institutions. For example, you might include relevant information like this: University of Georgia , Athens, GA. Bachelor of Science in Biology (Marine Biology emphasis), 2016. University of Auckland , Auckland, New Zealand. Study abroad program with emphasis in ecological preservation.

• For example, you could describe an incomplete undergraduate degree like this: Yale University , New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Science, Biology (expected 2017)
• You could describe a graduate degree like this: Yale University , New Haven, CT Master of Business Administration degree candidate Thesis under development; anticipated completion June 2018

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Application

• For example, suppose you’re applying for an engineering job and earned an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering in 2009 and a master’s in graphic design in 2012. You should list your engineering degree first.
• You might have also researched your prospective job and found that the department head who will read your resume graduated from your undergraduate university. You might then want to include your undergraduate degree first and place your education section at the top of your resume.

• For example, you could structure your education section like this: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering , University of Texas, Austin, TX. Relevant courses : Thermodynamics, Properties of Engineering Materials, Solid Mechanics, Dynamics of Machines, Strength of Mechanical Components.

• For example, instead of listing computer programs and other skills you learned at school in a block of text under your degree, put them in a separate section at the top of your resume. Be sure to include skills, programs, and other keywords from the job posting.    

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://careercenter.georgetown.edu/major-career-guides/resumes-cover-letters/resume-formatting-tips/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-list-education-on-a-resume
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/high-school-education-on-resume
• ↑ https://careerservices.fas.harvard.edu/blog/2023/01/17/exactly-when-where-and-how-to-list-certifications-on-your-resume-because-youve-earned-them/
• ↑ https://career.arizona.edu/resources/tailoring-your-resume/
• ↑ https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/resume/step2

About This Article

To write your degree on your resume, start by writing the name of your school, followed by where it's located. Then, write your degree and any honors you received. For example, you would write something like, “Yale University, New Haven, CT. Bachelor of Arts in English, 2.1” If you’re a recent grad with a high GPA, you can include your score at the end. Write your degree at the top of your education section so it’s above your high school. If you've completed or you're currently studying a postgraduate degree, put this above your undergraduate degree so it's in chronological order. In addition to your major, feel free to include your minor underneath if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can still include your degree on your resume, but make it clear that you’re still studying by putting something like, “Expected 2020,” in brackets at the end. For more tips from our Careers co-author, including how to tailor your resume for each job application, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Highlighting Your Liberal Arts Degree in Your Job Materials: A Comprehensive Guide + Examples

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The following piece is one of a multi-part series provided by College Recruiter and constructed by the Office of Undergraduate Education and Career Services in the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota. This material not only serves as an excellent education tool, but provides clear examples that liberal arts students, like yourself, can use to write your job materials including:

• Résumés • Cover letters • Recommendation letters • Thank-you notes

To read the full article on these resources check it out here . Students can also check out the rest of the series through the links provided below.

Career Readiness Guide: Prepare For Success With Your Liberal Arts Degree

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College of Liberal Arts Resume Samples

Instead of using resume templates from the internet, duplicate these free samples created by Career Center staff, with input from College of Liberal Arts faculty and staff. See examples demonstrating how to tailor your resume regardless of your major or amount of experience to stand out to employers and graduate admissions .  Looking for jobs and internships in the liberal arts to apply for with these resumes? Check out this resource too .

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Resume and Cover Letters

In your first year of college, you’ll begin crafting a resume, refining and updating it as you actively participate in various experiences and acquire new skills. This process of refining not only reflects your academic journey but also underscores the importance of maintaining a professional approach throughout your college career, especially when it comes to the development and presentation of your resume.

Your resume and cover letter work together as essential documents, strategically showcasing your identity and accomplishments. This synergy becomes even more critical in a college setting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high level of professionalism, particularly when crafting and presenting resumes. These documents serve as powerful tools to effectively communicate your qualifications and experiences to potential employers.

Your resume is your personal marketing tool, advertising what you can do for a prospective employer. It summarizes the unique skills and experiences that set you apart from your competitors. The goal of a resume is to get the reader interested in you as a candidate. Remember to customize your resume for each job application, emphasizing the most relevant qualifications and experiences for the specific position.

