How to List an Associate Degree on a Resume: Complete Guide for 2024

Associate degrees represent significant educational achievements that open doors to career opportunities and lay foundations for further education. Whether you’ve earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, or another variant, presenting this credential effectively on your resume matters for landing interviews and advancing your career. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about listing your associate degree on a resume, including formatting options, placement strategies, and approaches for different career situations.

Understanding Associate Degree Types

Before diving into resume formatting, understanding the different types of associate degrees helps you present your credential accurately and leverage its specific value.

Associate of Arts (AA) degrees focus on liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences. These degrees typically prepare students for transfer to four-year universities and provide broad educational foundations. Common fields include general studies, communication, psychology, and social work.

Associate of Science (AS) degrees emphasize mathematics, natural sciences, and technical subjects. Like AA degrees, they often serve as transfer pathways but with stronger emphasis on quantitative and scientific coursework. Fields include biology, chemistry, computer science, and business administration.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees focus on career preparation in specific technical or vocational fields. Unlike AA and AS degrees designed for transfer, AAS programs prepare graduates for immediate workforce entry. Examples include nursing, dental hygiene, automotive technology, and information technology.

Associate of Fine Arts (AFA) and Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) degrees focus on creative and artistic disciplines. These programs serve students pursuing careers in visual arts, graphic design, performing arts, and related creative fields.

Associate of General Studies (AGS) degrees offer flexible curricula allowing students to sample various disciplines without specializing. These programs suit students exploring interests or completing general education requirements.

Each degree type carries different implications for how you might present and leverage your credential based on your career goals and target positions.

Basic Format for Listing an Associate Degree

The fundamental format for listing any educational credential follows consistent conventions. Apply these standards to your associate degree for professional presentation.

Essential elements to include:

• Degree type (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, etc.)
• Field of study or major
• Institution name
• Location (city and state)
• Graduation date or expected graduation date

Standard format example:

Associate of Science in Business Administration
City Community College, Anytown, CA
Graduated: May 2024

Alternative format:

Associate of Science, Business Administration
City Community College | Anytown, CA | 2024

Abbreviated format for experienced professionals:

A.S., Business Administration - City Community College, 2024

Choose the format that aligns with your resume’s overall design and provides appropriate emphasis based on the role your education plays in your qualification narrative.

Proper Abbreviations for Associate Degrees

Using correct abbreviations demonstrates attention to detail and proper presentation of your credentials. Standardized abbreviations exist for each degree type.

Common degree abbreviations:

• Associate of Arts: AA or A.A.
• Associate of Science: AS or A.S.
• Associate of Applied Science: AAS or A.A.S.
• Associate of Fine Arts: AFA or A.F.A.
• Associate of Applied Arts: AAA or A.A.A.
• Associate of General Studies: AGS or A.G.S.

Format with abbreviation:

A.S. in Computer Science
Community Technical College, Springfield, IL
May 2023

Full name versus abbreviation: Both approaches work professionally. Full names provide clarity for readers unfamiliar with degree abbreviations. Abbreviations save space when resume real estate is limited. Consider your audience and space constraints when choosing.

Consistency matters: If you spell out “Associate of Science” for one degree, spell out all degree names. If you abbreviate, abbreviate consistently throughout your education section.

Placement Options on Your Resume

Where you position your education section—and your associate degree within it—depends on your experience level, career stage, and what you most want to emphasize.

Education section placement:

For recent graduates or those with limited experience, education often appears prominently near the top of the resume, immediately after your contact information and possibly a summary section. Your degree represents your primary qualification at this stage.

For experienced professionals, education typically moves toward the bottom of the resume. Your work experience speaks more strongly to your qualifications than academic credentials from years ago.

For career changers, placement depends on whether your education relates to your new target field. Relevant education belongs higher; unrelated education can move lower or receive less emphasis.

Within the education section:

If you have multiple educational credentials, list them in reverse chronological order (most recent first) unless relevance dictates otherwise. An associate degree followed by a bachelor’s degree would list the bachelor’s first as the more recent and advanced credential.

If your associate degree is your highest credential, it naturally takes the lead position in your education section.

