How to Properly List a Master’s Degree in Progress on Your Resume
As you navigate the competitive job market, adding a master’s degree or graduate studies to your resume can significantly bolster your credentials. This guide will help you effectively and professionally incorporate your pursuit of a master’s degree on your resume, ensuring it aligns with best practices and meets Google's standards for SEO and content optimization.
1. Introduction to Master’s Degrees on Resumes
The inclusion of a master’s degree on your resume is not an automatic requirement, especially if you have extensive work experience or if the degree is not directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Regardless, properly listing your pursuit of a master’s degree can strengthen your application, as it demonstrates ongoing learning and commitment to professional development. The format for including a degree in progress depends on your specific situation and the job you are targeting.
2. Listing the Degree in Progress
The straightforward and clear presentation of a master’s degree in progress is essential. You can do this by simply stating the degree title, following it with the expected or planned graduation date. Mention the date even if your degree is not fully completed, as this provides the employer with a timeline and a sense of your commitment to the program.
Example: If you started school in August 2030 and expect to graduate around May 2032, you can confidently write:
Master of Arts in Communications – University of Iowa Aug 2030 – May 2032
If you prefer a more succinct approach, you can place a note indicating that you are in the process of completing your degree within parentheses:
Master of Arts in Communications – University of Iowa (expected graduation 2032)
3. Adding Context to Your Education Section
For a more detailed and fully rounded display of your education, consider adding a separate section titled 'Education' to your resume. This allows you to outline your academic journey in more comprehensive terms, including past degrees and the specific program you are currently pursuing. Here's how to structure it:
University of Iowa – M.A. in Communications – 2019 Pursuing: M.A. in Communications – Expected Graduation: 2032Alternatively, you can include a brief statement in a bullet point under your professional summary or another relevant section if you wish to highlight this aspect of your education:
Master of Arts in Communications, University of Iowa – In Progress, Expected Graduation 20224. Relevance and Personal Choice
The format and prominence of the degree in progress largely depend on the job you are applying for and the importance of the degree in your industry. For instance, a role that heavily emphasizes advanced knowledge in your field would make the ongoing degree more relevant. In such cases, listing your master’s as a prominent feature can significantly enhance your candidacy.
Some may opt for a more subdued approach, mentioning the master’s degree as a bullet point under the Education section, while others might choose to include it as part of their professional summary. Both methods are valid and tailored to the specific job you are seeking.
5. Best Practices for Resume Optimization
To ensure your resume is optimized for search engines like Google, consider adding relevant keywords and fully optimized meta tags. Including phrases like 'master’s degree in progress', 'education in progress', 'expected graduation date', and 'ongoing studies' can help improve the resume's visibility in search results. Additionally, use specific and industry-relevant terms that align with the job description.
Conclusion
By carefully and thoughtfully including your pursuit of a master’s degree on your resume, you can present yourself as a dedicated and knowledgeable candidate. Whether you list the date, include a note about ongoing studies, or highlight it as a prominent feature, ensure your resume is both informative and compelling. This not only reflects your commitment to career advancement but also aligns with best practices in resume writing and SEO optimization.