In what order do I list my degrees?

List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with the highest or most recent degree first (e.g., PhD, then Master's, then Bachelor's), as this highlights your most advanced qualification immediately for employers. For your resume's education section, include the degree name, specialization, university, location, and graduation date, always putting the highest/most recent degree first.

In what order should degrees be listed?

If you have a degree, start by listing the highest degree you've earned immediately after your name, such as a master's degree, bachelor's degree or associate degree. If you have multiple degrees, you may choose to list only the highest degree you have earned since this often eclipses previous degrees.

In what order do you write degrees?

List the highest education degree first, for example, Michael Anderson, PhD, MSN. In most cases, one degree is enough, but if your second degree is in another relevant field, you may choose to list it. For example, a nurse executive might choose Nancy Gordon, MBA, MSN, RN.

What is the correct way to list degrees?

Order of Listing

College degrees first (M.D., Ph. D., D.O., MPH, MBA, MA, MS, BS, BA, AS, AA, etc.). In most cases, an advanced degree replaces 2- and 4-year degrees, so it would not be appropriate to list, Jane Doe, BS, MS, Ph. D.

What is the correct order of college degrees?

College degrees, in ascending order of education level, are the Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, and Doctoral Degree, each building upon the last with increasing depth of study, often taking 2 years (Associate), 4 years (Bachelor's), 1-2 years (Master's), and 4+ years (Doctoral) respectively, though professional degrees in fields like law and medicine have specialized paths.
 

Academic Degrees Part 2 - How to list

Which degree do you list first?

If you've earned multiple degrees, rank your highest degree first and continue in reverse chronological order.

What's better, a BA or BS degree?

Neither a BA (Bachelor of Arts) nor a BS (Bachelor of Science) is inherently "better"; the superior choice depends on your personal interests, career goals, and desired coursework, with BAs often emphasizing broad liberal arts, writing, and critical thinking, while BS degrees focus more on technical, quantitative, and research-heavy subjects, though specific requirements vary greatly by university and major. A BS might be better for STEM/technical paths requiring deeper science, while a BA offers more flexibility and humanities depth, but both can lead to similar careers and graduate studies, so compare program curricula and your own passions. 

Do you put bsn or rn first?

It can go either way, but the general guideline is to list your highest degree first (BSN, RN) because education is permanent, while licensure (RN) can be temporary; however, many nurses list the license first (RN, BSN) as it's more common in clinical settings, especially if they earned the RN license before the BSN. For most, RN, BSN is fine, but BSN first is recommended for academic or formal contexts.
 

Should I put BA after my name?

Abbreviations, such as B.A., M.S. and Ph. D., should be used in text only when there is a need to identify many people by academic degree and use of the full names would be cumbersome.

In what order do I list my credentials?

The order of one's credentials indicates information about that person's experience. The general rule is to list credentials in the following sequence: permanent credentials, professional licenses, national certifications, and then additional certifications.

In what order do you hang your degrees?

For example, if you are working from top to bottom, a doctorate degree should be placed on top, followed by a master's, and then a bachelor's degree frame. Similarly, if you are hanging your diplomas horizontally, work left to right starting with your doctorate.

How to write 33 degrees?

To write 33 degrees, you use the degree symbol (°), so it becomes 33°, adding the symbol after the number, often with a space for clarity (like 33°C or 33°F). You can type it using keyboard shortcuts like Alt + 0176 on Windows, Option + Shift + 8 on Mac, or by using the Symbol/Emoji menu in most apps.
 

How do you say 2.1 degree?

A First-Class Honours (a '1st') = Grade A** An Upper Second-Class Honours (a '2:1', pronounced two-one) = Grade A*

Do you put Dr. and PhD in title?

The 2017 book Etiquette Rules! gives identical forms for addressing a "doctor of medicine (MD), dental surgery (DDS), veterinary medicine (DVM), etc.", and the holder of a PhD, advising in both cases the use of initials after the name for formal correspondence and Dr. before the name for social correspondence.

