how to display course work on a resume

by Clarissa Gleason 3 min read

Ways to include your coursework on a resume

  1. Use a single-column format The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. ...
  2. Use a multi-column format You can also group the columns into sections if the job you’re applying to requires expertise in multiple fields. ...
  3. Use a detailed format

Add Relevant Coursework
When creating a resume, you can add a section titled “Relevant Coursework." In it, include the courses directly related to the position you are applying for. For example, if you're applying for work as a paralegal, list any classes you took related to law or politics.
Apr 22, 2021

Full Answer

How do you list coursework on a resume?

Jun 05, 2019 · Here's all you need to know about putting relevant coursework on a resume: Listing relevant coursework on a resume is optional. It makes sense to put relevant coursework on student and entry-level resumes. If you have at least one year of experience, drop relevant coursework from your resume ...

What is relevant coursework on a resume?

Oct 11, 2021 · Ways to include your coursework on a resume. 1. Use a single-column format. The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant ... 2. Use a multi-column format. 3. Use a detailed format.

When to include or exclude coursework on a resume?

Apr 13, 2020 · How and Where to Put Relevant Coursework on Your Resume. How much coursework you fit into your resume depends on the following three factors: How many relevant courses you’ve taken; How much detail you want to include; How much space you have to fill; How to Put Relevant Coursework in Your Resume Education Section. Most people include …

Should I include online courses on my resume?

Jun 29, 2021 · Follow these steps when adding relevant coursework to your resume: 1. Be thoughtful about your courses. When deciding which courses to include on your resume, only choose ones that are directly related to the job you’re applying to.

What Does Relevant Coursework Mean and How to Include It on Your Resume

Relevant coursework is a list of subjects and courses you took at school that are pertinent to the position you're applying for. You can include relevant coursework on your resume in the education section. Any courses, subjects, and projects you list have to be related to the job opening.

How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume

Once you decide that relevant coursework should be on your resume, you might start wondering where to put relevant coursework on a resume.

Tips on Putting Relevant Coursework on a Resume

Always tailor your resume to the job offer. If the position requires a lot of relevant experience, putting relevant coursework on your resume will not get you any points. In such cases, throw relevant coursework out of the window and focus on your skills.

Key Takeaways

Here's all you need to know about putting relevant coursework on a resume:

Where should coursework be placed on a resume?

If you feel this would simply be a helpful supplement to the rest of your resume for an employer, it might be best placed below the education section of your resume.

What is a single column resume?

The single-column format looks similar to the education section on your resume, simply displaying your relevant coursework in list form. For example, a candidate applying for a journalism job might include the following:

Do you have to include work experience on your resume?

If you are a student, you might not have a large volume of work experience to list on your resume. This is common, and employers will take your student status into account when reviewing your resume. However, adding coursework that’s relevant to the job or internship you’re applying for can help employers understand the skills you’re developing ...

1. What Is the Meaning of "Relevant Coursework"?

Relevant coursework is a term for courses you took at school or college that are related to the position you are applying for. This kind of coursework can be listed on a resume under the education heading. The purpose of this information is to highlight knowledge pertinent to the job.

2. Should I Include Relevant Coursework on Resumes?

We’ve just shown you several examples of including courses on a resume.

3. How to List Relevant Coursework on Resumes?

You’ve decided to include a related college class or course on your resume.

Key Points

Decide first if adding coursework on a resume is ideal for you; include related classes if relevant to the job and you have little professional experience.

Should I Include Relevant Coursework on My Resume?

Yes, you can and often should include coursework that directly relates to the position you’re applying for on your resume. Doing so highlights your relevant expertise, and helps you include resume keywords that can ensure your resume gets past applicant tracking system software.

How and Where to Put Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

How much coursework you fit into your resume depends on the following three factors:

Takeaways

Highlighting job-relevant coursework on your resume is a fantastic way to demonstrate your knowledge in any given field, and improve your resume if it’s lacking in substance.

How to list coursework on resume?

How to list relevant coursework on a resume. Follow these steps when adding relevant coursework to your resume: 1. Be thoughtful about your courses. When deciding which courses to include on your resume, only choose ones that are directly related to the job you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re looking for an entry-level social media ...

