These Celebrities Have Some Impressive College Degrees

Lisa Kudrow: Bachelor’s In Biology

Her father was an esteemed researcher and physician who primarily did research about headaches. Before Lisa Kudrow went into acting, she was hoping to follow in his footsteps. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Vassar College and even worked on his research team for a little while. It was only later on that she started her career in comedy.

Lisa Kudrow: Bachelor’s In Biology

Lionel Ritchie: Bachelor’s In Economics

Did you know that Lionel Ritchie received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the Tuskegee Institute? During his time there, he met musicians and formed the Commodores, his first band. When he went on tour, he had to put his schooling on hold. Eventually, he managed to finish the degree. It was in 1974 that he got his diploma.

Lionel Ritchie: Bachelor’s In Economics

Gene Simmons: Bachelor’s In Education

Man, can you imagine Gene Simmons of KISS as your middle school teacher? He went to Sullivan County Community College for his Associate Degree and then to Richmond College for his Bachelor of Arts in Education. Before we came to know him as “The Demon”, he taught sixth graders! In 1970, KISS was formed just as he completed his studies.

Gene Simmons: Bachelor’s In Education

Rooney Mara: Bachelor’s In International Social Policy, Psychology, And Nonprofits

Rooney Mara went to the New York University Gallatin School of Individualized Study for her degree. It is pretty amazing that the talented actress got a degree in three different subjects! In 2010, she finished her studies and we are impressed by how much knowledge she possesses. If you want our opinion, we do not think we could study international social policy, psychology, and nonprofit organizations at the same time!

Rooney Mara: Bachelor’s In International Social Policy, Psychology, And Nonprofits

Weird Al Yankovic: Bachelor’s In Architecture

It is interesting to learn that Weird Al Yankovic went to California Polytechnic State University for his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. Soon after his graduation, he realized that the field was not his passion. He started working in a mail room at some radio company in Culver City and made his own music during his free time. His music career eventually took off. The rest, as they say, is history.

Weird Al Yankovic: Bachelor’s In Architecture

Eva Longoria: Master’s In Chicano Studies

Eva Longoria finished her Master of Arts in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge in 2013. For her undergraduate degree, she went to Texas A&M University for her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. When she finished the graduate program, she said, “You’re never too old or too busy to continue your education!” We agree!

Eva Longoria: Master’s In Chicano Studies

Kate Beckinsale: Bachelor’s In French & Russian Literature

British actress Kate Beckinsale is best known for her roles in Underworld, Van Helsing, and Pearl Harbor. As you probably assumed, the 46-year-old is also a model. She was first discovered as an actress while studying at the University of Oxford. Her film debut was in Much Ado About Nothing; she filmed on the side while also finishing her degree. Kate graduated with a Bachelor’s in French and Russian literature, and she’s fluent in both languages!

Kate Beckinsale: Bachelor’s In French & Russian Literature

Gabrielle Union: Bachelor’s In Sociology

Gabrielle Union went to the University of California, Los Angeles for her Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree. Originally, her plan was to take up law after her undergraduate studies. During her last year of college, she began to work at a modeling agency. The agency owner encouraged her to keep it up, and she began acting not long after she finished her studies. Acting is certainly a lot more glamorous than law!

Gabrielle Union: Bachelor’s In Sociology

Wanda Sykes: Bachelor’s In Marketing

Wanda Sykes might be best known as a comedian, but she first got her marketing degree from Hampton University in 1986. She once worked as a contract specialist with the NSA. In 1987, she started to dabble in comedy. When everyone found out how hilarious she is, she went into the entertainment industry full-time and left the marketing industry altogether.

Wanda Sykes: Bachelor’s In Marketing

David Spade: Bachelor’s In Business

You likely do not consider David Spade a serious businessman, but we will have you know he actually earned a Bachelor’s in Business from Arizona State University in 1986. When he was attending college, he was already doing stand-up and making everyone chuckle. He eventually decided to go into comedy full-time.

David Spade: Bachelor’s In Business

Chris Martin: Degree In Greek And Latin

We all know Coldplay, right? Frontman Chris Martin actually met his bandmates when he was studying at University College London. He did not stop studying to pursue a career in music, however. He was able to balance both his studies and music. It is even more impressive when you learn he finished his degree in Ancient Latin and Greek Studies with first-class honors!