Including Relevant Coursework

Adding relevant coursework enhances your education section when specific classes demonstrate qualifications for your target position. This strategy works especially well for recent graduates or those transitioning to fields where coursework provides evidence of preparation.

When to include coursework:

• Target positions require specific knowledge you’ve studied
• Your degree title doesn’t clearly indicate relevant preparation
• You lack professional experience demonstrating these skills
• The coursework strengthens a career change narrative

Format examples:

Associate of Science in Information Technology
Tech Community College, Denver, CO | 2024

Relevant Coursework: Network Security, Database Management, 
Python Programming, Systems Analysis, Cloud Computing

A.A. in Business Administration
Central Community College, Austin, TX | May 2024

Key Courses: Financial Accounting, Business Statistics, 
Marketing Principles, Business Communication, Economics

Selectivity matters: List only courses directly relevant to target positions. Generic courses like “English Composition” rarely warrant mention unless you’re targeting writing positions. At 0portfolio.com, career advisors recommend limiting coursework lists to 4-6 highly relevant classes rather than comprehensive curriculum recitation.

Highlighting Academic Achievements

Academic honors and achievements add value to your education section, particularly when your resume could benefit from additional credential reinforcement.

GPA considerations: Include your GPA if it’s strong (generally 3.5 or higher). Recent graduates benefit most from GPA inclusion. As you gain professional experience, GPA becomes less relevant and can be omitted to save space.

Format examples:

Associate of Arts in Psychology
State Community College, Portland, OR | 2024
GPA: 3.8/4.0 | Dean's List (4 semesters)

A.S., Computer Science
Valley Community College, San Jose, CA | May 2023
Summa Cum Laude | GPA: 3.92

Honor designations:

• Summa Cum Laude (typically 3.9+ GPA)
• Magna Cum Laude (typically 3.7-3.89 GPA)
• Cum Laude (typically 3.5-3.69 GPA)

Note that specific GPA requirements for honors vary by institution. Use your school’s official designation.

Dean’s List: Inclusion on the Dean’s List demonstrates consistent academic excellence. Note how many semesters you earned this recognition.

Scholarships and awards: Academic scholarships, departmental awards, and other recognition demonstrate achievement beyond baseline degree completion.

Honor society memberships: Phi Theta Kappa (the international honor society for community colleges) and other academic honor societies indicate distinguished achievement.

Associate Degree with In-Progress Bachelor’s Degree

Many associate degree holders continue to bachelor’s programs. Presenting both appropriately requires strategic decisions about emphasis and formatting.

When pursuing a bachelor’s degree:

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (In Progress)
State University, Columbus, OH
Expected Graduation: May 2026

Associate of Science in Business Administration
Columbus Community College, Columbus, OH
Graduated: May 2024

For recent bachelor’s graduates: Once you complete a bachelor’s degree, you have options for how prominently to feature your associate degree:

Keep both if:

• Your associate degree is from a prestigious program
• The associate degree is in a different, relevant field
• You want to show your complete educational journey
• Industry expectations favor showing all credentials

Consider omitting the associate degree if:

• It’s in the same field as your bachelor’s degree
• Resume space is limited
• It adds nothing relevant to your candidacy
• You have substantial professional experience

Format when keeping both:

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Marketing
State University, Chicago, IL | 2026

Associate of Science in Business Administration
Chicago Community College, Chicago, IL | 2024

Associate Degree in Career-Specific Fields

Certain associate degrees carry particular weight in specific industries where two-year credentials qualify you for professional practice.

Nursing (ADN):

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Healthcare Community College, Minneapolis, MN | 2024
NCLEX-RN Passed: July 2024
Clinical Rotations: Medical-Surgical, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Mental Health

Dental Hygiene:

Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
Dental Sciences College, Phoenix, AZ | May 2024
National Board Dental Hygiene Examination: Passed
State Licensure: Arizona (Active)

Radiologic Technology:

A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology
Health Sciences Community College, Tampa, FL | 2024
ARRT Certification: Registered Technologist (RT)
Clinical Hours: 1,800+ in hospital and outpatient settings

Paralegal Studies:

Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
Legal Studies Community College, Boston, MA | 2024
ABA-Approved Program
Specialization Coursework: Civil Litigation, Legal Research, Contract Law

For career-specific programs, include relevant certifications, licensures, clinical experiences, or program accreditations that strengthen your candidacy.

