complete a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of finishing an academic program or course of study at a college or university. Example: "After four years of hard work, I am proud to say that I will complete my degree in biology this spring."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

About a year ago, at 39, she resolved to complete a degree.

The New York Times

It allows six years to complete a degree program.

The New York Times - Sports

I would never complete a degree while knocking at death's door.

The New York Times

That raises questions about how he will complete a degree even if he does attend classes.

The New York Times - Health

He returned to Oxford in 1946 to complete a degree in English.

The Guardian - Music

Teen mothers are less likely to complete a degree, says Borchelt, which in turn impacts their lifelong earning potential.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I don't regret the choice to go to college later in life and complete a degree, despite the debt.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if students never complete a degree, the fact that they went to college is largely irrelevant.

The Washington Post

But the very fact a candidate has managed to complete a degree – even an arts degree – tells a story.

Independent

But for graduate students in the humanities, it takes, on average, more than nine years to complete a degree.

The New York Times

This is a preferred route for candidates who want to complete a degree and get QTS at the same time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about academic achievements, using "complete a degree" is suitable for general contexts. For more emphasis on effort, consider "earn a degree".

Common error

Avoid using "complete a degree" when referring to merely enrolling in a degree program. Completion indicates the successful finishing of the program, not just initial participation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete a degree" functions as a verb phrase where "complete" is the main verb and "a degree" serves as the direct object. This indicates the action of finishing an academic program. Ludwig confirms this by providing numerous examples of its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete a degree" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe the successful finishing of an academic program. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's versatile, appearing in news, academic writing, and general discussions. While alternatives like "earn a degree" and "obtain a degree" exist, "complete a degree" is direct and widely understood. Remember that completion signifies finishing all requirements, not just enrollment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

earn a degree

Emphasizes the effort and achievement involved in obtaining a degree.

obtain a degree

Focuses on the act of gaining or acquiring a degree.

receive a degree

Highlights the formal conferral of a degree upon graduation.

graduate with a degree

Specifies the act of graduating while also earning a degree.

finish a degree program

Highlights the end of the program, indicating completion.

attain a degree

Similar to obtain, focusing on the achievement of reaching degree status.

secure a degree

Implies a competitive aspect in obtaining the degree, as if it were difficult to get.

achieve a degree

Highlights accomplishment.

undertake a degree

Focuses on the endeavor and commitment involved in pursuing a degree.

procure a degree

Implies a careful or deliberate effort to get a degree.

FAQs

What does it mean to "complete a degree"?

To "complete a degree" means to successfully finish all the required coursework and meet all the requirements to be awarded an academic degree from a college or university.

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

You can use alternatives like "earn a degree", "obtain a degree", or "graduate with a degree" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "complete a degree" or "earn a degree"?

Both "complete a degree" and "earn a degree" are correct. "Complete a degree" focuses on finishing the requirements, while "earn a degree" emphasizes the effort and achievement involved.

How long does it typically take to "complete a degree"?

The time to "complete a degree" varies. An associate's degree usually takes two years, a bachelor's degree four years, a master's degree one to three years, and a doctoral degree four to seven years after a bachelor's degree.