Your cover letter showcases not only your personality, purpose, knowledge, and writing capabilities but also your professionalism. Serving as a complement to your resume, it provides a valuable opportunity to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs of a prospective employer.

A few things to remember:

• A resume is a piece of a person on paper. One person could be proud of their resume because it best represents them while another person may not care, both ways are perfectly fine. It is our job to make sure each person feels represented by their resumes.
• There is no perfect resume. Typically, we use chronological resumes, however there are multiple types: chronological, functional, combination, or targeted resume. Each resume is a little different in size, color, formatting, etc. based on the person that creates or edits it. Just ensure the major components are there: Name, contact information, education, and experiences.
• Nearly any experience is a professional experience, we just have to find the words to explain them.

The following are tips for constructing a powerful and professional resume. Use this sheet and the example on the back as a guide while collaborating with your career coach to create a resume that is perfect for you and your job.

PERSONAL BRAND

The top of your document should list your contact information, including your name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn domain link.

The formatting you use for this section creates a look you will use throughout your application materials (cover letter, references, etc.). Consider your use of font, font size, color, and spacing to create a professional look. Make sure your name is the most visually prominent piece of the whole document.

In this section, list all relevant education in reverse-chronological order. For each relevant college, university, or certificate program you have completed:

Write the name of the institution, the name of the degree/certificate/diploma, the location, and the date of completion.

Consider including the following if they are relevant to the position for which you are applying or if they have been requested by the employer: GPA (if ≥ 3.5), awards or recognitions, scholarships, student organizations, leadership positions, relevant coursework.

In this section, list all relevant experience in reverse-chronological order. For each a job position, internship, volunteer position, military service, or leadership experience:

Write the name of the organization, the position title, dates of employment/service, and location.

Construct 3-5 concise bullet points which describe the most valuable and relevant skills you gained and demonstrated in this position.

Start each bullet with a strong action verb.

Highlight skills, not responsibilities.

Be quantifiable whenever possible (e.g. generated 15% sales increase).

Use the employers own language to show that you fit what they are looking for.

REVIEWING YOUR RESUME

Employers prefer resumes to be ONE FULL PAGE or never more than TWO FULL PAGES. Arrange the text size and formatting so your text fills the page(s).

Carefully proof-read your document and have a friend or career coach review it for grammar and formatting.

Do not use jargon or informal vocabulary.

Your resume should change depending on what position you are applying for. Be sure your resume is tailored to the relevant position.

Are you fluent, proficient, or conversational in a second language? If so, ask your career coach how you can best highlight this skill in your resume.

Personal statements (a.k.a. objectives or summary statements) are generally obsolete. Include one only if you have a clear career goal that is very relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Many resume templates include a “skills” section. Only include this section if you are otherwise unable to fill one full page or if you have particularly relevant skills that you have not displayed elsewhere.

Project Coordinator

Assess patients for participation in, and coordinate the Pulmonary Rehab program

Monitor and supervise physical conditioning keeping physician informed of patient progress

Provide respiratory-related skills training and coordinate the skill training provided by Pharmacy, Dietetics, and Chaplaincy departments.

Information Specialist

Developed and implemented cross-training for administrative duties to mitigate risk and ensure success

Yielded membership inquiries, comments, and concerns in a high volume, fast-paced call center

Processed data including new membership applications, changes to member information, and dues payments

Advise the new co-presidents on how to structure and organize events, lead an executive board, and discuss ideas on how to strengthen the chapter

Lead and recruit peers by offering challenges and support to event volunteers as they complete tasks

Created new member initiative increasing member success 50% from previous year

Facilitated events held by the School of Liberal Arts. Represented the school’s values by encouraging and teaching new and current IUPUI students the benefits of a liberal arts education

Medical Response Team

Provide first aid in medical emergencies and non-emergencies in and round Indianapolis

Initiated first responder program increasing patient numbers 35% as compared to previous year

Increase organization’s recognition with outreach and communication

Translate the organization’s services for the Spanish community

The following are tips for writing a powerful and professional cover letter. Use this sheet and the example letter on the back as a guide while collaborating with your career coach on how to create a cover letter that is perfect for the position you are pursuing.

