An unfinished degree can be a valuable asset on your resume, and you can include it. The decision to list incomplete education is a strategic one, aimed at presenting your academic experience honestly. Including it properly can provide context to your skills and experiences, offering a more complete picture of your background. The goal is to frame it in a way that highlights your knowledge while remaining truthful about your academic status.
When to Include an Unfinished Degree
Deciding whether to include an unfinished degree depends on its relevance to the job. If your completed coursework aligns with the role’s requirements, it indicates a strong knowledge base. For example, two years of computer science study is beneficial for a tech position, as it shows foundational skills. A substantial number of credits, such as 90 or more, also demonstrates a significant commitment to learning.
Conversely, it may be best to omit the education if you only attended for a brief period or if the field of study is entirely unrelated to your career path. An unfinished arts degree, for instance, might not add value to a resume for a financial analyst and could distract from more relevant professional experience.
How to List an Unfinished Degree on Your Resume
If You Are Still Enrolled
When you are actively pursuing your degree, the format should clearly communicate your student status. Start with the name of your university and its location, followed by the full name of the degree you are working towards. A primary element is your anticipated graduation date, which should be labeled as “Expected Graduation Date: May 2026.”
This format is honest and tells recruiters you are on track to complete your education. It allows them to see your academic progress and understand that your qualifications will soon include a completed degree. You can also include your current GPA if it is 3.5 or higher, as well as academic honors like being on the Dean’s List.
If You Are No Longer Enrolled
If you have left school without immediate plans to return, focus on the experience you gained. List the institution’s name and your attendance dates, such as “University of California, Berkeley, 2020–2022.” Specify the program, like “Pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.”
To quantify your progress, add a line like, “Completed 90 out of 120 credits toward degree.” This approach transparently communicates how far you progressed in your studies. It shows commitment and provides a clear picture of the knowledge you acquired without implying graduation.
If You Only Want to Highlight Relevant Coursework
There are situations where the degree program is less relevant than the specific skills you learned. In this case, create a dedicated subsection to draw attention to pertinent classes. After listing your university, program, and dates of attendance, add a heading titled “Relevant Coursework.”
For a graphic design job, you might list courses such as:
- Typography
- Color Theory
- Digital Illustration
- User Interface Design
This technique allows you to tailor your resume for each application, showcasing the most applicable knowledge and directing the hiring manager’s attention to your qualifications.
What to Avoid When Listing Your Education
A significant mistake to avoid is any form of misrepresentation, as background checks can reveal discrepancies. Never list a graduation year if you did not graduate, as this is a direct falsehood that will likely get you disqualified. Similarly, do not simply list the university and degree name without clarification, as this can imply you earned the credential.
Using ambiguous phrasing like “Education: University of Texas, B.A. in History” can be easily misinterpreted as a completed degree. It is your responsibility to be clear and upfront to build trust with a potential employer from the very first interaction.
Discussing Your Education in an Interview
When your unfinished degree comes up in an interview, it is an opportunity to frame your experience positively. Prepare a concise and professional explanation for why you paused your studies, such as financial constraints, family responsibilities, or a compelling professional opportunity. Avoid speaking negatively about your former institution or program.
After briefly explaining your circumstances, pivot the conversation back to your strengths and qualifications for the job. You can connect the skills you developed in college to the role’s requirements. For example, you could say, “My time studying economics provided me with a strong analytical foundation, which I have applied in my professional work.” This approach shows that you value the knowledge you gained and are focused on applying it to your career.