“Expressing your academic achievements doesn’t always need to sound the same. Here’s how you can say, ‘I have a degree in’ in more engaging ways.”
When it comes to discussing your education, the phrase “I have a degree in” might feel a bit overused. While it’s certainly a clear and direct way to express your qualifications, it’s always good to have alternatives that sound more dynamic and engaging. When you’re introducing yourself in a professional setting, networking with potential employers, or simply telling a new acquaintance about your background, finding fresh ways to talk about your degree can make you stand out. The ability to vary your language helps create more interesting conversations and leaves a lasting impression.
If you want to enhance how you communicate your academic achievements, learning different ways to say “I have a degree in” will be beneficial. There are many creative and unique ways to highlight your qualifications without repeating the same words. This small change can improve how others perceive your background, whether in job interviews, casual conversations, or professional events. Mastering these alternatives will give you more flexibility in expressing yourself clearly and confidently.
In this article, we’ll explore 35 different ways to express the concept of holding a degree, from more formal to casual options. Each phrase will be explained in context through scenarios, making it easier for you to understand and implement these expressions in real life. By the end of this article, you’ll have a rich variety of expressions to make your conversations more engaging and dynamic. Let’s get started!
1. “I hold a degree in…”
Scenario: Daniel Brown is at a career fair and is speaking with a recruiter. He introduces himself, saying, “I hold a degree in computer science, and I’m excited to explore opportunities in tech.”
Explanation: This alternative is more formal and professional, ideal for interviews or networking situations where a more serious tone is required.
Additional Tip: When using this expression, be sure to follow it with specific details about your field of study to convey your expertise clearly.
2. “I earned my degree in…”
Scenario: Sarah Roberts is chatting with a colleague about her educational background. She says, “I earned my degree in marketing from the University of California.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the effort and achievement of completing the degree. It’s a great way to show that you’ve worked hard for your qualifications.
Additional Tip: This can be used both formally and informally, and it’s a nice way to highlight your accomplishment while sounding genuine.
3. “I have a qualification in…”
Scenario: James Miller is applying for a job and wants to highlight his education. He writes on his resume, “I have a qualification in business administration.”
Explanation: This is a more neutral alternative that can be used in both formal and casual settings. It’s perfect for emphasizing practical qualifications.
Additional Tip: “Qualification” works well when you want to focus on your professional preparedness, especially in industries where specific skills are valued.
4. “I completed my studies in…”
Scenario: Emily Turner is catching up with a former professor. She says, “I completed my studies in environmental science last year.”
Explanation: This phrase indicates that your education is finished and gives the impression of a well-rounded academic journey.
Additional Tip: You can adjust this phrase by specifying the timeframe of your studies, which adds depth to your narrative.
5. “I specialized in…”
Scenario: Alex Carter is talking to a hiring manager during an interview. He says, “I specialized in financial accounting during my time at university.”
Explanation: This is an excellent choice if you want to focus on a specific area of study within your degree. It shows your depth of knowledge in a particular field.
Additional Tip: This works well in industries where specialization is highly valued, such as law, medicine, or engineering.
Other Ways to Say “I Have Not Heard From You
6. “My degree is in…”
Scenario: Olivia Garcia is introducing herself to new colleagues at work. She says, “My degree is in psychology, and I’m passionate about understanding human behavior.”
Explanation: This is a simple and straightforward way to express your educational background. It’s clear and easy for others to understand.
Additional Tip: While this expression is concise, you can make it more engaging by adding a personal touch, like why you chose that field.
7. “I studied…”
Scenario: Marcus Lee is meeting new friends at a social event. He casually says, “I studied economics at Stanford.”
Explanation: This is a casual and approachable way to talk about your degree. It’s ideal for informal settings where you want to keep the conversation light.
Additional Tip: This phrase is flexible and works well when discussing your education in social or networking situations.
8. “I obtained my degree in…”
Scenario: Linda Patel is discussing her qualifications with a potential employer. She says, “I obtained my degree in architecture from Harvard University.”
Explanation: This formal expression conveys professionalism and is suitable for more formal situations like interviews and business meetings.
Additional Tip: When using this phrase, ensure you specify the name of your institution for added credibility.
9. “I graduated with a degree in…”
Scenario: Mark Wilson is talking to a friend about his academic background. He says, “I graduated with a degree in literature from Yale.”
Explanation: This phrase highlights the achievement of graduating, which can make the accomplishment feel more significant.
Additional Tip: It’s a good option for when you want to emphasize your graduation rather than just the degree itself.
10. “I possess a degree in…”
Scenario: Rachel King is introducing herself at a professional seminar. She says, “I possess a degree in public relations and have been working in the field for five years.”