As with a resume, your cover letter will be headed by your personal brand which contains your basic contact information, including your name, address, email, phone number, and LinkedIn URL. Mirror or copy the personal brand from your resume to create a clean and unified professional look.

Directly under your header include the date.

Address your letter to the person who will be reviewing your application. If this information is not accessible, consider calling the company to find it. If possible, include their name, job title, organization/company name, and company address.

PARAGRAPH 1: INTRODUCTION

The focus of this paragraph is introducing yourself and demonstrating your knowledge of the company/organization.

Briefly introduce yourself.

Show that you have done your research. Connect with their company goals, mission, or values. Tell them why you are excited about or impressed by their organization or this position.

If you have a connection with the organization, do not be afraid to name-drop.

PARAGRAPH 2: YOUR SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

The focus of this paragraph is the skills that you bring to the position.

Highlight 2-3 skills that you would bring to their team.

Use their language and show that you know what they value. Be sharp and to the point.

Do the work of connecting your skills to their team and their organization. Show them that you fit.

PARAGRAPH 3: CLOSING

Tell them what you would like to happen next (e.g. an interview or opportunity to talk about the position further).

Provide information about how you can best be reached.

Thank them for their time and consideration. Close with a salutation and signature.

REVIEWING YOUR COVER LETTER

Even if the application does not require a cover letter, consider submitting one anyway (unless it specifically says not to). This extra effort shows the employer your sincere interest and could put you a step ahead of your competitors.

Check your grammar and make sure that you’ve tailored your letter to the appropriate position.

Dear Mr. Hiring:

I first heard about Indianapolis Children’s Home as I was preparing for the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Annual Career Fair. As I began to research your program, I was immediately interested in your goal of providing service to children in great need here in Indiana. In conversation with Mr. George Recruiter at the Career Fair, I realized even more clearly how you provide practical services while focusing on fostering positive relationships with your youth and their families. This spring I will be graduating from IUPUI with a Bachelor of Science in Education and I am interested in working on your team as an Activities Coordinator after graduation. Throughout college I have been involved in Indiana Urban Outreach and improved the lives of over 950 members of our community here in Indianapolis. This opportunity has granted me experiences building relationships with people from a variety of demographics. Because of this experience coupled with my education, I am confident that I have the ability to identify the needs of and foster positive relationships with your children and their families. In addition, I have two years of experience as a lead teacher for an after-school program at a local grade school, which has offered me the ability to plan and lead educational activities and has effectively prepared me to lead in the role of an Activities Coordinator. I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss what I can bring to your team as an Activities Coordinator for the Indianapolis Children’s Home. Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, SIGNATURE Your Name

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12+ Liberal Arts Degree Jobs (Plus, 4 Tips on How to Land Them)

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12+ Liberal Arts Degree Jobs (Plus, 4 Tips on How to Land Them) was originally published on Forage .

If you’re pursuing a liberal arts degree, career and job search anxiety are completely normal. Unlike majors like accounting or software engineering , many liberal arts degree majors don’t immediately translate to specific career paths; however, this doesn’t mean that liberal arts degree jobs are few and far between. In reality, liberal arts degree jobs span hundreds of industries and roles. 

Jobs for liberal arts majors and degrees are nearly endless because these students learn valuable transferable skills they can bring to almost any job. Here are some top liberal arts degree jobs and how to get them.

What Can You Do With a Liberal Arts Degree?

Essentially, you can pursue whatever job you want!.

“The blessing of a liberal arts degree is that you can do virtually anything regardless of your major: you can major in English and work in the pharmaceutical industry , and a biology major could end up in cultural affairs,” says Sharon Belden Castonguay, executive director of Wesleyan University’s career center.

>>MORE: 13+ Jobs for English Majors (and How to Land Them)

You can do almost any job because liberal arts majors teach you a wide range of transferable skills in the workplace.

“Liberal arts disciplines train students in critical and analytical thinking that differentiates them from other disciplines,” says Sophie Gee, associate professor at Princeton University. Students learn things like close reading, theoretical analysis, critiquing, problem-solving, and storytelling, Gee says, all of which translate to valuable workplace skills from research and writing skills to critical and analytical thinking skills.

