earned the degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earned the degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the successful completion of an academic program that leads to a degree. Example: "After four years of hard work, she finally earned the degree in biology that she had always dreamed of."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Some 69 students earned the degree last year.

The New York Times

While teaching, she earned the degree of Master of Science from L.I.U.

The New York Times

If Occidental's goal was to make us deep thinkers with a concern for justice and community, Barack Obama earned the degree.

The New York Times

Late in life he again took up the study of law and earned the degree of Doktor juris, summa cum laude, from the University of Mainz the city from which he had been ostracized half a century earlier.

The New York Times

In 1938 he returned to Stanford, where he earned the degree of electrical engineer, and in 1939 he and William R. Hewlett established their firm in Packard's garage with capital of $538.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About a dozen states allow some Master of Law holders to qualify for the bar exam, but in New York, those with master's degrees are not eligible if they earned the degree online.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

All Yale gave Thomas was the opportunity; he had to earn the degree.

The Washington Post

Depending on the major, you may earn the degree through either the College of Human Ecology or the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Cornell University

The total tuition cost of earning the degree is approximately $33,000.

Harvard University

After which, you'll have nine more courses to take to earn the degree.

Harvard University

He worked briefly at Baldwin Piano and then entered the M.I.T. doctorate program, earning the degree in 1964; he never left.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "earned the degree", clearly specify the field of study or the type of degree (e.g., "earned the degree in engineering" or "earned a master's degree"). This provides more context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "earned the degree". For example, do not say "earned the degree on engineering"; instead, use "earned the degree in engineering".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earned the degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the successful completion of an academic program. It describes the action of achieving a degree through effort and study. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is indeed usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earned the degree" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the successful completion of an academic program. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in various contexts, primarily in academia, news, and science. The phrase emphasizes the effort and achievement involved in obtaining a degree. Related phrases, such as "obtained a degree" or "received a degree", offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to specify the field of study when using the phrase to provide clarity and avoid incorrect preposition usage. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively use "earned the degree" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtained a degree

Uses "obtained" instead of "earned", implying a more general acquisition.

received a degree

Replaces "earned" with "received", focusing on the act of being given the degree.

completed degree requirements

Focuses on fulfilling the necessary requirements rather than the act of earning.

graduated with a degree

Highlights the graduation aspect, implying successful completion of studies.

was awarded a degree

Emphasizes the awarding of the degree by an institution.

fulfilled degree requirements

Focuses on the fulfillment of requirements as the method of acquiring the degree.

secured a degree

Implies that the degree was earned in a competitive environment.

achieved degree completion

Emphasizes the accomplishment of completing the degree.

qualified with a degree

Highlights the qualification aspect of earning the degree.

attained a degree

Presents the acquisition of the degree as an achievement or attainment.

FAQs

What is another way to say "earned the degree"?

You can use alternatives like "obtained a degree", "received a degree", or "graduated with a degree" depending on the context.

How do I use "earned the degree" in a sentence?

Use "earned the degree" to indicate that someone has successfully completed the requirements for and received an academic degree. For example: "She "earned the degree" in biology after four years of study."

Is it correct to say "earned a degree" instead of "earned the degree"?

Both "earned a degree" and "earned the degree" are grammatically correct. "Earned a degree" is more general, while "earned the degree" typically refers to a specific degree that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context.

What is the difference between "earned the degree" and "was awarded the degree"?

"Earned the degree" emphasizes the effort and work put in to obtain the degree, while "was awarded the degree" focuses on the official recognition and granting of the degree by an institution.