When submitting a resume for a job or internship while actively pursuing higher education, accurately detailing an “in-progress” degree is necessary. This refers to any academic program in which a candidate is currently enrolled but has not yet received the final degree conferral. Correctly listing this information provides immediate transparency to hiring managers regarding the applicant’s current status and demonstrates a commitment to educational achievement. Recruiters scan the education section for standardized data points that confirm eligibility and timeline.
Essential Components of the In-Progress Entry
The foundation of any in-progress degree entry rests on three essential pieces of information presented in a precise order. First, list the full, official name of the degree-granting institution, immediately followed by the city and state where the campus is located.
Next, the complete and formal degree title is required, such as “Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering” or “Master of Arts in Global History.” Avoid using acronyms like “BS” or “MA” unless the full title is also present, ensuring clarity for applicant tracking systems and human readers.
The third component is the anticipated completion date, which must be clearly labeled to avoid suggesting the degree is already conferred. Phrases such as “Expected Graduation: May 2026” or “Anticipated Completion: December 2025” communicate the future timeline accurately. Listing the month and year provides the most concrete expectation for the candidate’s transition to graduate status.
Strategic Placement on Your Resume
Determining where the Education section belongs is a strategic decision based on the applicant’s professional history. For current students or those who have graduated within the last one to three years, the academic section should be positioned prominently near the top of the resume. Placing the education details immediately following the contact information prioritizes academic achievement when professional experience is still developing.
Conversely, individuals who have accumulated several years of relevant professional experience should position the Education section lower on the page. In this scenario, the work history and demonstrated skills sections carry greater weight with the hiring manager. Moving the academic background below the professional experience signals that career achievements are the primary qualification for the role.
Deciding What Supplementary Details to Include
Once the structural components are established, certain supplementary details can be included to enhance the entry, particularly when professional experience is limited. Listing a Grade Point Average (GPA) is recommended only if it is strong, typically 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. If the GPA is lower, or if the institution uses a different grading system, omit the figure entirely and allow other strengths to dominate the narrative.
Selecting three to five high-impact courses relevant to the target job can further demonstrate specific subject matter expertise. Choose classes that required advanced technical skills, utilized industry-standard software, or culminated in a significant project, rather than listing general requirements. This curation shows the academic work directly connects to the role’s requirements.
Any academic honors or recognition received thus far should also be added to reinforce high performance. This might include mention of the Dean’s List or acceptance into an honor society. These details endorse the candidate’s diligence and achievement.
Situational Advice for In-Progress Degrees
Specific academic histories sometimes require adjustments to the standard entry format to maintain clarity and accuracy. If an applicant has transferred a substantial number of credits from a previous institution, list both the current degree-granting school and the former college. The previous school should be listed concisely and without a separate degree title, acknowledging the full scope of the academic foundation.
When a degree is paused, or the student is on a leave of absence with an uncertain return date, the anticipated completion date should be phrased carefully. Instead of a concrete date, use a phrase such as “Studies currently on hold” or “Anticipated return in Fall 20XX” to provide an accurate status update. For individuals pursuing a second degree for a career change, position the in-progress degree above any previously conferred, unrelated degrees to prioritize the most relevant academic focus.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common missteps can undermine the credibility of an otherwise strong in-progress degree entry. A frequent error is listing a graduation date without explicitly using the word “Expected” or “Anticipated,” which can mislead a reviewer into believing the degree is already completed. Transparency regarding the conferral status is the best approach to maintain trust.
Another mistake involves listing the full degree title, such as “Bachelor of Arts,” when the applicant has only completed the first year of a four-year program. It is advisable to wait until the student is at least in their junior or senior year to claim the full degree title, as this indicates substantial progress toward the major. Using vague terms like “Currently Enrolled” without a date provides insufficient information regarding the completion timeline. Hiring managers prefer concrete dates, even if they are projections, to align the candidate’s availability with the role’s start date.