have a degree

USAGE SUMMARY

'have a degree' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the fact that someone has completed a level of education, usually a college or university program. For example, "John has a degree in computer science, so he was a great candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

I don't even have a degree.

The New York Times - Sports

I have a degree in aeronautical engineering".

Independent

"I have a degree in petrochemicals.

The Guardian - Books

"Why do you have a degree?

The Guardian - Opinion

I have a degree in Romantic poetry".

The New York Times - Arts

"I have a degree in political science.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Having a degree is ubiquitous.

Independent

He has a degree in management.

The New York Times

She had a degree from the University of Chicago.

The Economist

He also has a degree in archaeology.

The New York Times

Neither has a degree.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's qualifications, specify the field of study to provide more context. For example, "She has a degree in engineering" is more informative than "She has a degree".

Common error

Avoid using "degree of" when you mean "a degree". "Degree of" typically refers to an extent or level, while "a degree" refers to an academic qualification. For example, say "He has a degree in physics", not "He has a degree of physics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a degree" functions as a verbal phrase indicating possession of an academic qualification. It signifies that an individual has successfully completed a course of study at a college or university, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a degree" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone possesses an academic qualification. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to inform about educational achievements and qualifications. While alternatives like "possess a degree" or "hold a degree" exist, they often carry a more formal tone. It is important to clarify the specific field of study when using the phrase for better context and to avoid confusing it with similar sounding expressions like "degree of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possess a degree

Replaces "have" with "possess", a more formal synonym, slightly elevating the register.

hold a degree

Uses "hold" instead of "have", implying a formal or official possession of the qualification.

be a degree holder

Changes the structure to focus on the person as someone who 'holds' the degree.

be a graduate

Indicates completion of a degree program, emphasizing the status achieved.

be educated to degree level

Specifies the level of education attained, rather than directly stating possession.

complete a degree

Focuses on the action of finishing the degree program.

earn a degree

Emphasizes the effort involved in obtaining the degree.

obtain a degree

Highlights the act of acquiring a degree, often through effort or achievement.

graduate with a degree

Focuses on the graduation aspect while also specifying that a degree was obtained.

be qualified to degree level

Indicates competence or eligibility at the degree level.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a degree" to indicate that someone has successfully completed an academic program. For example, "She "has a degree" in biology" or "To work here, you must "have a degree"".

What are some alternatives to saying "have a degree"?

Alternatives include "possess a degree", "hold a degree", or "be a graduate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "possess a degree" than "have a degree"?

Yes, "possess a degree" is generally considered more formal than "have a degree". The word "possess" carries a slightly more official or sophisticated tone.

What does it mean to be educated to degree level?

To "be educated to degree level" means that someone has attained the standard of education typically associated with completing a university or college degree. It focuses on the educational standard rather than directly stating possession of the degree.