How do you list two degrees on a resume?
Two degrees can actually strengthen your resume—if you format them clearly. The key is keeping it scannable while showing career progression. Here’s how to do it right in 2026.
Quick Fix Summary: Put both degrees in the Education section, starting with your most recent (highest) degree first. Use full degree names, majors, and graduation dates. Only add coursework if it directly supports the job. Once you’ve got post-secondary education, skip listing high school.
What’s the deal with listing two degrees?
Two degrees—say, a Bachelor of Science and an MBA—should look intentional, not cluttered. Done properly, they show depth and relevance to your career path. Recruiters scan education sections fast, so formatting consistency is crucial. Most applicant tracking systems (ATS) pull this info directly, so get it right.
How should I format two degrees on my resume?
Follow these steps to keep it clean and professional.
- Set up the Education section
Put this section at the top of your resume. Label it plainly as “Education.” If you’ve got five+ years of experience, place it after your summary. For entry-level folks or career changers, put it before your work history.
- Order matters—go newest first
Start with your most advanced degree. For example:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance Concentration
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science
Reverse chronological order is what recruiters and ATS tools expect Monster Career Advice.
- Spell out the details
Format each degree like this:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Harvard Business School | Cambridge, MA | Expected May 2026
Major: Finance | GPA: 3.9/4.0
Use the full university name unless the acronym is super well-known (e.g., MIT).
- Coursework—only if it helps
Add relevant classes only if they matter for the job. For a data science role, you might include:
Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics
University of Washington | Seattle, WA | Graduated May 2024
Relevant Coursework: Machine Learning, SQL, Data Visualization
Keep it tight—three to five lines max.
What if my resume looks messy after adding two degrees?
- ATS won’t read it right? Save your resume as a PDF to keep the layout intact, but always keep a .docx version too. ATS tools like Workday and Taleo handle .docx better Microsoft Support.
- Too much text? If your degrees overlap (like a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Biochemistry), combine them: “B.S. Biology; M.S. Biochemistry (expected 2026).”
- One degree still in progress? Note it clearly: “Master of Public Health (in progress, expected 2027).”
How can I avoid common mistakes with two degrees?
Keep a master resume file with all degree details—majors, dates, coursework—and update it every year. Before you apply, tweak the education section to highlight the most relevant degree first. Listing high school once you’ve got college credit just looks outdated and can make you seem less experienced Glassdoor Career Guide.
Stick to clean formatting: bold degree names, italicize schools, and right-align dates. That way, recruiters can scan it in under seven seconds—the average first pass LinkedIn Talent Blog.
