Whethere or not to include a degree program not completed?

Question

I have a MS in mech engineering and I stayed one more year at the same school after I got into the MS program for Computer Science. However, I didn't complete the program and ended my stay.

Should I and do I need to include this (MS CS) item in the resume/application?

jsnooky33 · Answer

I'm pretty sure all school should be included. Besides, classes in computer science should help show quantitative skill. Now, if only I could NOT include my first year of computer science... :oops:

rhyme · Answer

You could if your grades were good, but you've have to explain why you dropped out.

Hjort · Answer

If you completed coursework, you generally must include it in your application.

gmatnoob · Answer

what about "classes" i took through extension programs and community college after I was done with "formal" university degree programs?

i took the fundamental financial and managerial accounting course at a coummnity college and i took two finance courses at an extension program offered through uc berkeley.

where do i put these items on the resume?

homefry · Answer

Depends on what the B school requires and what your transcripts report.

First, if the B school doesn't require official transcripts, then you don't have to report.

But if the B school requires official transcripts and your coursework shows all the courses, you could make something up.

I don't think the transcript will show that you got into the MS for Computer Science. It'll only show the degress you received and the classes you took. Just say that after you got the degree, you wanted to take some extra bonus classes that you couldn't get while you were getting your degree.

homefry · Answer

You could put them in the actual application. I wouldn't put them on the resume, it'll just clutter things up.

Hjort · Answer

Regarding the year of CS courses, many schools require that applicant report all undergraduate and graduate level coursework regardless of whether the applicant received a degree. 

For these schools, failure to report an entire year of coursework, especially when the student intentionally omits the coursework to conceal it from the school, seems a pretty clear ethics violation.

Making up a story to conceal the true nature of the coursework does not sound like an ethical best practice either. As is often the case, an attempted coverup might lead to far more damage than stating the truth upfront. 

Penn/Wharton: 
Transcripts of all academic work completed at the baccalaureate/undergraduate level and beyond, whether or not for credit or a degree, are required. Grades or marks may be self-reported on our online transcript template, with official documents required upon admissions and matriculation.

Whethere or not to include a degree program not completed?

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