How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume

In today’s competitive job market, wielding a degree isn't the golden ticket it once was—with nearly half of college grads underemployed, the diploma alone might not cut it​. Your resume can turn into a beacon of opportunity when you smartly list relevant coursework. It’s a strategic display of your skills tailored to meet the precise needs of employers. In an era that favors skill over a title, showcasing the right courses can move you past the competition, connecting your academic efforts directly to the job's demands​. Make every line count and let your resume tell the story of a candidate ready to excel.

What is coursework?

Coursework refers to the written or practical work students are required to complete as part of a course in a school or university. It can include a variety of tasks, such as:

• Assignments
• Examinations
• Class participation
• Presentations
• Practicals and labs
• Research projects

What is relevant coursework

This corresponds to the need to tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Look for specific keywords in the job description and think about how your qualifications match them.

Even if your coursework was optional or a minor component of your studies, it can still offer significant value to potential employers, provided you completed the assignments and can demonstrate the knowledge you gained.

When to include coursework

There are situations where it makes perfect sense to include relevant coursework on your resume:

When you’re a recent graduate

If you’re fresh out of college, it’s only natural you don’t have much practical experience yet. So, your resume should focus on the knowledge and skills you acquired during your studies, or in the form of additional projects and volunteer work.

Including relevant coursework on your entry-level resume isn't just a formality—it's a strategic move that exhibits your expertise in critical areas, making you stand out in fields where specific skills are paramount. It’s an arena for the practical and soft skills you've honed through academic projects, and fills the gap left by limited professional experience.

This approach showcases your dedication and passion for your field and ensures your resume stands out to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) by highlighting key job-related terms. It also sets a strong foundation for interviews and allows you to effectively discuss how your educational experiences prepare you for your career. By emphasizing relevant coursework, you signal to employers your readiness to thrive in the professional world.

When you’re switching careers

Listing relevant coursework on your resume when switching careers can be a bit controversial, but it's generally beneficial if done correctly. Here’s how to include it:

• Focus on courses directly relating to your new field to demonstrate foundational knowledge.
• Mention any hands-on projects or specialized training from your courses that relate to the job.
• If your previous work experience isn’t directly related, feature your coursework more prominently, perhaps under a “Professional Development” section.
• Link your coursework with applicable skills in your resume, showcasing your readiness for the new role.
• Only list the most pertinent courses to keep your resume streamlined and focused.

Including coursework can help bridge the gap between your past experience and your new career path, showing potential employers your dedication to transitioning into the field.

When not to list coursework on resume

While listing relevant coursework can be beneficial, especially for those new to the workforce or changing careers, there are times when it's more strategic to omit it—usually in favor of more important information, such as work experience. Here are several scenarios where you might consider leaving coursework off your resume:

Where to list coursework on a resume

Here are three common approaches to including coursework on a resume, along with the pros and cons of each:

Under the education section

Placement: List relevant courses as a bullet, directly under the details of your degree in the education section.

Pros:

• Keeps all educational information consolidated, making it easier for employers to see the relationship between your courses and your degree.
• Useful for students or recent graduates who want to highlight academic achievements due to limited work experience.

Cons:

• May clutter the education section if you list too many courses.
• May not capture the attention of employers who prioritize practical work experience over academic coursework.

Here’s a good example:

In a dedicated section

Placement: Create a separate section titled “Relevant Coursework” or “Advanced Training,” listing courses relevant to the job you're applying for.

Pros:

• Highlights specific relevant courses directly, making them more noticeable to the employer.
• Allows for greater detail about what you learned in each course, linking coursework to job requirements.
• Bonus: It’s the best option for listing coursework on an academic resume.

Cons:

• Takes up valuable space that could be used for showcasing work experience or skills.
• Might be overlooked if poorly positioned on the resume or if the courses aren’t directly relevant to the job.

It could look like this:

In the cover letter

If a job requires certain qualifications that you've, until now, only gained experience with through coursework, it's wise to mention this in your cover letter. This approach allows you to openly discuss your actual level of proficiency with the relevant instruments, without it seeming unprofessional or taking up too much space on your resume.

