A curriculum vitae (or CV) is Latin for "life course." The CV is a type of resume. The curriculum vitae differs from a standard resume in that it places great emphasis on one’s academic achievements. CVs are generally quite detailed as opposed to the brevity expected in a standard resume. A CV should be used when applying for further academic schooling, such as graduate school, or seeking a professional position in academia, such as a professorship.

Type your name and address at the top of the CV. Center it using a standard font. Record your educational background. Include any degrees, such a bachelor's or master’s degree. Include the date the degree was obtained as well as the institution where you received the degree. List any awards you may have received as well as any fellowships you may have been granted.

List the title and topic of any dissertation you have completed. Detailed descriptions of the subject are fine in this section. An html link or the name of your website can be inserted in this section. Mention your website only if it is professional rather than personal.

Write down your areas of specialization. This can include any area that you have a special interest in even if you have not done any work in that particular area. You may also mention areas of specific interest that you would like to teach, such as cellular microbiology or nursing pharmacology.

Tell the reader about your teaching and research experience as well. Mention any publications that have accepted your articles in the past or any that are going to be published. Works in progress may also be described.

List any languages you speak, read or write fluently. In this section you can name your professional references directly.