Obtain a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obtain a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the process of earning an academic qualification from an educational institution. Example: "After years of hard work and dedication, I am proud to finally obtain a degree in engineering."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obtain a degree from a prestige school.

Los Angeles Times

Obtain a degree in a specific subject.

WikiHow

Obtain a degree in interior design from an accredited program.

WikiHow

6) Higher education: Labour 75% of 18- to 30-year-olds to obtain a degree or an advanced apprenticeship.

The Guardian

Apart from legitimately graduating from a university, there are only two ways to obtain a degree certificate.

The Guardian

Such students may seek to transfer to MIT and obtain a degree.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Some people get bursaries, some do on-the-job routes that are paid, but most get into debt to obtain a degree and their teaching qualification.

The Guardian - Opinion

They suggest that people who have happier childhoods are more likely to obtain a degree and a job, have higher degrees of optimism and extraversion, and less neuroticism.

The Guardian

At Cambridge (where he failed to obtain a degree) his career as a critic began with a review of the premiere of Vaughan Williams's The Poisoned Kiss.

The Guardian

Treatment worked for me, and I went on to obtain a degree in social work and have, since then, helped thousands of people like me overcome their addictions.

The New York Times

"How is it possible in one university or in one subject to obtain a degree with so much less effort than is required in another university or subject?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing academically or professionally, "obtain a degree" is a suitable choice. In more casual contexts, consider alternatives like "get a degree" or "earn a degree".

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "obtain a degree" in casual conversation can sound overly formal. Vary your language to include more conversational options like "get a degree".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Obtain a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of successfully completing the requirements for and being awarded an academic degree. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

26%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

13%

Science & Research

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obtain a degree" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression referring to the act of successfully completing and receiving an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though alternatives may be preferred for casual conversation. Its prevalence across news, academic, and business sources indicates its general applicability. While "obtain a degree" is a solid choice for formal writing, varying your language with options like "earn a degree" or "get a degree" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Earn a degree

More common and slightly less formal alternative.

Acquire a degree

Similar meaning but implies a more active role in the acquisition.

Receive a degree

Focuses on the act of being awarded the degree.

Get a degree

More informal and conversational.

Secure a degree

Emphasizes the effort and competition involved.

Complete a degree

Highlights the act of finishing the degree program.

Graduate with a degree

Focuses on the graduation aspect and the result of earning a degree.

Attain a degree

More formal and less commonly used.

Achieve a degree

Similar to "attain", emphasizing accomplishment.

Obtain certification

Broader term encompassing professional certifications.

FAQs

How to use "Obtain a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "obtain a degree" when referring to the process of earning an academic qualification. For example: "Many students work hard to "obtain a degree" in their chosen field."

What can I say instead of "Obtain a degree"?

Alternatives include "earn a degree", "acquire a degree", or "get a degree" depending on the formality of the context.

Which is correct, "Obtain a degree" or "Got a degree"?

"Obtain a degree" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. "Got a degree" is acceptable in informal conversation but less appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "Obtain a degree" and "Receive a degree"?

"Obtain a degree" focuses on the effort and process of earning the degree, while "receive a degree" emphasizes the act of being awarded the degree upon completion.