How to List a Major and Minor on a Resume: Optimal SEO for Job Applications

Listing your major and minor on your resume is essential for job applications. This guide will provide a comprehensive approach to structuring your education section, offering tips on format, relevance, and SEO optimization.

Formatting Your Education Section

Rewriting your education section effectively demonstrates your academic achievements and career readiness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to presenting your major and minor clearly and concisely:

Step 1: Start with the Degree

Begin with the specific degree you earned. Whether it’s a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS), clearly indicate the type of degree alongside your major and minor.

Step 2: List Your Major

Indicate your major next, as it is usually the most relevant field of study. For example, you might have a degree in Biology or Computer Science.

Step 3: Include Your Minor (if applicable)

Place your minor below your major if you have one. This helps employers understand the breadth of your academic experience. For instance, if you have a minor in Chemistry or Data Science, include it here.

Step 4: Add University Name and Graduation Year (optional)

Include the name of the university or college you attended. You can also optionally include your graduation year for added detail.

Example Format

Here’s an example of how your resume should look:

Education
Bachelor of Science in Biology
Minor in Chemistry
University of Example City, State
Graduated: May 2023

SEO Tips for Resume Formatting

Optimizing your resume for search engines and potential employers starts with consistency and relevance. Here are some SEO tips:

Consistency

Keep your resume format consistent for all sections, including the education section. This ensures a professional appearance and facilitates easy scanning for text-based recruiters and job search engines.

Relevance

Highlight your minor if it is relevant to the job you are applying for. Employers often use job search engines that filter resumes based on specific keywords. Make sure your minor aligns with the job requirements to increase your visibility in search results.

Listing Your Minor on Your Resume

When listing your degree in the education section, include your minor if you have one. It’s ultimately up to your personal preference whether to include the minor. For example, with my Bachelor’s degree, I majored in Economics and double-minored in Law and Philosophy.

Here’s how the information should be structured:

School name Degree and/or what you’re studying (BA/BS in Economics, minors in Law and Philosophy) When you graduated or are expected to graduate

For example:

Education
University of Example City, State
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Minor in Law
Minor in Philosophy
Graduated: May 2023

Conclusion

Properly listing your major and minor on your resume can significantly improve your job application visibility. Ensure that your resume is clear, concise, and SEO-optimized. By following these guidelines, you can attract the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.