Shaquille O’Neal, the former NBA star with an estimated net worth of $500 million, is pursuing his fifth college degree, a master’s in criminology at Sacramento State University. The 54-year-old basketball legend began this latest academic program in the summer and plans to complete it soon, continuing his lifelong commitment to education, according to fortune.com.
O’Neal’s academic journey started at Louisiana State University, where he played college basketball for three seasons before joining the NBA as the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1992. He left LSU without finishing his degree but later returned to earn four degrees, including a bachelor’s, an MBA, an Ed.D., and a master’s in liberal arts. He credits his mother for instilling the value of education and emphasizes the importance of showing up and challenging oneself to learn new things.
This pursuit of multiple degrees by a high-profile athlete highlights the growing trend of lifelong learning beyond traditional career paths. O’Neal’s commitment contrasts with the typical trajectory of professional athletes who often leave school early. His focus on education, even after achieving financial success, underscores the enduring value of formal degrees and personal growth in a world increasingly influenced by technology and AI.
O’Neal told fortune.com that he views education as an asset that no one can take away and encourages younger generations to embrace continuous learning. His latest enrollment at Sacramento State University marks another milestone in his academic career, reinforcing his message that it is never too late to pursue knowledge.