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Your Guide to Conquering College Coursework

Getting good grades in college can be a lot tougher than in high school. For many students, it requires building new skills and establishing new habits. Learning those skills now—before starting college—will help make your transition as easy and as successful as possible.

Mary Sharp Emerson

The transition from high school to college is a big one. Meeting new friends, living on your own, and creating your own schedule are just some of the new, exciting challenges that await you.   

In the excitement of starting a new life on campus, college coursework can sometimes become a second priority.

However, adjusting to college coursework is often the biggest challenge of all. Even the best students may be surprised at how difficult college courses are. The subject matter is more complex. The workload is larger. And instructors’ standards are higher.

Mastering college-level courses requires a new level of independence, advocacy, engagement, and time management.

You can prepare yourself to succeed before you even get to campus. Identifying the skills you need, and building those skills into established habits, will help make your transition to college academics, and college life, easier, less stressful, and more successful.

Be engaged in your college coursework

College courses require your full attention and active participation.

And the more you engage with your teachers, teaching assistants, and classmates both in and out of the classroom, the easier it will be for you to succeed in that class.

The importance of active listening

Active listening is one of the most critical parts of engaging in a course, according to Gina Neugebauer, assistant director of Harvard Summer School’s Secondary School Program.

“Professors and teaching assistants can tell if you’re actively listening. They notice if you’re taking notes and making eye contact. They also notice if you’re distracted by your phone or computer,” notes Neugebauer.

Active listening means not checking your social media accounts or texting friends during class.

It also means really giving the instructor and your classmates your full attention.

It sounds easy in theory but it takes practice. It can be tough to not think about all the work you have or your next party. But the more you work on actively listening, the easier it will be to not get distracted and miss important information in class.

Different ways to actively participate

Beyond active listening, there are many ways to participate in a course. And you can tailor your level of engagement to your personality and comfort level.

“It’s all about gauging what you’re comfortable with,” says Neugebauer.

“You may not be the person who raises their hand all the time but you actively respond to online discussion posts, for example. You may not feel comfortable talking in front of hundreds of students in a large lecture hall but you take advantage of TA office hours and email the instructor with questions.”

But don’t be afraid to push yourself if you aren’t someone who usually speaks up in class.

It’s ok to start small. Work on raising your hand in small seminars or discussion sections. As you gain confidence, you’ll find it gets easier to answer questions and share your opinions.

Build independence and advocate for yourself

In college, you are responsible for your own success. You will need to advocate for yourself and know when—and how—to ask for help. That requires a level of independence that you may not have needed in high school.

The good news is that instructors and teaching assistants want to help you.

“Instructors, on the whole, enjoy hearing from you. And they’d rather hear from you right from the start, rather than have you struggle on your own for three weeks,” says Neugebauer.

If you have a question about an assignment, send your instructor an email. Are you upset about a grade you got on a recent test? Visit your instructor or TA during office hours to discuss what went wrong and how you can improve.

But remember, says Neugebauer, professors are busy and you are only one of many students.

“Your email should include your full name, what course you’re taking, and a brief description of your question or concern. And you cannot expect an answer at 2 a.m. because that’s when you’re studying. When you reach out to an instructor, give them 24-48 hours to respond.”

And remember, always be respectful and non-confrontational.

Challenge yourself in a college course. Get a sneak peak at college life.

Explore summer programs for high school students.

Don’t be afraid to seek help

If you have excelled in high school without extra help, you might be tempted to persevere on your own.

In college, Neugebauer points out, asking for help is the norm.

“Once you get into your undergraduate program, you’ll find that almost everyone has, at some point, asked a TA for extra tutoring, gone to a tutoring center, or a writing or math center for extra help. It’s part of the learning process of an undergraduate program,” Neugebauer says.

Colleges have a variety of support systems in place to help you succeed.

TA office hours are a great place to start if you find yourself struggling with a specific concept or assignment. Peer tutoring programs enable you to learn from students who have been through the course themselves. Academic coaches can help with more general study tips or exam-related stress.

The key is seeking out help proactively, before you get too far behind. As the courses become more difficult, catching up becomes increasingly difficult.

Build time management techniques

Balancing everything that comes with life on a college campus can be difficult for many incoming college students.

“The biggest challenge we see facing high school students who are trying to adapt to college life is overcommitment. Students want to engage in every activity, a full course load, and even sometimes a part-time job. They don’t schedule enough time for self-care, quiet time, doing laundry, and plenty of study time. All those things take time,” Neugebauer says.

Good study habits and time management are key to avoiding the stress that comes from getting overcommitted.

Neugebauer recommends getting into the habit of keeping an accurate and up-to-date calendar.

“The best thing I can recommend is a calendar, such as Google Calendar. Use it to schedule everything: your class, your lunch time, time at the gym. It may seem counterintuitive, but work on scheduling literally everything, even sleep.”

Be sure to include assignments, tests, and other deadlines, as well as office hours for your instructors, TAs, and academic coaches.

Use your calendar to block off dedicated study time. And once you schedule it, stick to it! Avoid the temptation to procrastinate or use that time to hang out, play video games, or scroll on your phone.

Your calendar should also include dedicated time for self-care.

Regular mealtimes, good exercise habits, and a full night’s sleep are not only critical for your physical and mental health. You’ll also be surprised at how much they contribute to your academic success.

Challenge yourself as you engage in college coursework

Getting outside your comfort zone is a critical part of preparing yourself for the exciting challenges that await you in college.

“Being uncomfortable allows for growth. It means saying to yourself, ‘this is new. I want to try it. I want to see how it feels.’ This is all about adapting to a new environment but also examining yourself as a person,” says Neugebauer.

Taking on a new challenge—regardless of the ultimate outcome—builds resilience, mental toughness, and confidence, all of which you will need to succeed in your college courses.

But, warns Neugebauer, it’s also important to know your limitations.

“That uncomfortable feeling should be manageable. It should be a challenge but not so challenging that you feel panicked and wake up in cold sweats every night. It should be something that gets you a little nervous but also excited about what you’re involved in every day.”

However you decide to challenge yourself, it’s never too early to start if college is in your future. The sooner you start identifying and mastering the skills you need in college, the better prepared you’ll be to succeed right from day one.

Spend your summer at Harvard!

About the Author

Digital Content Producer

Emerson is a Digital Content Producer at Harvard DCE. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and Yale University and started her career as an international affairs analyst. She is an avid triathlete and has completed three Ironman triathlons, as well as the Boston Marathon.

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What Classes Do I Have To Take in College?

The classes you take in college help you fulfill academic requirements and build the technical and soft skills you'll use in your coursework and beyond. You'll need to complete between approximately 120-130 credit hours for a bachelor's degree depending on the discipline — STEM degrees may require more. Fulfilling this requirement includes taking general education, core, major, and elective courses. Some of these classes will be required by your school or major, but you are typically given the opportunity to choose a portion of your classes. Deciding which classes to choose can seem overwhelming, but you don't need to do so alone. Academic advisors can help you choose and schedule your classes each term to ensure you're on the right track, and they make the process less daunting.

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Overview of Classes Required in College

The types of classes colleges require you to take fall into several general categories, including general education, core, major core, and electives. Within these categories, you may be required to take lower division, upper division, or prerequisite courses before moving on to more advanced courses, as well as a final capstone course to demonstrate what you've learned throughout your degree program. 