Explanation: This is a formal and slightly more academic-sounding alternative, suitable for professional environments.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you want to emphasize your qualifications as an asset to your career.
11. “I am a graduate in…”
Scenario: Nathan Scott is meeting someone at a networking event. He says, “I am a graduate in marketing and currently working in digital advertising.”
Explanation: This is a formal but approachable way to introduce your academic background. It works well in both casual and professional contexts.
Additional Tip: You can adapt this phrase to your specific career field to create a connection with your audience.
12. “I hold an academic background in…”
Scenario: Julia Wright is networking at a conference. She says, “I hold an academic background in philosophy and have a deep interest in ethics.”
Explanation: This expression works well if you want to highlight the academic nature of your education, especially in more intellectual fields.
Additional Tip: This phrase is particularly useful when discussing education in academic or research-oriented fields.
13. “I completed a program in…”
Scenario: Sarah Foster is introducing herself during an interview. She says, “I completed a program in graphic design at the School of Visual Arts.”
Explanation: This is great for highlighting specific programs or courses you’ve completed, especially if they’re non-degree qualifications.
Additional Tip: This phrase is more casual and suitable for discussions about certificates or diplomas in addition to degrees.
14. “I’m qualified in…”

Scenario: John Davis is talking to a recruiter at a job fair. He says, “I’m qualified in digital marketing and have been working in the field for over five years.”
Explanation: This phrase places more emphasis on your qualifications rather than your degree itself. It’s perfect for when you want to focus on practical skills.
Additional Tip: This works well when you want to highlight both your formal education and practical work experience.
15. “I have an educational background in…”
Scenario: Katherine Brooks is presenting herself at a professional event. She says, “I have an educational background in economics and have written several research papers on global trade.”
Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to highlight the breadth of your education, including multiple fields or areas of expertise.
Additional Tip: You can use this expression if you’ve studied multiple disciplines or have diverse academic achievements.
16. “I trained in…”
Scenario: James Clark is chatting with a colleague about his professional journey. He says, “I trained in international relations at Princeton University.”
Explanation: This is a good way to discuss specific training programs or degrees. It sounds active and focused, ideal for showcasing specialized knowledge.
Additional Tip: “Trained” can be used for certifications and skills-based learning as well.
17. “I focused my studies on…”
Scenario: Karen Moore is speaking at a conference about her research. She says, “I focused my studies on renewable energy while pursuing my environmental science degree.”
Explanation: This is an excellent way to describe the area you concentrated on during your studies. It gives a clear picture of your academic interest.
Additional Tip: This is particularly useful when describing specialized areas within broader fields of study.
18. “I obtained qualifications in…”
Scenario: Michael Roberts is sharing his background during a job interview. He says, “I obtained qualifications in computer engineering and software development.”
Explanation: This phrase sounds professional and formal, great for discussing specialized training or certifications.
Additional Tip: It works well in industries where hands-on training or specific qualifications are highly valued.
19. “I’ve studied…”
Scenario: Mia Williams is telling a friend about her academic journey. She says, “I’ve studied history at Oxford University and have a passion for ancient civilizations.”
Explanation: This is a straightforward and easy-to-use phrase that emphasizes your study area.
Additional Tip: It can be adjusted depending on the formality of the conversation.
20. “I have formal education in…”
Scenario: Liam Jackson is explaining his academic qualifications at a networking event. He says, “I have formal education in law and have passed the bar exam.”
Explanation: This phrase is ideal when you want to emphasize that you have completed a recognized educational program in a specific field.
Additional Tip: This can be used to discuss more formal degrees and certifications, especially in professional settings.
21. “I graduated with honors in…”
Scenario: Emma Taylor is discussing her academic achievement with a potential employer. She says, “I graduated with honors in sociology from the University of Chicago.”
Explanation: This is a great way to highlight not only your degree but also your academic excellence.
Additional Tip: Use this when you want to emphasize your hard work and dedication to your studies.
22. “I pursued a degree in…”
Scenario: David Harris is meeting a potential business partner. He says, “I pursued a degree in business administration and have experience in project management.”
Explanation: This is a simple, yet effective way to explain your educational background. It works well for both formal and casual conversations.
Additional Tip: Use it to convey the intention behind your studies, indicating that you have actively chosen a specific field of interest.
23. “I majored in…”
Scenario: Rachel Adams is having a conversation with a colleague. She says, “I majored in political science and have always been interested in public policy.”
Explanation: This is a more casual expression that’s perfect for everyday conversations or informal settings.