These soft skills also make you more hireable. According to The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 report , some of the top ten skills employers will look for between now and 2027 include:

• Analytical thinking
• Creative thinking
• Resilience, agility, and flexibility
• Motivation and self-awareness
• Curiosity and lifelong learning
• Dependability and attention to detail 
• Empathy and active listening

“Humanities majors in particular tend to have a bad reputation in terms of employment outcomes, but we find that our students do quite well, even if there’s not an obvious connection between their course of study and first job,” Belden Castonguay says.

Liberal Arts Degree Jobs Explained

So, what are some jobs for liberal arts majors?

Art Director

Salary: $124,310 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

Art directors focus on the visual elements of a product, including images, illustrations, typography, color, or overall style. Their work is a blend of creativity and strategy; they give artistic teams direction on their design and ensure the project is within budget and suited to the client’s needs. Art directors might work for magazines or newspapers, a specific company and its product, or movie and television productions.

Art directors may have experience in graphic design, photography, or illustration as they work across various artistic teams to give feedback and create a holistic artistic vision. 

Salary: $104,660 Job outlook: 10% (much faster than average)

A consultant advises organizations on how to be more efficient. First, they gather information about the organization, including its current strategy, mission, structure, and general processes. Then, they speak to leadership about the problem the organization is facing. Finally, they recommend different approaches to help solve the organization’s problem.

For example, a consultant might work with a luxury clothing company and learn that the company needs help increasing sales revenue. Part of the consultant’s job would be to define precisely why the company cannot increase its revenue and brainstorm new solutions.

Introduction to Strategy Consulting

Want to solve this hypothetical luxury clothing company’s sales challenges? Learn how to think, problem-solve, and brainstorm like a BCG consultant.

Avg. Time: 1-2 hours

Skills you’ll build: Critical thinking, creativity, brainstorming

Event Planner

Salary: $58,750 Job outlook: 8% (faster than average)

Event planners manage the execution of an event from start to finish:

• They meet with their client to understand what they want from the event.
• They coordinate the event with various vendors, businesses, and service providers to execute their client’s vision.
• They ensure the event runs smoothly and troubleshoot any problems as they arise.

Event planners can plan specific events, like wedding planners; they might handle large-scale events for particular professionals, like convention planners; or they can plan events for meetings between different businesses, like corporate planners.

Careers in Tourism: Event Operations

Learn how to monitor and communicate with event attendees, then create a run sheet that documents everything that needs to happen to make the event run smoothly. 

Avg. Time: 2-3 hours

Skills you’ll build: High-level organizational skills, administrative skills, communication skills

Human Resources Specialist

Salary: $73,080 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

Human resources specialists help companies recruit, hire, and retain employees. They’re a crucial part of an employee’s entire lifetime at a company, from reviewing their resume and interviewing during the hiring process to ensuring they’re engaged and satisfied at work and performing exit interviews when the employee leaves the company.

Human resources is a people-oriented career path that requires interpersonal and communication skills . Human resources specialists must also be highly organized to stay on top of things like employee payroll and new starter paperwork. 

Human Resources

First, learn how to provide feedback to help an employee improve their performance. Then, develop a compensation framework to help decide which employees should get pay raises and promotions.

Avg. Time: 3-4 hours

Skills you’ll build: Feedback skills, data visualization, process mapping, continuous improvement tools

Marketing Manager

Salary: $158,280 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

Marketing managers work to generate interest in, promote, and sell products and services. They may use a variety of marketing tactics to gain traction for a product or service, including email newsletters, social media, blog articles, influencer marketing, video promotions, and more. 

Marketing managers are typically highly strategic and creative. They’re strategic in setting goals and marketing distribution plans and creative in developing marketing assets. 

Learn how to develop a marketing plan that raises awareness and excites people about a new lululemon product. 

Avg. Time: 6-7 hours

Skills you’ll build: Creative thinking, strategic and analytical thinking, market research, written and visual communication

Market Research Analyst

Salary: $78,880 Job outlook: 13% (much faster than average)

Market research analysts look at marketing and sales data to identify trends and forecast how a product or service will sell. Their goal is to help companies better market their products and services by giving them insights into what products people are looking for, the type of audience that will buy certain products, and how to best price them.

