How to List Relevant Coursework on Your Resume (+ Examples)

You can put relevant coursework on a resume in either the “Education” section or a dedicated “Relevant Coursework” section. If you’re adding them to the education section, simply create a category and list the course titles. On the other hand, if you’re adding them to a dedicated section, include the course title, organization, location, and date of completion (optional), followed by 1–3 bullet points specifying the skills, knowledge, and tools you learned or developed.

You’ve just graduated, and you know the competition for jobs is fierce. 

You’re seeing skills and tools in the job description that you mastered in college — maybe even applied in class projects. 

The only thing missing? Workplace experience. 

That’s where listing relevant coursework can help. It’s your chance to show employers you already know your marketing strategies, can code with confidence, or are ready to manage a classroom. 

But here’s the important part: coursework only works if it’s truly connected to the job.

So, how do you make your coursework count? This guide will cover:

• If coursework belongs on your job application.
• How to put relevant coursework on a resume. 
• Examples of coursework for your education section. 

Need help organizing your resume sections? Check out our free AI Resume Builder. Simply enter your details and our smart AI technology will generate a personalized resume in minutes. 

What Is Relevant Coursework?

Relevant coursework includes academic assignments, projects, and classes that tie directly to your future job or industry. On resumes, it’s not a rundown of every course you’ve ever taken — it’s a carefully chosen selection of the ones that show off the right skills and knowledge for the role. 

Adding coursework to your resume is a smart way to bulk up your application to make up for a lack of work experience. So, students, new graduates, and career changers — this one’s for you. 

When deciding what to include, don’t overlook courses tied to your minor. If your minor is connected to your career goals or shows key skills, that’s fair game. Employers want to see the bigger picture of how your academic background aligns with their needs, so courses outside your major can still make an impact.

While you’re at it, why not include an impressive project, group work, or lab research relevant to the role? Pairing these with your coursework shows a practical application of your knowledge — especially if it’s something that produced positive outcomes. 

Where to Put Relevant Coursework on Resume

The best spot for relevant coursework is usually within or right below your resume education section. Adding a subheading like “Relevant Coursework” keeps it neat and easy to find, while saving space with an organized row of courses.

Here’s what a compact coursework section looks like:

If you have room to spare or want to add more depth, add a dedicated “Coursework” section and list your courses using bullet points. You can even include brief descriptions alongside your coursework and projects if it helps reveal more about your skills while aligning with the job description. 

Take a look at this detailed coursework and education resume section:

How to Add Relevant Coursework to Your Resume

Here’s how to add relevant coursework to your resume:

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• Decide how you’ll format your list without overshadowing your work experience — either by including your coursework in the education section or an individual section. 
• If adding coursework in the education section, create a category underneath your core qualification titled “Relevant Coursework” and then list the title of each coursework.
• If adding coursework in an individual section, you can add the course title, organization, and optionally, the date of completion. 
• When listing coursework in a separate section, you can write 1–3 bullet points to expand on them. Detail any notable achievements, tools, or skills learned. 
• Align your coursework to the role and company. Focus on up to 3–4 courses directly tied to the job.
• Tailor to match keywords and required skills from the job description, boosting ATS compatibility. 
• Skip irrelevant or outdated coursework that doesn't add value to your application. 
• Simplify your coursework titles if necessary to make it accessible for non-technical recruiters. 

Listing relevant coursework on your resume is about deciding if it adds value to your application. Include courses if you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or lack extensive work experience, as they can demonstrate skills you lack from work experience. 

1. Choose the right resume formatting 

Let’s be clear — as impressive as your coursework is, it shouldn’t overshadow your work experience section. Filling up the white space with all your courses just looks like you’re trying to hide a lack of experience (and there’s no shame in that!)

So where do you put your coursework? 

You have two choices: in your “Education” section or its own “Relevant Coursework” section. 

Let’s explore those options below. 

2. Include coursework in your education section

Your first option is to include your coursework within your education section. This is usually the way to go if you have limited resume space or don’t want to take attention away from your work experience. 

Begin by listing your school name, the degree you’re pursuing (or earned), and your graduation date (if it’s recent). Create a sub-heading titled “Relevant Coursework” (or just “Coursework”) in a bold format to help it stand out. 

