Obtained a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Obtained a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the completion of an academic program and the receipt of a degree from an educational institution. Example: "After years of hard work, she finally obtained a degree in biology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She obtained a degree in political science at the Louvre.

The New York Times

Siobhan won a place at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, where she obtained a degree in classics.

The Guardian

He obtained a degree in Petroleum Engineering from Louisiana State University (LSU).

The New York Times

He obtained a degree in humanities through the Open University degree and attended Wolfson College Cambridge.

The Guardian

She learned English in three months and later obtained a degree in political science.

The Guardian

Dwaine protested his innocence throughout his long imprisonment and obtained a degree whilst incarcerated.

The Guardian

Four years later, he obtained a degree from New York Law School.

The Washington Post

He obtained a degree from Harvard College, not Harvard Business School.

The New York Times - Magazine

Beverly Monroe, meanwhile, had grown up on a farm in South Carolina and obtained a degree in organic chemistry.

The New York Times

True, she had obtained a degree in Islamic law almost two decades earlier in her native Pakistan.

The New York Times

Though never having obtained a degree, he finished his specialist studies and went on to perform "hundreds of operations".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, specify the field of study alongside the degree, for example, "obtained a degree in Biology".

Common error

Avoid using "obtained a degree" without specifying the field of study, as it can sound incomplete. Always clarify the area of specialization unless it's clear from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obtained a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an academic program and the awarding of a degree. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "obtained a degree" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase to indicate the successful completion of an academic program. Ludwig confirms its versatility across various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. While "got a degree" is a more informal alternative, "obtained a degree" is preferred in professional settings. Remember to specify the field of study for clarity. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources, demonstrating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Earned a degree

Emphasizes the effort and work involved in achieving the degree.

Received a degree

Focuses on the act of being awarded the degree.

Graduated with a degree

Highlights the graduation ceremony and the culmination of studies.

Completed a degree

Stresses the fulfillment of all requirements for the degree.

Was awarded a degree

Similar to "received a degree" but uses a more passive voice.

Acquired a degree

Suggests gaining knowledge and skills alongside the formal qualification.

Secured a degree

Implies overcoming challenges to achieve the degree.

Finished a degree program

Focuses on the completion of the entire program of study.

Conferred a degree

Emphasizes the university's action of granting the degree.

Passed a degree

Implies successfully passing all assessments to get the degree.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "obtained a degree"?

Saying someone "obtained a degree" means they successfully completed the requirements for and were awarded an academic degree from a university or other educational institution.

What's a more formal way to say someone "obtained a degree"?

A more formal alternative is to say someone "was awarded a degree". This phrasing emphasizes the formal recognition by the institution.

Is it correct to say "got a degree" instead of "obtained a degree"?

Yes, "got a degree" is commonly used and understood, but "obtained a degree" is considered more formal and appropriate for academic or professional writing.

Which prepositions are commonly used after "obtained a degree"?

The most common preposition is "in", as in "obtained a degree in biology". You can also use "from" to specify the institution, like "obtained a degree from Harvard University".