Lower Division Classes

Some of the classes you'll be required to complete in an associate program or bachelor's degree program are lower division courses. Lower division courses are usually at the 100 to 200 level. For example, your general education and core courses are typically considered lower division, as well as some of your introductory major courses. Lower division classes often serve as prerequisites to more advanced courses.

Upper Division Classes

Upper division classes are at the 300-level and above, with graduate-level courses usually starting in the 500s. You may take 300 and 400-level classes later in your bachelor's degree program as these are more advanced courses.

General Education Classes

Approximately 30 credit hours of general education (gen ed) classes are required for an associate or bachelor's degree.  In addition to your major courses, general education classes help you develop a well-rounded skill set. These courses promote literacy skills and competencies that can carry you through college and your career regardless of major. Student outcomes include improved oral and written communications, critical thinking, and math and quantitative reasoning. 

Gen ed classes include those in the following disciplines, many of which are in the humanities, that can help you develop the soft skills employers often desire:

Common courses: 

  • Creative Nonfiction Writing
  • British Literature
  • Essay Writing
  • Technical Writing
  • Ethnic America
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Sociology of Aging
  • Social Inequalities 
  • Survey of the Visual Arts
  • Art History
  • Western Classical Music
  • American Art
  • Basic Statistics
  • Intermediate Algebra
  • Linear Algebra
  • Analytical Geometry

Natural Sciences

  • Oceanography
  • Marine Biology
  • Environmental Science

Social Sciences

  • Anthropology
  • Political Science
  • Civil Society

Basic Competency Requirements

Within gen ed classes, colleges require that you fulfill basic competency requirements. These competencies include classes in writing and math, and they vary depending on the associate or bachelor's degree. They may include writing and composition and argumentative writing courses as well as general math or algebra courses. 

General Education Electives

You may be able to choose which gen ed electives you take within a discipline. For example, you may be told you can choose any three classes from the subjects above, or your school may create a list of other classes from which you can choose.

Core Classes

Colleges require you to complete approximately 40 to 45 credit hours of core classes as an undergraduate. Colleges require all students to complete designated core classes regardless of major. These courses are similar to ged ed classes, with some that are college or university-specific, such as new student orientation or library services courses. However, while gen ed courses are generally transferable, core courses may not be if they are school-specific or you are transferring between a public and private school.

Major Classes

Approximately 30 to 36 credit hours of major classes are required in a bachelor's degree program. Major classes are courses you choose from that are related specifically to your course of study and discipline. You may select classes in specific areas of interest, depending on your career path. For example, if you are pursuing a marketing degree , you may choose from the following major classes to graduate:

  • Promotion and Public Relations
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Digital Marketing
  • Product and Brand Management
  • Market Research

Major Core Classes

Major core classes are courses within the major classes category that everyone in your major is required to take. For example, in a communications degree program , you and your peers may be required to take courses such as Introduction to Communications, Communication Theory, and Interpersonal Communications.

Prerequisite Classes

Prerequisite (prereqs) classes prepare you for more advanced coursework and can be required at the undergraduate and graduate levels. You may need to take a 100-level course to learn foundational skills before progressing to a 200-level course. For example, a student in a nursing degree program may need to complete basic biology, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology classes before they can move on to advanced technical courses. Sometimes, your gen ed, core, or electives may serve as prereqs to other courses if your school allows you to use them to fulfill multiple requirements. 

Depending on your course of study, you may have to complete a capstone class in your final year so you are eligible to graduate. In a computer science bachelor's degree program , for example, you will most likely complete a capstone course where you'll identify a problem and work to solve it by applying skills you've gained throughout the computer science program. You may work on this project within a team of your peers and then deliver an oral presentation at the end of the term. Other degree programs may require you to write a final research paper as part of your capstone.

You're usually allowed to complete approximately 20 to 30 credit hours of electives in an undergraduate degree program. Electives — also called free electives  — are classes of your choice and don't have to be major-related. Courses run the gamut from physical education and philosophy to art design and pottery. Electives can be a great way to learn something fun while still earning college credit. They can also give you a break from heavier subjects and can help you balance your workload.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Classes

How many math classes are required in college.

Colleges require the completion of three or four math classes, ones you may complete in high school. This usually includes classes such as algebra and geometry, with some students completing math courses up through calculus. Most colleges require you to pass Algebra 2, at a minimum, as part of your general education requirements. 

What High School Classes Are Required for College?

College admission requirements include the completion of English, foreign language, math, science with a lab, and social studies classes in high school. Some schools have also started requiring a year of visual or performing arts classes.

How Many English Classes Are Required in College?

Two English classes are generally required in college to graduate, including English composition and college composition. 

How Many History Classes Are Required in College?

You typically have to fulfill a three-class social science requirement as part of your gen ed coursework that may include history if you choose. If you are a history degree major , at least one gen ed history class will be required in addition to major requirements.

Bottom Line

While still in high school, focus on which classes you need in English, math, a foreign language, natural science, and social studies for college admissions. You can work with your school guidance counselor, who can help you determine which classes you may need to be accepted into the college of your choice. This practice may eliminate the need to take additional classes when starting college. Once you're enrolled in college, your academic advisor can help you plan your course load to fulfill general education, core, major, and elective requirements, and they can help you select the classes that will matter most to you.

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  • Last Update: May 23, 2024
  • May 1, 2022
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Table of Contents

Transitioning from high school to university is a major leap for international students. Connecting with people, living on your own, and making your own agenda are just a few of the interesting & new tasks that await you. Academics might sometimes take a back seat owing to the exhilaration of starting a new life in college. However, the transition to your academics is sometimes the most difficult battle of all. Even the best students may be startled by the complexity of college courses. On that note, let’s take a look at coursework meaning, definition and what you’ll be asked to do for your assignments, projects, and exams at uni.

Coursework Meaning

What is coursework in university? Coursework is practical work or studies completed by a student in partial fulfilment of training or degree. Coursework includes projects, fieldwork, design studies, extensive college essays, and other activities. The type of work required varies on the course. It is mostly a part of the learning process and a step towards preparing students to handle the needed work/task successfully and efficiently. Here’s what your coursework could ideally include –

  • Art & Craft
  • Speaking Tests
  • Practical Work
  • Assignments 
  • Experiments

coursework meaning

What Are The Rules Of A Coursework?

Now that you’ve looked at the coursework meaning and what it includes, let’s go through some rules to keep in mind when doing your coursework. Before you begin working on your course, you must have a clear comprehension of the standards. Failure to follow the rules, whether unintentionally or on purpose, may result in your coursework (or even your whole degree) being disqualified.

  • No plagiarism – This is particularly difficult these days, considering the easy availability of pertinent material on the internet. Ensure that everything is written in your own words; you will be required to sign a certification indicating that it is your own original work.
  • Minimal Guidance – The professors and lecturers can guide you only to a certain extent. They can only give you the coursework meaning, theme, and hints on how to go about it. They can also advise you as to what to include and what the inspectors will be looking for. You may ask them questions, but they will typically only be able to go through your initial draft once and provide broad recommendations on how to improve it.
  • Word Count – Check the word count and keep to it. Determine if footnotes, appendices, and bibliographies would be included in the word count.
  • Topics – Check what topics you’re permitted to complete your coursework on; if there’s a test on this topic, you’ll most probably have to pick a different one for your coursework.

