How to List a Double Major on a Resume: Formatting Guide
Completing a double major is an impressive academic achievement that demonstrates intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and the ability to manage competing demands. But when it comes time to put that achievement on your resume, you might find yourself wondering: How exactly do I format a double major? Should I list both majors equally? What if only one is relevant to the job?
The good news is that listing a double major is straightforward once you know the conventions. The key is presenting your academic credentials clearly while strategically emphasizing what’s most relevant to your target position.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about listing double majors on your resume: standard formatting options, strategic considerations, and how to leverage both fields of study effectively in your job search.
Understanding Double Majors
Before diving into formatting, let’s clarify what a double major means and how it differs from related academic achievements.
What Is a Double Major?
A double major means you completed the requirements for two different majors within a single degree program. You graduate with one degree (e.g., Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) but have two areas of concentration listed on your transcript.
Double Major vs. Dual Degree
Double major: Two majors within one degree
- Example: B.A. in Psychology and Sociology
- One diploma, two majors listed
- Completed within standard four-year timeframe (usually)
Dual degree: Two separate degrees
- Example: B.A. in English AND B.S. in Computer Science
- Two diplomas, each with its own major
- Often takes longer than four years
- Each degree may be from different schools within the university
For resume purposes, the formatting differs slightly for each.
Major vs. Minor vs. Concentration
- Major: Primary field of study with substantial coursework requirements
- Minor: Secondary field with fewer requirements than a major
- Concentration: Specialized track within a major
These distinctions affect how you format your education section.
Standard Formatting Options
Several acceptable formats exist for listing a double major.
Format 1: Single Line with Both Majors
The most common and cleanest approach:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science
University of California, Berkeley | May 2024When to use:
- Both majors are relevant to your target role
- You want clean, simple formatting
- Space is limited
Format 2: Separate Lines for Clarity
When you want each major to stand out:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts
University of California, Berkeley | May 2024
Majors: Economics, Political ScienceOr:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts | University of California, Berkeley | May 2024
Double Major: Economics and Political ScienceWhen to use:
- Both majors are important to highlight
- You have additional details to include (GPA, honors, etc.)
- You prefer visual separation
Format 3: Primary and Secondary Emphasis
When one major is more relevant:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
University of Washington | May 2024
Second Major: MathematicsOr:
EDUCATION
B.S. in Computer Science (with second major in Mathematics)
University of Washington | May 2024When to use:
- One major is clearly more relevant to your target job
- You want to emphasize one field over the other
- The secondary major supports but doesn’t define your candidacy
Format 4: Detailed Educational Entry
When you have space and want to include additional information:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts, Double Major
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | May 2024
Majors: Business Administration, Spanish
GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean's List (6 semesters)
Relevant Coursework: Financial Accounting, International Business,
Business Spanish, Marketing StrategyWhen to use:
- You’re a recent graduate with limited work experience
- Academic achievements are strong selling points
- You want to highlight relevant coursework
Dual Degree Formatting
If you earned two separate degrees (not a double major within one degree), the formatting differs.
Two Degrees from Same Institution
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Stanford University | May 2024Or:
EDUCATION
Stanford University | May 2024
B.S. in Computer Science
B.A. in Economics
GPA: 3.8/4.0Two Degrees from Different Institutions
If you transferred or completed degrees at different schools:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Pennsylvania | May 2024
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Ohio State University | May 2020Strategic Considerations
How you present your double major should align with your job search strategy.
When Both Majors Are Relevant
If both majors relate to your target role, give them equal prominence:
Example for a Data Analyst position:
Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Computer Science
UCLA | May 2024Both majors directly support a data analytics career.
When One Major Is More Relevant
Emphasize the relevant major while still including the other:
Example for a Marketing position (Marketing major + Philosophy minor):
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
Minor: Philosophy
University of Oregon | May 2024Example for a Marketing position (Marketing major + Economics major):
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Economics
University of Oregon | May 2024Both are relevant, so list both prominently. But if applying to a finance role:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics (with second major in Marketing)
University of Oregon | May 2024Lead with economics since it’s more relevant to finance.
When Neither Major Is Directly Relevant
Even seemingly unrelated majors can add value:
Example for a Sales position (English and History majors):
Bachelor of Arts in English and History
Boston College | May 2024
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Research and analytical capabilitiesConnect your majors to transferable skills.
Career Changers
If you’re changing careers and your education supports the new direction:
Example: Engineer transitioning to UX Design
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (with second major in Computer Science)
University of Texas | May 2020
• Coursework in Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Psychology
• Combines technical foundation with understanding of user behaviorLead with the major more relevant to your new direction.
Highlighting Both Majors Throughout Your Resume
Your double major can appear in multiple places beyond the education section.
In Your Professional Summary
For recent graduates or when academic background is a key qualifier:
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Recent graduate with dual expertise in Finance and Computer Science,
seeking entry-level quantitative analyst position. Strong foundation
in financial modeling combined with programming skills in Python and R.In Skills Section
When majors inform your skill set:
SKILLS
• Financial Analysis (Finance major)
• Statistical Modeling (Computer Science major)
• Python, R, SQL, Excel
• Bloomberg TerminalIn Experience Descriptions
When relevant to specific accomplishments:
Financial Services Intern | ABC Investments | Summer 2023
• Applied Finance coursework to analyze portfolio performance
• Developed Python automation tools leveraging CS background
• Created data visualizations combining financial and technical skillsFor Job Targeting
Platforms like 0portfolio.com allow you to create multiple resume versions, making it easy to emphasize different majors for different application targets while maintaining consistent professional branding.