Associate Degree When You Have No Bachelor’s Degree

When your associate degree is your highest educational credential, presenting it effectively matters even more. Several strategies maximize impact.

Emphasize the credential appropriately: Don’t apologize for or minimize your associate degree. Many careers value associate degrees, and the credential demonstrates meaningful educational achievement. Present it with confidence.

Expand the education entry: With more space available, you can include additional details:

EDUCATION

Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
Metro Community Technical College, Seattle, WA
Graduated: May 2024 | GPA: 3.7

Concentration: Network Administration
Key Coursework: Network Security, Cisco Routing & Switching, 
Windows Server Administration, Linux Systems, Cloud Infrastructure

Certifications Earned During Program:
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Combine with professional certifications: Industry certifications often carry more weight than degrees in technical fields. Group certifications with your education or create a separate certifications section to demonstrate qualifications beyond your degree.

Highlight continuing education: Ongoing professional development shows commitment to growth even without pursuing another degree:

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A.S. in Business Administration
Community Business College, Denver, CO | 2022

Continuing Education:
• Project Management Fundamentals (2023)
• Excel Advanced Analytics Certificate (2023)
• Leadership Development Program (2024)

Associate Degree from Non-Traditional Programs

Various non-traditional pathways lead to associate degrees. Present these credentials appropriately based on the program type.

Online programs: Online degrees from accredited institutions are fully legitimate. Simply list the school name and degree without calling attention to the online format unless it’s relevant:

Associate of Science in Accounting
Western Governors University, Salt Lake City, UT | 2024

If asked in interviews, you can note the program was online, but this generally doesn’t require inclusion on your resume.

Accelerated programs: Completing an associate degree in less than the standard two years can demonstrate drive and capability:

A.S. in Business Administration
Fast Track College, Atlanta, GA | 2024
Completed accelerated 18-month program

Community college versus technical college: Both types of institutions grant legitimate associate degrees. Present them identically in terms of format; the institution name indicates the type of school.

Transfer credits: If you completed significant coursework at one institution before finishing at another, you generally list only the degree-granting institution:

Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies
State Community College, Phoenix, AZ | 2024

You don’t need to list every institution where you took classes unless doing so adds meaningful information.

When Not to Include Your Associate Degree

In some situations, excluding your associate degree makes strategic sense. Consider omission when:

You have a higher degree in the same field: If you hold a bachelor’s degree in business and an associate degree in business from years earlier, the bachelor’s degree subsumes the associate. The associate adds nothing to your qualifications.

Space is severely limited: When condensing to one page and your professional experience is strong, older or less relevant education may be trimmed. Your experience speaks louder than a 15-year-old associate degree.

The degree dates you problematically: A 1985 graduation date reveals age in ways that might invite discrimination. You can omit dates (and potentially the degree) while still possessing and utilizing the education.

The field is irrelevant: An associate degree in culinary arts doesn’t help your application for accounting positions. Irrelevant credentials can actually confuse your narrative.

However, be cautious about omission. Some applications specifically ask about educational credentials, and omitting degrees could be viewed as deception if discovered. For application forms that ask for complete educational history, list all credentials.

Associate Degree and ATS Optimization

Applicant tracking systems scan resumes for keywords and qualifications. Format your education section for optimal parsing.

Use standard formatting:

Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems
Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City, MO
Graduation: May 2024

ATS systems recognize standard educational formatting better than creative alternatives.

Include keywords: If job postings mention specific educational requirements, ensure your resume includes matching language:

• “Associate’s degree required” → Include “Associate of Science” or “A.S.”
• Specific fields mentioned → Include your major prominently
• Accreditation requirements → Note if your program was accredited

Degree variations: Different employers may search for “associate degree,” “associate’s degree,” “AA,” “AS,” “A.S.,” or “A.A.” Consider which terms appear in your target job postings and incorporate them appropriately.

