College Resume Examples and Templates
20 Best Graduate School Resume Examples and Templates for 2025
By Andrew Stoner
, Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Last Updated:
December 13, 2025
With universities experiencing budget cuts and uncertain economic conditions, competition for graduate school programs has never been higher. To give yourself the best chance of receiving an acceptance letter, you need an engaging resume that tells a cohesive story. Your document should capture your academic accomplishments and research experience. It should also convey your intellectual curiosity and genuine passion for your field of study. In this guide, we’ll provide expert tips and insights to help you craft a powerful resume for graduate school applications.
Key takeaways:
- Showcase your academic achievements: Highlight academic projects, research experience, and teaching experience to show admission committees that you’re ready to pursue a Ph.D or master’s degree
- Highlight extracurriculars and volunteerism: Feature extracurricular activities and volunteer work to help universities better understand who you are as a person.
- Optimize for the ATS: Incorporate language, terminology, and keywords from the program’s description to achieve compliance with applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Most Popular Graduate School Resumes
Public Policy Analyst Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Taylor’s resume is focused, relevant, and well-organized. It prioritizes academic depth while also showing initiative through two professional roles tied to civic education and engagement. By leading with impactful teaching and organizing experience, Taylor proves their ability to connect research and real-world outcomes. The academic projects section showcases independent research with measurable results—ideal for graduate school reviewers.
Key Tips:
- Show impact through detail: Taylor’s bullets go beyond tasks to show how each role supported broader goals. For more ideas on crafting strong bullet points, check out Work Experience on a Resume.
- Elevate academic work: By treating capstones and seminar projects with the same weight as jobs, this resume emphasizes readiness for advanced study. Learn more at How to List Your Education on a Resume.
Clinical Psychology Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
This resume shines with its emphasis on technical detail and analytical depth—qualities valued in clinical psychology. Both academic projects show ownership of research, from design to analysis. The student demonstrates intellectual maturity and readiness for advanced study.
Key Tips:
- Use project names with context: Naming tools like GAD-7 and including study sizes shows legitimacy. For more tips, visit How to Write a Resume With No Experience.
Environmental Policy Candidate Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jordan’s resume reflects how academic work can intersect with real-world community issues. The use of tools like GIS and the strong integration of equity concerns make this resume compelling to graduate programs focused on environmental justice.
Key Tips:
- Highlight technical tools: When using ArcGIS, QGIS, or R, list them clearly in both the skills and project descriptions. Learn more at Resume Keywords.
Data Science Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s resume offers clear examples of hands-on project work with advanced tools. They demonstrate initiative through an independent GitHub-published project and applied theory through machine learning. This balance is ideal for technical graduate programs.
Key Tips:
- Include tech stack: Don’t assume reviewers know what tools you used. Be specific, especially for solo projects. See more at Technical Skills in IT Resume.
Sociology and Education Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Casey’s resume takes on complex educational issues through data and lived experience. By pairing qualitative interviews with policy implications, they show depth and social awareness—both crucial for graduate work in education or sociology.
Key Tips:
- Let research speak for you: Good project summaries don’t just say “analyzed data” — they explain how and why. More advice at Resume Job Description.
Bioinformatics Graduate School Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume showcases technical mastery and practical application. It includes real tools used in academic bioinformatics and avoids vague claims. The clarity of their project summaries signals both capability and communication skills.
Key Tips:
- Be precise with technical work: Reviewers in STEM programs expect specificity. Check out Hard Skills for Resume for more examples of effective wording.
Social Work Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Public Health Applicant Resume Example
Urban Planning Candidate Resume Example
English Literature Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Anthropology Graduate School Applicant Resume Example
Data Science Graduate School Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Morgan’s resume is a clear example of how to showcase coding and analytics experience through well-structured projects. The content explains what was done and why it mattered, with just the right amount of technical detail.
Key Tips:
- Use structured project names and tools to guide the reader. Learn how at Resume Keywords.
Counseling Psychology Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Casey’s resume balances data-driven research with emotional insight, making it ideal for a counseling program. Each project explains what was studied and how it relates to real-world applications.
Key Tips:
- When describing research, don’t just say what you did—share why it mattered. See examples at How to Write Your First Job Resume.
Environmental Science Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume highlights both research and real-world environmental education, making it stand out for programs that value applied science. The project descriptions give depth and purpose to the academic experience.
Key Tips:
- Academic work can be outreach too—highlight your audience and impact. More tips at Resume Job Description.
International Relations Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jordan’s resume communicates a clear policy focus and thoughtful global perspective. With well-developed project bullets and defined outcomes, it’s a standout for graduate admissions.
Key Tips:
- Use regional or international context to show depth of understanding. Learn more at Resume Objective Examples.
Statistics Graduate School Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Pat’s resume showcases a strong quantitative mindset and real-world application of models. Each project is clear about methodology, tools used, and meaningful outcomes—great for grad schools seeking evidence of statistical rigor.
