Learn English – Focus/emphasis in or on

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I automatically use the preposition on after the words focus or emphasis. However, I've recently come across several instances of them being followed by in, such as in the following examples:

She graduated with a degree in studio art, with a focus in printmaking.

or

He graduated with a degree in creative writing, with emphasis in fiction.

A quick Google search shows that this is common. I'm not entirely convinced however, and I can't seem to find anything to support the use of in in dictionaries or style guides. Any help?

Best Answer

She graduated with a degree in studio art, with a focus in printmaking.

This is an academic context. In this context, the preposition in is often used with the verb focus to describe a program's special emphasis.

As an example, have a look at these program listings from a Google search. Notice how they are all hits on academic websites:

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