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant coursework are the classes or academic experiences you have that make you a good fit for a particular role. On your resume, you can make a section called ‘Relevant Coursework’ and list any specific classes that are useful for the job you’re applying to. For instance, if you are applying for a finance internship, ...

How to show you have the knowledge and skills to be a good fit for the company?

While employers understand that students or recent graduates may not have much professional experience, there are ways you can still show you have the knowledge and skills to be a good fit for the company. One way you can do this is by including relevant coursework on your resume. By sharing academic experiences that relate to the job, ...

What is detailed format?

The detailed format is especially helpful if you have little experience elsewhere. When you use this format, include a few bullet points that include relevant information about each course, such as achievements or key learnings. Here is an example an aspiring interior designer might use:

How to stand out to hiring managers?

By including them in your resume, you can stand out to hiring managers as a qualified candidate. Reflect on experiences: Only include courses that are genuinely helpful for the role you’re applying to. Choose ones that you could talk about in detail during an interview.

Can you showcase your education in a single column?

Similar to how you’d list your education, you can showcase your relevant courses in a single-column list. For instance, someone applying to an animal research position may include these courses:

Where should education be on resume?

The education section of your resume—which generally includes relevant coursework—can be placed at the top or bottom of the document. If it's your best experience, or if you think your educational background will be relevant to hiring managers, include whatever is most appropriate at the top of the document.

What is relevant coursework?

Relevant Coursework Section. You can format it as a single section— for example, if you're applying for a role as a journalist: Relevant coursework: Ethics in Journalism, Modern Media Communications, and Forensic Accounting for Journalists. Expand.

What is volunteer work?

Volunteer work is a relevant experience. Even if you didn't get paid for this work, volunteer experiences can make terrific additions to your resume. For example, if you're applying for a job as a teacher’s assistant, describe your volunteer tutor experience.

Who is Alison Doyle?

Alison Doyle is the job search expert for The Balance Careers , and one of the industry's most highly-regarded job search and career experts. As a current student or recent graduate, you may not have very much work experience to include on your resume.

Warnings

Even if your education and coursework listing feels a bit thin for the position, it’s important not to fabricate coursework on your resume. Your employer may ask you about this made-up coursework, putting you in a position where you must either come clean or be dishonest in your interview.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Alyson Garrido, PCC. Alyson Garrido is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Facilitator, and Speaker. Using a strengths-based approach, she supports her clients with job search and career advancement.

How to Put Some College on a Resume

Instead of focusing on how much of your degree is or isn’t done, focus instead on these questions: (1) Does your degree align with the specific role you’re applying for, (2) Would removing your education completely cause a large employment gap in your resume, (3) Were there any courses you took that could be applicable to the job you’re applying for..

Key Takeaway

Whether your college is finished or not takes a back seat to the value that it can potentially add to your resume.

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What Is The Meaning of "Relevant Coursework"?

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Relevant coursework is a term for courses you took at school or college that are related to the position you are applying for. This kind of coursework can be listed on a resume under the education heading. The purpose of this information is to highlight knowledge pertinent to the job. Before we dive in with the why, the what, …
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Should I Include Relevant Coursework on Resumes?

  • We’ve just shown you several examples of including courses on a resume. Adding related coursework on resumes is optional. However, it is a strategic choice which may help your chances, if done right. So— Should you include relevant coursework on a resume? Add a resume coursework subsection when: 1. You’re writing a resume with little experience; 2. You have cours…
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How to List Relevant Coursework on Resumes?

  • You’ve decided to include a related college class or course on your resume. But— Where to put relevant coursework on a resume? When adding related classwork onto a resume, make a subsection at the end of the appropriate education entry. Place it below the degree, school name and location, and date of completion or estimated date of graduation. Put it next to any subsec
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Key Points

  • Let’s wrap it up— Here’s how to write relevant coursework on resumes: 1. Decide first if adding coursework on a resume is ideal for you; include related classes if relevant to the job and you have little professional experience. 2. Create a subsection under the education entry on your resume with a clearly-labeled subheading, such as “Related Coursework.” 3. Add a few of the mo…
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