It is common for job seekers, from current university students to professionals retraining for a new field, to have an education section that includes incomplete degrees or certifications. Listing education that is still in progress is a standard practice that can strengthen your application when handled correctly. This approach allows you to showcase your commitment to personal growth and highlight relevant skills before you have officially graduated. This article provides clear, actionable guidance on how to effectively present your ongoing studies to potential employers.
Where to Place In-Progress Education on Your Resume
The placement of your education section on a resume depends on your current professional standing. For individuals with limited work history, such as current students or recent graduates, the education section holds significant weight. In this case, it should be positioned prominently at the top of your resume, immediately following your contact details and a brief summary. This structure highlights your most relevant qualifications, showing employers that you possess the necessary academic foundation for the role.
For professionals who have been in the workforce for several years and are returning to school, the opposite is true. Your extensive work experience is your primary asset and should be the main focus of your resume. Therefore, the education section should be placed at the bottom, after your detailed work history. This ensures that hiring managers first see your proven track record of accomplishments before learning about your current academic pursuits.
What Information to Include
When detailing your in-progress education, include the full name of your institution, its city and state, the official name of the degree or certificate you are pursuing, and your declared major or minor. This information provides clear context for your academic background.
The most important element in this section is the date. Since you have not yet graduated, you must clearly state your expected completion date. Phrases like “Anticipated Graduation: May 2026” or “Expected Completion: December 2025” are standard and immediately inform employers of your timeline. This transparency is valued and prevents any misinterpretation that you have already completed the degree.
GPA
Including your Grade Point Average (GPA) is optional and should be done strategically. A common guideline is to only list your GPA if it is 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. A high GPA can signal a strong work ethic and a high level of comprehension in your field of study. If your GPA is below this threshold or not relevant to the job’s requirements, it is best to omit it and let your other qualifications speak for themselves.
Relevant Coursework
Adding a “Relevant Coursework” subsection can be particularly effective if your work experience is thin. Instead of listing every class, select three to five high-level courses that directly align with the skills mentioned in the job description. For a software engineering role, this might include “Data Structures and Algorithms,” “Advanced Java Programming,” and “Software Development Lifecycle.”
Academic Honors
If you have received any academic distinctions, they should be included to further bolster your qualifications. This can include making the Dean’s List, receiving scholarships based on merit, or being inducted into an academic honor society. Listing these achievements provides third-party validation of your academic success and dedication.
Formatting Examples for Different Scenarios
Maintain a consistent and easy-to-read format. The following examples are tailored to different situations, demonstrating how to combine essential elements with optional details.
For an undergraduate student with a strong academic record, the entry can be detailed to highlight achievements.
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Business Economics
Anticipated Graduation: June 2026
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Honors: Dean’s List (Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, Business Analytics, Strategic Management
A graduate student’s entry often focuses on their specialized field of study and the expected completion date.
New York University – New York, NY
Master of Arts in Journalism
Expected Completion: May 2025
Concentration: Investigative Reporting
For a professional pursuing a certification, the format is concise and states the credential being sought and when it is expected to be obtained.
Project Management Institute
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
Anticipated Completion: December 2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most significant errors is being dishonest about your educational status. Never imply you have completed a degree when you have not, and do not invent a graduation date you cannot realistically meet. Employers often conduct background checks, and any discrepancy can lead to immediate disqualification from the hiring process.
Using ambiguous terms like “2023 – Present” without an expected graduation date is another frequent misstep. This phrasing creates uncertainty for the employer, leaving them to wonder if you are still enrolled or when you might finish. Always provide a specific, anticipated month and year of completion to offer clarity.
Avoid cluttering the education section with unnecessary details. Including a low GPA will not strengthen your application, and listing every course you have ever taken is overwhelming and unhelpful. Focus on quality over quantity, highlighting only the information that is directly relevant to the position you are targeting.