earn degree
Complete education qualification
Literally: to gain or deserve a university qualification through effort
In 15 Seconds
- Successfully finishing a university or college program through hard work.
- Used for Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate levels of education.
- Emphasizes the effort and merit behind the educational achievement.
Meaning
This means you have successfully finished all your classes and exams at a university. It is like winning a trophy for your brain after years of hard work.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about future goals
I hope to earn a degree in computer science by next year.
I hope to complete my computer science qualification by next year.
In a job interview
I earned my degree while working a part-time job.
I completed my qualification while working part-time.
Texting a friend about graduation
I can't believe we finally earned our degrees!
I can't believe we finally finished our university education!
Cultural Background
Earning a degree is often called 'getting your sheepskin' in older slang, referring to the parchment diplomas were once printed on. Students 'read' a subject (e.g., 'He read Law at Cambridge') rather than just 'majoring' in it, but they still 'earn a degree' at the end. There is immense social pressure to earn a degree from a '985' or '211' university (top-tier schools), as it significantly impacts marriage and job prospects. The title 'Doctor' is highly respected and often used in formal address (e.g., Herr Doktor Schmidt) once the degree is earned.
Resume Power
Always use 'Earned' instead of 'Got' on your CV. It sounds more active and professional.
Preposition Trap
Remember: Earn a degree IN a subject, FROM a university.
In 15 Seconds
- Successfully finishing a university or college program through hard work.
- Used for Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate levels of education.
- Emphasizes the effort and merit behind the educational achievement.
What It Means
To earn a degree means you finished a long university program. It is not just about attending classes. It is about the effort you put in. You worked hard and you deserve the final certificate. Think of it as a long-term goal finally reached.
How To Use It
You use this when talking about university or college. You can say I want to earn a degree in biology. You can also talk about the past. She earned her degree in 2020. It sounds more active than just saying I have a degree. It shows you did the work yourself. No one gave it to you for free!
When To Use It
Use this in job interviews to sound professional. Use it when talking to your family about your future. It is perfect for graduation speeches. You can even use it when joking with friends. I earned a degree in making coffee this morning! It works whenever you talk about formal education success.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for short courses. If you did a two-day workshop, you did not earn a degree. You earned a certificate. Also, do not use it for high school. In the US and UK, you graduate from high school. You only earn a degree from a university or college. Don't use it for hobbies like learning to ride a bike.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, a degree is a huge milestone. It is often seen as the 'key' to a better career. People often display their diplomas in their offices. There is a lot of pride in the word earn. It suggests you didn't just buy the paper. You spent late nights studying and drinking way too much caffeine.
Common Variations
You might hear get a degree or obtain a degree. Get is very casual and common. Obtain is very formal and sounds like a legal document. Earn is the perfect middle ground. It sounds respectful and hardworking. You can also specify the type, like earn a Master's degree or earn a Bachelor's.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits in the 'Goldilocks zone'—it's not too formal and not too casual. It's perfect for almost any situation where you want to sound like a serious, hardworking individual.
Resume Power
Always use 'Earned' instead of 'Got' on your CV. It sounds more active and professional.
Preposition Trap
Remember: Earn a degree IN a subject, FROM a university.
The 'A' Article
Don't forget the 'a'. It's 'earn A degree,' not 'earn degree.'
Examples
6I hope to earn a degree in computer science by next year.
I hope to complete my computer science qualification by next year.
Expressing a future educational goal.
I earned my degree while working a part-time job.
I completed my qualification while working part-time.
Shows multitasking skills and work ethic.
I can't believe we finally earned our degrees!
I can't believe we finally finished our university education!
Shared celebration of a big achievement.
I've spent so much time cleaning, I should earn a degree in housekeeping!
I've cleaned so much I should have a qualification in it!
Using the phrase metaphorically for a laugh.
Our daughter is the first in the family to earn a degree.
Our daughter is the first to finish university in our family.
Conveys a sense of family pride and milestone.
He earned a degree from Harvard University in 2015.
He completed his education at Harvard in 2015.
Standard way to list education on a resume.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct preposition.
She earned a degree ______ physics ______ Oxford University.
We use 'in' for the subject and 'from' (or 'at') for the institution.
Choose the most professional sentence for a resume.
Which sentence is best?
'Earned' is the most professional and standard term for a resume.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: Why are you studying so late? B: Because I want to ________ next year.
After 'want to,' we use the base form of the verb.
Match the verb to the context.
1. A lottery prize | 2. A university qualification | 3. A high school finish
You win prizes, earn degrees, and graduate from high school.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesShe earned a degree ______ physics ______ Oxford University.
We use 'in' for the subject and 'from' (or 'at') for the institution.
Which sentence is best?
'Earned' is the most professional and standard term for a resume.
A: Why are you studying so late? B: Because I want to ________ next year.
After 'want to,' we use the base form of the verb.
1. A lottery prize | 2. A university qualification | 3. A high school finish
You win prizes, earn degrees, and graduate from high school.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsIn English, we usually say 'earn a degree' for university. 'Earn a title' is used for sports (like a boxing title) or noble ranks.
'Earn' is formal and emphasizes effort. 'Get' is informal and common in speech.
No, you earn a 'diploma' or 'graduate' from high school. 'Degree' is only for higher education.
Both are correct. 'From' is slightly more common when listing it on a resume.
No, this is a common mistake. You must use 'earn,' 'get,' or 'obtain.'
Related Phrases
pursue a degree
similarTo be currently studying for a degree.
confer a degree
specialized formWhen a university officially gives the degree to a student.
honorary degree
specialized formA degree given as an honor without study.
drop out
contrastTo stop attending university before earning a degree.
