Earning a double major signals a work ethic and intellectual curiosity to employers, demonstrating your ability to manage a demanding workload. To communicate this achievement effectively, you must follow established resume conventions to ensure clarity. This guide provides instructions on how to present your double major, helping you translate your academic dedication into a professional narrative for hiring managers.
Where to List Your Double Major
The accepted location for your double major is the “Education” section of your resume. This is where hiring managers expect to find all academic credentials, from degrees to certifications.
Consolidating this information creates a predictable structure and prevents confusion. For recent graduates, the Education section is often placed near the top of the resume, while for those with extensive work experience, it follows the professional experience section.
Formatting Your Double Major
Presenting your double major requires a specific format to ensure it is understandable. The approach differs depending on whether you earned one degree with two majors or two separate degrees. Correct formatting removes ambiguity and presents your credentials.
Listing One Degree with Two Majors
The most common situation involves earning a single degree with two declared majors. In this case, you list the university and degree once, followed by both majors. It is standard practice to list the major more relevant to the job you are applying for first, which helps align your resume with the role.
Example 1:
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Bachelor of Arts, June 2023
Double Major in Economics and Political Science
An alternative, more concise format combines the majors on a single line with the degree itself.
Example 2:
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics, June 2023
Listing Two Separate Degrees
If you earned two distinct degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), they should be listed as separate entries under the same university. This distinction is important because it represents the completion of two full, separate degree programs. Both degrees should be listed in reverse chronological order.
Example:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, May 2024
Bachelor of Arts, History, May 2024
Highlighting Your Double Major Elsewhere
Beyond the education section, you can mention your double major in the resume summary or objective to capture a recruiter’s attention. This strategy is particularly effective when both majors are directly relevant to the position you are seeking, as it showcases a unique combination of skills.
This approach allows you to frame your candidacy from the outset. A brief statement can set the tone for the rest of the document, encouraging the hiring manager to read further.
An example of this in a resume summary would be:
> “Detail-oriented marketing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Psychology, bringing a strong understanding of consumer behavior and data-driven campaign strategy.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your resume is polished, be aware of common errors when listing a double major. Avoiding these pitfalls will help you present your academic achievements clearly and accurately.
- Confusing a minor with a major is a common error. A minor requires significantly less coursework and should be listed separately, often on a line below your major, as “Minor in [Subject].”
- Creating separate entries for one degree should be avoided if you have one degree with two majors. This can incorrectly imply you earned two different degrees and clutters the education section.
- Using ambiguous phrasing is another mistake. Instead of writing “Majored in two subjects,” be explicit by using phrases like “Double Major in…” or simply listing the two fields of study together.
- Burying the second major within a descriptive paragraph should be avoided. Both majors should be listed prominently alongside the degree information to ensure they are seen immediately.