Key Tips:
- Use data in your project descriptions, but keep explanations readable. Learn how at How to Use Bullet Points on a Resume Effectively.
Education Policy Graduate School Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Jamie’s resume connects classroom realities to policy-level thinking, which is exactly what education-focused grad programs look for. Each project shows both depth and relevance in today’s educational climate.
Key Tips:
- Translate education language into action-oriented bullets. Find guidance at Resume Action Words.
Museum Studies Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Drew’s resume offers a rich blend of storytelling and technical skill. It reads like a preview of the kind of engaged, thoughtful museum professional they aim to become—ideal for a competitive museum studies program.
Key Tips:
- Don’t underestimate creative or visual work—describe your process and purpose. Learn how at Resume Personal Statement Examples.
Computational Linguistics Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Alex’s resume captures both linguistic understanding and computational skill. The technical projects show creativity and capability without overwhelming the reader—perfect for programs bridging language and machine learning.
Key Tips:
- Always define the scope of your technical work for non-specialist readers. Find more guidance at Technical Skills in IT Resume.
Urban Planning Graduate Program Applicant Resume Example
Why This Resume Is a Great Example
Riley’s resume makes a compelling case for their interest in sustainable and equitable city planning. The GIS and policy-oriented projects directly align with what top urban planning programs look for in applicants.
Key Tips:
- Urban planning work often combines maps and policy—highlight both when possible. More ideas at What To Put on a Resume.
Graduate School Text-Only Resume Examples and Templates
How To Write a Graduate School Resume Example
As a graduate school applicant, you already understand what it takes to craft an academic essay or conduct a research experiment. These require careful planning and structure, which is also true for your resume. A professional template provides a clear layout that allows you to present your academic background and qualifications effectively. Opt for a straightforward design that prioritizes content over aesthetics, as you don’t want to distract the reader with unnecessary visual elements. Be sure that your resume includes the following sections:
- Contact information
- Profile
- Key skills
- Professional experience
- Education and certifications
- Research
1. Share your contact information
Provide your full name, phone number, email address, city, state, and links to your LinkedIn or academic portfolio. Carefully review the accuracy of your information to ensure admissions committees can easily reach out to schedule a meeting.
Example:
Your Name
[email protected] | (123) 456-7890 | City, ST | LinkedIn | Portfolio
2. Write a compelling profile summarizing your graduate school qualifications
The opening summary is one of the most crucial parts of your resume. It needs to be engaging and impactful, providing a compelling glimpse into who you are as a graduate school candidate. In the first sentence, highlight your title, field of study, and key areas of expertise. Use the remainder of your paragraph to highlight your academic achievements and long-term goals. For example, if you’re pursuing a neuroscience program, you might emphasize your interest in performing research to develop new therapies for autism spectrum disorders.
Graduate-Level Profile Example:
Research-driven psychology graduate with three years of lab experience in cognitive neuroscience and strong academic performance in behavioral statistics and experimental design. Passionate about exploring memory and attention and pursuing doctoral study to contribute to early intervention strategies in educational settings.
Entry-Level Profile Example:
Recent sociology graduate with a strong academic record and coursework in qualitative research methods, ethics, and social theory. Seeking admission to a graduate program to advance research on public policy and social inequality.
3. Highlight academic projects and professional experience
Whether you’ve worked as a research assistant for five years or recently completed a bachelor’s degree, your resume needs to be accomplishment-driven. Use your bullet points to provide engaging descriptions of your academic projects, essays, and research. If you have hands-on experience in your field, focus on highlighting the impact of your contributions. Explore unique aspects of your academic or professional career that will pique decision-makers’ interest.
Experienced Professional Example:
Research Assistant, Center for Child Development, Philadelphia, PA | September 2021 to present
- Designed and administered surveys for a longitudinal study of early childhood language acquisition
- Presented findings at regional psychology conference, receiving honorable mention for undergraduate research
- Analyzed data from 300+ participants using SPSS and R to identify developmental patterns and linguistic milestones
Entry-Level Professional Experience Example:
Peer Tutor, Academic Resource Center, Lancaster, PA | January 2022 to May 2023
- Delivered weekly one-on-one tutoring in introductory biology and chemistry for up to 10 students per semester, reinforcing key concepts and study strategies
- Collaborated with faculty to align tutoring strategies with course learning objectives resulting in increased student comprehension
- Earned a 98% student satisfaction rating based on end-of-semester feedback surveys, reflecting strong communication and instructional effectiveness
Resume writer’s tip: Quantify your experience
Incorporate hard numbers and metrics whenever possible to add greater depth to your bullets. For example, if you taught in the classroom, include the number of students. If you supported a major research project, highlight the budget to establish a sense of scope for the reader.