Including Additional Academic Information
Double majors often come with other accomplishments worth listing.
GPA Considerations
Include if strong (generally 3.5+ or top 10% of class):
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology
University of Michigan | May 2024
Cumulative GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Magna Cum LaudeYou can list GPA for specific major if it’s stronger:
Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics
MIT | May 2024
Physics GPA: 3.9/4.0 | Cumulative GPA: 3.6/4.0Honors and Awards
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics
Georgetown University | May 2024
Summa Cum Laude | Phi Beta Kappa | Dean's List (all semesters)Relevant Coursework
For recent graduates, coursework can demonstrate specialized knowledge:
Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry
Duke University | May 2024
Relevant Coursework:
• Biology: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry
• Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II, Analytical Chemistry
• Cross-Disciplinary: Bioinformatics, Research MethodsHonors Thesis or Capstone
If you completed significant research:
Bachelor of Arts in English and History
Yale University | May 2024
Honors Thesis: "Colonial Literature and National Identity:
A Comparative Study" (interdisciplinary research combining
both majors; awarded Highest Distinction)Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these double major resume errors.
Confusing Terminology
Wrong:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
University of Chicago | May 2024This suggests two separate degrees, not a double major.
Right:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science
University of Chicago | May 2024Overcrowding the Education Section
Too much:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology (Major #1) and also
Sociology (Major #2, which I completed in my senior year
after starting as just a Psychology major)
State University, Main Campus, City, State | May 2024
GPA: 3.456/4.000 | Dean's List Fall 2020, Spring 2021,
Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023,
Spring 2024 | Psychology Club Member, Sociology Club Member,
Student Government...Better:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology
State University | May 2024
GPA: 3.5/4.0 | Dean's List (all semesters)Listing Majors Inconsistently
Pick one format and stick with it:
Inconsistent:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a major in Political ScienceConsistent:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political ScienceOr:
Bachelor of Arts, Double Major in Economics and Political ScienceUndervaluing Your Double Major
Don’t hide it—a double major is an achievement:
Too subtle:
BA, State University, 2024Better:
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Spanish
State University | May 2024Overvaluing Your Double Major
Don’t let it overshadow more important qualifications:
For experienced professionals: Your double major from 15 years ago matters less than your recent experience. Keep the education section brief:
B.A., Economics and Mathematics, University of VirginiaExamples by Situation
Here are complete examples for different scenarios.
Recent Graduate, Both Majors Relevant
Applying for Financial Analyst position:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Mathematics
New York University, Stern School of Business | May 2024
GPA: 3.7/4.0 | Dean's List (6 semesters)
Relevant Coursework: Corporate Finance, Financial Modeling,
Derivatives, Statistical Analysis, Probability Theory
Activities: Investment Banking Club, Mathematics Honor SocietyRecent Graduate, One Major More Relevant
Marketing major and Psychology major, applying for Marketing position:
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Psychology
University of Florida | May 2024
GPA: 3.6/4.0 | Cum Laude
Marketing Coursework: Consumer Behavior, Digital Marketing,
Brand Management, Marketing Analytics
Psychology Coursework: Social Psychology, Research Methods
(relevant to understanding consumer behavior)Career Changer
Former teacher (Education major) transitioning to HR (Psychology second major):
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Elementary Education
Penn State University | May 2018
• Psychology coursework in Organizational Behavior,
Industrial Psychology, and Human Development directly
applicable to HR role
• Education background provides training, coaching, and
development expertiseMid-Career Professional
10+ years experience, double major less central:
EDUCATION
B.A., English and Communications, Boston UniversityGraduate with Double Major and Advanced Degree
MBA plus undergraduate double major:
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration
Harvard Business School | May 2024
Concentration: Finance
Bachelor of Science in Economics and Computer Science
Stanford University | May 2019International Considerations
Education systems vary globally, affecting how you present credentials.
US Double Major for International Applications
If applying internationally, note that “double major” is a US concept:
Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science
University of Chicago, USA | May 2024
(Double major: completed full requirements for both fields
within single four-year degree program)International Credentials for US Applications
If your non-US education involved multiple specializations:
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
University of Melbourne, Australia | 2024
Specializations: Finance and Accounting
(Equivalent to US double major)Final Formatting Checklist
Before submitting your resume, verify:
- Double major is clearly formatted
- Both majors are spelled correctly
- Degree name is accurate (B.A., B.S., etc.)
- University name is correct and complete
- Graduation date is included
- GPA included if strong (and matches official records)
- Honors and relevant information added
- Format is consistent with rest of resume
- Most relevant major is emphasized for target role
- Education section length is appropriate for experience level
Conclusion
Listing a double major on your resume is straightforward once you understand the formatting conventions. The key decisions involve how prominently to feature each major and whether to emphasize one over the other based on your target roles.
For most situations, listing both majors on a single line works well: “Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science.” Adjust this approach when one major is significantly more relevant, when you have extensive additional academic information to include, or when space constraints require brevity.
Remember that your double major tells employers something beyond just your academic knowledge—it demonstrates your ability to manage multiple demanding commitments, your intellectual breadth, and potentially your interdisciplinary thinking ability. Make sure your resume formatting captures this value while remaining clear and professional.
Whether you’re a recent graduate leveraging your education heavily or an experienced professional for whom your double major is just one line item, presenting this achievement correctly ensures employers understand and appreciate your academic background.