Stick to 3–4 courses that directly tie into the job you’re applying for. You can include these courses in a neat line, or use bullet points if you have some extra space. 

Here’s an example of including coursework within your education section:

3. Alternatively, create a separate coursework section 

Another option is to create an individual "Relevant Coursework" section beneath your education. This helps break up the text and adds more weight to your resume. 

However, only go this route if your coursework relates to the job, you want it to stand out more, and you’re looking to add some extra details. Keep it focused and purposeful — don’t add a section just for the sake of it.

Here’s an example of including coursework in a separate section under your education:

4. Expand your coursework section with achievements

If you’re creating a dedicated coursework section, you probably have some white space to fill. So, take advantage and expand with 1–3 bullet points of relevant skills, achievements, projects, or tools you picked up in your courses.

Projects tied to your coursework are a great way to show you can use what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. For example, if you worked on a research project or group presentation, include a brief description to demonstrate analytical, teamwork, or communication skills.

Academic honors or awards, like Dean’s List or scholarships, are also worth mentioning to show you’ve consistently performed at a high level. And if you’ve got a high GPA (3.5 or above), include it in your education section as a measurable indicator of your academic success.

Just don’t overdo it with fluff and irrelevant details. Employers know everyone has to start somewhere — they don’t expect most new graduates to have an extensive background. 

Here’s what a detailed coursework section could look like for a teaching position: 

Relevant Coursework
• Courses: Educational Psychology, Class Management, Curriculum Design
• Academic Honors: Dean’s List, Presidential Scholarship Recipient
• Research Project: Analyzed the impact of collaborative learning methods on student engagement and presented findings to faculty.

Remember: If you’re light on work experience, move your education section to the top of your resume and add details like awards or projects. As you gain professional experience, shift education further down and trim the extras, letting your work achievements do the talking. 

Find out more: How to Make Projects on a Resume Look Good 

5. Align your coursework to the role and company

There’s a common myth that a resume is just a tool to sell yourself. While that’s part of it, it’s equally about showing how you can meet the employer’s needs. 

Think strategically and only include up to 3–4 courses that align with the job under your “Relevant Coursework” heading. Start by reviewing the job description and asking yourself:

• What skills and knowledge does the employer emphasize? 
• Do your courses add value to your application? 
• Does your academic background support your qualifications? 

If you’re nodding along, include courses that align. For example, if the role requires design skills, a course like color theory could be a strong addition.

But if you’re applying for a job unrelated to your major or coursework, it’s better to leave it off and use the space for internships, skills, or experiences that are more relevant.

Learn more about customizing your resume: How to Tailor Your Resume to Any Job

6. Use keywords from the job description

If you’ve done your research into job hunting, you’ve probably seen a ton of tips and tricks to beat ATS scanners with keywords. But do companies actually use these systems? 

Short answer: absolutely. 

In fact, a 2024 report from Jobscan found that 98.4% of Fortune 500 companies use this technology to filter out candidates. 

ATS scanners check resumes for specific words and phrases tied to the job description. This allows companies to filter qualified candidates. I know, it’s not exactly fair, since they also run the risk of overlooking qualified candidates, but it’s how the modern resume process works. 

The solution is simple: use the job ad as your blueprint. 

Look for the skills, qualifications, or experiences the employer emphasizes — these are your keywords. Then, check your relevant coursework to see where you can naturally slot in those terms.

If you choose to include short descriptions for relevant achievements, this is a great place to weave in those keywords. For example, instead of just listing “Marketing Project,” you could add, “Developed marketing strategies and analyzed consumer data.” 

Want to get past ATS scanners? Run your resume through Rezi AI Keyword Targeting and see what keywords you're missing. 

7. Focus on relevant and valuable coursework 

Every word should prove why you’re the best candidate, so stick to classes that highlight skills or knowledge your future employer wants. Applying for a finance role? Then no one needs to hear about that history of witchcraft class (yes, it’s real, and yes, I took it).

Read the job posting carefully. Pay attention to skills, software, or certifications they emphasize — those are your guide. Then, review your coursework and pull out classes that align.

