Listing a master’s degree on your resume communicates advanced expertise and commitment to your field. It signals that you possess specialized knowledge developed through academic training. Properly presenting this qualification ensures that hiring managers and applicant tracking systems can easily recognize the value you bring.
Where to Place the Education Section
The placement of your education section depends on your professional background. For recent graduates with limited work history, this section should be positioned near the top of the resume. This prominence highlights your advanced degree and frames you as a candidate with fresh academic training.
Conversely, for professionals with a substantial work history, the education section belongs after your professional experience. In this case, your career achievements are the primary focus, and the master’s degree serves as a supporting credential that reinforces your expertise.
What Information to Include
You must include the full name of the institution and its location (city and state). It is also important to write out the full title of your degree, such as “Master of Science,” rather than using an abbreviation. Finally, include your graduation month and year.
Beyond the basics, you can include optional details to strengthen your qualifications. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) should only be listed if it is high, typically 3.5 or above. You can also add academic honors, like summa cum laude, or list a thesis, capstone project, or specific coursework to highlight specialized skills.
How to Format Your Master’s Degree
The format of your degree listing should be clean, consistent, and easy to scan. For a degree you have already earned, the presentation is straightforward.
University of Anytown, Anytown, CA
Master of Arts in Communication
Graduated: May 2024
If you are still completing your program, it is important to list it to show employers your commitment to professional development. Clearly indicate your expected graduation date to manage expectations.
State University, University City, NY
Master of Business Administration
Expected: May 2025
Listing Multiple Degrees
When you have more than one degree, such as a master’s and a bachelor’s, they should be listed in reverse chronological order. Your most recent degree—the master’s—should appear first to draw attention to your highest level of academic attainment. Following this, you should list your undergraduate degree. Including your bachelor’s degree provides a complete picture of your educational foundation, as omitting it might raise questions for a hiring manager.
University of Anytown, Anytown, CA
Master of Science in Data Science
Graduated: May 2024
State College, College Town, MA
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Graduated: May 2022