Additional Tip: It’s best suited for situations where you want to provide a concise, clear explanation of your field of study.
24. “I studied at [University] and received a degree in…”
Scenario: Leo Green is explaining his qualifications during an interview. He says, “I studied at Harvard University and received a degree in biomedical engineering.”
Explanation: This is an excellent way to combine both the institution and the degree. It’s ideal for giving a well-rounded explanation of your qualifications.
Additional Tip: This works well in situations where you want to impress the listener with the prestige of your school.
25. “I have completed my studies in…”

Scenario: Isabella Moore is telling her colleague about her educational journey. She says, “I have completed my studies in graphic design, and I am now looking for freelance opportunities.”
Explanation: This phrase is casual but still professional enough for workplace conversations.
Additional Tip: Use it when you want to imply that you are ready to apply your knowledge in a professional setting.
26. “I acquired my degree in…”
Scenario: Anthony Lee is attending a professional conference. He says, “I acquired my degree in electrical engineering from MIT.”
Explanation: This expression highlights the process of obtaining your degree and can be used in both formal and casual situations.
Additional Tip: It emphasizes the experience of obtaining the degree, which might be appealing in specific professional contexts.
27. “I completed a degree in…”
Scenario: Sophie Williams is catching up with an old friend. She says, “I completed a degree in public health and now work as a health educator.”
Explanation: A clear and concise alternative, suitable for both formal and casual conversations.
Additional Tip: It’s great for informal settings where you want to keep the conversation simple and to the point.
28. “I have expertise in…”
Scenario: Peter Johnson is speaking at a conference. He says, “I have expertise in data analysis, with a degree in statistics.”
Explanation: This is perfect when you want to emphasize your practical knowledge and skills, alongside your formal education.
Additional Tip: It’s often used in professional settings to convey both education and practical application.
29. “My academic background is in…”
Scenario: Linda Clark is networking at a business event. She says, “My academic background is in economics, and I’ve applied these skills in finance for five years.”
Explanation: This expression highlights the full range of your academic preparation and qualifications.
Additional Tip: It’s particularly useful when you want to reference both your education and your professional experience.
30. “I earned a degree in…”
Scenario: Thomas King is updating his resume. He writes, “I earned a degree in civil engineering and am now working in construction management.”
Explanation: A simple and effective way to state your qualifications clearly and directly.
Additional Tip: It’s ideal for situations where you want to give a quick overview of your educational background.
31. “I have a specialization in…”
Scenario: Megan White is speaking about her background. She says, “I have a specialization in marketing communications, with a degree from NYU.”
Explanation: This phrase works well when you want to emphasize a more narrow focus within a broader degree.
Additional Tip: Use this when you have a niche area of expertise that you want to highlight.
32. “I pursued studies in…”
Scenario: Luke Anderson is talking about his college experience. He says, “I pursued studies in history and sociology, and I have a passion for social research.”
Explanation: This is a more casual expression suitable for informal discussions about your academic background.
Additional Tip: This phrase can also be useful when discussing non-degree programs or courses.
33. “My qualifications are in…”
Scenario: Natalie Scott is giving her elevator pitch at a networking event. She says, “My qualifications are in digital marketing, and I have five years of hands-on experience.”
Explanation: This phrase highlights the practical aspect of your qualifications, which is ideal for job-related conversations.
Additional Tip: You can combine this with specific work experience to make your qualifications stand out.
34. “I am certified in…”
Scenario: Brian Parker is talking about his credentials at a conference. He says, “I am certified in cybersecurity and hold a degree in computer science.”
Explanation: This expression works well when discussing certifications along with your degree.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you have specific certifications or additional qualifications that complement your degree.
35. “I have formal training in…”
Scenario: Karen Williams is explaining her background. She says, “I have formal training in human resources management and a degree in business.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes that you’ve received official, structured training in your field.
Additional Tip: Ideal for when you want to stress both your education and specific job-related training.
Pros and Cons of Using Alternative Phrases
Pros:
- More engaging and dynamic language.
- Allows for customization based on the context.
- Helps create a professional impression in interviews or networking situations.
Cons:
- Some phrases may sound overly formal or technical in casual conversations.
- Could be confusing if overused or not explained clearly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many ways to express your academic background beyond the standard “I have a degree in.” Each of these alternatives can be tailored to different situations, whether you’re in a formal interview or a casual conversation.
By diversifying how you talk about your qualifications, you can make your conversations more engaging and professional.

I’m Jane Austen, a language expert at Minglishs, dedicated to helping learners master English through engaging and accessible content. My passion for literature and teaching drives me to make language learning both enjoyable and effective.