Completed a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Completed a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the successful attainment of an academic degree from an educational institution. Example: "After years of hard work, I finally completed a degree in biology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Creek completed a degree and rebuilt her life.

The Guardian

Before that, Cocksedge, 25, completed a degree in industrial design at Sheffield Hallam University.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This year he completed a degree in archaeology, with Egyptology as his specialty, at Rome University.

The New York Times - Arts

Almost three-quarters of those who completed a degree had household incomes above $35,000.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, she completed a degree in psychology (2007) at the University of Sheffield.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More recently she completed a degree in classical composition from City College in New York.

The New York Times - Arts

Joseph Donaldson, 21, has just completed a degree in music at Goldsmiths University.

Independent

Many novels let themselves down when the young narrator talks as if they've just completed a degree in psychology.

The Guardian - Books

Sollecito completed a degree in computer science through the University of Perugia while in prison in 2008.

The Guardian

So I enrolled on a one-year foundation course in theology, then completed a degree in applied theology.

The Guardian - Music

Carmen Ramos Chandler, the university's director of media relations, said that he had completed a degree in business administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "completed a degree", specify the field of study for greater clarity. For example, "completed a degree in engineering" is more informative than simply "completed a degree".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "She completed a degree". Always specify the subject or major to provide context and relevance, such as "She completed a degree in psychology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completed a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful attainment of an academic qualification. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts to describe educational achievements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science & Research

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completed a degree" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote the successful attainment of an academic qualification. As supported by Ludwig, it is considered correct and appropriate for use across various contexts, ranging from news media to academic writing. While alternatives like "earned a degree" or "obtained a degree" exist, "completed a degree" remains a clear and effective way to communicate this achievement. Remember to specify the field of study for enhanced clarity and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Earned a degree

Uses a different verb to indicate the successful attainment of a degree.

Obtained a degree

Employs a different verb with a similar meaning to 'completed'.

Graduated with a degree

Highlights the act of graduation as the completion point.

Received a degree

Focuses on the act of being awarded the degree.

Was awarded a degree

Passive voice emphasizing the awarding of the degree.

Finished their degree

Uses 'finished' to indicate the completion of degree studies.

Acquired a degree

Suggests gaining or acquiring knowledge and skills to get a degree.

Successfully graduated

Highlights the success in graduating from a degree program.

Fulfilled the requirements for a degree

Focuses on meeting the necessary criteria for degree completion.

Passed their degree

Indicates the successful passing of all elements of a degree program.

FAQs

What's the difference between "earned a degree" and "completed a degree"?

While both phrases are similar, "completed a degree" focuses on the action of finishing the course, whereas "earned a degree" emphasizes the effort and merit involved in obtaining the qualification.

Is it correct to say "finished a degree" instead of "completed a degree"?

"Finished a degree" is less formal but generally acceptable, especially in casual conversation. "Completed a degree" is more appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

How do I specify the type of degree when using "completed a degree"?

You can specify the type of degree by including it after the phrase, such as "completed a degree in Bachelor of Arts", "completed a degree in Master of Science", or "completed a degree in PhD".

What can I say instead of "completed a degree" to sound more professional?

Alternatives such as "obtained a degree", "acquired a degree", or "was awarded a degree" may sound more formal and professional depending on the context.