Should You List Both an Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree on Your Resume?

This is one of the most common questions I hear, and it’s a great one! The answer, as frustrating as it may be, is: It depends.

Resume writing is not a one-size-fits-all task. Every decision you make—whether to include specific degrees, skills, or experiences—should be intentional and strategic. Let’s break down the considerations when deciding whether to list both your Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees on your resume.

Why You Might Include Both Degrees

In most cases, listing both degrees can strengthen your candidacy by providing a fuller picture of your educational background. Here’s when including your Associate’s degree alongside your Bachelor’s degree is a good idea:

1. Relevance to Your Career Path: If your Associate’s degree adds valuable context to your expertise or complements your Bachelor’s degree, it’s worth including. For example, an Associate’s degree in Graphic Design paired with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing could highlight a unique blend of creative and strategic skills.

2. Showing a Steady Academic Progression: Including both degrees can showcase your determination and growth. This can be particularly useful if you overcame significant challenges to transition from a community college to a four-year institution.

3. Highlighting Transferable Skills: If your Associate’s degree involved coursework or experiences that are relevant to your current field, listing it can emphasize skills or knowledge that reinforce your qualifications.

4. When It’s Your Only Degree: If you haven’t completed a Bachelor’s degree, your Associate’s degree must be included. In this case, it’s your highest level of education and a crucial part of your professional story.

When You Might Leave the Associate’s Degree Off

There are instances when listing an Associate’s degree could detract from your resume’s impact. Remember, every word and line on your resume should work in your favor. If your Associate’s degree doesn’t add value or might even create confusion, consider leaving it out. Here are some scenarios where excluding it makes sense:

1. The Bachelor’s Degree Aligns Better with Your Career Goals: If your Bachelor’s degree aligns closely with your target career and your Associate’s degree is unrelated, you can skip the Associate’s. For instance, if you’re applying for a Software Engineering role and your Bachelor’s degree is in Computer Science, but your Associate’s degree was in Culinary Arts, it might be best to leave the latter off.

2. Community College vs. Prestigious Institution: While there’s no shame in earning a community college degree (in fact, it’s commendable), omitting it may streamline your educational history if your Bachelor’s degree is from a well-known institution. Your goal is to present the most compelling and polished version of yourself.

3. The Associate’s Degree is Over 10 Years Old: If your Associate’s degree is outdated and doesn’t contribute to your current goals, you can leave it off. However, if it’s your only degree, list it without including the graduation year to avoid age discrimination.

4. You Transferred Before Completing the Associate’s Degree: If you began your education at a community college but transferred to a four-year institution without earning the Associate’s degree, there’s no need to mention it. Focus on the degree you did complete.

5. Low GPA for the Associate’s Degree: If your performance during your Associate’s degree was lackluster but you excelled in your Bachelor’s program, it’s often better to highlight your Bachelor’s degree alone. Including the Associate’s degree might unintentionally draw attention to earlier struggles.

How to Decide What’s Best for You

The decision ultimately depends on your unique career goals and how you want to position yourself. As you evaluate your resume, or hiring a resume writer to do so, ask yourself:

• Does listing this degree strengthen my candidacy?
• Is it relevant to the role I’m pursuing?
• Does it add valuable context or just take up space?

If the degree doesn’t directly support your narrative or enhance your qualifications, it’s better to leave it off. Remember, a concise and targeted resume is often more impactful than one filled with unnecessary details.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a resume is an art and a science. It requires careful consideration of every element to ensure your story is both compelling and relevant. When it comes to listing degrees, think critically about how each one supports your professional goals.

If you’re ever in doubt, seek professional advice or leave a comment below. I’m here to help you create a resume that works as hard as you do.

Rosa Elizabeth Vargas
Certified Master Resume Writer