Achieving a dual degree demonstrates dedication and proficiency across diverse disciplines. Presenting this complex achievement clearly on a resume is essential so hiring managers immediately recognize the breadth of the candidate’s education. Effective formatting transforms the academic listing into a compelling narrative that showcases a valuable, multidisciplinary skill set. This guide provides the structure necessary to articulate that academic rigor effectively.
Define Your Credentials
Before formatting the resume entry, candidates must accurately identify the credential they hold. A Double Major involves completing requirements for two distinct majors (e.g., History and Political Science) but results in a single degree (e.g., a Bachelor of Arts). This is simpler to list, as only the single degree type is mentioned, followed by the two majors. A Dual Degree, sometimes called a Concurrent Degree, results in two separate, distinct degrees, often from different degree families (e.g., a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science). This structure requires earning two separate diplomas and usually involves a higher number of total credit hours.
Placement of the Education Section
The placement of the Education section should correspond to the candidate’s professional experience level. Recent graduates or those with fewer than five years in the workforce should position this section prominently near the top of the resume. Placing academic information immediately following the contact details allows the qualification to be seen first. Professionals with significant career experience, typically exceeding five to seven years, should move the Education section toward the bottom of the document. For these experienced candidates, the focus shifts to professional achievements and work history, making the academic record supportive.
Standard Formatting Rules for Dual Degrees
Formatting a standard dual degree involves structuring the information hierarchically for clarity and readability. Begin the entry by listing the full name of the institution, followed by the city and state where the campus is located. The institution name should be bolded to serve as the anchor of the entry.
The two degrees should be listed immediately below the institution. They can be placed on separate lines or condensed onto a single line for space efficiency. When condensing, use a slash or comma, such as “B.A. in Economics / B.S. in Computer Science.” Always use the full, official degree names rather than abbreviations, unless space is severely limited.
The expected or actual graduation date should align to the right margin of the entry. Candidates can list the month and year or simply the year of completion. Only include the Grade Point Average (GPA) if it is 3.5 or higher, or if the employer specifically requests it. If listing the GPA, specify whether it is the overall or major-specific GPA, placing it concisely below the degree titles. This standard structure ensures the dual nature of the accomplishment is immediately apparent to the reader.
Handling Complex Dual Degree Scenarios
Degrees from Two Different Institutions
Dual degrees earned through a formal joint program involving two separate institutions require a modified listing approach. Candidates should list both university names clearly, often placing the primary institution first, followed by the partner school. For example, the entry might start with “Massachusetts Institute of Technology (in partnership with Harvard University).” Alternatively, list the two institutions on separate lines, clearly indicating which degree was conferred by which school. When listing the degrees, ensure the specific college or department is mentioned if the degrees were conferred independently. This distinction prevents ambiguity regarding the academic accreditation of each degree. The completion date should reflect the final date of the program, maintaining a consistent timeline.
Degrees Completed Sequentially
If a dual program allows one degree to be completed before the other, maintain the standard formatting but handle the dates carefully. List the range of attendance that covers the entire period of study, rather than just the final year. For instance, the entry should display “September 2019 – May 2024,” even if the first degree was conferred earlier. If the degrees were completed sequentially and were not part of a single, defined dual program, list them as two separate entries under the Education section. If the curriculum was integrated, list the full program duration to emphasize the cohesive nature of the combined study.
Unrelated Fields
A dual degree combining disparate fields, such as Aerospace Engineering and Classical Literature, presents a unique formatting challenge. The goal is to frame the combination as a strength, not a disjointed academic path. List the degrees using the standard format, ensuring the titles are clear. Follow the entry with a brief, focused bullet point explaining the synergistic value of the two fields. This bridges the perceived gap and provides context for the diverse background. For example, note the ability to approach technical problems using the advanced communication and critical analysis skills developed in the humanities program.
Maximizing the Impact of Dual Degrees
Candidates should use the space beneath the degree listing to transform the credential into a compelling advantage. Include one to three targeted bullet points that demonstrate the synthesis of skills from both fields. Describe how knowledge from one discipline was applied to projects or problems in the other, rather than merely listing coursework.
For example, a candidate in Finance and Data Science might detail a capstone project where advanced machine learning models were used to predict market volatility. This technique proves the ability to operate at the intersection of the two academic disciplines, which is highly valued by employers. If the job description emphasizes leadership or research, highlight relevant honors, such as Latin honors or departmental distinction in both fields. For recent graduates, including specific, relevant coursework can bolster the entry. Select course titles that clearly illustrate cross-disciplinary competence, such as “Econometric Modeling” or “Bio-Informatics.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common errors can undermine the clarity and professionalism of a dual degree entry. A frequent mistake is using inconsistent formatting, such as bolding the institution name in one entry but not in another. Candidates must also avoid listing a Double Major as a Dual Degree, as this misrepresents the academic achievement.
Another common pitfall is the unnecessary inclusion of high school information, which becomes irrelevant once a college degree is obtained. Resist the temptation to list two separate GPAs if the institution calculated only one combined GPA. Only list multiple GPAs if the school formally provides a distinct GPA for each academic program, or if the employer specifically asks for the major-specific GPA.