Let’s put that into practice. Take a look at this job description for a software developer:

Now, here are some courses that you could add to your resume based on this description:

• Programming in Java as a Second Language
• Python Programming II: Exploratory Statistics
• Modern Web Applications and Cloud Computing
• Data Structures and Algorithms for Software Development

If you have courses on the fundamentals, but your resume is already full, prioritize the more advanced and specialized courses over the introductory ones. It’s better to include coursework that shows you’ve gone deeper into the subject with more specific knowledge. 

If the job posting mentions certain skills, software, or even online certifications, think about how your coursework supports those. And don’t bother including courses relating to skills or technologies that are no longer used or relevant in your industry. 

Not sure what skills are in demand? Find out more: The Best Skills to Put on a Resume

8. Avoid highly technical course titles

I get it — you want to prove you know your stuff. All that technical jargon might work for smaller companies with experts reviewing resumes. For larger companies? Chances are, the recruiter skimming your application might not have a strong technical background. 

When listing coursework, avoid drowning it in overly technical titles that might confuse non-technical recruiters. Your goal isn’t to “dumb it down”; it’s to make your qualifications clear and accessible to everyone who looks at your resume. 

If a course title sounds like something only your professor would recognize, simplify it. For example, instead of writing “Intro Accounting 101,” you could list it as “Financial Accounting.” This makes it clearer to employers what you actually learned and how it applies to the job.

Renaming courses could also help align your resume with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies use to scan resumes for keywords from the job description. By tweaking your course titles to reflect key terms, you improve your chances of getting noticed. 

Just don’t go overboard and see this as a way to lie on your resume by making the title of your course sound like something it actually isn’t, like changing “Intro to Biology” to “Advanced Molecular Genetics” or “Basic Marketing Principles” to “Strategic Brand Management.” Keep it honest while ensuring clarity for employers.

Should You Put Relevant Coursework on a Resume?

Coursework only belongs on your resume if it’s relevant to the job. The content of the coursework should be applicable to the field or industry you’re applying for. If it doesn’t show any transferable skills or relevant knowledge, then you might be better off leaving it out. 

Let’s say you’re applying for a marketing position. That means your Fermentation Science coursework would be out and your Social Media Strategy course is in. If you’re bending over backward to justify its relevance — it’s probably not worth including.

Ask yourself: 

• Does this coursework directly relate to the job? 
• Does it show skills or knowledge the employer values? 
• Or does it just add clutter that distracts from your strongest qualifications?

Not every course will make the cut. 

Foundational courses often just cover the basics, which employers already assume you know. But for recent grads or career changers, specific classes can help fill the gaps, especially if they reveal specialized skills or transferable knowledge. 

Here’s an overview of when to include and avoid putting coursework on your resume:

Relevant Coursework Examples 

Sure, a class like “Harry Styles and the Cult of Celebrity” (shout out to Texas State University) might be a fun conversation starter, but it’s not likely to win over a hiring manager at a finance firm. 

Your resume isn’t just about you — it’s about showing how you’re the right fit for the job and the company. Stick to coursework that proves you have the skills and knowledge to contribute to their success.

Below are some coursework examples to give you an idea of what counts as relevant: 

Coursework for entry-level jobs 

Just because you’re new to the workforce doesn’t mean you don’t have the skills to succeed. Focus on courses directly related to the role and emphasize transferable skills like communication or technical expertise. You can also add relevant projects or achievements to show how you’ve applied your knowledge. 

Take a look at the courses for this entry-level marketing position: 

University of Michigan | Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies | May 2024 | 3.8 GPA
Coursework: Public Speaking, Media Strategy, Digital Communication, Marketing Principles

Looking for your first job? Find out more: How to Write a Resume With No Experience

Coursework for jobs in tech

A resume for a tech job has to balance showing your expertise and making it accessible to non-technical recruiters. The best approach? Use the job ad as a guide. Highlight classes with essential skills like programming, data analysis, or software development. Don’t forget to mention projects, such as coding challenges or app development, to show practical application.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 2024
Relevant Coursework
• Machine Learning
• Web Development
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals
• Algorithms and Data Structures

Coursework for jobs in education 

Having dipped my toes into teaching, I can tell you this: no textbook fully prepares you for the classroom chaos. That’s why it’s essential to spotlight coursework that proves you can walk the walk. Include classes where you applied your skills, like student teaching or hands-on education projects. Show you’re ready for the real-life ups and downs of teaching.

