How do I phrase an uncompleted master's degree on my resume?

Question

I've completed and passed all required classes for the program, but due to personal reasons I will not continue the program. I'm looking for work now and need advise. Thank you!

Answer 1

You must be getting really tired of trying to figure out how to do this. Why not just say "Completed all coursework toward masters degree". Most likely you will be asked about it. I have been on hiring committees many times, and things like that are noticed. Since you will probably have to answer questions about it, don't you think it is best to just tell it like it is?

Answer 2

2002-2006 Bachelor of Arts in Gerontology, University of SomeState
2006-2007 additional graduate study in Literature, University of Someplace


Be prepared to answer questions about why you didn't wrap up the master's. As an HR person, I'd rather hear that you were just taking some grad classes than some excuses about "xyz did abc and then I...." be careful how you phrase your answer. You want to present this as a positive thing (I did what I set out to do) and not as a negative (I didn't finish what I started). Many people take grad classes without pursuing a degree.

note: some people like to leave the dates off of their degrees -- your age can be assumed according to those dates. Sometimes, you just don't want to be sorted by age before you interview.

Answer 3

IF you have completed and passed all required classes, what is holding you back from getting the degree?

It sounds fishy. If you were asked this in an interview, the potential employer may think you are either lying or a little crazy.

In a pinch, I might add to my resume: some graduate school studies in (major); no degree conferred.

Answer 4

2002 Coursework in the M.A. program in English literature, State University.


Make sure you have the name of your degree for your bachelor's, and that you don't write it the same way for the Master's, so that nobody thinks you were trying to pretend you graduated.