licenciatura
/liθenθjaˈtuɾa/
The English phrase 'undergraduate degree' is translated into Spanish as licenciatura.
This term refers to the first degree awarded by a university after a student completes a course of study.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use licenciatura to refer to an undergraduate degree. In Spain, the term grado is commonly used to refer to an undergraduate degree.
How do you pronounce it?
/liθenθjaˈtuɾa/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not mistake licenciatura for a driver's license or a professional permit due to its similarity to the English word 'license'. In Spanish, it specifically refers to an academic degree.
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, the title licenciado is treated as a formal prefix to a person's name, much like 'Doctor' or 'Professor'.
- In Mexico, students who have finished their coursework but have not yet completed their final thesis are called pasantes. This creates a distinct social and professional category between a student and a graduate.
- A licenciatura in several Latin American countries can take five years to complete. This is longer than the standard four-year bachelor's degree common in the United States.
Examples in context
- Obtuve mi título universitario en EconomíaI obtained my undergraduate degree in Economics
- Estoy estudiando para obtener mi grado universitarioI am studying to obtain my undergraduate degree
- Ella se graduó con una licenciatura en QuímicaShe graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry
- Estoy estudiando una carrera en IngenieríaI am studying a degree in Engineering
- Obtuve mi grado en PsicologíaI obtained my undergraduate degree in Psychology
- Él está estudiando una licenciatura en DerechoHe is studying an undergraduate degree in Law
- Ella ha obtenido un grado en Historia del ArteShe has obtained an undergraduate degree in Art History
- Ya terminé mi licenciatura.I already finished my undergraduate degree.
- Ella está estudiando para su licenciatura.She is studying for her undergraduate degree.
- Necesito mi título de licenciatura para el trabajo.I need my undergraduate degree for the job.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing their education during a coffee break.
- ElenaMateo, ¿estás estudiando una licenciatura?Mateo, are you studying for an undergraduate degree?
- MateoSí, estoy cursando la licenciatura en economía.Yes, I am doing the undergraduate degree in economics.
- ElenaQué bien, ¿te gusta la carrera?That's great, do you like the major?
- MateoSí, es muy interesante.Yes, it is very interesting.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry licenciatura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