Choosing the best option

The placement of coursework on your resume depends on your career stage and the job you're targeting. If it’s highly relevant or showcases skills you haven't used professionally, adding a dedicated section might be beneficial. For recent graduates, including detailed coursework under your education section can enhance your profile. In your cover letter, integrate coursework to highlight how specific academic experiences directly relate to the job requirements.

3 ways to list coursework on resume

Coursework resume example #1: Bulleted list

If you have several relevant entries to present, and sufficient space in your document, opt for a bulleted list. It sits well with recruiters as it lets their gaze slide along your list of competencies.

Coursework resume example #2: Detailed bulleted list

If you have enough space on your resume and want to be more precise in the specific knowledge the coursework you did gave you, opt for the detailed bulleted list. Keep in mind that recruiters might still only look at the lead-ins.

Coursework resume example #3: Standard list

That’s the classic option that saves space but is still easy to read: the standard list where you list your relevant coursework, separating entries with commas.

Practical tips for listing coursework

Finally, here are some extra tips to effectively present your academic pursuits:

• Select relevant courses: Only list coursework directly relevant to the job you're applying for. Avoid cluttering your resume with every course you’ve taken—focus on the most impactful ones like Machine Learning, Data Analysis, or other specialized subjects.
• Keep it brief: Limit the coursework section to 3-5 key courses to conserve space for more substantial content like significant projects or any experience you have. Remember to update and trim this section as you gain more relevant experience.
• Use generic titles: Instead of course codes or overly specific titles, use general subject names that clearly convey the content, such as “Computer Science Fundamentals” instead of “Introduction to Computer Science.”
• Future courses: Mention planned coursework only if it’s directly relevant to the job. Indicate that these are future courses to manage expectations.
• Highlight applied skills: Instead of merely listing courses, briefly mention how the skills learned apply to the job you’re seeking. This can be integrated into a separate skills or projects section that showcases your ability to apply your academic knowledge.
• Projects over coursework: Whenever possible, prioritize describing projects and accomplishments over coursework. Projects often provide tangible proof of your skills and adaptability.
• Early career emphasis: If you are early in your career, such as a freshman or sophomore, it's more acceptable to include relevant courses until more substantial experiences or projects can replace them.

FAQs about coursework on resume

Should I put future coursework on a resume?

Including future coursework can be a good idea, especially if it's directly relevant to the job you are applying for. Indicate that the coursework is “In Progress”, or note the anticipated completion dates. This shows your commitment to furthering your education and acquiring new skills.

Is it OK to put no experience on a resume?

It's OK to have a resume with no professional experience. Emphasize academic achievements, volunteer work, internships, and relevant skills developed through coursework and extracurricular activities. Describe any roles or projects that prove your abilities and enthusiasm for the field.

Should I include a job I’ve only just started on my resume?

Adding a recently started job can be advantageous as it shows current employment and a proactive attitude. List it by stating the start date and “present” to indicate that you are still employed in this role. Briefly mention your responsibilities and any accomplishments, even if they are preliminary.

How do I list incomplete education on my resume?

For incomplete education, list the school and the degree you were pursuing, followed by the dates you attended. Use a phrase like “Courses completed towards [degree]” to indicate your progress. If you plan to finish the degree, note this by including “Expected to resume studies” or “Expected completion by [date].”

How do I add a training course to my resume?

Add any relevant training courses in a separate section titled “Training & Certifications.” Include the name of the course, the institution or organization providing it, and the completion date or expected completion date if you're currently enrolled. Highlight any specific skills or knowledge acquired that relate to the job you’re applying for.

Conclusion

Listing relevant coursework on a resume is essential for those at the beginning of their careers. It provides potential employers with insight into your skills and knowledge, helping to demonstrate your capability to handle required tasks, even if you lack direct experience. Remember, your inexperience isn’t a setback–it's an opportunity to grow and adapt. Embrace this phase with confidence and show future employers that you’re prepared to take on challenges, and also eager to learn and contribute.