@Override
    public boolean equals( Object o )
    {
        if ( this == o )
        {
            return true;
        }

        if ( o == null )
        {
            return false;
        }

        if ( !(o instanceof Degree) )
        {
            return false;
        }

        final Degree other = (Degree) o;

        return type.equals( other.getType() );
    }