You've taken the first steps toward earning a degree, but life had other plans. Whether you're still working toward that diploma or shifted your focus elsewhere, your time spent in school is far from wasted. In fact, the experience you've gained and the knowledge you’ve acquired can be powerful assets in your job search.
When it comes to how to write a resume, especially if you're dealing with an incomplete degree, it’s not about what you didn’t finish—it’s about emphasizing the skills, coursework, and dedication you showed along the way. What is a resume, after all, if not a reflection of your journey, your qualifications, and the value you bring to a potential employer?
Success is not determined by degrees, but by the determination to continue learning and growing.
Anonymous Ex-College Student
Employers are interested in what you’ve learned, not just whether you hold a diploma. So how can you present your academic journey in a way that strengthens your resume? Let’s explore how to frame your education to ensure it enhances, rather than hinders, your chances of landing that next opportunity.
Key takeaways
- Use action verbs like "achieved" or "demonstrated" to frame your incomplete degree positively.
- Tailor your resume by listing relevant coursework specific to the job you're applying for.
- Honesty is key when listing incomplete degrees; employers often verify educational background.
- Leaving an incomplete degree off your resume may be best if it's irrelevant or could harm your chances.
- Always customize your education section to reflect skills and knowledge that align with job requirements.
Why is listing your education on your resume important?
Including your education on your resume, even if incomplete, is crucial because it highlights the skills and knowledge you've gained along the way. Employers value what you've learned, not just the diploma.
In fact, with nearly two-thirds of American workers lacking a 4-year degree, underlining relevant coursework can set you apart from other candidates. It helps bridge gaps in experience and shows your commitment to growth, making you a stronger contender even without a completed degree.
Also, remember that the inclusion of an education section—any kind of education section—is particularly beneficial for:
- Fresh graduates: When you have little to no work experience, your education becomes a key selling point, showcasing your academic achievements, projects, and relevant coursework.
- Job relevance: If your degree is directly related to the job you're applying for, it can strengthen your application by highlighting the skills and knowledge you've gained through formal education.
- Prestigious schools: Attending a well-known or prestigious institution can be a competitive advantage, signaling to employers that you've received high-quality education and training.
Uncertain about your ability to craft a resume or any part of one? You definitely want to try our free resume builder so you can get a better feel of what resumes consist of.
Some college is often better than no college
Employers are more often interested in how your skills and knowledge align with the job than if you finished. When writing your resume, shift the focus to the valuable experiences you’ve gained.
Ask yourself
- Did you take any courses relevant to the job you're applying for? Showcase how your education ties into the role.
- Did you complete any major academic projects? Highlight projects that demonstrate practical application of skills.
- Were you involved in clubs or extracurricular activities? Mention activities that developed relevant skills or leadership qualities.
- Did you pursue any independent study or research? Show initiative by displaying self-guided learning or research.
- Do you have certifications that enhance your qualifications? Certifications on a resume can give you an edge, even without a degree.
- What skills did you gain during college? Focus on how these hard skills directly relate to the job.
- Did you hold any leadership roles? Include leadership positions in organizations, clubs, or student government.
- How did you build your professional network? Illustrate any efforts to grow a network, as this can demonstrate resourcefulness.
By answering these questions, you can emphasize the value of your education and experience, even if the degree remains incomplete.
How to list an unfinished degree on your resume
When listing an incomplete degree on your resume, focus on the positive by using action-oriented language. Replace terms like “incomplete” with dynamic verbs such as “accomplished” or “demonstrated” to highlight your progress. Make sure to showcase relevant coursework and skills gained, which are valuable to employers. This positions your education as an asset rather than a gap.
Tailor your resume’s education section for each job, emphasizing coursework that aligns with the job description. While the basic details remain consistent, customizing the content ensures you illustrate the most transferrable skills and knowledge for the position.
What to provide in your education entry
Below is a list of elements that you need to be sure are part of your education listing.
Include:
School and degree program titles
Start by listing the school you attended and the degree program. Only display your high school if it’s directly relevant to the job. For example, if the role requires Chinese proficiency and you completed four years of Chinese in high school, be sure to highlight that experience to enhance your qualifications.
Expected completion dates
If you're currently in college, list your expected graduation date. If you’ve withdrawn, list the credits earned, your program, and the years attended. Show your experience with relevant courses, internships, or honors. Depending on the job, you may also want to include your GPA, especially for technical positions where it's valued.
Relevant majors and minors
Provide your major and minor clearly, with your major listed first. Mention relevant courses that align with the job, and if your major GPA is strong, consider showcasing it to boost your profile. If you lack a strong work experience section, add relevant extracurricular activities or projects that demonstrate your skills and initiative.
Professional development
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, consider highlighting any job training, workshops, or seminars you've completed. If you’re still in college, list activities or projects relevant to the job or skills the employer values. Tailoring these experiences shows your initiative and commitment to building relevant expertise.
Relevant projects
If you’ve completed school or work projects relevant to the job you're applying for, list them in the education section to show practical experience. Additionally, if you have an online portfolio showcasing your work, this is a great chance to share the link and give employers a deeper look at your skills.
Now with that said and done, let’s take a look at some examples in action.
Incomplete degree examples
We’re going to go through some of the most common situations that would require you to list your unfinished degree on an employment application.
