How to List a Double Major on a Resume: Complete Guide with Examples
How to List Double Major On Resume + Tips
To feel more confident in today's job market, many students obtain a double major. A dual major means that you are getting a Bachelor's or a Master's degree, but have two specializations, for example, in Computer Science and Business. Employers appreciate candidates with a double major since it provides you with more versatile and advanced knowledge in two similar areas. Moreover, acquiring such a major takes more time and effort, therefore, it means you are hard-working and dedicated to professional growth.
Did you know that over 25% of US students graduate with a double major? But how do you show it right on your resume?
Benefits of listing a double major, as noted by a certified professional resume writer:
- Your employer sees you are dedicated to continous learning
- You illustrate your commitment to ongoing improvement
- You gain a competitive advantage over other candidates
In today's post, we will show how to put a double major on your resume. Our experts will also explain how to create a well-structured education section that showcases your academic successes and draws attention of hiring managers.
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Double Major vs Dual Degree: Key Differences
Before we show how to list a relevant major on your resume, let's clarify the terms. Many people confuse a double major and a dual degree, or think they are equal. However, this isn't the case.
- A double major means that you obtain one BA degree but have two specializations, for example, a Foreign language and Political science. Such programs are available for Bachelor's degrees only.
- In a case of a double degree, you study in two different schools and obtain two degrees, often in different areas. For example: Master's in MBA and 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.
A quick tip: Keep in mind that your multiple educations should be listed in a reverse chronological order! In addition, job seekers frequently forget to align their resumes with the job description.
How to List Dual Degree on Resume
To list a dual degree on a resume, mention both degrees in separate lines with full titles, institutions, and dates.
How to List a Double Major on Your Resume: Step-by-Step
If you're wondering how to show double major on resume, the best approach is to list both majors on the same line under one degree title.
Market research shows that many job seekers have no idea how to include a double major on a resume, whether they should list degrees separately, etc. Let's take a look at several steps.
Step 1: Create an Education Section
Create a special Education section to list all your degrees, academic achievements, coursework, and other details. Where to place it depends on the duration of your work experience. If you are a student or graduated under 2 years ago, put the Education section at the top of the resume. As an experienced professional, you put professional experience first and the education goes to the bottom of the page.
Step 2: Add University, Degree, and Dates
Add your school name, location, and graduation date. If you are still a student, list the month and year of expected graduation.
When deciding how to put major on resume, include the degree type (e.g., Bachelor of Science or Associate's Degree) and your major.
If you're unsure how to write Bachelor of Science on resume, make sure to use the full degree title and not abbreviations. For an associate’s degree, write it as: Associate of Arts in Business Administration
Step 3: Format Both Majors on the Same Line
Example 1:
Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: May 2023
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Relevant Coursework: Political Theory, Advanced Composition, American Government, Literary Criticism
Example 2:
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Data Analytics
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Graduated: June 1990
GPA: 4.0/3.7
Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Relevant Coursework: Construction Management, Geotechnical Engineering, Project Planning
Step 4: Highlight the Most Relevant Major
Tailor your order depending on the job. In other words, if one of your majors is business analytics, but you are applying for a digital marketing position, your first major should be relevant to that job description. You need to show that you have the necessary knowledge and that your education is relevant to the job of your interest. If your major is not directly relevant to the job, use the skills section to expand on your qualifications.
Step 5: Add GPA, Coursework, and Honors
Include GPA if above 3.5 and relevant classes. If you have a degree in English literature and your job is not a teacher, you can take advantage of your degree by listing the relevant coursework and keeping the attention of recruiters on your qualifications. It is always advisable to mention coursework for recent graduates who do not have a lot of experience.
Resume Example with a Double Major
Penn State University – 2021
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Economics
See more resume examples for double majors.
Tips for Listing a Double Major: Dos and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Write your double major on the same line. If you have a double major, put the primary major first. Your secondary major goes second on the same line. |
Don't write a double major in two separate lines. The employer can think that these are two separate degrees (see example below). |
| Add details about your coursework and achievements. As a recent graduate, you can add more details about your education to stand out from other candidates. For example, you can list a high GPA, relevant coursework, and special awards and accomplishments at your university. These details will showcase that you are highly motivated and driven, and enhance your chances for a dream job. |
Don't create this section into a cover letter. It is a bad idea to write more than 30 words for the description. Don't list each and every piece of coursework you were assigned to complete during the entire period of your education. It is not an essay! |
| Add it to your Career Summary. A double major makes your resume stand out, so why not impress employers right from the onset? Add a dual major to your Summary section along with your primary and secondary majors so that the recruiter doesn't overlook it. |
Don't make this information the most important section of your resume. It is not a unique aspect. The data shows that 25% of students in the US choose a program that offers two majors. By showcasing your double major, you will stand out from candidates who don't have it. Yet, consider other sections of your resume, too. Add relevant experience, skills, and extracurricular activities. |
Listing Double Major in a Resume Summary
You can definitely mention your double major in a resume summary if you think it is very important information that can predetermine the decision to hire you for the position. You should clearly state both majors with the emphasis on relevant skills and experiences. The summary should remain very concise. Your goal is to show how the combination of both majors creates more value for the potential employer.
