How to Put Double Major On Resume + Tips | ResumePerk.com
How to put double major on resume (+ Samples)
To feel more confident in today’s turbulent job market, many students choose to obtain a double major. This type of major means that you are getting one Bachelor’s degree, but have two specializations, for example, in Environmental Science and Marine Biology.
Employers appreciate candidates with double major since it provides you with more versatile and advanced knowledge in two similar areas. Moreover, acquiring such major takes more time and efforts, therefore it means you are hard-working and dedicated to professional growth.
In today’s post, we are going to explain the effective strategies for listing double majors. Moreover, we will share tips for writing an Education section in general and highlighting your accomplishments in this area.
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Understand the difference between double majors and double degrees
When you describe the major to employer, you need to use accurate terms to avoid confusion. For example, many people confuse between a double major and dual degree, or think they are equal. However, this isn’t the case. A double major assumes that you obtain one BA degree but have two specializations, for example, Foreign language and Political science. Such programs are available for Bachelor degrees only.
In case with double degree, you study in two different schools and obtain two degrees, often in different areas. For example: Master’s in MBA and in Information systems. A dual degree significantly expands your career prospects and offers opportunities for a more senior-level position. On the flip side, it takes more years to complete than just one degree.
Now that we have figured out the terms, let’s explain how to list both degree types and clearly communicate them to employers.
3 Tips for listing a double major
List it under Education section
All details related to university and college studies should go in a specific Education section. Where to place it depends on the duration of your work experience. If you are a student or graduated less than 2 years ago, Education section is placed at the top of the resume. If you are an experienced professional, it is moved under the Professional experience.
Indicate your double major in a single line
Mention the college name, graduation date and then your majors on the next line. Be sure to list them in one line, otherwise the reader might get an impression that these are two separate degrees (see example below).
List the most important major first
The order in which you list major depends on the job you are applying for. Say, if your majors are Marketing and Supply Chain Management and you apply for a job in logistics, it makes sense to put supply chain management first.
Example:
Pennsylvania State University, 2021
Bachelor of Arts
Double Major: Marketing and Supply Chain Management
According to the statistic, only 25% of students in the US choose a program that offers double majors. So, by emphasizing this fact, you have a serious chance to be shortlisted. If you use a Career Summary section, consider putting the double major there as well so that the hiring manager sees it instantly.
How to indicate a dual degree on a resume?
In case with double degrees, you describe the university information as shown above, and then list degrees in separate lines. If you are a recent graduate or still studying, you can also indicate major and minor.
Example of listing a dual degree:
University of Southern California, 2019
Master of Arts in Business Administration
Master of Science in International Relations
Major in Political Science | Minor in Organizational Leadership
That’s it! By following these simple examples, you’ll effectively inform the employers about your rich educational background. Now that you’ve learned how to handle the double major issue, consider these general recommendations for listing education.
Professional tips for writing Education section
List degrees starting with the most advanced one
If you have a PhD, this degree should be placed at the top in Education section, followed by Master’s and Bachelor’s. However, there are variations for this universal rule.
If you return to school to retrain, then you need to put your most recent education at the top of the list. Similarly, if one of your degrees is extremely relevant to the target job, it has to be placed first.
Omit the high school if you have at least some college education
High school diploma is acceptable to mention only if you chose not to continue education. If you have earned at least Associate’s degree, school details can be removed.
By the way, your level of education impacts your overall chances of getting employed. For people with a high school diploma, unemployment rate is 6.2%, while for Master’s degree holders it’s only 2.6%.
Consider using GPA
GPA in your resume shows your academic performance and therefore can be presented as an achievement. Resume experts recommend that you always indicate the GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher.
Mention the relevant coursework
If you haven’t much work experience, you may demonstrate your knowledge by including the coursework and projects you’ve done in class. Experts recommend that you specify up to 8 courses, so choose the most relevant for your target job. Say, if you major in Marketing, example coursework can be Public Relations, Product Management, Sales Management, Macroeconomics and Finance.
Courses you’ve listed can also work as keywords. For this, read the job posting carefully and write the courses using the same words as in the job ad.
Specify awards and accomplishments
Any awards, scholarships, winning student contests or similar details belong to this section. Employers pay attention to achievements in all areas, as they are focused on hiring standout candidates.
The examples of accomplishments can be Dean’s List, graduation Cum Laude, national awards such as National Merit Scholar, winning a scholarship, or awards for volunteering. Be sure to list the name of the institution that granted you an award, and year. If you have plenty of accomplishments, consider creating a separate section for them.
Consider including a thesis
If your thesis subject is relevant to the target position, or it requires extensive research skills, add the thesis title to education section as well. No need to list the details, the topic will suffice. Listing a thesis is an excellent way to show expertise and deep knowledge in one narrow area.
List additional training
Apart from college degrees, you may include other educational activities that could help you get hired. These include short-term courses, including online ones, certifications, foreign language certificates, or seminars. If you attended many courses, create a separate section for them.
Some online programs and certifications are considered a huge plus by employers. So, if you attended a course reputable in your industry, make sure it goes at the top of the list.
With these tips in mind, you’ll describe a double major and other details of your education effectively. Make sure to avoid any spelling mistakes to create a professional impression on the reader. Format the Education section using the same font as the rest of the resume so that the information looks consistent.
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