Currently pursuing a degree
If you're currently pursuing a degree and plan to complete it, include it on your resume. This signals to employers that you're actively progressing toward your education goals while gaining relevant skills for the position.
To further strengthen your resume, display key coursework or projects that align with the job you’re applying for. Being honest about your current status while highlighting your education shows commitment and makes you a more competitive candidate, even if the degree is still in progress.
Here’s an example of how to list an expected graduation date on a resume:
- •Expected graduation: June 2025
One way you can strengthen this section is by including any additional details that will demonstrate your relevant skills and qualifications to a hiring manager.
Some examples of additions are:
- Major/specialization/certification
- Relevant completed coursework
- A GPA over 3.5
- Academic awards (such as making the Dean’s List or Cum Laude)
- Scholarships
Having these will show a potential employer that you’re disciplined and making the most out of your ongoing education.
Here’s an example of how you can list achievements and a GPA in your education section.
As you can see we have listed this degree as ‘In Progress’:
08/2023 - In Progress - •Academic Awards: Dean’s List (Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
- •Scholarship: Montana Merit Scholarship
- •Achievements: Published research paper in the Montana Undergraduate Journal; President of the Literary Society
Additionally, here’s how to list coursework on your resume:
08/2023 - In Progress - •Academic Awards: Dean’s List (Fall 2022, Spring 2023)
- •Scholarship: Montana Merit Scholarship
- •Achievements: Published research paper in the Montana Undergraduate Journal; President of the Literary Society
- •Relevant Coursework: Literary Theory, Creative Writing, American Literature, Advanced Composition
As you can see, if you don’t have one of these elements, just remove them from the entry.
Taking a break from studying
If you're taking a break from college but plan to return, it’s still best to list your degree on your resume as "in progress." Include the name of your school, your field of study, and note that you're on a temporary break. This shows employers you're still committed to finishing your education.
However, be transparent during interviews about your plans to resume your studies. If your break is short, discuss how it might impact your availability and consider proposing a flexible or part-time schedule when the time comes to finish your degree. This way, you demonstrate responsibility and foresight in managing both your career and education.
Adding a degree you're not going to finish on your resume
If you’ve decided not to finish your degree, it can still add value to your resume. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, skills, and experiences that align with the job you're seeking. This shows employers that, even though you didn’t complete the program, you’ve gained valuable knowledge and practical skills during your time in school.
When listing an unfinished degree, emphasize what you accomplished rather than what remains incomplete. Tailor the details to the job by including courses or projects that demonstrate your expertise.
PRO TIP
Being upfront while showcasing your progress can present you as a well-rounded candidate who continuously seeks growth.
Here's an example of how to add an unfinished degree that you're no longer pursuing to your resume:
- •Completed coursework: Structural Analysis, Project Management, Environmental Engineering
- •Gained practical skills in project planning, data analysis, and team collaboration through hands-on coursework and group projects.
This format emphasizes the skills and relevant coursework gained without focusing on the fact that the degree is incomplete, positioning you as someone with applicable knowledge for the job.
Not mentioning your incomplete degree at all
There are several instances where it’s better to leave an incomplete degree off your resume entirely. Here are some common cases:
- Irrelevant to the job: If the degree is unrelated to the role you're applying for and doesn’t contribute any valuable skills or qualifications, it's best to leave it off. Focus on relevant experience and qualifications instead.
- Potential negative perception: If you didn’t complete your degree under circumstances that could reflect poorly on you—such as being expelled or facing academic dishonesty issues—omitting it is wise. Having it might raise unnecessary red flags for employers.
- Long gap with no return plans: If the degree was from many years ago and you’ve gained more recent, relevant experience or skills, the unfinished degree may no longer add value to your resume.
- Limited progress: If you only completed a few courses and don’t have significant coursework or skills to show for it, leaving it off might be more advantageous. It’s better to focus on other qualifications that demonstrate your capabilities.
In these cases, you’re better off tailoring your resume to emphasize your strengths and experiences that directly align with the job you want.
Don't forget your cover letter!
If you have an incomplete degree or lack formal education, a cover letter is a powerful tool to provide important context. It allows you to explain your career path and highlight relevant skills, helping employers see the value you bring despite any gaps in education.
Use your cover letter to expand on how your skills and experiences align with the job. By clearly addressing your strengths and offering a compelling narrative, you can position yourself as a top candidate, standing out from others who may have similar qualifications on paper.
Don’t forget to do the following on your cover letter:
Address the unfinished degree on your cover letter
I initially pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, but I decided to focus on gaining hands-on experience in project management and design, which better aligns with my career goals in engineering. The practical skills I’ve developed make me an asset to your team.
Highlight skills you've acquired
"The courses I completed in project management and data analysis have given me strong organizational skills and the ability to interpret complex data, enabling me to streamline processes and improve efficiency within teams, making a direct impact on productivity and outcomes for the business."
Emphasize achievements that demonstrate initiative and impact
"As a team lead in my marketing internship, I spearheaded a social media campaign that increased engagement by 35% in just one month. I also streamlined our content calendar, cutting production time by 20%, which improved our team's overall efficiency."
In conclusion: leverage your practical expertise!
An unfinished degree doesn’t define your potential—it’s a chance to showcase the practical knowledge and skills you’ve developed along the way. Rather than being seen as incomplete, your educational journey reflects your drive and readiness to contribute meaningfully to any team, positioning you as a valuable and capable professional.
Make one that's truly you.