What Is The Purpose Of Coursework?

Before joining your uni, knowing coursework meaning alone is not enough, understanding its purpose is essential. Coursework is intended to demonstrate comprehension of what has been taught. How effectively you could grasp it and use it in various scenarios. Your final product reflects your own views and manner of thinking about a topic. Universities may require you to write (essays, papers, term papers, thesis, etc.) or build something (sculpture, art, and craft related items) or take a test.

All of these coursework activities earn you marks or grades, which are put together to determine your total grade for a certain course or purpose. Your originality, understanding, inventive aspect, talent, and so on are represented in your work. 

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Tips To Make Your Coursework Stand Apart

To perform your coursework well, you adhere to the basic rules stated in the earlier section. But to make your coursework stand out from the rest, we have a few tips we think could be of use to you –

Originality – Your topic/idea must be unique. The originality of a concept is highly valued and may be a deal-breaker. In most circumstances, this is not only a necessity but also a scoring component. There are a plethora of students and academics conducting the study, so having a unique concept puts you on the right track.

Solution-Oriented – If your coursework is solution-oriented, you must clearly define the primary problems and challenges that you intend to address in your work. A good solution cannot be delivered until the problem is properly understood.

Uniqueness – Individuality in terms of thought and labour. Preparing appropriate questionnaires and doing surveys contributes to the content’s originality and uniqueness. Your theme, as well as your content, should be distinctive. Avoid plagiarism; copying is a no-no. If you are detected plagiarising in any shape or extent, you will be dealt with severely and your contribution may be disqualified. Therefore, before submitting your work, check it for plagiarism. For that, you can use a  free plagiarism checker  famous for providing accurate and dependable plagiarism reports.

Your Opinion – This is the most important factor. Your inputs, suggestions, or remarks will demonstrate your expertise and application of the topic. Making sure that you have put your best foot forward shows how well you’ve understood and incorporated the coursework’s meaning and theme into your project. A well-structured and presented piece of work is something that a teacher or mentor looks for.

The Outcome – Working hard and putting in a lot of effort isn’t worth much until relevant results are demonstrated. Having a strong and useful data analysis and presentation using the finest data extraction service is critical.

Thank you for reading this blog on Coursework Meaning &Definition. If you’d like to read more, here are some blogs that may be of interest to you –

  • List Of Universities For Filmmaking Courses Abroad!
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Definition of coursework

Examples of coursework in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'coursework.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1890, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near coursework

Cite this entry.

“Coursework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coursework. Accessed 28 Oct. 2024.

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From Associate to Doctorate: A Complete Guide to College Degree Levels

Genevieve Carlton, Ph.D.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Considering a college degree? First, you’ll need to understand the types of degrees and college degree levels.

Different degrees set you up for different career paths. For example, you can’t become a psychologist with just a bachelor’s degree — you’d need a master’s or doctorate in psychology. And you usually can’t become an engineer without at least a bachelor’s degree.

Typically, as your university degree level rises, your earning potential increases and the unemployment rate decreases. That’s one more reason it’s important to understand the different types of degrees.

Popular Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Types of Degrees Are There in College?

There are many types of degrees you can earn in college. College degree levels can be broken down into two categories: undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees.

Here are the college degrees in order from lowest ranking to highest:

  • Associate degree (undergraduate)
  • Bachelor’s degree (undergraduate)
  • Master’s degree (graduate)
  • Doctoral degree (graduate)

While a doctorate is the highest education level, some fields may stop at a master’s. The phrase “terminal degree” refers to the highest degree in a field.

A professional degree is a type of graduate degree — often a doctorate — that prepares you for a professional career in fields like law and medicine.

Associate Degree

  • Typical Program Length : 1-2 years
  • Typical Number of Credits : 60

Most associate degree programs prepare you to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation. These programs can be found at community and technical colleges and typically last 1-2 years.

An associate degree can also serve as the foundation for a bachelor’s program. You may even be able to transfer some of the credits you earned for your associate degree toward a four-year degree.

Some associate degrees require you to complete an internship or practicum in addition to taking classes. This is particularly common among healthcare and tech degrees.

To apply for an associate degree program , you’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED certificate. Some schools may require you to submit standardized test scores, such as the ACT or the SAT, as well.

Featured Associate Programs

What can you do with an associate degree.

An associate degree prepares you for vocational, allied health, and support roles. For example, you can become a medical assistant , paralegal, or vet tech with an associate degree.

The highest-paying careers with an associate degree pay over $80,000 per year. See the table below for popular jobs that require associate degrees and their salaries.

Source: BLS

Types of Associate Degrees

Colleges can offer three kinds of associate degrees:

  • Associate of Arts (AA)
  • Associate of Science (AS)
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Arts, humanities, and creative fields typically offer an AA, whereas social sciences and natural sciences often award an AS. Many applied and vocational programs offer an AAS degree.

The type of degree matters if you’re planning to transfer into a bachelor’s program. Colleges normally offer fewer transfer credits for an AAS degree.

Popular Associate Degrees

  • Business Administration
  • Business Management
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Graphic Design
  • Healthcare Management
  • Information Technology
  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Pre-Nursing
  • Social Work

Bachelor’s Degree

  • Typical Program Length: 4 years
  • Typical Number of Credits: 120

A bachelor’s degree program prepares you for many career paths. You’ll generally spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree at a college or university. You’ll take general education classes and courses in your major . You can also choose a minor.

Some colleges offer accelerated bachelor’s programs , which take less time — often 2-3 years. Degree-completion programs can also speed up the timeline by awarding you credit for previous college coursework.

You can earn your bachelor’s degree online as well. An online degree from an accredited college meets the same standards as an in-person degree.

You’ll need a high school diploma for admission and may also need to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Featured Bachelor’s Programs

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree.

In diverse industries like business, tech, and education, a bachelor’s degree can prepare you for many entry-level careers. Some of the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s degree include roles in finance, management, and tech.

Graduates with a four-year degree can also benefit from high demand in many lucrative fields, like software development and engineering. See the table below for roles you can apply for with a bachelor’s degree and their salaries.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Types of Bachelor’s Degrees

You can earn a bachelor’s degree in many fields. Some of the most common types of bachelor’s degrees you’ll see include:

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts (BAA)
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS)
  • Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The two most popular degrees are a BA and a BS. These degrees cover all arts and sciences majors and some education and engineering degrees.

Popular Bachelor’s Degrees

  • Civil Engineering
  • Communication
  • Computer Programming
  • Health Informatics
  • Health Sciences
  • Human Resources
  • Mathematics
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Supply Chain and Logistics

Master’s Degree

  • Typical Program Length: 1-3 years
  • Typical Number of Credits: 30

A master’s degree can help you gain specialized skills and qualify for higher-paying roles. As a graduate student, you’ll work closely with experts in your field to explore advanced topics.

While a master’s degree typically takes two years, some universities offer accelerated one-year master’s programs. You can also enroll in a bachelor’s-to-master’s program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time.

Most master’s programs require students to complete a minimum of 30 credits. Admission and graduation requirements vary depending on the program. For example, many arts and sciences master’s programs require GRE scores , while business programs typically require GMAT scores .

Featured Master’s Programs

What can you do with a master’s degree.

