A Guide to Effectively Put Relevant Coursework on Resume [+ Examples]

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What is relevant coursework in resumes? Relevant coursework is the demonstration of academic coursework and classes. A job candidate can show relevant coursework in a resume to show whether he/she is a good fit for the role. 

You can improve this circumstance by showing the recruiters or hiring managers that you have the theoretical or practical knowledge to undertake the tasks given by the company. For example, if you are a student who studies economics, you can include courses such as microeconomics or macroeconomics. Adding relevant courses on resumes give a better chance of getting hired as an intern since you may not have enough work experience to display on your resume or CV.

You might wonder why it is important to include related coursework on a resume. It may not apply to experienced job candidates with years of work experience already, but it is particularly useful for students or recent graduates. If you are a recent graduate, showing the recruiters or potential employers your relevant courses and classes on the resume can show the employers why the entry-level role is suitable for you. For example, if you have taken a course on marketing strategy in the past, it can be useful to add the coursework to the resume. 

Relevant Courseworks - Meaning & When to Include

What does including relevant coursework on resumes mean? It means that since you don’t have abundant experience in the field, you can utilize relevant coursework at the university to showcase your skills to the employer. There are several uses for adding relevant coursework to resumes. You can showcase your skills from your experience and also highlight your academic achievements. 

But, how do you highlight academic achievements with relevant coursework in resumes? Well, it is not enough to just make a list of courses you have taken in the past. It is better to optimize these experiences with achievements. You can showcase relevant coursework achievements based on your project outcomes, grades, awards, and many other academic opportunities. 

Achievements can bring more value to the table, and recruiters or hiring managers are always looking for that. Additionally, remember to quantify these values. For example, use numbers, percentages, and duration.

When You Should Include Relevant Courseworks in a Resume

Adding relevant coursework in resumes is optional. It should not be overlooked, either. The following conditions are examples of when you should include relevant coursework in a resume:

  • You are a student
  • You are looking for positions that require relevant courses on a resume
  • You are a recent graduate without work experience

When You Should NOT Include Relevant Courseworks in a Resume

If you have been in the workforce for over a year, you do not need to list relevant coursework on your resume. Instead, you can focus on emphasizing your professional experience and skills in the field. The following examples are people who do not need to include relevant coursework in a resume: 

  • Experienced professional with over a year’s experience in the workforce 
  • Professions that do not require relevant coursework (e.g., construction workers, cashiers)

Where to Put Relevant Courseworks on a Resume

Under Resume “Education” Section

Add a single-column in the education section. You can display relevant courses by listing relevant coursework details of your educational qualifications. Using the education section to showcase your relevant coursework is simple, straightforward, and easy to understand. It is regularly used by students who are still studying. Plus, it gives you more space to add achievements on the resume. 

In a Separate “Relevant Coursework” Section 

A separate relevant coursework section allows you to explain the relevant courses in detail. The relevant coursework section helps you stand out as a person. Adding a separate relevant coursework section is handy for recent graduates because it shows the recruiters your growth. For instance, skills that you have developed as a result of taking that relevant coursework.

How to List Relevant Courseworks on a Resume

Adding an Additional Line under the “Education” Section

A simple way to add your relevant coursework on a resume is by adding an additional line under the education section. This approach is easy and can save a lot of space on your resume.  

EDUCATION

2015 | BSc in General Engineering

Georgia Southern University, GA

Relevant Coursework: Living Systems, Cyber Systems, Cyber Materials, and Future Energy

Using a Single-column Format

If you want to showcase relevant coursework on your resume using bullet points, a single-column format can be useful especially if you consider several courseworks that are in line with the job description.  

EDUCATION

2015 | BSc in General Engineering

Georgia Southern University, GA

Relevant Coursework:

  • Living Systems
  • Cyber Systems
  • Cyber Materials
  • Future Energy

Using a Multi-column Format

A multi-column format is a long format for relevant courseworks on a resume. This approach is recommended for freshers and students. You can elaborate different courses by categorizing them into specific topics. 

EDUCATION

2015 | BSc in General Engineering 
Georgia Southern University, GA

Relevant Engineering Coursework:

Living Systems

  • Statistics
  • Genetic Methods in Engineering 
  • Biochemistry 

Cyber Systems

  • Discrete Mathematics
  • Computer Science Modelling
  • Functional Programming 

Using a Detailed Format 

A detailed format can showcase your skill sets gained from previously taken relevant coursework. On your resume, you can quantify the experience from the coursework by using numbers, time, percentages, and achievements. 