Market research analyst is one of many great jobs for liberal arts majors because it requires critical thinking , analysis, and research skills . 

Product Manager

Salary: $120,052 Job outlook: 10% (much faster than average)

A product manager works with various teams to develop a product from start to finish. First, they might research what users want from the product and how they can best serve them. Then, they set the product’s goals, milestones, and due dates and communicate these with the various teams responsible for creating it. Finally, they address any issues as the product is created and share progress across teams and outside stakeholders.

X. Ventures

Prepare a feature roadmap for a hypothetical product Telescope, a system for retailers that sends highly personalized promotions to customers.

Skills you’ll build: Digital roadmapping, feature creation, strategic rationale

Project Manager

Salary: $101,610 Job outlook: 6% (faster than average)

A project manager oversees a project from start to finish. They ensure the project is done on schedule and within budget and address any problems that might arise during the processes. Further, they are responsible for communicating updates about the project status to essential stakeholders. 

Unlike a product manager, a project manager focuses on the day-to-day execution of a specific project. Product managers are typically responsible for the entire product strategy.

>>MORE: Product Manager vs. Project Manager: What’s the Difference?

Project managers can work in various industries, from engineering and IT to pharmaceuticals and insurance. Above all, they need impeccable communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills .

Project Management

Learn about different project management methods and apply your knowledge to help a hypothetical client launch a new mobile app. 

Skills you’ll build: Project management, strategic analysis, presentation, communication

Public Relations Specialist

Salary: $78,540 Job outlook: 6% (as fast as average)

Public relations specialists promote their clients’ brands and ensure a positive reputation. They use a variety of tactics to promote their client’s work, including sending press releases, managing social media, helping clients prepare for media coverage, organizing events, and responding to any media crises. 

Public relations is a great job for liberal arts degrees because it requires a mix of organizational, interpersonal, problem-solving, writing, and public speaking skills .  

Sales Representative

Salary: $109,950 Job outlook: 1% (little or no change)

Sales representatives sell products, goods, or services from one company to another. Their work mainly focuses on pitching and persuading potential customers to buy what they’re selling. However, sales representatives may also be involved in sales strategy, including how their company finds and reaches out to new customers, pitches products, and ensures customer satisfaction.

Sales representatives work across industries depending on what products or services they’re selling. They need exceptional customer service, interpersonal, and presentation skills .

Prepare for a conversation with a customer to learn what they’re looking for, then meet with your internal sales team and prepare a sales presentation for that customer.

Avg. Time: 5-6 hours

Skills you’ll build: Customer requirement analysis, effective communication, sales motion, service approach

Salary: $66,450 Job outlook: 1% (little or no change)

Teachers educate students on different subjects and help them build skills they need in their careers and lives. While a teacher’s main job is to plan and instruct lessons, they’re often also responsible for identifying and nurturing student strengths and helping students progress throughout the school year. 

>MORE: Top 10 Teaching Skills for Your Resume and How to Highlight Them

Becoming a teacher is an excellent liberal arts degree job because there are a variety of subjects to choose from. For example, maybe you were a biology major and could teach science, using your lab skills to help students experiment and research. Or, maybe you were an English major and can teach kindergarten so you can help students learn how to read and write.

Engaging the Community

In this course from Teach for Australia, plan a school trip to introduce your students to a university and pitch an initiative to increase student enrollment.

Skills you’ll build: Leadership, problem-solving, communication and influencing

Salary: $91,560 Job outlook: 4% (as fast as average)

Many humanities majors build their writing skills throughout college through research papers, discussion posts, and persuasive essays. That’s why becoming a writer is a common job for liberal arts degree students — many of these students have impeccable writing skills that transfer well to the workforce.

Writers develop content for various industries and mediums, whether that’s a political newspaper, online fashion magazine, instructions for a how-to manual, or a script for an advertisement. Different types of writers include:

• Grant writer
• Screenwriter
• Technical writer
• User experience (UX) writer

UX Designer

Salary: $101,740 Job outlook: 16% (much faster than average)

A UX designer improves how users experience a website, app, or product through clean, easy-to-navigate design:

• They conduct user research to understand what users are looking for, often by creating user personas or conducting user interviews.
• They create designs to address those user needs.
• They test and iterate on their design based on what users and clients say.

