get a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get a degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to obtaining a college degree, either through formal studies or through independent study. For example, you could say "I decided I wanted to get a degree in psychology, so I started taking classes at the local college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

You can't get a degree.

The Washington Post

Who was I to get a degree?

The Washington Post

Then, go to college and get a degree.

The New York Times

Go to school and do something constructive.... Get a degree".

The New Yorker

There are sound economic reasons to get a degree.

The Guardian - Opinion

We sent Ron there to get a degree.

The New York Times - Sports

Dancing – "You can get a degree in dancing.

Stanford University

I managed to get a degree in history.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Even if I get a degree, I will still be illegal," she said dejectedly.

The New York Times

I'm just not sure that the idea that 'everyone should get a degree' is exactly realistic.

The New Yorker

Currently, a little less than half of community college students get a degree or transfer.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific fields of study, follow "get a degree" with "in + field". Example: "get a degree in engineering".

Common error

Avoid using "of" instead of "in" when specifying the field of study. It's "get a degree in psychology", not "get a degree of psychology".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get a degree" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of obtaining an academic qualification. It's commonly used to express the desire, intention, or process of achieving a degree, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

23%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get a degree" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe obtaining an academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to academia and general conversations. Key alternatives include "obtain a degree" and "earn a degree". Remember to use "in" rather than "of" when specifying the field of study (e.g., "get a degree in biology"). With its frequent appearance in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post, using "get a degree" is a clear and effective way to discuss educational achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtain a degree

Replaces "get" with the more formal verb "obtain".

earn a degree

Focuses on the effort and achievement involved in obtaining the degree.

receive a degree

Highlights the act of being awarded the degree.

acquire a degree

Implies gaining possession of the degree through study.

complete a degree

Emphasizes the completion of the degree program.

graduate with a degree

Specifically mentions graduating with the degree qualification.

secure a degree

Focuses on successfully obtaining the degree.

attain a degree

A more formal way of saying "get a degree".

be awarded a degree

Highlights the formal process of being given a degree.

take a degree

Alternative construction with similar intent

FAQs

What does "get a degree" mean?

The phrase "get a degree" means to successfully complete a course of study at a college or university and be awarded an academic degree.

How can I use "get a degree" in a sentence?

You can use "get a degree" in a sentence like, "She decided to "obtain a degree" in biology after working in a lab for a summer".

What are some alternatives to "get a degree"?

Some alternatives to "get a degree" include "earn a degree", "obtain a degree", and "receive a degree".

Is it better to say "get a degree" or "have a degree"?

"Get a degree" refers to the action of earning the degree, while "have a degree" refers to possessing it. For example, "I want to get a degree in medicine", and "I have a degree in law".