The term “curriculum vitae” is Latin for “course of life,” meaning an academic curriculum vitae (CV) details your journey through academia and your professional career.
Unlike a standard resume, an academic CV provides an extensive list of your educational background, publications, awards, research, and teaching experiences in academia. CVs are generally needed when applying for graduate school or a higher education position.
In this article, we explore the distinctions between an academic CV and a resume, provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a CV, and offer a template to help you begin.
An academic curriculum vitae (CV) should emphasize your research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards, and any other relevant details that demonstrate you are the ideal candidate for a faculty or research position at a college or university.
When crafting an academic CV, it is important to understand which sections to include and how to structure the document effectively.
Tips for Writing an Academic CV
- Consider Length: Unlike resumes and some other CVs, academic CVs can be of any length to include all relevant publications, conferences, fellowships, etc. However, if a specific job listing mentions a page limit for your CV, ensure you adhere to it.
- Focus on Structure: Structure is more important than length. Place the most crucial information at the top, such as your education, employment history, and publications. You might also add a personal statement to make your CV stand out. List experiences in reverse chronological order within each section.
- Tailor to Your Audience: Customize your CV for the university or department you are applying to. If the department values publications over teaching for tenure and promotion decisions, prioritize your publications. Conversely, if applying to a community college that values quality instruction, emphasize your teaching accomplishments first.
- Seek Field-specific Feedback: Consult someone in your field for advice on structuring your CV. Different academic departments have varying expectations for CVs. Ask successful colleagues if they can share sample CVs to help you craft a compelling one.
- Ensure Readability: Keep your CV uncluttered with ample margins (about 1 inch on all sides) and space between sections. Use bullet points for listing courses taught or other experiences to enhance readability. Use an easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman, in 12-pt size.
- Maintain Consistency: Ensure consistency in formatting throughout your CV. If you bold one section title, bold all section titles. Consistency helps readers navigate and understand your CV more easily.
- Edit Carefully: Your CV should reflect professionalism and polish. Proofread it meticulously to eliminate any spelling or grammar errors. Have a friend or family member review it as well.
By making your CV clear, consistent, and well-structured, you increase the likelihood that an employer will give it careful consideration.
Academic Curriculum Vitae Format
This CV format provides a framework for creating your academic CV. Customize the sections and their order to suit your field and the job you are applying for.
Note: Some sections may not be relevant to your field, so feel free to remove any that don’t apply.
CONTACT INFORMATION
- Name
- Address
- City, State Zip Code
- Telephone
- Cell Phone
SUMMARY STATEMENT
This section is optional. Include a brief list highlighting your candidacy’s key points.
EDUCATION
List your academic background, including undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. For each degree, provide:
- Institution
- Location
- Degree
- Date of Graduation
- Dissertation or Thesis Title (if applicable)
- Advisors (if applicable)
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
List your employment history in reverse chronological order, including position details and dates. You may divide this into sections relevant to your field, such as “Teaching Experience” and “Administrative Experience.”
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
List any postdoctoral, research, and/or clinical experiences, if applicable.
FELLOWSHIPS / GRANTS
List internships and fellowships, including:
- Organization
- Title
- Dates
- Grants (include the amount awarded, if applicable)
HONORS / AWARDS
Include any awards related to your work.
CONFERENCES / TALKS
List any presentations (including poster presentations) or invited talks you have given. Also, mention any conferences or panels you have organized.
SERVICE
Include any service you have provided to your department, such as:
- Advising students
- Serving as department chair
- Providing administrative assistance
LICENSES / CERTIFICATION
List:
- Type of License/Certification
- Date Received
PUBLICATIONS / BOOKS
Include all publications, such as:
- Books
- Book Chapters
- Articles
- Book Reviews Provide full details for each publication, including:
- Title
- Journal Title
- Date of Publication
- Page Numbers (if applicable)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
List any professional organizations you belong to and note if you hold any board positions.
SKILLS / INTERESTS
This optional section can highlight relevant skills and interests, such as:
- Foreign language proficiency
- Web design experience
REFERENCES
Depending on your field, you might include a list of references at the end of your CV.
Academic CV Example
The following is an academic CV template you can use to create a CV for graduate school or to apply for a teaching position.
John Doe
Houston, TX 77001
(987) 654-3210
johndoe@email.com
Summary Statement
I am seeking to join the University of California, Berkeley School of Graduate Studies to pursue a doctorate in Environmental Science.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Expected Fall 2024
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil – May 2021
Publications/Dissertations
Doe, J., other authors. Handbook of Wetlands, 2021. Wetlands and Ecology, Vol. 3, 10-30.
Conferences/Presentations
Oral Presentation
Doe, J., other authors. (2021, April). Wetlands and Biodiversity. Symposium on Environmental Conservation, Virtual Meeting, Houston, Texas.
Fellowships/Residencies/Grants
National Science Foundation, “Wetlands and Ecosystems,” $12,000 – 2019-2021
Honors/Awards
Rhodes Scholarship to pursue a PhD – 2019
Dean’s List – 2018
Employment History
Environmental Engineer at Green Solutions – 2019-2023
Green Solutions, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Led the implementation of eco-friendly waste management systems
- Developed comprehensive environmental impact assessments
Academic Training
Teaching Assistant, Environmental Systems
School of Engineering, University of Michigan
- Prepared lectures and interactive class activities on ecosystem dynamics for 20-30 undergraduate students.
- Created and evaluated assignments to ensure comprehension and progress.
- Recognized on the Dean’s List of Outstanding Teaching Assistants. Spring 2022
Instructor, Brazilian Ecosystems
Department of Biology, University of Michigan
- Utilized multimedia and technology to enhance teaching methods.
- Delivered complex topics through structured lessons, assignments, and discussions for 50 undergraduate students. Fall 2020 – Spring 2021
Technical Skills
- Programming Languages: Python, R, C++
- Computer-Aided Design/Engineering: ArcGIS, AutoCAD, QGIS
- Other: SPSS, Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora), Mac OS, Windows OS
References
Dr. Emily A. Thompson, Professor and Graduate Program Director
Department of Environmental Science
University of Michigan
(734) 555-1234, ethompson@umich.edu
Dr. Michael B. Green, Associate Professor
Department of Environmental Engineering
University of Michigan
(734) 555-5678, mgreen@umich.edu
Dr. Susan L. Brown, Assistant Professor
Department of Environmental Science
University of Michigan
(734) 555-9012, sbrown@umich.edu
Difference Between a CV and a Resume
While both CVs and resumes outline your major activities and achievements, a resume is more focused on professional accomplishments and work history. An academic CV, in contrast, emphasizes academic achievements and summarizes your educational background and related information.
Think of a CV as a longer, more detailed academic version of a resume. It includes your academic history, research interests, relevant work experience, publications, honors, awards, and other accomplishments. For graduate schools, a CV provides a quick overview of your background in the field and your academic potential. Ultimately, graduate schools use your academic CV to assess how likely you are to succeed as a graduate student.
Is an Academic CV Necessary for Graduate School?
Like personal statements, CVs are a common document for grad school applications (though not all programs require them). An academic CV serves the same basic purpose as a regular CV: to secure you the job you want—in this case, the position of “grad student.” Essentially, the CV is a sales pitch to grad schools, and you’re selling yourself!
In addition to your college transcripts, GRE scores, and personal statement or statement of purpose, graduate schools often require applicants to submit an academic CV. The rules for composing a CV for a Master’s or doctoral application are slightly different from those for a standard job application. Let’s take a closer look.