With a master’s degree, you can qualify for management-level careers and specialized roles in industries like healthcare, research, and social services. The highest-paying master’s degrees include MBAs and nurse practitioner degrees.

Learn more about the earning potential and demand for popular master’s degree jobs below.

Types of Master’s Degrees

Here are some of the most common types of master’s degrees you can earn:

  • Master of Arts (MA)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Master of Laws (LL.M.)
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master of Public Policy (MPP)
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)

An MA and an MS are among the most popular master’s degrees. Humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields typically award an MA or an MS. Other popular options include an MBA and an M.Ed.

Popular Master’s Degrees

  • Creative Writing
  • Data Science
  • Engineering
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Library and Information Science
  • Network Security
  • Public Health
  • Supply Chain Management

Doctoral Degrees

  • Typical Program Length: 2-10 years
  • Typical Number of Credits: Varies

In many fields, a doctorate is the terminal degree. There are a few types of doctoral degrees you can earn.

Professional doctorates train you for a professional career. For example, law school and med school are two common professional paths. A Ph.D., on the other hand — the most common type of doctorate — emphasizes theory and research.

In a doctoral program, you’ll take graduate-level seminars and courses, take comprehensive exams, conduct original research, and defend a dissertation in front of a faculty committee.

Most applied doctorates take 3-5 years to earn, while a Ph.D. typically requires 4-6 years of coursework. In certain fields, you can earn your doctorate online.

Some doctoral programs require a master’s degree for admission, whereas others admit applicants with just a bachelor’s degree. You may need to submit standardized test scores depending on the program.

Featured Doctoral Programs

What can you do with a doctorate.

If you want to become a physician , professor , or lawyer, you’ll need a doctorate. In many fields, a doctorate translates into higher salaries. Lawyers, pharmacists , and physicists all report median salaries of over $125,000 per year, according to the BLS.

The following table shows the earning potential and demand for popular doctoral degree jobs.

Types of Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate is the highest education level, but there are still several types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common ones you can get:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
  • Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
  • Juris Doctor (JD)

A Ph.D. is the most popular doctorate. You can earn a Ph.D. in many arts and sciences fields. Other doctorates take their names from the career path associated with the degree.

Popular Doctoral Degrees

  • Curriculum and Instruction
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Leadership
  • Human Services
  • Legal Studies
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Public Administration

Frequently Asked Questions About College Degree Levels

What are the four types of college degrees.

The four types of college degrees are associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees. Colleges classify associate and bachelor’s degrees as undergraduate degrees and master’s and doctoral degrees as graduate degrees .

Within those categories, you can earn many types of degrees. For instance, at the bachelor’s level, you could earn a BA, BS, or BFA degree, to name a few.

What is a four-year college degree called?

A four-year college degree is called a bachelor’s degree. Another term for this degree type is a baccalaureate degree.

Many careers require a bachelor’s degree for entry-level roles. For example, most careers in business call for you to hold a bachelor’s degree. Many roles in tech, education, the public sector, and engineering also require you to have a four-year degree.

Some career paths require a specific major. In many states, you’ll need a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse . In other fields, your specific major matters less than the quality of your skills.

What is the highest degree?

The highest degree is a doctorate, also called a doctoral degree. In terms of university degree levels, both master’s and bachelor’s degrees rank below doctorates.

You can earn a doctorate in a wide array of fields, including the social sciences, business, the humanities, education, engineering, and healthcare.

In some fields, however, a master’s degree represents the terminal, or highest, degree. For instance, a master of fine arts (MFA) is the terminal degree for creative writing.

What is the hardest college degree?

Most would agree that the hardest college degree is a doctorate. As the highest education level, a doctorate requires significant expertise in the field.

Many Ph.D. programs take six years or more and require you to write a book-length dissertation based on original research.

Because a doctorate represents the top of the university degree levels, it’s a relatively uncommon degree. Only around 2% of U.S. adults held a doctorate in 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .

What is the quickest degree?

The fastest degree you can get is either a one-year associate degree or a one-year master’s degree. While other types of degrees typically take a minimum of two years, you can earn a master’s degree in one year with an accelerated or fast-track program.

You can sometimes add a master’s degree to your bachelor’s through a 4+1 program, also known as a bachelor’s-to-master’s program . In this case, some of your coursework counts toward both your undergraduate and graduate degrees, meaning you’ll spend an additional year in college to leave with a master’s degree.

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What Coursework Transfers?

Please select a college to view course transfer equivalencies, planning guides & transfer agreements.*

* Please note that is a list of the most common schools and courses, not a complete and exhaustive list. Transfer credit is accepted from institutions granted regional accreditation by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Credit for courses from institutions with accreditation other than regional accreditation is evaluated for transfer purposes on a case-by-case basis.

Binghamton University recognizes the conditions of spring 2020 in evaluation of incoming college credit and will accept non-letter grade (Pass or Satisfactory) coursework for credit and may fulfill general education requirements. Here are the specific college/program spring 2020 pass/fail policies:

Harpur College and School of Management: Up to 12 credits of non-letter grade coursework from the spring 2020 semester may fulfill major and minor coursework. Additional non-letter grade coursework may transfer in as elective credits. Additional non-letter grade coursework from spring 2020 may be applied to requirements on an exception basis for students attending a college or university where non-letter grades are the only grading option.

College of Community and Public Affairs: Up to 12 credits of non-letter grade coursework from the spring 2020 semester may fulfill major and minor coursework. Additional non-letter grade coursework may transfer in as elective credits.

CCPA, Harpur College, School of Management transferring from quarter and trimester schools: Non-letter grade coursework completed throughout the 2019-2020 academic year may satisfy general education requirements. Up to 12 credits of non-letter grade coursework from the 2019-2020 academic year may fulfill major and minor coursework. Additional non-letter grade coursework may transfer in as electives. Exceptions noted above apply for quarter and trimester schools as well.

Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science: Non-letter grade coursework will transfer towards appropriate major and minor degree requirements.

Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences: Non-letter grade coursework may fulfill general education, minor or elective coursework (excluding the required nursing elective).

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  • How to Include Relevant...

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

13 min read · Updated on September 11, 2023

Ken Chase

If you are a recent graduate struggling with a lack of work experience, knowing how to include relevant coursework on a resume can be one of the best ways to create a more compelling resume narrative.

One thing that many recent college graduates have in common with one another is a general lack of work experience. That lack of experience can sometimes make it difficult for them to construct a resume that sells their potential to be the best candidate for a job. Fortunately, there are ways to still create a strong and compelling resume, even without experience. For example, did you take classes that might be relevant to the position? If so, including relevant coursework on your resume may be the perfect solution to your resume challenges.

In this post, we will explain how you can identify relevant coursework and where it should be listed in your resume. We will also include several examples of relevant coursework on a resume so that you can see the best options for using these details to strengthen your job search efforts.

What is relevant coursework?

Of course, when we talk about relevant coursework, we are talking about those classes and educational activities that have direct relevance to the position you are seeking. The first thing you need to recognize is that many of the classes you took during your college career will not need to be included in your resume. After all, most degrees require that students complete any number of basic foundational courses that will have little if any relation to their chosen job — at least from a resume standpoint. 