UX designers are highly creative, strategic, and empathetic.

For example, let’s say you work for an energy company trying to help users with electric vehicles (EVs) determine the closest charging station. As a designer, you’d be responsible for building a persona of the company’s target audience, researching more about EVs and how they work, and then designing what you think the app’s user flow should look like.

Digital Design & UX

Ready to design that app? Learn how to tackle this design challenge and create a mobile app flow that makes it easy for EV users to find charging stations.

Skills you’ll build: User research, persona creation, presentation, mobile design, wireframing

How to Land Liberal Arts Degree Jobs

Getting a job after graduating with a liberal arts degree may require more research and planning, but it’s possible to not only find a job but also a well-paying career you love.

Get Practical Experience 

“The curse [of a liberal arts degree] is that since you’re not being acculturated into a specific profession, it can be hard to articulate what you’ve learned, what you want to do next, and what you bring to the table,” Belden Castonguay says. “This is why it’s important to get practical experience as well, such as through internships and Forage job simulations .”

Any experience can be helpful when it comes to landing an entry-level job. Include extracurricular activities, academic projects, independent projects, volunteer opportunities, and part-time jobs on your resume. These experiences show you know how to apply your skill set outside of the classroom.

Tell Your Story

“There is a major problem with recruiting and becoming legible to employers,” Gee says. “Competitive advantage of liberal arts degrees isn’t recognized because there’s lack of clarity around what humanities training is and does. Liberal arts students stand out when they can articulate their disciplinary skills clearly as being skills that match up with skills needed for the future.”  

Unlike other degrees, where technical skills you learn in your courses might easily translate to skills employers are asking for, liberal arts majors have to be creative in their storytelling when they apply to jobs.

“Students who create a strong narrative about what they have learned throughout all their coursework, extracurricular activities, campus employment, internships , and other experiential education stand out on the job market, especially if they can make a convincing argument for why they want to enter whatever industry they have targeted,” Belden Castonguay says. “An employer wants to know that it was a well-thought-out decision on your part to apply to their organization, and you have to be able to convince them quickly in an interview or networking situation. Applicants should also stress how they have built skills using ‘both sides of the brain,’ such as knowing how to write well AND conduct data analysis .”

>>MORE: Prepare for the interview by practicing common job interview questions and answers .

Emphasize Soft Skills

“In a liberal arts environment, you’re not being taught a technical skill set, but the things that hiring managers want, like analytical thinking and creativity,” says Belden Castonguay. “Those are competencies that are hard to teach on the job, so they are highly prized in new graduates.”

Rather than list these skills on your resume, demonstrate you have them through your resume examples, cover letter , and interview answers. For example, to show you have creative thinking skills, you could write (or say) how you developed a new brainstorming method to generate fundraising ideas for your cappella group. To show you’re curious and a lifelong learner, you could talk about the Forage job simulations you completed in your free time or the independent projects you took on to supplement your academic work.

Resume Masterclass

Learn to identify transferable skills and illustrate your impact in this step-by-step resume course.

Skills you’ll build: Illustrating your impact in teams, showcasing outcomes of your contributions, professional narrative

Understand What You Want in Your Career

Above all, figuring out the best liberal arts degree job for you is about asking yourself, “ What career is right for me? ” That’s because the skills you learn from a liberal arts degree are highly transferable — your career opportunities are as endless as you want them to be!

>>MORE: What Are Transferable Skills? Definition and Examples

“In addition to people like your family members or professors, it’s important to speak with someone who doesn’t have any stake in what you choose to do,” Belden Castonguay says. “Take time to reflect on how you have made decisions in the past, where you have chosen to spend your time, and what areas of work and study have energized you. See out books, online courses, and talks that can help you think about these topics in a structured way. And keep in mind that whatever you do after graduation, you likely won’t be doing for very long. Think of your first job as a way to keep learning new things and not a decision that will dictate the rest of your life.”

Image credit: Canva

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