If you’ve graduated with a double major, you may be wondering the best way to list your education on your resume. It’s important that a potential employer can easily understand your academic background. A clear, concise resume gives you a better chance at getting a job because there’s little room for misinterpretation.
In this post, we’ll help you understand the options for listing your double major. We’ll also go over the benefits of each style.
Why you should list your double major
Before including your double major on your resume, make sure you have a clear understanding of what a double major is and isn’t. A double major isn’t two separate degrees or a dual degree.
Instead, when you double major you earn just one bachelor’s degree but in two different (often related) disciplines. For example, you may have earned a bachelor’s degree with a double major in biochemistry and agricultural science.
You might be tempted to list just one major on your resume for simplicity, but it’s virtually always a good idea to list your double major.
Why?
A double major shows you weren’t just a dedicated student but that you are also skilled in multiple disciplines. Completing a double major requires a strong work ethic and the ability to juggle several courses at a time.
Where to list your double major
You should list your double major in the Education section of your resume. Depending on the resume format you choose, this section could be the first, middle, or even last section of the document. Typically, if you’ve recently graduated from college, you’ll want to put the Education section at the top of your resume. This way, you’ll lead with your strongest experience.
Focus on the major that relates to the job
Which major should you list first? You want a potential employer to first see the degree that relates most to the job you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a job as an IT manager and majored in both Economics and Computer Science, you should list “Computer Science” first.
Examples
You have a few options for formatting your double major on your resume. Certain factors come into play when choosing a certain format. For example, you’ll need to consider whether you went to a highly respected school, which of your two majors more closely relates to the job you’re applying for, and so on.
If You Attended a Prestigious School
Use your double major from an impressive school to your advantage. If your university is held in high regard, list the school’s name first to improve your chance of standing out from the crowd. For instance, if you attended a well-known, competitive school like Yale or Princeton, your resume is more likely to catch an employer’s eye.
List the school’s name first, followed by the month and year you graduated. Then, list your degree and both majors.
Education
Princeton University, June 2021
Bachelor of Science
Chemical and Biological Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering
If You Attended a Lesser-Known School
Did you graduate from a school that not many others recognize? List your degree and double major before the school’s name to emphasize your education.
This way, you’ll draw attention to the degree itself rather than the name of your school.
Educational Experience
Bachelor of Science, Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Biochemistry Shepherd University, May 2022
If One Major Closely Relates to the Job
If you’re applying for a job as a cyber security analyst and majored in both Cyber Security and Web Design, you can list your double major this way:
Educational Background
Kansas State University, December 2020
Bachelor of Science, double major in Cyber Security and Web Design
Specifically stating that you double majored removes all doubt about whether your degree was a dual degree and the exact name of your majors.
If You Also Had a Minor
Sometimes, you can graduate with not only two majors but also a minor. Including your minor on your resume is easy and can be an extra advantage if it is related to the job you want. Consider this example of someone applying for a job as a building energy engineer:
Education
Trinity College, July 2021
Bachelor of Science
Majors: Engineering and Environmental Science
Minor: Architectural Studies
If You Haven’t Graduated Yet
Getting a head start on job applications before graduation? Good job! You can still list your double major even if you haven’t yet officially graduated. To do this, simply note your expected graduation month and year.
Educational Experience
Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science, anticipated degree June 2022
Majors: Earth Sciences and Chemistry
Don’t Forget to Include Relevant Coursework or Awards
Did you complete any coursework for your majors that heavily relates to the job you’re applying for? Maybe you won an award or other recognition from the university you attended? Make sure to include this information when you list your double major.
For instance, you may have graduated with honors due to exceptionally high grades. You also may have completed courses related to your desired job.
Review the two examples below:
Education
BS Geomatics
Oregon Institute of Technology
Honors: Summa Cum Laude (GPA: 3.9)
BS Renewable Energy Engineering
Oregon Institute of Technology
Honors: Summa Cum Laude (GPA: 4.0)
Educational Background
New York University
Bachelor of Science, double major in Game Design and Interactive Media Arts
Coursework: Artificial Intelligence for Games, Team-Based Game Production
Conclusion
Always include your double major in your resume’s Education section. List the most relevant major first, followed by your second major. Include any minors you earned, along with any applicable awards, grants, fellowships, etc.
