Presenting an almost completed college degree

Dear Sam: I have almost completed my college degree, but the last 5-week class I need is not offered until spring. I want to put on my resume that graduation will be April 2008 (pending completion of the class I still need to take). Is this acceptable? Is there anything else I can put that basically says I am not in classes now, but can't take the last class until spring? – Jason

Dear Jason: Yes, it is absolutely appropriate to include an upcoming degree, I would note as follows:

College Name, City, State
Bachelor of Arts, anticipated April 2008
~ Enrolled in last 5-week class spring 2008

You may also want to put a very brief explanation in your cover letter to make sure the hiring manager understands your situation. This could read, “While I have completed the majority of my degree program, the last class in the [major/minor] sequence is not offered until spring, therefore I will receive my undergraduate degree this coming April.” Congratulations.