List your in-progress degree at the top of your Education section in reverse-chronological order, including school name, city, state, degree name, and expected graduation date.
What’s the deal with listing an in-progress bachelor’s on a resume?
Putting a bachelor’s degree you haven’t finished yet on your resume isn’t just acceptable—it’s smart. Employers want to see where you’re headed academically, but they also need to know if that degree is coming soon or if it’s still up in the air. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 37% of job postings now specifically look for candidates with “education in progress,” especially in tech, healthcare, and engineering fields. Honestly, this is one of those times when being upfront works in your favor.
How do I actually add an in-progress degree to my resume?
Here’s the step-by-step:
- Open your resume and scroll to the Education section.
- Add a fresh entry at the very top—yes, even if you’ve got other degrees listed below it.
- Start with the school name, city, and state on the first line (like “University of State, City, State”).
- Write the degree name followed by “(in progress)” in plain text. For example: “Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (in progress).”
- Include your expected graduation date in month/year format (e.g., “Expected May 2027”). If you’re graduating within six months, switch to “Candidate for Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Pending May 2026.”
- Save your changes and double-check the placement. Your in-progress degree should sit above any completed degrees.
What if my in-progress degree doesn’t match the job I’m applying for?
No worries. If the degree isn’t relevant, tuck it to the bottom of your Education section and keep it brief. Something like “Coursework toward B.S. in Biology, University of State, 2023–2026” works fine. Just make sure it doesn’t distract from the more relevant parts of your resume.
What if I left school without finishing? Should I still list it?
Only if it helps explain a career gap or shows relevant coursework. Under the degree entry, add a bullet like: “Completed 90 credits toward B.A. in Psychology; relevant coursework: statistics, research methods.” That way, you’re being transparent without oversharing.
How do I handle this on LinkedIn?
Pretty straightforward. Click “Add education,” select “In progress,” and pick your degree from the dropdown menu. LinkedIn will automatically add “Candidate for…” to the front of it. No extra typing required.
Any tips to keep my Education section from looking messy?
Absolutely. Treat your resume like a living document—update it every semester. Keep your expected graduation date within 12 months so employers see you’re on track. And if you’ve got gaps in your education timeline, add a quick line like “Attended 2023–2024, completed 45 credits” to fill in the blanks.
What if I’m working on multiple degrees at once?
Prioritize them. List the highest degree first. If you’ve got two in progress, put the one closest to completion at the top. That way, employers see your most immediate plans first.
Can I just leave the degree off entirely if it’s not finished?
Only if it’s completely irrelevant or so old it doesn’t help your application. Otherwise, including it shows initiative and gives employers context about your background. Just keep the details concise and accurate.
What’s the worst that could happen if I misrepresent my education?
Big trouble. Background checks can—and do—catch discrepancies. If you claim a degree you haven’t earned, you could get disqualified from the hiring process or even fired later if it’s discovered. The U.S. Department of Labor is pretty clear about this: honesty is non-negotiable.
How detailed should the degree entry be?
Keep it simple. School name, city, state, degree name with “(in progress),” and expected graduation date are all you really need. Save the nitty-gritty for your cover letter or interview if they ask.
Should I include my GPA if it’s still in progress?
Generally, no. Unless you’re early in your program and your GPA is impressive, it’s better to leave it off. Once you’ve completed enough credits to have a solid GPA, you can add it—but only if it’s strong.
What if my expected graduation date changes?
Update your resume right away. A delayed graduation isn’t a big deal as long as you’re upfront about it. Just adjust the date and move on. Most employers appreciate the transparency.
Does the Education section format change if I’m an international student?
Not really. The same rules apply—school name, location, degree, and expected graduation date. Just make sure the degree name matches how it’s officially listed in your country. If you’re unsure, check with your school’s registrar.
Can I use abbreviations like “B.S.” instead of spelling out “Bachelor of Science”?
Sure, but only if it’s common in your field. In tech or engineering, “B.S. in Computer Science” is fine. In more formal fields, spelling it out might look better. When in doubt, match the style of the job posting you’re applying to.
What if I’m not sure whether to include an in-progress degree?
Ask yourself: Does this degree help explain my career path? Does it show skills relevant to the job? If the answer’s yes, include it. If not, it’s okay to leave it off—just make sure your resume still looks complete without it.
Any final advice for handling in-progress degrees on a resume?
Keep it clean, keep it honest, and keep it current. Update your resume every time you hit a new milestone—whether it’s finishing a semester or landing an internship. And remember: employers aren’t looking for perfection. They’re looking for progress.