EDUCATION

2015 | BSc in General Engineering
Georgia Southern University, GA

Relevant Coursework:

  • Living Systems Statistics: Wrote a term paper on the analysis of living systems in generating illusions 
  • Discrete Mathematics: Passed final examination with 95/100 grade and received an opportunity to tutor other peers
  • Computer Science Modeling: Reviewed 20 journals and gave three presentations about simulation modeling

Relevant Coursework on Resume Examples

1. Relevant Coursework for High School Student Resume

EDUCATION

Rancho Cucamonga High School, CA | 2021

Relevant Coursework: AP Calculus, AP Geology, Government, Sociology

2. Relevant Coursework for Fresher Resume

EDUCATION

BSc Honors in Psychology, California State University | 2014

Relevant Coursework: 

  • Cognitive Psychology 
  • Biological Psychology
  • Social Psychology 
  • Political Psychology 

3. Relevant Coursework for College Student Resume

EDUCATION

BSc Honors in Psychology, California State University | 2014

Relevant Psychology Coursework: 

Statistics

  • Introduction to Statistics
  • Advanced Statistics 
  • Practical use of SPSS 

Psychological Theory

  • Intimate Relationship 
  • Political Psychology 
  • Social Psychology

4. Relevant Coursework for Engineering Resume

EDUCATION

BSc in Engineering Science, California State University | 2015

Relevant Coursework: 

  • Electric Circuit Theory: Wrote four semester papers and received A+ on all of them
  • Engineering Economics: Wrote a semester paper on the process of engineering economics of bioethanol production and gained recognition from the professors
  • Engineering Dynamics: Became a research assistant for the professor and completed a research project on dynamics and control for him

5. Relevant Coursework for Accounting Resume

EDUCATION

BSc in Accounting, California State University | 2018

Relevant Coursework: Management Information Systems,  Managerial Accounting, Organizational Behavior, Advanced Financial Accounting 

6. Relevant Coursework for Nursing Resume

EDUCATION

BSc in Nursing, University of Washington | 2021

Relevant Coursework: 

  • Observational Methods
  • Principles of Teaching and Applied Nursing
  • Pharmaceuticals Oncology
  • Qualitative Analysis

7. Relevant Coursework for Finance Resume

EDUCATION

BA in Finance, University of Arizona | 2017

Relevant Coursework: 

Accounting

  • Principles of Accounting I
  • Principles of Accounting II

Finance

  • Ethics for Finance Professionals
  • Finance Capstone

8. Relevant Coursework for Business Resume

EDUCATION

BA in Business Administration, Ohio Dominican University | 2015

Relevant Coursework: 

  • Human Resource Management: Completed a project with a local company and received A+ on the course
  • Principles of Microeconomics: Passed all of the semester examinations with an A+ and received honors for the course
  • Principles of Business Ethics: Conducted an inquiry on local business and completed the final paper with an A+ 

9. Relevant Coursework for Graphic Design Resume

EDUCATION

BA in Graphic Design, University of Alabama | 2018

Relevant Coursework: Design Thinking, Design Issues, Print Layouts and Publications, Studio

10. Relevant Coursework for Teacher Resume

EDUCATION

BA in Education, University of Arizona | 2018

Relevant Coursework: 

  • Classroom Management 
  • Lesson Planning 
  • Public School Law
  • Child and Educational Psychology

3 Tips for Adding Relevant Coursework to a Resume

1. Only Add Courses Relevant to the Job Description  

Whether you’re applying for an internship or an entry-level job, keep in mind that including coursework in your resume does not mean that you should add as many as you can. Only keep the relevant courses suitable for the job position. 

2. Increase the Impact of Relevant Courses by Adding Achievements

It’s always good to increase the chance of getting noticed by the recruiters. You can do so by including achievements you have obtained from the courses. 

3. Use Keywords

Including relevant keywords to the job description. The ATS scans for specific keywords on your job application, so keywords will help your resume pass ATS screening.

If you don’t know which keywords to include, look at two to five job advertisements similar to your desired job title then identify frequently used keywords in these advertisements. And don’t forget to incorporate those keywords when listing relevant courseworks on your resume!

🔑 Key Takeaways

Here are how you put relevant coursework on a resume:

  • Adding relevant coursework to resumes is optional. It is more suitable for entry-level workers, recent graduates, and students.
  • You can include relevant coursework on resumes by adding it in the education section or a separate relevant coursework section. 
  • There are many ways to list relevant coursework on resumes - an additional line under the education section, single-column format, multi-column format, or detailed format.
  • Don’t forget to use keywords, include achievements from the relevant coursework, and add courses relevant to the job description. These steps will help you get noticed by the recruiters quickly.

With CakeResume, you can easily create a resume online with our free resume builder with various resume templates (free download). Landing your dream job will be a piece of cake!

--- Originally written by Diana Shih ---

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