When you're still studying, building your resume can feel tricky. You may wonder: “Should I include my unfinished degree?” or “Will employers take me seriously?” The good news is that listing education in progress on a resume is not only acceptable—it’s often expected, especially for students, recent graduates, and career changers.
In fact, employers value candidates who are actively learning. Whether you're pursuing a degree, certification, or professional training, properly presenting your ongoing education can strengthen your resume and highlight your ambition. The key is knowing how to format it correctly, what details to include, and how to position it strategically.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about listing education in progress. We’ll cover formatting options, real examples, common mistakes, and expert strategies that will help your resume stand out in competitive job markets.
If you're unsure how to structure your resume overall, check out our basic resume examples for beginners or explore our best US resume formats and standards for additional guidance.
Many candidates hesitate to include incomplete education, but this is a mistake. Employers understand that careers evolve, and ongoing education demonstrates initiative, commitment, and growth potential.
For example, if you're applying for a marketing role while studying marketing, even an unfinished degree can significantly boost your credibility.
| Scenario | Should You Include Education? |
|---|---|
| Currently studying | Yes (always) |
| Paused studies | Yes (with clarification) |
| Unrelated field | Sometimes (depends on role) |
Even if your education is not directly related to the job, highlight transferable skills such as research, communication, or problem-solving.
Leaving out ongoing education entirely can make your resume look incomplete or outdated.
Need help structuring your academic section? Our specialists can help—just register on our website to get personalized assistance.
The placement of your education section depends on your experience level. For students and early-career professionals, it often goes at the top. For experienced professionals, it usually appears after work experience.
| Experience Level | Placement |
|---|---|
| Student / Graduate | Top of resume |
| Mid-level professional | After experience |
| Career changer | Top (if relevant) |
If you're writing your first resume, explore our guide on how to write your first curriculum vitae.
Place your education first if it is your strongest qualification for the job.
Putting education at the bottom when you have little or no work experience.
Still unsure? Our specialists can guide you—simply register on our website to get tailored resume advice.
Formatting is critical. Your education section should be clear, concise, and consistent. Employers should instantly understand your status.
Example 1:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (In Progress) University of California, Los Angeles Expected Graduation: May 2026
Example 2:
MBA, Marketing (Expected 2025) Harvard Business School
Example 3 (Online Course):
Google Data Analytics Certificate (In Progress) Coursera Expected Completion: December 2024
| Element | Required? |
|---|---|
| Degree name | Yes |
| Institution | Yes |
| Expected date | Yes |
| GPA | Optional |
Use “Expected” instead of “Estimated” for a more professional tone.
For more industry-specific examples, check our manager CV sample guide.
Choosing the right wording can make your resume more professional and clear.
Using negative wording that undermines your credibility.
If you're writing a cover letter alongside your resume, see our cover letter examples for technical roles.
Your situation determines how you present your education.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (In Progress) New York University Expected Graduation: 2025
Certificate in UX Design (In Progress) Google UX Program Expected Completion: 2024
Master of Business Administration (Part-Time, In Progress) University of Chicago Expected Graduation: 2026
Tailor your education section to match the job description.
Need personalized resume examples? Our experts are ready to help—just register on our website.
Always include expected completion dates.
Keep it concise—avoid listing every course.
Place education strategically based on experience.
Listing education without context makes it unclear to employers.
Combine education with skills to create a stronger impact.
For additional credibility, consider including references—learn how in our reference letter writing guide.
Remember: our specialists can help you build a winning resume. Simply register on our website and get started today.
Yes, if it’s relevant or recent.
Use “Expected Graduation: [Date]”.
Yes, especially if they are relevant.
Include them and clarify status if needed.
Only if it’s strong (3.5+).
Top for students, after experience for professionals.
Partially, especially for entry-level roles.
Yes, especially when your education progresses.