How to List Relevant Coursework on a Resume

When you’re building a resume, every section has to earn its place. Coursework can sometimes make the difference between standing out and getting overlooked, especially if you’re early in your career. If you don’t yet have extensive professional experience, listing relevant classes shows that you’ve built knowledge in the field and picked up skills that hiring managers are looking for.

Beyond impressing employers, coursework also helps your resume perform better with applicant tracking systems (ATS). These systems scan for job-related keywords, and class titles or subject matter often include the exact terms employers use in job descriptions.

In this guide, you’ll learn when to include coursework, how to choose the right classes to list, where to display them, and what mistakes to avoid. We’ll also answer common questions and share sample resume excerpts so you can see what this looks like in practice.

When Coursework Belongs on a Resume

Not every candidate needs to include coursework on their resume. In fact, for mid-career or senior professionals, class listings can look like filler. But coursework can be a strong asset in these situations:

• You’re a recent graduate or still in school. Coursework helps demonstrate your preparedness for a professional role when your work experience is limited.
• You’re applying for internships or entry-level jobs. Employers hiring for these roles expect candidates to lean on their education.
• The job requires specialized knowledge. If the posting asks for familiarity with certain topics, tools, or theories that your courses covered, it makes sense to include them.

On the other hand, if you’ve been in the workforce for several years and have hands-on experience in your field, coursework is less important. Hiring managers will want to see your results and contributions on the job.

How to Choose the Right Courses

The golden rule is to only list courses that add value to your application. Think about relevance, difficulty level, and whether the class allowed you to apply knowledge in a practical way.

• Align with the job posting. Read the job description closely and highlight classes that overlap with the requirements. For example, if a data analyst job mentions SQL and statistics, you might include “Statistical Modeling” or “Database Systems.”
• Prioritize advanced courses. Introductory classes don’t tell employers anything they don’t already assume. Instead, feature upper-level or capstone courses that go deeper.
• Highlight projects or case studies. If a course required you to complete major projects, mentioning it can make your education feel more hands-on.

Be specific. Instead of writing “Business classes,” say “Strategic Management” or “Operations Analysis.” This shows depth and expertise rather than a vague claim.

Where to List Coursework on a Resume

There are two common approaches:

1. Within the Education Section

The most straightforward option is to place coursework directly under your degree information. This keeps everything related to your education in one place. For example:

This method is clean and concise, perfect for when you just want to show subject matter knowledge without going into detail.

2. In a Separate Coursework Section

If you want to spotlight specific classes, you can create a dedicated section titled “Relevant Coursework” or “Coursework Highlights.” This is especially useful if you plan to include project descriptions or research papers tied to those courses. For instance:

This approach lets you expand on what you learned and how it applies to real-world work.

How to Position Coursework on the Page

If coursework is one of your strongest qualifications, place it near the top of your resume. For students or recent graduates, coursework often comes right after the education section and before work experience. If you already have solid professional experience, coursework should go lower on the page so it supports — but doesn’t overshadow — your work history.

Formatting consistency is key. Make sure your course listings use the same font, style, and spacing as other sections. Recruiters will notice when your resume looks disorganized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While coursework can strengthen your resume, it’s easy to misuse. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Listing irrelevant classes. Employers don’t need to know about “Intro to Astronomy” if you’re applying for a finance role.
• Overloading the section. Stick to 4–6 well-chosen courses. Listing every class you’ve taken clutters the page.
• Using vague labels. Replace “Computer courses” with “Advanced Programming in Python” or “Database Management.”
• Leaving out context. If a course included a major project, highlight what you produced or accomplished.

Example 1: Marketing Student Resume

Example 2: Recent Business Graduate Resume

Example 3: Lab Technician Resume

Listing coursework on a resume is most effective for students, recent graduates, or career changers who need to emphasize knowledge over long work histories. By choosing courses that match the job description, formatting them cleanly, and placing them strategically, you can add depth to your resume and boost your chances of making it past ATS scans and recruiter skims.

If coursework isn’t one of your main selling points, skip it and focus instead on work experience, internships, and achievements. A tailored, lean resume is always stronger than one that feels padded.

Irina Pichura

Career Coach

Irina Pichura, founder of Resumeology, is a renowned career coach with over 10 years of recruiting experience at Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs and ADP, as well as startups such as Investopedia. With a degree in Psychology from Fordham University in New York City, Irina offers a unique perspective on what it takes to stand out in a competitive job market.