So, what types of classes, achievements, and activities should you focus on as you identify suitable courses to add to your resume? While this sounds like a simple question, it actually requires some serious thought and evaluation. Fortunately, there are some basic rules that you can follow as you make that determination. Below are just some of the potentially relevant things that you might want to include in your resume: 

Coursework that demonstrates that you have a foundation of knowledge in a required aspect of the job you are seeking. For example, if communication skills are needed for the position, you should include courses that focused on business communications, writing, etc.

Projects that are related to particular job skills. For a marketing position, you should include any marketing-related projects you completed during your studies. Or you could include research projects you engaged in if you are seeking a job where research skills are essential.

Academic achievements can also be included, including notably high GPA scores or awards you received. Also, be sure to include any related extracurricular activities. That could include everything from clubs to sporting activities if they helped you develop skills that would be useful for the job.

Again, do not include coursework that has no bearing on the job at hand. This will require you to carefully consider each course to determine its relevance. One way to do that is to read the job posting and select keywords and phrases of import that seem to be describing the skills or educational qualifications needed for the job. Then go through your coursework and try to match courses to those skills. As you do so, remember that some basic courses like those involving communication—both written and verbal—may be included, since communication is one of those soft skills that every company values .

You can learn more about the difference between hard and soft skills by reading our excellent article, Key Differences Between Hard Skills and Soft Skills . A better understanding of those critical soft skills can help to ensure that you don't underestimate the value of any of your classes. There's a great chance that you have more marketable soft skills than you realize! 

When should you include relevant courses on your resume?

Before you add your job-related classes to your resume, you should decide whether it is necessary. For example, you can almost certainly benefit from including your relevant coursework on your resume if: 

You recently graduated from school or are beginning the process of looking for a job because you are close to graduation. Students and recent graduates typically have little or no real job experience to highlight skills. Fortunately, their studies and project assignments will likely have helped them to develop important skills that they can highlight in their resumes.

Your educational achievements are necessary to qualify for the position you are seeking. In those instances, your prospective employer will be interested in knowing that you have fulfilled those requirements and have the basic knowledge needed for the position.

There may also be times when you need to include coursework even after you have been in the workforce for some time. For example, if you are switching careers and your current work experience does not include the skills needed for your new job, that may not matter as much if you can show that your studies prepared you for the role. 

Including coursework related to your minor

As you select relevant coursework for your resume, don't forget to consider courses of study related to your minor too. Hopefully, you will have selected a minor that is at least tangentially related to your desired career path. If so, then chances are that some of the courses you completed may have some relevance that can translate to a useful resume listing. For more information about minors and when they can be added to your resume, read How to Include a Minor on Your Resume .

When should I take coursework off my resume?

Obviously, there will be times when you should forgo any mention of your courses in your resume. Some examples of situations where you might not need to list your specific coursework include:

When your coursework is not really relevant to the position you seek. Including irrelevant coursework could actually distract from your important skills and experiences.

Situations in which coursework was completed so long ago that the information is no longer useful. For instance, many technology-related courses can lose their value over time. Other examples include old marketing courses and other educational achievements that involve skills that have evolved rapidly in recent years.

If your resume is already filled with enough work experience and skills that there is no need or room for specific course details. Remember, you want to add your courses to enhance your value as an employee. If adding a particular course does nothing more than add length to the resume, skip it. 

Where should relevant coursework be listed in your resume?

In most resumes, the coursework should be placed in the education section, with a subheading titled “Relevant Coursework.” When creating this part of the education section, you should insert the subheading under the name of your degree, with a list of the courses you studied. For example:

Bachelor's in [Name of Degree]

[College Name, City, Graduation Date]

Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2], [Course 3], [Course 4], [Course 5]

Alternatively, you can also opt to show your courses in a bullet-point list if your resume is short and you need to fill more space. You can even elaborate on each course with a few words to describe the skills you learned in class. For example:

Relevant Coursework:

If you have no actual work experience, you may even want to consider using your education section as a substitute for that experience section. If you choose that option, you may want to place the education section closer to the top of your resume and flesh out each course in the same way you would detail a job listing in your work experience section. That means using detailed descriptions that include quantifiable results highlighting your achievements.

Key tips to remember when listing relevant coursework

Before we show you some examples of how to list relevant coursework on your resume, there are a few tips that can help to ensure that your final product is as compelling as possible. By incorporating these ideas into your resume creation process, you can more effectively make that all-important great first impression on any hiring manager.

Only list relevant coursework if you lack sufficient work experience to meet the job requirements.

Always make sure that the courses you list highlight skills and knowledge needed for the position. If a course has nothing to do with your chosen line of work, it has no place in your resume.

Relevant courses may be related to hard and soft skills.

If you choose to use descriptions for each course, use that as an opportunity to insert relevant keywords from the job description. This can be a great way to ensure that your resume can get past any applicant tracking system .

Always proofread your entire resume to eliminate spelling mistakes, punctuation and grammar errors, and style or formatting discrepancies.

Make sure that you tailor your resume to fit the job you want. Since you will likely be applying for different jobs during your job search, you may need to modify your educational coursework details to align with the needs of each position.

Do not forget to include important skill information in your coursework descriptions. Again, try to use those job description keywords.

If you are maintaining an updated resume throughout your educational career, be sure to continually edit your resume as your coursework evolves over time. This can make it easier to keep it updated and can save you some time when your job search begins.

3 Examples of relevant coursework on a resume

In this final section, we will explore some different examples to show you how you can successfully incorporate relevant coursework into your resume. We have included a couple of examples of the most basic listing options, as well as an expanded sample that enables you to provide more details and skills. You can refer to these samples and use them as guides as you create your own relevant coursework section.

Example #1: The Basics

Bachelor's in Information Technology

My College, Anytown 2022

Relevant Coursework: Cyber Security 101, Business Intelligence, Application Development, Networking and Telecom, Artificial Intelligence

This simple listing would be a good option for anyone who has at least some relevant work experience but who still needs an additional boost to meet the job requirements. In this case, the job seeker's coursework listing is presented in a minimalist format, documenting the specific courses and areas of focus—but without any other information about those studies.

Example #2: Bulletpoint List of Courses

Cyber Security 101

Business Intelligence

Application Development

Networking and Telecom

Artificial Intelligence

This option is similar to the first example but presents the classes and areas of focus as separate bullet points. This provides additional emphasis for each area of study, while also taking up a bit more space in the resume. This can be a great option if your resume is a little short and you need to expand the content.

Example #3: Detailed Format

My College, Anytown

Completed in 2022

Certified Cyber Security Expert, skilled in protecting data, information, and infrastructure.

Coursework included training on risk analysis, threat mitigation, compliance assurance, and cloud security.

Completed multiple projects and research assignments designed to test knowledge and adaptability to various types of cyber threats.

 Business Intelligence

Business analytics certificate, training focused on data interpretation and communication to resolve business problems with a data mindset.

Course included 3 projects testing analytical skills using hypothetical business challenges based on real-world business scenarios.

 Application Development

Courses focused on the development of software coding skills used for web application creation, troubleshooting, and debugging.

Final course project involved the creation of an independent web app to streamline online sales processes for a test company.

Training focused on routing, packet switching, and cybersecurity needs.

Spent eight weeks as a volunteer networking intern for a local ISP, receiving hands-on training from experienced networking professionals.

AI and machine learning studies, emphasizing tech integration into business processes, impact on sales and marketing, and ethical concerns.

