Earning two bachelor’s degrees is a significant academic achievement that should be highlighted on your resume. Presenting this accomplishment clearly and professionally can communicate a unique breadth of knowledge and a strong work ethic to potential employers. How you display these credentials can depend on whether the degrees were from one or multiple institutions and your overall career progression.
Formatting Two Bachelor’s Degrees on a Resume
Degrees From the Same University
When you have earned two distinct degrees from a single institution, the most effective way to list them is under a single university heading. This approach keeps your education section clean and easy to read. Start by listing the name of the university and its location, and on the subsequent lines, list each degree. There is no need to repeat the university’s name for the second degree. This consolidated format prevents redundancy.
Example:
University of California, Berkeley – Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
Bachelor of Arts, History
Degrees From Different Universities
If your two bachelor’s degrees were awarded by separate universities, you should create a distinct entry for each one in your education section. List them sequentially, ensuring the formatting for each entry is consistent. The order in which you list the degrees is a matter of strategy. You can list them in reverse chronological order, or you can prioritize the degree that is more relevant to the job you are applying for by placing it first.
Example:
New York University – New York, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism
The Ohio State University – Columbus, OH
Bachelor of Science, Economics
Where to Place Your Education Section
The placement of your education section depends on your professional background and how long you have been in the workforce. For recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience, the education section should be positioned near the top of the resume, typically after your resume summary or objective statement. This positioning emphasizes your academic achievements.
For professionals with an established career, the education section is better placed at the bottom of the resume. Your work history is the most important information for a potential employer. Placing your professional experience first allows hiring managers to see your relevant skills and accomplishments immediately.
Key Tips for Listing Dual Degrees
It is also useful to understand the difference between dual degrees and a double major. A dual degree means you have earned two separate diplomas, such as a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. A double major results in a single diploma with two areas of specialization listed. This distinction is important for accurately representing your academic qualifications.
Your resume should always include the university name, its location, and the full degree title. Information like graduation dates and GPA is often optional. It is common to omit graduation dates if you are concerned about potential age discrimination, and a GPA should generally only be included if it is high, typically 3.5 or above.