Resume Summary Example:
Detail-oriented and analytical marketing professional with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Psychology. Strong understanding of consumer behavior, data-driven decision-making, and digital campaign strategy. Experienced in coordinating cross-functional teams and increasing engagement through targeted content and psychological insights. Seeking to apply dual academic background to drive brand performance and customer loyalty.
When and Where to Place the Education Section
The choice of the place for the education section depends on your current stage in career development. If you are a recent graduate with no or little experience, place this section at the top. Further, if your education is highly relevant to your job, it should be placed at the top as well. Specifically, it should be written right below the professional summary.
If you have at least three or five years of professional experience, the education section should be placed below work history. For the majority of employers, your professional experience is more important than your education.
How to Add a Dual Degree (Not a Double Major)
You need to make it clear that your degrees are separate, even though they are from the same institution. Unlike a double major, a dual degree means you have two diplomas. Here are two examples of how to add a dual degree:
Example 1: Separate lines
University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, May 2024
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, May 2024
Example 2: Combined into one line
University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, CA
Dual Degree: B.S. in Civil Engineering and B.A. in Economics, May 2024
How to Indicate a Dual Degree on a Resume?
A dual degree program means that you study two fields at the same time. Listing a dual degree is a little different than double majors or triple majors. You add the school name, graduation date, and major as shown above. Yet, your degrees go in separate lines. You can also include relevant minors and other education-related details, such as Latin honors and achievements.
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 the 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.
As a student, list your degrees in reverse chronological order. In other words, you put the degree you are currently pursuing first. The same rule works if you graduated less than one year ago. Your ongoing degree program (or recently completed one) tops the list.
Skip the high school if you attended college
A high school diploma is good to mention only if you chose not to continue education. If you have earned at least the 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%.
Add GPA, if high
The 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.
Examples of accomplishments are Dean's List, Latin awards, national awards such as National Merit Scholar, winning a scholarship, and athletic awards. 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
In addition to your degree and a double major, list any relevant training. Here's what else you can add to enhance your Education section:
- online courses
- certifications
- foreign language certificates
- workshops
- seminars, and more.
If you have a lot of relevant training and certifications, consider a special Additional training section. Thus, the hiring manager will better navigate through your resume content.
With these tips in mind, you'll list a double major in a way that helps you stand out for the employers. Proofread this section twice to make sure that any information you include is up-to-date, spelled correctly, and accurate.
Make sure to avoid any spelling mistakes to make a professional impression. Format the Education section using the same font as the rest of the resume so that the information looks consistent.
Get Help From a Professional Resume Writer
Adding your double major is only the first step in improving your resume and making it interview-winning. You need to polish the rest of the resume content, include all the necessary details the employer expects to see, and format the document professionally.
Read more about how to avoid resume mistakes.
To get your resume improved by an expert, try our Resume Editing service. We will correct any mistakes in your resume, improve the writing style and the word choice to keep the content professional. Plus, your editor will add important keywords to make it appealing both for applicant tracking systems and human recruiters. Try our services today with a full money-back guarantee!
People Also Ask
How do you format a double major on a resume?
You should list both majors on the same line under your degree title. Example: Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science.
Can you list two majors on a resume?
Yes, if you earned a double major, list both under a single degree. Always put the most relevant one first.
How do you list multiple degrees from the same school?
List each degree as a separate entry, including school name and graduation date. If they were earned concurrently, note that clearly.
Does a double major look good on a resume?
Absolutely. A double major shows dedication and a strong academic background, which many employers value highly.
How do you add a double major to LinkedIn?
Go to the “Education” section, add your degree, and list both majors separated by “and” in the “Field of Study” field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I show both a bachelor's and master's degree on my resume?
List your most recent degree first, usually the master's. Include the degree name, major, institution, and graduation year.
How should I list an unfinished degree?
If you're still studying, include the expected graduation date. Use phrases like “In progress” or “Anticipated 2025”.
How do I write a degree in progress on my resume?
Include your current institution, intended degree, and “Expected Graduation: Month Year.”
How do I include both major and minor on a resume?
Write your degree and major first, followed by your minor. For example: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Psychology.
Should I include Latin honors or GPA?
Yes, especially if your GPA is above 3.5 or you graduated with honors. These details enhance credibility.
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