Conducted study for the course final, evaluating potential AI benefits for enhanced marketing in the digital age and impact on online sales.

This more detailed example is a superior option for those who have no work experience and need their educational credentials to highlight their skills. In this sample, each area of interest is accompanied by bullet point details describing the types of courses studied and the lessons or skills developed during those classes. In addition, bullet points are added to highlight specific achievements, describe studies and real-world application of skills, and demonstrate competency in the subject matter.

This type of format can enable your coursework section to serve as a replacement for work experience if you have never been employed. When used for that purpose, you can expand on each course listing to include additional skills and keywords from the job post. Simply add new bullet points where needed to flesh out each area of emphasis.

Again, if you choose to replace your work experience section with this relevant coursework section, make sure that you move this section closer to the top of your resume so that it receives more prominence. Basically, if your strongest selling point is your education, then make sure that your important courses are one of the first things that a prospective employer sees. Also, you may want to highlight your educational qualifications in your resume summary so that the reader expects to see those coursework details.

Don't underestimate the power of a well-crafted and compelling resume

Finally, it is important to reiterate just how vital it is that your resume makes the best possible impression. When you approach the labor market with little or no work experience, you are usually already at a competitive disadvantage. There will almost always be someone else who has a similar level of skill and educational background, as well as real-world experience. To compete against a qualified rival, you need a resume that can effectively sell you as the best candidate for the job.

For recent graduates and job seekers moving to entirely new careers, a lack of relevant work experience can be a major impediment to landing job interviews and employment offers. One way to overcome this obstacle is to learn how to use relevant educational coursework on your resume to highlight your qualifications and skills. Hopefully, this post and its resume examples can provide you with the inspiration and help you need to translate your educational experience into a compelling resume narrative. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that your resume effectively positions you to have the best chance at landing any interview and job. To make sure that your resume is up to par, get a  free resume review  today. And if you really want to be sure that your resume is ready for prime time, take a few moments to discover just how easy it is to get professional resume assistance from our team of experts!

Recommended Reading:

What Should I Say About My Education On My Resume?

Ask Amanda: What's the Best Way to List Education on a Resume?

14 Reasons This is a Perfect Recent College Grad Resume Example

Related Articles:

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How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume + Examples

How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume + Examples

A relevant coursework resume section—if you’re curious whether to use one, how to list classes, and where to include it, this guide on adding coursework to resumes is for you.

Christian Eilers

“Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame”. “The Physics of Star Trek”. “South Park and Contemporary Social Issues”. Yes, those are real college courses, but if you’re one of the people who took one, do you really need to list it on your resume? Probably not. 

Adding relevant coursework on a resume is a good idea—in some cases. But only if you do it just right. Don’t worry, you’ll see how in just a moment.

In this guide:

  • Over a dozen examples of resume coursework and related classes to include.
  • Instructions on how to list relevant coursework on resume education sections.
  • Expert tips and advice for including related classwork on a resume most effectively.
  • Guidelines for where to put relevant coursework on a resume academic section.

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Are you looking for specific resume examples related to academia careers? Have a look at these guides:

  • Academic CV Template
  • College Graduate Resume
  • High School Resume for College Application
  • Research Assistant Resume
  • Resume for Graduate School
  • Resume with No Experience
  • Scholarship Resume Examples
  • Student Resume Examples

Or, if you want, check out our full guide on including education on a resume: How to List Education on Resumes

Our review of more than 500,000 resumes built with our tool revealed that*:

- 29.73% of our users include certifications on their resumes. - 12.84% of our users report having 3–5 years of work experience. - The most frequently highlighted skills are Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Collaboration, Adaptability, and Multitasking. - On average, it takes just 21.3 minutes to create a resume using ResumeLab.  * The data comes from the last 12 months (August 2023-August 2024).

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

Relevant coursework consists of courses taken during your school or college studies that are related to the position you are applying for. It can be included in the education section of your resume, with the purpose of showcasing knowledge relevant to the job.

Before we dive in with the why, the what, and the how regarding relevant coursework resume sections, let’s take a look at a few examples:

1. Relevant Coursework on Resume Example—Administrative Assistant 

Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration 

University of Florida, Warrington College of Business Administration, Gainesville, FL

Graduation : 2016

Relevant Coursework : Managerial Accounting, Problem Solving Using Computer Software, Organizational Behavior, Management Information Systems, Contemporary Skills for Business Professionals, Individual and Interpersonal Effectiveness for the Business Professional.

As you can see, this comma-separated list focuses on classes you’ve taken that office managers love to see on an admin assistant resume.

It’s short, to the point, and gives them only relevant information.

2. Relevant Coursework Resume Example—High School Graduate Seeking Customer Service Job

High School Diploma

Renaissance High School, Detroit, MI

Graduation : 2019

Relevant Coursework : Modern Communication Skills, AP English Language and Composition, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Introduction to Business, Finance & Accounting, Fundamentals of Marketing & Sales.

You may not have any college under your belt yet, but don’t worry. You probably still have taken classes in high school appropriate for the career or job you’re applying for.

3. Relevant Coursework Resume Sample—Elementary Teacher 

Master of Science in Learning Technologies & Design

University of Missouri, Columbia, MO

Completion : 2018 

Related Classwork : 

  • Integrating Technology in Teaching Content Areas
  • Learning in the Digital Age
  • Utilizing Emerging Technologies to Improve Learning
  • Diversity, Local Communities, and Global Connections
  • Social Media in Blended and Online Learning Environments

Here, we use a bullet-point list to add classes to a teaching resume rather than a comma-separated list.

This format helps to guide the reader’s eyes, allowing you to focus on fewer, but more impactful, courses on a resume.

4. Related Coursework on a Resume for IT Jobs

Bachelor’s in Information Technology (Computer Science Specialization)

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Graduation : 2015

Relevant Coursework : 

  • Application Development  — Developed IT concepts and necessary skills for web and mobile application development.
  • Networking and Telecommunications  — Studied transmission media, digital signal modulations, packet switching and routing, IT systems integration, and cyber security.
  • Human-Centered Design  — Research into accessibility and increasing the usability of IT systems through a human-centric approach.

This is a third format, an extension of the previous one, essentially. This resume relevant coursework approach is perfect for when you want to show off three or four super-relevant courses.

It’s also great for explaining to hiring managers how a particular course may be relevant to them, as university classes today may have names which don’t reflect the entirety of the subject matter.

5. Example of Listing Courses on a Food Service Resume

Diploma in Culinary Arts

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

Graduation : 2014

Relevant Classes : Food Business Management, Baking and Pastry Arts, Restaurant and Culinary Management, Art of International Bread Baking, Intensive Sommelier Training, Cuisine with Farm to Table Emphasis, Food Science and Nutrition.

Expert Hint: There are also many great courses offered by colleges and universities which help you advance in your career. While these will surely benefit your job search and give you some relatable experience, these aren’t relevant (most likely) to the job, so leave them off.

6. Sample of Putting Related Courses on a Graphic Design Resume

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design & Media Arts

Southern New Hampshire University, Manchester, NH

Graduation : 2017

Relevant Courses : Publication Design, Vector Illustration, Advanced Typography, History of Contemporary Graphic Design, Digital Storytelling, Design & Color Theory, Anatomy, Form, and Space in Typography, Information Design & Usability, Creative Thinking & Design Visualization.