How to write qualifications after your name?

The recommended order is the lower qualifications directly after your name, leading to the highest qualifications.

1. Example: J Smith DipBus, BBus.
2. Example: J Smith DipBus, BBus RMIT, MBA, PhD Swinburne.
3. Example: J Smith BEng, PhD, Swinburne, FIEAust.
4. Example: J Smith BSc(Biotechnology)/BBus Swinburne.

What is higher, a PhD or Masters?

Yes, a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a higher academic degree than a Master's, representing the highest level of education in most fields, requiring extensive original research and culminating in a dissertation, while a Master's provides advanced, specialized knowledge often for career advancement or specialization. A PhD prepares you for careers in academia and high-level research, whereas a Master's is more focused on practical skills for industry, though a PhD generally offers greater opportunities and prestige. 

Do employers prefer BA or BS?

Companies generally value both degrees and look for candidates who match the job requirements and company culture. A BS may be preferred for technical or analytical roles, while a BA can be a great fit for roles requiring strong communication and strategic thinking.

What degree is lowest to highest?

The standard order of college degrees from lowest to highest is: Associate Degree, followed by a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's Degree, and finally a Doctoral Degree, with professional degrees often grouped with doctorates or as a specialized track, representing increasing levels of depth, specialization, and research.
 

Do you put BA or BS on resume?

When including a Bachelor's degree on your resume, add this information: Degree name, such as “Bachelor of Arts,” “Bachelor of Science,” or the appropriate abbreviation (BA, BS, BSc) Major or field of study (if applicable to the job you're applying for) Name of the university.

How do you list multiple degrees after your name?

From Dr. Vicki Johnson: In the U.S., the most common practice is to include just your highest degree after your name, so for you, PhD. Everyone with a PhD has a Bachelor's degree, and most PhD holders have one or more Master's degrees.

Do hospitals prefer RN or BSN?

Hospitals increasingly prefer and often require nurses to have a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) over just an RN license (which can come from an ADN or diploma), due to studies linking BSN-prepared nurses to better patient outcomes, critical thinking skills, and leadership abilities, with many facilities seeking Magnet status requiring advanced degrees. While ADN-prepared nurses (RNs) can get jobs, BSNs offer better career growth, higher pay, and are vital for Magnet hospitals and many leadership roles, with some states even mandating BSNs within a few years of licensure. 

Which is higher, RN or NP?

Yes, a Nurse Practitioner (NP) is considered a higher, more advanced level than a Registered Nurse (RN) because NPs have graduate-level education, leading to a broader scope of practice, including diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, and prescribing medications, duties typically performed by physicians, while RNs provide direct patient care under a physician's supervision. NPs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), building on RN skills with advanced training for greater autonomy and responsibility in managing patient care. 

What are the 4 types of degrees?

The four main types of academic degrees, in ascending order, are Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees, representing increasing levels of education from introductory (Associate) to the highest academic achievement (Doctorate) for specialized research or professional practice.
 

Is a BS more respected than a BA?

No, a Bachelor of Science (BS) isn't inherently more respected than a Bachelor of Arts (BA); both are respected degrees, with the better choice depending on your career goals and interests, as a BS offers a more specialized, technical focus, while a BA provides a broader, liberal arts education. Employers often value the specific skills and knowledge gained, not just the degree title, though a BS might be preferred for highly technical or lab-based roles, and a BA for fields emphasizing communication and diverse perspectives. 

What are the easiest BS degrees to get?

2026 10 Easiest Bachelor's Degree Programs

• Business. A business degree is a versatile and popular choice for students seeking a broad education in areas like management, finance, and marketing. ...
• Communications. ...
• Criminal Justice. ...
• English. ...
• History. ...
• Graphic Design. ...
• Liberal Arts. ...
• General Psychology.