Chris Martin: Degree In Greek And Latin

Ron Jeremy: Master’s In Special Education

You might be surprised to hear about the educational background of adult film performer Ron Jeremy. He actually earned a Master’s of Education in Special Education from Queens College. He was not making a lot of money when he was teaching, which led to his change in careers. We bet you had no idea about his professional past!

Ron Jeremy: Master’s In Special Education

Rowan Atkinson: Master’s In Electrical Engineering

Although Mr. Bean is not the sharpest tool in the shed, you will be surprised to hear that the person who brought him to life is actually all kinds of brilliant! Rowan Atkinson received his Master’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s College at Oxford University. When he went to the prestigious institution, he was already a performer. He ultimately left that life and went on to be a big comedic star.

Rowan Atkinson: Master’s In Electrical Engineering

John Cleese: Bachelor’s In Law

If it had not been for Monty Python, John Cleese would be practicing law right now. He got his Bachelor’s in Law from Downing College at Cambridge University. While attending the university, he joined the university theatre troupe called Cambridge Footlights. That was where he met Graham Chapman, his writing partner, and started practicing comedy. A sudden career shift was in order.

John Cleese: Bachelor’s In Law

Vinny Guadagnino: Bachelor’s In Political Science

Vinny Guadagnino of Jersey Shore went to the College of Staten Island for his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. It is also very impressive that he finished his studies with a grade point average of 3.9! If you ask him, however, he will tell you that he has a “Master’s in womenry”.

Vinny Guadagnino: Bachelor’s In Political Science

Will Ferrell: Bachelor’s In Sports Information

Will Ferrell attended the University of Southern California. He got his Bachelor of Arts in Sports Information in 1990. He is also the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from his alma mater. However, keep in mind that the sports information program is no longer offered. He explained, “Yes, you heard me, sports information. A program so difficult, so arduous, that they discontinued it eight years after I left. Those of us with sports information degrees are an elite group. We’re like the Navy Seals of USC graduates. There are very few of us, and there was a high dropout rate.”

Will Ferrell: Bachelor’s In Sports Information

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Bachelor’s In International Business And Economics

If you thought that it was odd that Arnold Schwarzenegger became the governor of California at some point, you are clearly unaware of his degree. He went to the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he received his Bachelor of Science in International Business and Economics. Apparently, he has the brains to match those impressive guns of his!

Arnold Schwarzenegger: Bachelor’s In International Business And Economics

Hugh Laurie: Bachelor’s In Archaeology And Anthropology

Hugh Laurie actually comes from a highly-educated family. They considered it a “family tradition” to go into academia. He attended and got his bachelor’s degree from Selwyn College at Cambridge University. He majored in Archaeology and Anthropology, with a focus on the fascinating field of social anthropology. Do you think his background helped him as an actor?

Hugh Laurie: Bachelor’s In Archaeology And Anthropology

Freddie Highmore: Bachelor’s In Arabic And Spanish

Although Freddie Highmore launched a successful acting career at a fairly young age, he knew the importance of going to college and earning a degree. He received his Bachelor’s in Arabic and Spanish from Emmanuel College at Cambridge University. Isn’t it impressive that he finished his studies with a double first? Apparently, it is the British equivalent of graduating with first-class honors.

Freddie Highmore: Bachelor’s In Arabic And Spanish

Carrie Underwood: Degree In Mass Communications

Carrie Underwood is certainly an achiever. There is a good chance that you know her best for her stint on the reality TV show, American Idol. After becoming the winner of the fourth season, she returned to Oklahoma and worked on her degree. She was just three credits away from finishing her Bachelor’s in Mass Communications with a concentration in Journalism before she joined the popular talent show. The fact that the songstress graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University blows us away!

Carrie Underwood: Degree In Mass Communications

Aziz Ansari: Bachelor’s In Marketing

Up next, we have yet another funny guy. The mastermind behind Master of None has made a name for himself in the competitive world of show business. From playing Tom Haverford in Parks and Recreation, he ended up creating and acting in his own television show. We bet he was able to put his New York University marketing degree to use. He was initially interested in becoming an entrepreneur, and he still is in some ways. During one interview, he described his NYU days this way: “It was such a weird culture”. This only makes us prouder that he earned that degree!

Aziz Ansari: Bachelor’s In Marketing

J. Cole: Bachelor’s In Communications

J. Cole is the rapper that Jay-Z first signed onto his label, Roc Nation. Apparently, Jermain Cole AKA J. Cole went to St. John’s University at the same time he was pursuing his dreams. During his free time, he made music and performed on the campus. All of this while he led the Black Student Union! Somehow, he was still able to graduate summa cum laude after majoring in Communications and minoring in business. Although he technically finished his studies in 2007, he only got the degree 8 years later since he had to pay fines for a library book he did not return.

