get a degree

Meaning

This expression means to successfully complete a course of study at a college or university and receive an official qualification (like a Bachelor's or Master's). It is a highly common, neutral, and slightly informal alternative to 'earn a degree'.

Examples

• She wants to get a degree in computer science to secure a good job.

  She wants to get a degree in computer science to secure a good job.

• It takes about four years to get a degree in the United States.

  It takes about four years to get a degree in the United States.

• He went back to school at age forty to finally get a degree.

  He went back to school at age forty to finally get a degree.

• Is it still necessary to get a degree to have a successful career?

  Is it still necessary to get a degree to have a successful career?

• After she gets her degree, she plans to travel around Europe.

  After she gets her degree, she plans to travel around Europe.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She wants to win a degree in history.

  ✓ She wants to get a degree in history.

  You 'win' a prize or a competition, but you 'get', 'earn', or 'obtain' a degree through study.

• ✗ I graduated a degree last year.

  ✓ I got a degree last year.

  'Graduate' requires 'with' if followed by the degree, or you can simply use the transitive collocation 'get a degree'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Many people choose to study online to ___ while working full-time.

  💡 Earn a university qualification.

  Show answer

  get a degree

• His ultimate goal is to ___ in mechanical engineering.

  💡 Receive an academic title after finishing university.

  Show answer

  get a degree