10 Better Ways To Say “I Have A Degree In”

When we say that we “I have a degree in” criminology, biology, psychology, etc., we are attempting to disclose or state that we have achieved a higher level of education. However, to say “I have a degree in” is incredibly commonly used and not the most professional statement.

What Can I Say Instead Of “I Have A Degree In”?

Instead of saying “I have a degree in” we can choose to use a more professional, alternative statement. This article will be highlighting the following statements, their meaning and how we can appropriately use them in a sentence:

  • I graduated with a degree in…
  • I majored in…
  • My degree is in…
  • I obtained a degree in…
  • I studied X in university
  • I completed my studies in…
  • I successfully achieved my degree in X…
  • I earned a degree in…
  • I’m an alumnus from X university…
  • I received a degree in…
Better Ways To Say “I Have A Degree In”

The preferred version that we will highlight in this article is “I graduated with a degree in”. This is because it is a formal way of stating that we have graduated and with a diploma in a specialized field of study.

We can easily follow this statement with the category of our degree and perhaps what school we have graduated from.

I Graduated With A Degree In

We can say “I graduated with a degree in” when we wish to express that we have successfully completed our schooling and have received a degree in a field of study. This is meant as a formal statement, where we are informing someone of our qualifications or accomplishments.

We will often say this when we are speaking in a professional interview or perhaps when we are beginning a presentation.

Here are a few examples of how we could appropriately use this term:

  • Hi there, my name is Carly and I graduated with a degree in criminal justice and policing studies from Nipissing University.
  • I graduated with a degree in economics from Harvard University and now I’m in the process of opening my own accounting firm.
  • I just applied to York University and have aspirations to graduate with a degree in biology.

I Majored In

When we say “I majored in” we are disclosing that we have completed a degree in a particular subject at college or university. This particular phrase is commonly used by North Americans, Europeans and Australians – being a very English phrase in origin.

This is more of an informal phrase; however, it is still applicable in professional settings. This is more of a conversational statement, as opposed to something we would say in an interview.

Some examples of how we can properly use this term in a sentence are:

  • I majored in drama and have aspirations of becoming an actress.
  • I majored in earth studies at Arizona State and am hoping to get a job with the government.
  • I majored in physics and took a minor in Computer Sciences.

My Degree Is In

Often, we’ll say “my degree is in” in response to the question of what specialized subject we completed our schooling in. This is meant as a proper and appropriate response, that we can choose to follow up with more information on the school we attended, if we achieved honours, etc.

This is a very direct way of responding to someone or even just stating the necessary information in a given situation.

To further clarify the use of this particular statement, here are a few examples:

  • My degree is in anthropology, with my minor studies being in Sociology.
  • My degree is in practical nursing and I’m hoping to receive an internship at Toronto General Hospital.
  • I recently entered university and my degree is in psychology. I can’t wait to graduate someday and hopefully open my psychiatric practice.

I Obtained A Degree In

When we express that “I obtained a degree in” we are allowing someone to know that we have completed our schooling and have obtained our degree in a specialized area of study. This is another excellent example of a highly formal or professional statement.

This is another appropriate statement we could use for interview purposes, whether for a professional position or to further our schooling in the form of a doctorate study.

We will now go over a few appropriate ways we can use this statement in a sentence:

  • I obtained a degree in psychology from the University of Victoria.
  • I recently graduated from Trent University and I obtained a degree in animal biology.
  • I obtained a degree in history with my minor studies in human geography.

I Studied X at In University

Another excellent alternative statement we can use is “I studied X in university”. When we say this, we are letting someone know that we studied in a particular subject or field of study in university. Letting them know we achieved a higher level of education.

We would often choose to follow this statement with information regarding if we did obtain a certificate or diploma and which school we attended.

Here are a few examples of how we can use this statement accordingly:

  • I studied biology in university, with the hopes of one day becoming a veterinarian.
  • I studied psychology in university, although I do not have any intentions of using my degree.
  • Yes, I did graduate and I studied mathematics in university.

I Completed My Studies In

We can say “I completed my studies in” when we wish to depict that we did successfully conclude our studies, often meaning that we did graduate from university or college. We are also disclosing what our specific area of study was in.

To state that we have completed our studies showcases a high level of dedication and hard work, as successfully completing post-secondary schooling is no easy task.

We will now go over some specific examples that highlight this statement:

  • I completed my studies in nursing and am now working at my local hospital in the emergency room.
  • I completed my studies in biology, but I’m presently working at a dental office – I know, a little odd!
  • I graduated last spring and I completed my studies in cultural studies and anthropology.

I Successfully Achieved My Degree In

Another phenomenal alternative phrase we can use is “I successfully achieved my degree in”. When we say “I successfully achieved my degree in” we are letting someone know that we did in fact graduate from school and have a degree in a specialized field of study.

This is another excellently formal and professional phrase to use in a workplace interview or presentation.

Some examples of this phrase used in a sentence are:

  • I successfully achieved my degree in law and am currently working at a law firm in Boston.
  • I successfully achieved my degree in culinary management, while also obtaining a minor degree in business. I am now working towards opening my own restaurant.
  • I successfully achieved my degree in history and am now working as a teacher at my old high school.

I Earned A Degree In

When we say “I earned a degree in”, we are stating that we have finished our schooling and it resulted positively, with the achievement of a degree in a specific area of study. We would follow this statement with the correct information about our degree and possibly where we attained it.

To say that we have “earned” something is an accomplishment and a testament to our hard work and determination. Therefore, this formal statement is also somewhat of a humblebrag.

Here are a few examples that showcase the use of this specific statement:

  • I earned a degree in mechanical engineering and I’m presently searching for a job in my field of study.
  • I recently graduated with honours from McMaster University and I earned a degree in biochemistry.
  • I earned my degree in psychology and am presently working towards obtaining my master’s degree.

I’m An Alumnus From X University

Another great alternative we can use is “I’m an alumnus from X university”. When we say that we’re an “alumnus” we’re expressing that we’re a former student or graduate from a specific school. Therefore, we’re formally allowing someone to know that we have successfully completed our schooling.

We can follow up a statement like this, with the appropriate information on our field of study, our minor, the year we graduated, etc.

We will now look at a few examples highlighting this specific statement:

  • I’m an alumnus from Nipissing University and I graduated in 2015.
  • I’ve been working as a doctor for the last ten years in Chicago, but I’m an alumnus from Navarro State University.
  • I’m an alumnus from the University of New Brunswick, but I now live across the country in Vancouver, British Columbia.

I Received A Degree In

The last alternative that we will go over in this article is “I received a degree in”. When we say that “I received a degree for”, we’re essentially stating that because of our dedication to our studies, we’ve been rewarded with a degree in a specific field of study.

This is another formal way that we can express the completion of our schooling and the achievement of a degree. This is an excellent statement to use in an interview or just in a general conversation.

Lastly, we will go over the following examples, that all use this statement:

  • I received a degree in practical nursing, after completion of four years of study and practical work in our local hospital.
  • I received a degree in dental hygiene studies and I know work at my family dental clinic.
  • I received a degree in police studies and community justice. I now hold a position at a women’s shelter in town and I genuinely love what I do.

You may also like:
“Pursuing A Degree” – Meaning & Correct Usage (Helpful Examples)
Undergraduate vs. Graduate vs. Postgraduate – Complete Guide
“A MA” or “An MA” – Full Explanation (Helpful Examples)
9 Correct Titles for Someone with a Master’s Degree (Formal)
DSc Degree vs. PhD Degree – What’s the Difference?