7. Example of Placing Relevant Classes on a Management Resume

Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Executive Management

Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ

Graduation : 2013

Relevant Courses : Operations Management, Modern Leadership Fundamentals, Technology and Innovation Management, Effective Verbal & Written Communication, Organizational Behavior and Strategic Planning, Advanced Decision Making for Leaders.

8. BAD Example of a Related Coursework Resume Section—Healthcare Jobs 

Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management

East Carolina University, Greenville, NC

Coursework : Mathematics, Kinesiology, Social Science, Human Resource Management for Health Care Organizations, 19th Century English Literature, Introduction to Art History, Marketing and Advertising Fundamentals, Healthcare Administration Services.

See what’s wrong here? This one does list some relevant classes for a healthcare job. However, those get drowned out by irrelevant courses.

Remember—If it doesn’t help you secure your new career, leave it off your resume.

Expert Hint: Listing relevant coursework on resumes is one way to show advanced understanding and impress the employer. However, also consider showing off any Latin honors, cum laude on a resume, or your thesis topic, for example.

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2. How to List Relevant Coursework on Resumes?

You’ve decided to include a related college class or course on your resume. But, where should you 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. Use bullet points, or separate each course with a comma to save space.

And how to write it down?

Here are a few ways for how to put relevant coursework on resumes:

Bachelor of Arts in English Literature

University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Related Coursework : [Class, Class, Class, Class, Class]

Bachelor of Science in Macroeconomics

Duke University, Durham, NC

Related Coursework : 

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA

  • [Class] — [Short explanation about the class and its relevance to job]

Though education is important, I’d recommend going with the first course option in most cases, as it takes up less room. However, if you lack real-world experience but have an impressive academic background, the third option might be perfect for you.

“Keep in mind MORE does not always mean BETTER. Employers, on average, spend 6-8 seconds on your resume. Include what is most relevant and keep descriptions clear and to the point. Erin Lewis Assistant Director of Clarion University’s Center for Career and Professional Development

If the college coursework you’re thinking of writing isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, leave it off!

3. What Are the Benefits of Adding Relevant Coursework on Resumes?

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:

  • You’re writing a resume with little experience ;
  • You have coursework relevant to the job to which you’re applying.
  • The job places a high value on educational accomplishments (e.g., student resumes, internship resumes ).

Otherwise, when you gain more than a few years of general work experience , save that resume real estate for a more impactful section.

As for the benefits of addicng relevant coursework to your resume, it can:

  • Showcase Relevant Knowledge: Including specific courses can highlight your expertise and knowledge in areas directly related to the job.
  • Highlight Academic Achievements: Emphasizing challenging or advanced courses can demonstrate your dedication and aptitude for learning.
  • Align with Job Requirements: Tailoring your coursework to match the job description can make your resume more attractive to employers by showing you meet their educational criteria.

Incorporating relevant coursework into your resume can make a significant difference, especially when you lack extensive work experience or are applying for roles that prioritize educational background.

Expert Hint: Many classes in your relevant coursework section act as great resume keywords . For example, if you took a class on business communication or programming you’re telling the employer you have those business skills and  computer skills  without needing to include them in a separate list of  skills for a resume .

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Here’s how to write relevant coursework on resumes:

  • 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.
  • Create a subsection under the education entry on your resume with a clearly-labeled subheading, such as “Related Coursework.”
  • Add a few of the most relevant courses, classes, and lectures which make sense for the job you’re applying to.
  • Consider including other impressive academic subsections, such as school awards, Latin honors, or publications.

Have any questions on how to list coursework on resumes or if putting classes on resumes is the best idea? Need more resume education section examples? Let’s chat below in the comment area, and thanks for reading!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Christian Eilers

Career expert who has been sharing his expert knowledge since 2017. His advice will guide you smoothly through all recruitment processes: from job hunting to getting a promotion. Christian offers comprehensive advice on career development and each step of the job search, from start to finish and beyond. His guides cover looking for new jobs, sending application documents such as resumes and cover letters, acing interview questions, and settling into the new position. Since 2017, he has written over 200 in-depth, meticulously-researched career advice articles in collaboration with the most renowned career experts in the world. Hundreds of thousands of readers visit Christian’s articles each month.

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  • For Education Partners
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  • About CFP Board
  • CFP Board Center for Financial Planning
  • Verify a CFP® Professional
  • Site Directory
  • The Certification Process
  • Track your Progress
  • Tools & Resources
  • Final Steps
  • Practice Analysis Study
  • Bachelor's Degree Requirement

Certification Coursework Requirement

  • Find an Education Program
  • What You'll Learn

The Capstone Course

  • Verify Your Coursework

Transcript Review

Accelerated path.

As part of earning your CFP ® certification, you will need to complete college or university-level coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. If you hold certain credentials or degrees – or have completed similar coursework already – you may qualify for additional options.

Coursework at a CFP Board Registered Program

CFP Board offers a directory of institutions that have registered a financial planning program that satisfies CFP Board's coursework requirement. You can use our Find an Education Program search tool to find the program that's right for you.

Search from more than 300 programs across the country, including those ranging from certificate to doctorate, as well as those offered online for convenient remote attendance. Each program listed includes program information concerning delivery format, location, and contact information.

Choosing the Program That's Right for You

No matter what your learning style or schedule looks like, you can find a registered program that fits your needs.

What You will Learn

All CFP Board Registered Programs offer courses covering the 8 Principal Knowledge Topic categories assessed on the CFP ® Exam.

The Capstone course is a comprehensive financial plan development course that is part of the coursework requirement.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS

In addition to enrolling in a CFP Board Registered Program, these options may also be available to you.

The Accelerated Path allows you to bypass much of the coursework requirement for CFP ® certification, if you hold one of the qualifying degrees or professional credentials.

You may have covered some of the required Principal Knowledge Topic areas through previous coursework not taken through a CFP Board Registered Program. If you believe this applies to you, you can submit an application for transcript review.

Coursework from Multiple Registered Programs

If you satisfy the coursework requirement through multiple CFP Board Registered Programs, you must self-report your course completion to CFP Board unless you have formally transferred your credits into one program.

enrollment Discounts for Financial Firm Employees

Some financial firms have negotiated discounts with specific registered programs and may offer reimbursement for all or part of the certification process. To see if your employer has negotiated discounts or has a reimbursement policy, please contact your firm directly.

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How to List Relevant Coursework On Resume [Tips & Examples!]

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If you’re a college student, recent graduate, or entry-level professional, chances are you don’t have a lot of professional experience to list on your resume. 

This, in turn, might make you feel insecure about your application, especially considering that the work experience section is among the most important section of a resume. 

Well, listing your relevant coursework might just be the answer!

By listing the courses that are relevant to the job position or internship you’re applying for, you can show recruiters that while you don’t have much work experience, you have the right skills and knowledge for the job.

But what is the right way to list relevant coursework on your resume and is there a time when you shouldn’t list it all? And what exactly is relevant, to begin with?

In this article, we’re going to answer all those questions and more. Read on to learn:

When Is Relevant Coursework Necessary on a Resume?

  • How to List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume in 3 Steps

7 Tips on Listing Relevant Coursework on Your Resume

Resume example with relevant coursework.

And more! Let’s dive right in. 

