Work for a degree vs Work on a degree

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Work for a degree' implies putting effort into obtaining a degree, while 'work on a degree' suggests actively studying or completing coursework for a degree.

Last updated: March 26, 2024

Work for a degree

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate the effort put into obtaining a degree.

This phrase is used to express the effort, dedication, and hard work required to achieve a degree or qualification.

Examples:

I am working hard for a degree in engineering.
She is determined to work for a degree in business administration.
Many students work for a degree while balancing work and family responsibilities.

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The person concerned has been found partly unfit for work to a degree of
The Union shall define and pursue common policies and actions, and shall work for a high degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order to:
Therefore I would ask the Commission to work towards a degree of harmonisation on this score too.
Sure, I'd like to get an engineering degree and work for Elon Musk on Spacex.
There's that communications degree at work.
It would have to work around my graduate degree.
But then, I don't think I need a psychology degree to work that one out.
There are in fact no criteria concerning the resources to be assigned to an investigation or the deadlines for concluding work of a given degree of priority.
It is certain that soon information will also be demanded on the so-called 'social' skills of the workers, such as their conduct at work and degree of compliance with every type of demand made by employers.
Mr Crowley has put an extraordinary degree of work into this area in trying to reach agreements and compromises and has worked long and hard.
In the various reports we have followed the same criterion because this work requires a high degree of responsibility from Parliament and must include a very rigorous analysis.
The institutions shall, at all stages of the procedure, cooperate through appropriate interinstitutional contacts in order to monitor the progress of the work and analyse the degree of convergence.
With that aim in view, they shall cooperate through appropriate interinstitutional contacts to monitor the progress of the work and analyse the degree of convergence at all stages of the codecision procedure.
With that aim in view, they shall cooperate through appropriate interinstitutional contacts to monitor the progress of the work and analyse the degree of convergence at all stages of the codecision procedure.
The Union works towards a high degree of cooperation in all fields of international relations, in order, inter alia, to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.
That is what youth and a degree in social work will get you.
With all DNA work, sir, we leave ourselves a degree of doubt...
I actually have a degree in social work.
That is what youth and a degree in social work will get you.
It works in an A.L.D. Boy to a degree that is significant.

Alternatives:

strive for a degree
aim for a degree
pursue a degree

Work on a degree

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate actively studying or completing coursework for a degree.

This phrase is used to describe the process of actively engaging in studying, completing assignments, and progressing towards obtaining a degree.