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How to List a Double Major for ATS Resume Scanning

Published June 15, 2026

How to List a Double Major for ATS Resume Scanning

Why Proper Formatting of Your Double Major Matters for ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems scan your resume before a human ever reads it. If your double major is not formatted correctly, the ATS may misread your credentials or fail to match them to job requirements. Getting this right can mean the difference between landing an interview and being filtered out automatically.

The Standard Format for Listing a Double Major

The most ATS-friendly way to list a double major follows this structure:

Using the word "and" between your two majors is the safest approach. ATS systems universally recognize this connector and will parse both fields of study correctly.

Formatting Options That Work with ATS

Option 1: Single Line Format

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry

Option 2: Explicit Double Major Label

Double Major: Marketing and International Business

Option 3: Separate Lines

Major: Economics
Major: Political Science

Formats to Avoid for ATS Compatibility

Certain formatting choices can confuse ATS parsers and cause your double major to be misread or ignored entirely:

Where to Place Your Double Major on the Resume

Your education section should appear either at the top of your resume if you are a recent graduate or near the bottom if you have significant work experience. A properly structured education entry looks like this:

University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics
Graduated: May 2023 | GPA: 3.8

Using Keywords from Both Majors

One of the biggest advantages of a double major is having keywords from two different fields. Make sure you:

Testing Your Resume Against ATS

After formatting your double major, use a free ATS resume checker to confirm both majors are being read correctly. Upload your resume and review how the parser categorizes your education section. Make adjustments until both majors appear as separate, recognized fields of study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use a slash or the word 'and' when listing a double major for ATS?

Always use the word "and" rather than a slash. Writing "Biology and Chemistry" ensures ATS systems recognize both majors as separate fields of study. A slash like "Biology/Chemistry" may cause the parser to read only one major or misinterpret the entry entirely.

Does listing a double major help or hurt me with ATS systems?

Listing a double major generally helps because it provides more keywords that can match job requirements. However, formatting errors can cause problems. When done correctly, a double major increases the chances that your resume matches searches in two different fields.

Should I list both degree types if my double major leads to two separate degrees?

Yes. If your institution awarded two separate degrees, list each one on its own line. For example, list "Bachelor of Science in Computer Science" on one line and "Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy" on the next. This ensures both degrees are fully captured by the ATS parser.

Where exactly in the education section should I mention my double major?

Place your double major information directly below the university name, on the degree line. Do not bury it in a description or notes field. ATS systems prioritize the degree line when parsing education credentials, so your majors need to appear there to be reliably captured.

Can I abbreviate my double major fields on an ATS resume?

It is best to avoid abbreviations in the education section. Spell out full field names like "Computer Science" rather than "CS" to ensure the ATS recognizes the keyword. If a job posting uses an abbreviation, you can include both the full name and abbreviation in your skills section for maximum keyword coverage.

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