A Master’s degree signals a high level of expertise in a specific field. To make the most of this qualification, it’s important to present it correctly on your resume. How and where you list your degree can influence a recruiter’s first impression. Proper placement and formatting ensure your advanced education gets the attention it deserves.
Where to Place the Education Section
The location of your education section depends on your professional background. For recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience, the education section should be positioned at the top of the resume, following your professional summary. In this scenario, your Master’s degree is your most relevant qualification, and placing it first ensures it is immediately visible to hiring managers.
Conversely, for professionals with an established career and significant work experience, the education section is best placed at the bottom of the resume. When you have a history of professional accomplishments, that experience becomes the focal point. Your work history demonstrates your practical skills more effectively than academic credentials, allowing your career achievements to take center stage.
How to Format Your Master’s Degree Entry
When listing your Master’s degree, start with the full name of the degree, followed by its abbreviation, such as “Master of Science (M.S.)” or “Master of Business Administration (MBA).” This practice helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that may scan for either the full title or the abbreviation. Following the degree, list the full name of the university, its location, and your graduation month and year.
You can enhance your degree entry with optional details, but only if they add value for the specific job you are targeting. Including a high GPA (3.5 or above), a list of relevant coursework, or the title of your thesis or capstone project can be beneficial if you have limited work experience. Academic honors, such as summa cum laude, also add credibility. These details should directly align with the requirements of the role to demonstrate specialized knowledge and academic excellence.
For a clear and professional presentation, follow a consistent format. The most recent degree should always be listed first. An effective entry would look like this:
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication
New York University, New York, NY | May 2024
Thesis: The Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
Relevant Coursework: Crisis Communication, Public Relations Strategy, Digital Media Analytics
Handling Special Circumstances
If you are still pursuing your Master’s degree, list it with your anticipated graduation date. State “Expected Graduation” followed by the month and year to inform potential employers of your current status and timeline. This shows you are actively working towards an advanced qualification.
If your Master’s degree is in a field unrelated to the job you are applying for, it is still valuable to include it. Earning an advanced degree demonstrates dedication and intellectual curiosity. However, in this case, it is best to omit optional details like coursework or thesis titles that are not relevant to the position. Simply list the degree, university, and graduation date to acknowledge the achievement without distracting from your more relevant skills and experience.
Your Bachelor’s degree should be included as well. It should be listed directly beneath your Master’s degree entry within the same education section. This reverse chronological order, with your most recent degree at the top, is the standard and most easily understood format for recruiters.
Referencing Your Degree Elsewhere on the Resume
To maximize the visibility of your advanced degree, you can reference it in other parts of your resume. One common practice is to include the corresponding credentials after your name in the resume header. For example, “Jane Doe, M.S.” or “John Smith, MBA” immediately signals your qualification.
You can also weave your Master’s degree into your professional summary. A brief mention, such as “A results-driven marketing professional with a Master of Science in Marketing…,” can reinforce your expertise from the outset. This integrates your academic achievement into your professional narrative, providing context for your specialized knowledge.