Graduating magna cum laude is an impressive academic achievement that reflects dedication, hard work, and a high level of performance throughout your college years.
But when it comes to your resume, you might be wondering whether this accomplishment should be highlighted.
While some candidates see their academic honors as a strong selling point, others might feel unsure about where it fits in the competitive job market.
So, should you include magna cum laude on your resume?
Let’s explore 6 key factors to help you decide — and provide examples of how to showcase it effectively.
1. Relevance to the job you’re applying for
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether to include magna cum laude on your resume is how relevant it is to the job you’re seeking.
For roles that highly value academic performance, such as positions in law, finance, academia, or engineering, mentioning your academic honors can signal to employers that you’ve excelled in a competitive environment.
It shows you’re capable of handling challenging coursework and achieving results under pressure.
However, if you’re applying for a job where practical experience and skills are prioritized over academic achievements magna cum laude may not carry as much weight.
Specifically, I mean creative roles, trades, or jobs that focus heavily on technical skills.
In these cases, your work experience, portfolio, or certifications may be more compelling than your GPA or honors.
Example: Let’s say you’re applying for a role as a financial analyst. In this case, including your magna cum laude distinction would be beneficial because employers in finance value high academic performance, especially in fields like economics, mathematics, or business.
Here’s how it could look on your resume:
Education Bachelor of Science in Finance, XYZ University, 2022
Magna Cum Laude (GPA: 3.9/4.0)
2. How long it has been since you graduated
If you’re a recent graduate, your academic achievements, including magna cum laude, are often some of the strongest credentials you can showcase.
Employers understand that fresh graduates may not have extensive work experience, so highlighting academic success is a way to demonstrate your potential.
However, if you’ve been in the workforce for several years, your work history and professional accomplishments will likely carry more weight than your academic honors.
In that case, you may choose to remove or downplay magna cum laude to make room for more relevant experience.
Example: If you graduated five years ago and have substantial work experience in marketing, you might choose to omit magna cum laude.
Instead, you should highlight specific achievements in your career, like leading a successful campaign or increasing brand awareness.
Before: Education
Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, ABC University, 2019
Magna Cum Laude
After: Experience
Marketing Manager, XYZ Corp
- Led a digital marketing campaign that increased lead generation by 40%
- Managed a $200,000 marketing budget, ensuring a 15% year-over-year increase in ROI
3. Space limitations on your resume
Another practical factor to consider is space on your resume.
If you’re trying to keep your resume concise and under one page you may need to prioritize other sections over academic achievements like magna cum laude.
This is especially true if you have a lot of work experience, certifications, or relevant skills.
Yes, honors are impressive. But they may not be the deciding factor for hiring managers if they’re buried in a crowded resume.
In cases where space is tight, think about whether listing magna cum laude adds value to your application. Sometimes other experiences, like internships or leadership roles, might provide a clearer picture of your capabilities.
Example: A software developer with multiple certifications and projects might decide to minimize their education section to make room for more technical skills and achievements:
Before: Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, DEF University, 2020
Magna Cum Laude
After: Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, DEF University, 2020
Relevant coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms, Machine Learning
Certifications
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate
- Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect
4. How competitive the job market is
In highly competitive industries, standing out is essential, and every edge you have can make a difference.
If you’re entering a job market where many candidates have similar work experience, including your magna cum laude distinction can help set you apart.
This is especially true if you’re competing for entry-level positions where employers are looking for candidates who’ve demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their academic careers.
For example, if you’re applying to a top consulting firm or a prestigious law firm, where the applicant pool is large and highly qualified, including magna cum laude can be a differentiating factor.
Example: If you’re a new graduate applying for an entry-level consulting position, here’s how you might include magna cum laude to emphasize your academic rigor:
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, GHI University, 2023
Magna Cum Laude
Relevant coursework: Corporate Finance, International Economics, Econometrics
5. Employer preferences and company culture
Lastly, consider the preferences of the employer and the company culture.
Some companies place a high value on academic credentials, particularly those in fields that are traditionally performance-driven or research-based.
In these environments, employers may see academic honors as a testament to your discipline and intellectual abilities.
On the other hand, more creative or innovative companies may prioritize experience, creativity, and practical skills over formal educational accolades.
Researching the company’s values and the kind of candidates they typically hire can help you decide whether magna cum laude should make it onto your resume.
If the company’s website or job posting emphasizes educational achievement, it’s a good idea to include it.
However, if they focus more on soft skills or experience, consider focusing on what the company values most.
Example: For a data scientist role at a research-driven organization, your magna cum laude distinction would align with the employer’s focus on analytical skills and academic excellence:
Education
Bachelor of Science in Data Science, JKL University, 2022
Magna Cum Laude
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Dean’s List: Fall 2021, Spring 2022
Conclusion: Weighing the pros and cons
All in all, including magna cum laude on your resume can be a valuable asset. However, it’s not always necessary or appropriate depending on the role and your career stage.
Consider how relevant your academic honors are to the job you’re applying for, how long it has been since you graduated, and how much space you have on your resume.
You should also assess how competitive the job market is and the employer’s preferences.
Once you carefully weigh these factors, you’ll be able to make a strategic decision that highlights your strengths while keeping your resume tailored to the job.
Here’s a quick recap of when to include magna cum laude on your resume:
- The job highly values academic achievements.
- You’re a recent graduate with limited work experience.
- You have enough space on your resume without sacrificing key information.
- The job market is competitive, and any distinction helps.
- The employer or industry has a preference for candidates with strong academic credentials.
Yes, your academic honors when it makes sense can help set you apart from other candidates.
But remember, it’s just one part of your overall qualifications. So balance it with the skills, experiences, and achievements that make you the best fit for the role.