What Makes Coursework Relevant?

Professional experience is one of the most important sections of a successful resume, but you first need to land a job to start building it. 

Which begs the question, how can a recent graduate or entry-level professional prove they’ve got what it takes for an entry-level position with no, or minimal, professional experience ? 

Well, this is where coursework comes in. 

Together with academic projects and achievements, as well as extracurricular activities, listing relevant coursework can help students and entry-level professionals show they’ve got the necessary skills for the job despite not having the relevant professional experience.

The coursework you list on your resume should actually be related to the position you’re applying for.

For example, if you’re applying for a job as a graphic designer, listing your achievements in your World History class won’t really impress recruiters. If, on the other hand, you mention that you were top of your class in Design and Layout , you’ll be effectively showing recruiters that you have great potential as an up-and-coming graphic designer. 

To sum things up, here are the top cases when relevant coursework is necessary on a resume:

  • When you’re still a student
  • When you’re applying with an entry-level resume
  • When you’re applying for an internship
  • When the coursework is directly related to the job position 

If, on the other hand, you have 2+ years of work experience in the field, as well as the needed skill-set, coursework on your resume will only take up space and can be skipped entirely.

Checking the job description is another way of determining whether you should add relevant coursework to your resume. If, for example, the job description requires that you list your majors, GPA, diploma, or portfolio, chances are they’ll also be interested in your coursework, especially if it’s relevant to the position. 

How to List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume in 3 Steps 

So you’ve established that you should include relevant coursework on your resume. Now, you may be wondering where exactly to include it. 

As a rule of thumb, coursework is listed under an applicant’s education history. Depending on whether you have any professional experience to list, the education section may come before or after the work experience section. 

Here are the four best ways to add relevant coursework to your resume: 

#1. Add a New Line in Your Education Section

Instead of creating a fresh section called “Relevant Coursework,” you’re better off just adding the courses to your education section.

As a student resume can be one-page max , this helps you to save up the space needed for other essential resume sections.

Here’s a practical example of what this looks like on the resume of a recent graduate applying for a high-school teaching position: 

BA in World Literature 

UC Berkeley

2012 - 2016

Relevant coursework: British Literature, American Literature, Medieval Literature, William Shakespeare, Language and Cognitive Development 

#2. List Your Relevant Coursework in Bullet Points

To make your relevant coursework more visible and reader-friendly, list them in bullet points underneath your diploma title. 

Here’s how the above Literature graduate’s resume would look like following this formatting: 

Relevant Coursework: 

  • British Literature
  • American Literature 
  • Medieval Literature 
  • William Shakespeare 
  • Language and Cognitive Development

#3. Explain How The Coursework is Relevant to the Position 

Finally, if you want to take your relevant coursework resume section to the next level, add detailed explanations to your courses to support how they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for or how they helped develop your skill-set. 

A recent study found that companies are suspending the use of degree completion as a proxy and instead now favor hiring on the basis of demonstrated skills and competencies . This means that your relevant coursework should aim to show exactly how it has helped you acquire the skills required for the position. 

Here’s an example of how that would play out for a journalism student applying for an entry-level reporting job at a newspaper:

B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication

Northwestern University, IL

2015 - 2018

  • Writing and Reporting: Learned the ins and outs of news reporting through several practical assignments and exams.
  • Media Ethics: Got introduced to the most essential ethical theories and decision-making strategies in journalism and wrote a paper on Ethical Journalism and Human Rights that got published in the Political Communication Journal.
  • Gathering and Developing the News: Gained first-hand experience in interviewing, researching, newsgathering, and communicating with sources.

To make sure your coursework is as relevant as possible, check out the required skills in the job description. If you have taken classes that have helped you master those skills, then make sure to mention how by adding all the necessary details, as shown above. 

Here are seven tips you should always keep in mind when listing coursework on your resume: 

  • Take advantage of keywords . When evaluating your resume, recruiters scan it to look for the keywords that were mentioned in the job description (e.g. skills, experiences, etc.). You can re-read the job ad and, where relevant, include these keywords in your coursework section.
  • Tailor your resume to the job offer.  In order for your coursework to add value to your resume, it really needs to be relevant. So, if you’re applying for a job that doesn’t take academic background into consideration or that’s completely unrelated to your major, you’re better off omitting coursework altogether and focusing on other important sections, such as your hard and soft skills. 
  • List online courses. If you’ve completed some online courses that are relevant to the position you’re applying for, feel free to also include them under relevant coursework. 
  • Add value through other academic achievements. Relevant coursework can say a lot about your potential, but recruiters will be even more easily convinced if you support it with other academic achievements, including your GPA, extracurricular activities, etc. 
  • Show how you’ve grown. When you’re explaining your relevant coursework in detail, you can include how you’ve grown by listing all the skills you acquired in the process. Those can be both soft skills, like communication and interpersonal skills, and hard skills like programming or doing extensive research. 
  • Change the relevant coursework as you progress. Many college students start working in their freshman year. If that’s the case with you, make sure to update your resume from year to year to reflect your academic journey and most recently acquired skills. 
  • Check for errors. A well-written, error-free resume shows that you’re attentive to detail and that you care to make a good impression. 

relevant coursework resume

Key Takeaways 

And that’s a wrap! You now have all the necessary information to add relevant coursework to your resume effectively. 

Before you start working on your resume, though, here’s a brief summary of the key points covered in this article:

  • Listing relevant coursework on your resume is not mandatory but can be very helpful if you’re a student or an entry-level professional.
  • If you have at least a year of professional experience, drop your relevant coursework and focus on tailoring your work experience and skills sections to the position. 
  • Relevant coursework typically goes under the education section. You can either give a general or a detailed summary of your coursework. 
  • You can make a separate relevant coursework section only if the job you’re applying for requires a strong academic record. 
  • Your coursework needs to be relevant to the position. This means you should leave them out of your resume if they have nothing to do with the role.

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  2. Coursework

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    Bachelor's in [Name of Degree] [College Name, City, Graduation Date] Relevant Coursework: [Course 1], [Course 2], [Course 3], [Course 4], [Course 5] Alternatively, you can also opt to show your courses in a bullet-point list if your resume is short and you need to fill more space. You can even elaborate on each course with a few words to ...

  15. How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume (With Examples)

    Example of relevant coursework in an education section. Most people include coursework in the education section of their resumes. If you want to expand your education section, write "Relevant Coursework" under your degree name, and then use commas to separate the names of the courses. For example:

  16. How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume + Examples

    As you can see, this comma-separated list focuses on classes you've taken that office managers love to see on an admin assistant resume. It's short, to the point, and gives them only relevant information. 2. Relevant Coursework Resume Example—High School Graduate Seeking Customer Service Job.

  17. Certification Coursework Requirement

    Certification Coursework Requirement. As part of earning your CFP ® certification, you will need to complete college or university-level coursework through a CFP Board Registered Program. If you hold certain credentials or degrees - or have completed similar coursework already - you may qualify for additional options.

  18. How to List Relevant Coursework On Resume [Tips & Examples!]

    Relevant coursework: British Literature, American Literature, Medieval Literature, William Shakespeare, Language and Cognitive Development. #2. List Your Relevant Coursework in Bullet Points. To make your relevant coursework more visible and reader-friendly, list them in bullet points underneath your diploma title.