Bachelor's Degree on Resume: How to List Education (BS, BA, MBA)

Your education section is a crucial component of your resume, especially when it includes a bachelor's degree or higher qualification. However, many job seekers struggle with the proper way to list their degrees, use correct abbreviations, and format their educational achievements effectively.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to present your bachelor's degree, master's degree, and other educational credentials on your resume to make the best impression on employers and ATS systems.

Understanding Degree Abbreviations

Bachelor's Degree Abbreviations

Before diving into formatting, let's clarify the most common bachelor's degree abbreviations:

Bachelor of Science (BS or B.S.)

Used for degrees in scientific, technical, or mathematical fields
Examples: Computer Science, Biology, Engineering, Mathematics

Bachelor of Arts (BA or B.A.)

Used for degrees in liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences
Examples: English, History, Psychology, Communications

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Specific to business-focused programs
Covers areas like marketing, finance, and management

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

For creative and performing arts degrees
Examples: Graphic Design, Theater, Dance

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Specific to nursing programs
Distinguished from Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Master's Degree Abbreviations

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The most recognized business graduate degree
Often listed without periods: MBA rather than M.B.A.

Master of Science (MS or M.S.)

Graduate degrees in scientific or technical fields
Examples: MS in Data Science, MS in Engineering

Master of Arts (MA or M.A.)

Graduate degrees in humanities and liberal arts
Examples: MA in Education, MA in English Literature

Master of Education (MEd or M.Ed.)

Specific to education-focused graduate programs
Different from MA in Education

How to List Your Bachelor's Degree on a Resume

Basic Format

The standard format for listing your education includes:

Degree type and major
University name
Location (city, state)
Graduation date (month/year)

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
May 2023

Alternative Formats

Depending on your situation and resume style, you can use these variations:

Format 1: Degree-First Approach

BS in Marketing, May 2023
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

Format 2: University-First Approach

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, December 2022

Format 3: Abbreviated Format (for experienced professionals)

MBA, Harvard Business School, 2020
BS Computer Engineering, MIT, 2016

Including GPA and Honors

When to Include GPA

Include your GPA if:

You graduated within the last 2-3 years
Your GPA is 3.5 or higher
The job posting specifically requests it
You have limited work experience

Example with GPA:

Bachelor of Science in Finance
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
May 2024 | GPA: 3.8/4.0

Academic Honors and Distinctions

Always include academic honors as they demonstrate excellence:

Latin Honors:

Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction)
Magna Cum Laude (high distinction)
Cum Laude (with distinction)

Example with Honors:

Bachelor of Arts in English, Magna Cum Laude
Yale University, New Haven, CT
May 2023 | GPA: 3.85/4.0
Dean's List: Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022

Multiple Degrees and Educational Credentials

Listing Multiple Degrees

When you have multiple degrees, list them in reverse chronological order:

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Stanford Graduate School of Business, Stanford, CA
June 2023

Bachelor of Science in Economics
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
May 2019 | Summa Cum Laude

Including Minors and Concentrations

Add minors or concentrations when relevant to the position:

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
Minor in Data Analytics
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
May 2022

Double Majors

For double majors, you have two options:

Option 1: Single Line

BS in Computer Science and Mathematics
Duke University, Durham, NC
May 2023

Option 2: Separate Lines

Bachelor of Science
Major: Computer Science
Major: Mathematics
Duke University, Durham, NC
May 2023

Special Situations and Considerations

In-Progress Degrees

If you're currently pursuing a degree:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Expected Graduation: May 2025
University of Miami, Miami, FL
Current GPA: 3.7/4.0

Incomplete Degrees

For degrees you started but didn't complete:

Coursework in Business Administration (60 credits completed)
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
2019-2021

Online Degrees

For online programs from accredited institutions:

Master of Science in Data Science (Online)
Georgia Institute of Technology
August 2023

Note: Only mention "Online" if you feel it adds value or clarification.

International Degrees

When listing degrees from international institutions:

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
Equivalent to US Bachelor of Business Administration
June 2022

Industry-Specific Formatting

Technical Fields

For STEM fields, include relevant coursework or projects:

BS in Electrical Engineering
Relevant Coursework: Circuit Design, Signal Processing, Embedded Systems
Senior Project: Autonomous Drone Navigation System
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA
June 2023

Business and Finance

For business roles, emphasize relevant concentrations:

Bachelor of Business Administration
Concentration: Finance and Investment Banking
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
May 2023 | Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

Healthcare

For healthcare positions, include clinical hours or certifications:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Clinical Hours: 800+ in pediatric and emergency care
Licensure: RN License #123456 (California)
UCLA School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA
May 2023

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Abbreviations

❌ Wrong: B.S in Computer Science ✅ Correct: BS in Computer Science or B.S. in Computer Science

2. Including High School

Unless you're a recent high school graduate with no college experience, don't include high school education.

3. Overloading with Information

❌ Too Much:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience and a minor in Statistics, relevant coursework includes Experimental Psychology, Research Methods, Statistical Analysis, Abnormal Psychology, Development Psychology, Social Psychology...

✅ Better:

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Concentration: Cognitive Neuroscience | Minor: Statistics
Relevant Coursework: Experimental Psychology, Research Methods, Statistical Analysis

4. Inconsistent Formatting

Maintain consistent formatting throughout your education section:

Use the same date format
Be consistent with abbreviations (BS vs B.S.)
Keep location formatting uniform

Resume Education Section Examples by Career Level

Recent Graduate

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
May 2024 | GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean's List: 4 semesters

Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Market Research, Brand Management
Leadership: President, Marketing Club | Vice President, Student Government

Early Career Professional (2-5 years experience)

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration
UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, CA
June 2023

Bachelor of Arts in Economics
University of California, San Diego, CA
June 2019 | Cum Laude

Experienced Professional (5+ years)

EDUCATION

MBA, Finance Concentration, Columbia Business School, 2018
BS Economics, Cornell University, 2014

ATS Optimization Tips

To ensure your education section passes through Applicant Tracking Systems:

Use standard degree names: "Bachelor of Science" not "B.S. Degree"
Spell out abbreviations initially: "Master of Business Administration (MBA)"
Include keywords: Match degree names to job posting requirements
Avoid graphics or tables: Use simple, clean formatting
Standard section headings: Use "Education" not creative alternatives

Conclusion

Properly listing your bachelor's degree and other educational credentials on your resume is essential for making a strong first impression. Whether you're abbreviating a Bachelor of Science or showcasing your MBA, consistency and clarity are key.

Remember to tailor your education section to your career stage and the specific job you're applying for. Recent graduates should provide more detail, while experienced professionals can be more concise. Always proofread for accuracy and ensure your formatting is consistent throughout your resume.

By following these guidelines, you'll present your educational achievements in the most professional and impactful way possible, increasing your chances of landing that interview and advancing your career.