Athletes With Degrees: Putting in Work Beyond the Game

Shaquille O’Neal already had more than enough accomplishments to fill a lifetime. NBA champion. Hall of Famer. MVP. Businessman. Broadcaster. Cultural force. One of the most recognizable athletes ever. But Shaq just added another line to the résumé that hits different: he went back to LSU and earned another master’s degree.

On May 16, 2026, O’Neal walked across the stage at Louisiana State University to receive a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. He returned to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center — the same building where he became a basketball legend — to accept the degree and address the Class of 2026. His thesis was titled “Interdisciplinary Approach to Mentorship through the lens of the epic poem — ‘The Odyssey,'” which makes sense for a man who has spent the last part of his career becoming a mentor, businessman, analyst and walking life lesson for younger athletes.

And of course, because it’s Shaq, the moment still came with jokes. During the ceremony, he had his name announced as “Shaquille ‘I Hate Charles Barkley’ O’Neal,” giving the crowd a laugh while also reminding everybody that even a serious accomplishment can still have some personality attached to it. But the bigger takeaway is that Shaq has made education part of his brand in a real way. This wasn’t his first degree, and it probably won’t be the last time he uses his platform to remind people that learning doesn’t stop just because the checks got bigger.

That’s what makes the moment so important. Athletes are too often boxed into one lane, like their bodies are the only thing that make them special. Shaq earning another graduate degree pushes back against that. It’s a reminder that athletes can be scholars, entrepreneurs, doctors, broadcasters, activists, coaches, investors and whatever else they decide to become once the game is no longer the only thing on the schedule.

It also speaks to something we’re seeing more and more now. Athletes are returning to school after going pro, finishing degrees they started, earning master’s degrees, pursuing doctorate-level work and using their education to build second careers. For some, it’s about keeping a promise to family. For others, it’s about preparing for life after sports. Either way, the message is the same: Iit is never too late to go back, finish, level up or chase something that matters outside of the scoreboard.

ATHLETES WITH DEGREES

Shaquille O’Neal — Master of Arts in Liberal Arts, LSU, 2026

The NBA legend earned a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts from LSU in May 2026, adding to an academic résumé that already included a bachelor’s degree, an MBA and a doctorate in education. His latest degree came through the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and his thesis focused on mentorship through the lens of The Odyssey, which fits perfectly with the way Shaq talks about guiding athletes, young people and his own children.

Stephen Curry — Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Davidson College, 2022

Steph Curry left Davidson early for the NBA in 2009, then came back years later and finished the job. In 2022, he completed his coursework and officially received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Davidson College. The school later gave him a special ceremony where he received his degree, entered Davidson’s Hall of Fame and had his No. 30 jersey retired — a full-circle moment for one of the greatest college-to-NBA stories ever.

Jalen Hurts — Master’s Degree in Human Relations, University of Oklahoma, 2023

Jalen Hurts has always carried himself like somebody who understood the bigger picture, and his education backs that up. Hurts graduated from Alabama in December 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in communication/public relations, then went to Oklahoma as a graduate transfer and later earned his master’s degree In human relations from OU in 2023. That means before he became one of the faces of the NFL, he had already treated the classroom with the same seriousness he brings to the huddle.

Venus Williams — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Indiana University East, 2015

Venus Williams has always moved like a CEO, so this one makes all the sense in the world. In 2015, she graduated from Indiana University East with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, completing the degree through a WTA partnership program. For an athlete who has spent her career building businesses, pushing for equal pay and expanding her influence beyond tennis, the business degree feels less like a side note and more like part of the blueprint.

Vince Carter — Degree in Afro-American Studies, University of North Carolina, 2001

Vince Carter’s graduation story became part of NBA playoff lore. Carter finished his degree in Afro-American Studies from the University of North Carolina while already playing in the NBA, then attended graduation ceremonies in May 2001 before flying to Philadelphia for Game 7 of the Raptors-76ers playoff series. People debated the decision because of the timing, but Carter later stood by it, saying he would do it again if he had to. Honestly, that’s the whole point: the game mattered, but so did the degree.

Maya Moore — Degree from UConn, Class of 2011

Maya Moore was not just dominant at UConn; she was handling business academically too. As part of the Class of 2011, her college résumé included elite academic honors along with the championships, awards and WNBA-ready game that made her the No. 1 pick. Moore later returned to UConn as a commencement speaker, which says a lot about how the school views her legacy beyond basketball.

Myron Rolle — Master’s Degree in Medical Anthropology, Oxford; Medical Degree, Florida State

Myron Rolle’s path is one of the strongest examples of athlete-scholar excellence. A former Florida State football star, Rolle was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship, studied at Oxford and earned a master’s degree in medical anthropology before later graduating from Florida State’s medical school in 2017. He went on to begin a neurosurgery residency at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital, turning “life after football” into something much bigger than a cliché.

Russell Wilson — Bachelor’s in Communication, NC State, 2010; Master’s work at Wisconsin

Russell Wilson graduated from NC State in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication, doing it in just three years while also becoming one of the top quarterbacks in school history. NC State later brought him back as a commencement speaker in 2021, which gave the moment even more full-circle energy. Wilson pursued graduate-level work after transferring to Wisconsin, showing how he kept the student part of “student-athlete” alive even while chasing the NFL.

Allyson Felix — Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, USC, 2008

Allyson Felix turned pro young, but she still made sure education stayed part of the plan. Felix earned her bachelor’s degree from the Rossier School of Education in 2008, shortly before winning her first Olympic gold medal in Beijing. That detail makes her career even more impressive because she was building one of the greatest track résumés ever while still finishing school.

Michelle Kwan — Bachelor’s in International Studies, University of Denver; Master’s from Tufts, 2011

Michelle Kwan’s post-skating career has been just as intentional as her time on the ice. She graduated from the University of Denver in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, then earned a master’s degree from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in 2011, majoring in International Relations. That education helped set the stage for her later work in diplomacy, including becoming U.S. Ambassador to Belize.

Natalie Coughlin — Degree in Psychology, UC Berkeley, 2005

Natalie Coughlin was already an Olympic medalist when she finished her degree, which makes the accomplishment even stronger. She graduated from Cal Berkeley with a degree in psychology in 2005, after a college career where she became one of the most decorated swimmers in NCAA history. For an athlete who built a legacy around discipline, precision and mental toughness, psychology feels like a fitting field of study.

Michael Jordan — Bachelor of Arts in Geography, University of North Carolina, 1986

Michael Jordan left North Carolina early for the NBA, but he still came back and finished his degree. After being drafted in 1984 and quickly becoming a star, Jordan returned to UNC and graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography. It’s one of those details that gets buried under the championships, sneakers and GOAT debates, but it matters: even MJ went back and completed what he started.