University of Texas, Austin, TX | Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education | 2023
‍Relevant Coursework: Classroom Management, Advanced Field Experience, Advanced Child Development

Coursework for jobs in science 

For science roles, it’s all about showing your brainpower and hands-on expertise. Focus on courses that dive into research methods, lab techniques, and specialized knowledge in your field. And don’t stop there — highlight academic projects or experiments where you demonstrated analytical thinking, problem-solving, or technical know-how. 

University of California, Berkeley | Bachelor of Science in Biology | May 2023 | 3.7 GPA
Relevant Coursework
• Conservation Biology 
• Molecular & Cellular Biology 
• Applied and Environmental Microbiology
• Experimental Design and Advanced Biostatistics 

Coursework for jobs in healthcare 

Healthcare candidates should highlight courses that reflect clinical knowledge, patient care, and industry regulations. Working in healthcare also requires having tough skin, so you can show any certifications or practical training that reveals your readiness to work in healthcare settings.

University of San Diego, CA | MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling | May 2024 
Coursework
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling Practicum
• Positive Psychology: Theory and Applications
• Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship
• Advanced Counseling: Diagnosis And Treatment Planning

Summary 

Here’s an overview of all the key points when including relevant coursework on your resume:

• Only include relevant coursework that directly aligns with the job’s requirements and required skills. 
• Use the job description as a guide to help you tailor your coursework to the role. Include keywords from the job posting to improve ATS compatibility and recruiter appeal.
• List coursework under your education section, either as a subheading (“Relevant Coursework”) or integrated with your degree details.
• Alternatively, create a separate section titled “Relevant Coursework” or “Coursework” to list your courses.
• Stick to 3–5 courses highlighting skills or knowledge related to the position. You can present these in a line, or bullet points if you have more space. 
• Expand your education section with brief descriptions of related projects, group work, or research that reveal the practical application of your skills.
• Avoid overly technical jargon and simplify course titles to make them accessible to non-technical recruiters. For example, “Digital Marketing” instead of “Marketing 201.”
• For entry-level roles or career changers, coursework can fill gaps in professional experience. For seasoned professionals, focus more on your work experience and professional projects or achievements.
• If your resume is already packed with relevant experience, skip coursework to focus on professional achievements.

FAQ

How to list a minor on your resume?

You can include your college minor right below your major in the education section, alongside other details, such as your university and graduation date. For example: 

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology
Minor in Chemistry | University of New York | 2024 | 3.8 GPA

Only list the minor if it adds value to your application. For example, a Data Science minor can boost your appeal for an analytics job, while a Philosophy minor might not carry the same weight in tech or finance roles.

Where to put Dean’s list on a resume?

The Dean’s List belongs in the education section. You can place it under your degree, college, and GPA, or as a separate bullet point with other relevant academic achievements. You can also include the dates and number of semesters you were on the list in brackets. Just keep it brief — your additional education section shouldn’t take up more than a few lines. 

How to list projects on your resume?

It depends on the type of project you’re listing. You can include relevant projects in your education section, or create a dedicated section titled “Projects.” You can also add projects to your work experience section if you were paid or if it was part of a volunteer experience.

For each project, include the project title or your role, organization, dates, and location. Use bullet points to mention your responsibilities and focus on outcomes to demonstrate how you use your skills to produce results. Keep descriptions brief (no more than two lines) and only include projects if they are directly related to the job. As you gain more work experience, you can replace projects with professional achievements.

Should you list high school courses on a resume?

High school courses are usually unnecessary once you’ve left college or have over a year of work experience. However, if you’re still in high school or just graduated, you can list relevant courses that align with the job. For example: “AP Computer Science” for a tech role or “Advanced Biology” for a healthcare internship. Over time, you can remove these as you gain more relevant experience or education.

How to list ongoing education on a resume?

List your ongoing education alongside your degree and college as you normally would in your education section, with an expected completion date. For example:

Master of Business Administration | Boston University | Graduation Date: May 2026

You can use terms like, “Graduation Date” or “Expected Completion” to specify ongoing education. If you don’t know or don’t have an exact date, you can add “Ongoing” or “In Progress”. Just make sure you make it clear that you are still working towards getting your degree or certification. 

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