Truth-First Education Guide

How to List Education in Progress on a Resume

Format ongoing, unfinished, and expected degrees accurately for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) without misleading recruiters.

Clear ExamplesATS OptimizedNo false degree status

Published September 15, 2026

Show Verified Learning and Credentials

[Degree/Program Name] | [Institution Name] | [Expected Graduation Date]

Optional: [Relevant Coursework] | [Current GPA if high]

1

Always Include the Expected Graduation Date

Recruiters need to know when you will be available for full-time work or when you will officially hold the qualification. Instead of writing "Present," explicitly use the term "Expected [Month, Year]" to maintain ATS compliance.

2

State the Degree You Are Pursuing

Be clear about the specific degree or certification you are working towards. Avoid vague terms and use the official title of the program (e.g., "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science").

3

Include Relevant Coursework

If you lack work experience, listing 3 to 4 subjects relevant to the job can highlight your current knowledge and show recruiters what you are currently learning.

Examples of Ongoing Education

Example: University Degree

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Expected Graduation: May 2027

Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Web Development, Database Management

Example: Certification

AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Amazon Web Services

Expected Completion: December 2026

Truth-First Rules (What to Avoid)

  • ×Do not lie about having completed the degree. Background checks will reveal the truth.
  • ×Do not list unrelated high school education if you are already halfway through a university degree.