Do:
- “Published a co-authored article in the campus psychology journal based on a year-long qualitative study of social perception in adolescents”
Don’t:
- “Assisted with research on psychology topics and wrote a paper”
Resume writer’s tip: Tailor your resume for each application
To give yourself the best acceptance odds, you need to customize your resume for each graduate school application. Take time to carefully analyze the program’s description, incorporating keywords and academic terminology that align with the school’s focus. For instance, if you’re targeting a program centered around continental philosophy, you might emphasize your advanced knowledge of Wittgenstein and Kierkegaard.
What if you don’t have experience?
You don’t need a research position or full-time job to build a strong graduate school resume. Demonstrate your passion and knowledge by exploring your most impressive academic projects. Highlight internships, extracurriculars, associations, and volunteer work to showcase your other unique qualities and interests.
4. Include relevant education and certifications
Since education is the focal point for graduate applicants, this section should be detailed and placed near the top if you’re a current student or recent graduate. Include your academic honors, GPA, relevant coursework, theses, or capstone projects. If you have industry experience already, highlight your certifications in a separate section.
Education Template:
Template:
[Degree Name], [School Name], [City, ST]
Thesis/Capstone: [Project title] (if applicable)
Example:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science | May 2025
University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh, PA
Capstone: “Media Influence on Voter Turnout Among First-Time Voters”
Certifications
Template:
[Certification Name], [Awarding Organization] | [Completion Year]
Example:
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate | International TEFL Academy | June 2023
Human Subjects Research Training | CITI Program | August 2022
5. List pertinent key skills
Universities rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) just like any other organization. To pass through the initial screening phase, you need a comprehensive list of skills that contains keywords from the program description. Highlight a wide variety of academic terms, coursework, and research types to show committees that you have a strong foundational knowledge of your field. Below, you’ll find examples of skills for your graduate school resume:
| Key skills | |
|---|---|
| Academic research | Academic writing |
| APA or MLA formatting | Biology |
| Data analysis | Data science |
| Grant writing | Interviewing techniques |
| Lab procedures | Literature reviews |
| Neuroscience | Project management |
| Psychology | Public speaking |
| Qualitative research | Quantitative research |
| SPSS | Statistical modeling |
| Survey design | Teaching assistance |
| Tutoring | |
Resume writer’s tip: Use common action verbs
Incorporating action verbs is a great way to add a dynamic and engaging element to your writing. Proactive language allows you to convey initiative and take ownership of your academic and professional achievements. For instance, say you worked with a team to execute a research project. You could say you were “responsible for analyzing data to assist the team during a pharmaceutical research project” but this feels passive and lacking. Stating that you “collaborated with a diverse laboratory team and performed complex data analysis to support a major pharmaceutical research project” feels much stronger.
| Action verbs | |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Analyzed |
| Collaborated | Composed |
| Conducted | Coordinated |
| Created | Designed |
| Developed | Drove |
| Evaluated | Facilitated |
| Identified | Implemented |
| Led | Managed |
| Organized | Performed |
| Presented | Researched |
| Synthesized | Taught |
| Wrote | |
How To Pick the Best Graduate School Resume Template
Choose a simple, well-organized template that prioritizes readability and clarity. Graduate admissions readers spend just seconds scanning resumes. Use clear section headers, consistent formatting, and no distracting visuals. Academic and professional achievements should stand out—not the design.
Stick to the reverse chronological format to highlight your most recent experience and education. For programs emphasizing research, consider leading with education and academic projects.
Frequently Asked Questions: Graduate School Resume Examples and Advice
How do you align your resume with a graduate school program?
Findings from a study by the Council of Graduate Schools in 2023 showed an increase in graduate school applications. Data also showed a decrease in enrollments, which indicates that competition for these openings is incredibly high. To maximize your chances of being accepted into graduate school, it's essential to align your resume with the program description. Start by exploring the program curriculum, faculty biographies, and the university website to understand how your academic background and goals align with the school's priorities.
For example, say you're pursuing a doctoral degree in public health at a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In this situation, you might emphasize your commitment to developing public health programs to support underserved communities.
What is the best graduate school resume format?
If you already have industry experience, the reverse chronological format is the clear choice. This approach places your most recent work history towards the top of your document, allowing the reader to quickly view your career progression and accomplishments. For most graduate school applicants, a combination format is the better option, as it prioritizes your academic projects, research, and extracurriculars to compensate for a lack of hands-on experience.
Expert advice:
Include a cover letter with your resume
Your graduate school application should always include a personalized cover letter. This is your opportunity to speak to the committee directly, conveying your enthusiasm for the opportunity. A cover letter also allows you to explore unique details about your background that you wouldn’t normally include on a resume. For instance, you might mention that your passion for autism research stems from your personal experiences supporting a family member with ASD.
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Executive Resume Writer and Career Coach
Andrew Stoner is an executive career coach and resume writer with 17 years of experience as a hiring manager and operations leader at two Fortune 500 Financial Services companies, and as the career services director at two major university business schools.
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