Avoid graphics and tables: Complex formatting in education sections can confuse ATS parsing. Simple text-based formatting ensures your credentials are properly captured and searchable.

Addressing Education Requirements in Job Postings

Job postings express education requirements in various ways. Understanding these helps you assess fit and position your associate degree effectively.

“Bachelor’s degree required”: This typically indicates a firm requirement. Your associate degree alone may not qualify you, though exceptional experience might prompt consideration. You can apply and let employers decide, but set realistic expectations.

“Bachelor’s degree preferred”: This indicates flexibility. Strong associate degree holders with relevant experience often receive consideration. Emphasize experience and other qualifications that compensate for the degree difference.

“Associate degree required”: You meet this requirement. Ensure your resume clearly presents your qualifying credential.

“High school diploma required; associate degree preferred”: Your associate degree exceeds the minimum and gives you an advantage over candidates with only high school diplomas.

“Equivalent combination of education and experience”: Many employers accept experience in lieu of education. Calculate how your experience and associate degree together might equal bachelor’s-level qualifications. Each year of college typically equates to two years of experience.

No education mentioned: When postings don’t specify education requirements, your experience likely matters most. Include your degree but don’t overemphasize it.

Associate Degree Resume Examples

Complete examples illustrate how associate degrees integrate with other resume elements.

Recent Graduate Example:

JANE SMITH
(555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | LinkedIn.com/in/janesmith

OBJECTIVE
Recent graduate seeking entry-level marketing assistant position where I can apply 
strong communication skills and marketing knowledge gained through coursework 
and internship experience.

EDUCATION
Associate of Arts in Marketing
Valley Community College, Phoenix, AZ | May 2024
GPA: 3.7 | Dean's List (4 semesters)
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, 
Social Media Strategy, Business Communication

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE
Marketing Intern
ABC Company, Phoenix, AZ | January 2024 - May 2024
• Created social media content for Instagram and Facebook reaching 15,000 followers
• Assisted with email marketing campaigns achieving 25% open rates
• Conducted competitor analysis and market research for product launches

Experienced Professional Example:

MICHAEL JOHNSON
(555) 987-6543 | [email protected] | Phoenix, AZ

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Senior IT Support Specialist
Tech Solutions Inc., Phoenix, AZ | 2020 - Present
• Manage IT support for 500+ employees across multiple locations
• Reduced average ticket resolution time by 40% through process improvements
• Led migration to cloud-based infrastructure serving 200 concurrent users
• Train and mentor team of 4 junior support technicians

IT Support Technician
Business Services Corp., Phoenix, AZ | 2017 - 2020
• Provided technical support for hardware, software, and network issues
• Maintained 98% customer satisfaction rating
• Implemented new ticketing system reducing response time by 30%

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

A.A.S. in Information Technology | Phoenix Community College | 2017

Certifications:
• CompTIA A+ | Network+ | Security+
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator
• ITIL Foundation

Conclusion

Your associate degree represents genuine educational achievement that deserves proper presentation on your resume. Whether it’s your highest credential or one step in a longer educational journey, strategic formatting and placement ensure it contributes effectively to your candidacy.

Focus on accurate degree naming, appropriate abbreviations, and consistent formatting that matches your resume’s overall design. Position your education section based on your career stage—prominently for recent graduates, less prominently for experienced professionals. Enhance your degree listing with relevant coursework, academic achievements, and professional certifications when these additions strengthen your qualification narrative.

Remember that associate degrees provide legitimate pathways to many rewarding careers. Technical fields, healthcare, and various professional areas specifically value associate degree holders. Present your credential with confidence, emphasize complementary qualifications and experience, and trust that your education contributes meaningfully to your professional profile.

As you develop your resume, treat your associate degree as one component of a comprehensive presentation of your qualifications. Combined with relevant experience, skills, and professional development, your degree helps tell the story of a qualified candidate ready to contribute in your target role. Take pride in what you’ve achieved educationally, present it professionally, and let your complete resume demonstrate your readiness for the opportunities you’re pursuing.