Having a double major is an advantage when you're applying for jobs.
According to studies, people with double majors make higher salaries and find it easier to get a job after graduation.
But how do you list your double major on your resume?
Here are some examples:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA - 2019
Bachelor of Engineering, Double major in Computer Science and Mathematics
You can also list your degree first and then your college:
Bachelor of Arts, Double major in Psychology and Sociology
South Texas College, McAllen, TX - 2020
If you have a long career, you can abbreviate your education section as follows:
Columbia University, Bachelor of Arts, 2020 - Double Major in History and Geography
Step by step:
You can either list your college or your degree first. Both ways are acceptable.
However, it makes sense to list your college first if you attended a top school. That's an achievement in itself and you should show it off.
If you have multiple degrees, you need to show them in chronological order.
For example, a master's degree comes before your bachelor's degree. If you have two bachelor's degrees you list the last one first.
How to list a double major if you have multiple degrees:
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Master of Science in Cellular Biology - 2020
Bachelor of Science, Double major in Biology and Chemistry - 2018
If you have multiple degrees from different colleges:
Schiller International University, Largo, FL - 2020
Master of Arts in English Literature
Miami Dade College, Miami, FL - 2018
Bachelor of Arts, Double major in Foreign Languages and Education
Pick and choose the template above that best fits your needs.
But if you have multiple majors, which one should you include first? The one most related to the job you're applying for.
However, if there's no connection between your majors and the job, choose the most "impressive" or "high status" major as the lead.
If you are still completing your double major, then it's ok to mention it. You should absolutely not lie about having finished the degree though.
If you have a minor, you can also include it on your resume. You don't have to put as much focus on your minor as your majors. Here's an example:
University of California, Los Angeles, CA - 2020
Bachelor of Science, Double major in Economics and Mathematics, Minor in Statistics
If your minor is unrelated to the job or you have a very long career, then it's ok to skip it.
Should you include your GPA? Only if you have a good grade and a small career. Example:
The University of Texas, Austin, TX - 2020
Bachelor of Arts, Double major in Business Management and Marketing
GPA: 3.8
Beyond your GPA you should list your academic achievements and awards, such as being an honors student or being part of the Dean's list.
This makes you look hardworking and dedicated, all traits that employers love to see in a candidate.
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL - 2020
Bachelor of Science, Double major in Mathematics and Statistics
GPA: 4 Honors: Summa Cum Laude
You should also add certifications, but only those that apply to the job. You don't want to make your resume read like an autobiography.
Don't forget to include keywords in your resume. Application tracking systems are used to filter candidates, and you don't want your resume to be thrown out automatically.
You should customize your resume to the job you're applying for: from your education section to your job experience section and even your skills section.
The more relatable it is, the more likely you are to get an interview.
One way to optimize your resume is to change its template according to your career stage.
If you have a small career, put more focus on your education. If you have a long career, make the education section smaller and focus on your professional accomplishments.