How to List Relevant Coursework on a CV: Tips & Examples

“Lady Gaga and the Sociology of Fame”. “The Physics of Star Trek”. “South Park and Contemporary Social Issues”.

Yes, those are real university courses, but if you’re lucky enough to have taken one, do you really need to list it on your CV?

Probably not. 

Adding coursework on a CV is a good idea—in some cases.

But only if you do it just right.

Don’t worry. In a moment, you’ll see how.

In this guide:

• Over a dozen examples of CV coursework and related classes to include.
• Instructions on how to list relevant coursework on CV education sections.
• Expert tips and advice for including related classwork on a CV most effectively.
• Guidelines for where to put relevant coursework on a CV academic section.

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Are you looking for specific CV examples related to academia careers? 

Have a look at these guides:

• Student CV Examples
• Scholarship CV Examples
• High School CV for University Application
• Academic CV Template
• CV for Graduate School

Or, if you want, check out our full guide on including education on a CV: How to List Education on CVs

1. What Is the Meaning of "Relevant Coursework"?

Relevant coursework is a term for courses you took at school or university that are related to the position you are applying for. This kind of coursework can be listed on a CV under the education heading. The purpose of this information is to highlight knowledge pertinent to the job.

Before we dive in with the why, the what, and the how regarding relevant coursework CV sections, let’s take a look at a few examples:

1. Relevant Coursework on CV Example—Administrative Assistant 

As you can see, this comma-separated list focuses on classes you’ve taken that office managers love to see on an admin assistant CV.

It’s short, to the point, and gives them only relevant information.

2. Relevant Coursework CV Example—High School Graduate Seeking Customer Service Job

You may not have any university under your belt yet, but don’t worry.

You probably still have taken classes in high school appropriate for the career or job you’re applying for.

3. Relevant Coursework CV Sample—Elementary Teacher 

Here, we use a bullet-point list to add classes to a teaching CV rather than a comma-separated list.

This format helps to guide the reader’s eyes, allowing you to focus on fewer, but more impactful, courses on a CV.

4. Related Coursework on a CV for IT Jobs

This is a third format, an extension of the previous one, essentially. 

This CV relevant coursework approach is perfect for when you want to show off three or four super-relevant courses.

It’s also great for explaining to hiring managers how a particular course may be relevant to them, as university classes today may have names which don’t reflect the entirety of the subject matter.

5. Example of Listing Courses on a Food Service CV

Expert Hint: There are also many great courses offered by colleges and universities which help you advance in your career. While these will surely benefit your job search and give you some relatable experience, these aren’t relevant (most likely) to the job, so leave them off.

6. Sample of Putting Related Courses on a Graphic Design CV

7. Example of Placing Relevant Classes on a Management CV

8. BAD Example of a Related Coursework CV Section—Healthcare Jobs 

See what’s wrong here?

This one does list some relevant classes for a healthcare job. However, those get drowned out by irrelevant courses.

Remember— 

If it doesn’t help you secure your new career, leave it off your CV.

Expert Hint: Listing relevant coursework on CVs is one way to show advanced understanding and impress the employer. However, also consider showing off any Latin honours, cum laude on a CV, or your thesis topic, for example.

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2. Should I Include Relevant Coursework on CVs?

We’ve just shown you several examples of including courses on a CV.

Adding related coursework on CVs is optional. However, it is a strategic choice which may help your chances, if done right.

So— 

Should you include relevant coursework on a CV?

Add a CV coursework subsection when:

• You’re writing a CV with little experience;
• You have coursework relevant to the job to which you’re applying.
• The job places a high value on educational accomplishments (e.g., student CVs, internship CVs).

Otherwise, when you gain more than a few years of general work experience, save that CV real estate for a more impactful section.

Expert Hint: Many classes in your relevant coursework section act as great CV keywords. For example, if you took a class on business communication or programming you’re telling the employer you have those business skills and computer skills without needing to include them in the CV skills part of your CV.

3. How to List Relevant Coursework on CVs?

You’ve decided to include a related university class or course on your CV.

But— 

Where to put relevant coursework on a CV? 

When adding related classwork onto a CV, make a subsection at the end of the appropriate education entry. Place it below the degree, school name and location, and date of completion or estimated date of graduation. Put it next to any subsection related to research, academic awards (Latin honours, cum laude, etc.), and extracurricular activities.

And how to write it down?

Here are a few ways for how to put relevant coursework on CVs:

Though education is important, I’d recommend going with the first course option in most cases, as it takes up less room. However, if you lack real-world experience but have an impressive academic background, the third option might be perfect for you.

“Keep in mind MORE does not always mean BETTER. Employers, on average, spend 6-8 seconds on your CV. Include what is most relevant and keep descriptions clear and to the point.

If the university coursework you’re thinking of writing isn’t relevant to the job you’re applying for, leave it off!

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Key Points

Let’s wrap it up— 

Here’s how to write relevant coursework on CVs:

• Decide first if adding coursework on a CV is ideal for you; include related classes if relevant to the job and you have little professional experience.
• Create a subsection under the education entry on your CV with a clearly-labelled subheading, such as “Related Coursework.”
• Add a few of the most relevant courses, classes, and lectures which make sense for the job you’re applying to.
• Consider including other impressive academic subsections, such as school awards, Latin honours, or publications.

Have any questions on how to list coursework on CVs or if putting classes on CVs is the best idea? Need more CV education section examples? Let’s chat below in the comment area, and thanks for reading!

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