J. Cole: Bachelor’s In Communications

Natalie Portman: Bachelor’s In Psychology

“I felt like there had been some mistake,” the talented actress later explained, “that I wasn’t smart enough to be in this company, and that every time I opened my mouth I would have to prove that I wasn’t just a dumb actress.” Although it does not sound like she had an easy time, she still finished her degree from the prestigious Harvard University. If you ask us, the former child actress managed to prove everyone who thought she was a dumb actress wrong!

Natalie Portman: Bachelor’s In Psychology

Kourtney Kardashian: Bachelor’s In Theatre Arts

Before we all came to know the Kardashians, the oldest sister of the bunch first had to think about going through life without the fame and fortune they now have. That was how Kourtney Kardashian ended up going to the Southern Methodist University in Dallas. After matriculating there for two years, she transferred to the University of Arizona. In 2002, she received her degree after majoring in theater arts and minoring in Spanish. Before the Kim tape got out, Kourtney was not that different from most of us.

Kourtney Kardashian: Bachelor’s In Theatre Arts

Ben McKenzie: Bachelor’s In Economics And Foreign Affairs

Who would have thought that Ben McKenzie of Gotham and The O.C.

was such an accomplished fellow? He went to the University of Virginia, where he earned his Bachelor’s in Economics and Foreign Affairs in 2001. Later, he talked about how blessed he was to have experienced this. “The ability to study econ and foreign affairs during the day and perform onstage at night was a true blessing,” he explained to the school’s alumni magazine. “I’m not sure I would have had the opportunity to receive such a well-rounded education anywhere else.”

Ben McKenzie: Bachelor’s In Economics And Foreign Affairs

Bradley Cooper: Bachelor’s In English

Bradley Cooper is the kind of actor who seems to have it all! Aside from his good looks, charms, and acting chops, he also has a degree in English. He attended Georgetown University and liked the readings they had in class. He was delighted when GQ asked him about reading Paradise Lost. Interestingly, his thesis was on the infamous book by Vladimir Nabokov, Lolita. Apparently, he was passionate about literature and once cried tears as he read Romeo and Juliet in the library!

Bradley Cooper: Bachelor’s In English

Rebel Wilson: Degree In Law

If you ask us, Pitch Perfect would not have been the same without Rebel Wilson in it. She has confirmed that she graduated from law school in 2009. She went to the prestigious University of New South Wales in the land down under. “A lot of people look at me and think I’m stupid,” she elaborated, “But no, I graduated from a school that’s kind of like the Harvard of Australia.” Aside from that, we all know that law is a challenging field!

Rebel Wilson: Degree In Law

John Legend: Bachelor’s In English

John Legend makes for another A-lister celebrity who decided to go for an English major. He went to the University of Pennsylvania, where his Bachelor’s in English with a focus on African-American Literature. The EGOT winner entered college at the tender age of 16 and graduated in 1999. The musician was also a member of Counterparts, the campus acapella group, during his student days. Clearly, John Legend was bound to become an actual legend one way or another!

John Legend: Bachelor’s In English

JK Rowling: Degree In French

Did you know that JK Rowling can speak other languages? The Harry Potter author attended the University of Exeter, where she graduated with a degree in French and also studied Roman and Greek Studies. Her parents told her to go to a vocational school, but she did not comply. “A compromise was reached that in retrospect satisfied nobody, and I went up to study Modern Languages,” the writer said. “Hardly had my parents’ car rounded the corner at the end of the road than I ditched German and scuttled off down the Classics corridor.”

JK Rowling: Degree In French

Danai Gurira: Bachelor’s In Social Psychology

Danai Gurira is best known for playing Michonne in the hit Fox show, The Walking Dead. She further impressed audiences with her appearance in Avengers and Black Panther. Before making it big in show business, she studied Social Psychology at Macalester College. During an interview with Rolling Stone, she explained, “I was really looking at race, population, gender and how we psychologically function in a way that affects our societal outcomes around those issues.” That sounds really impressive!

Danai Gurira: Bachelor’s In Social Psychology

Ashton Kutcher: Bachelor’s In Biochemical Engineering

Nope, we are not Punking you! Although he is one of the funniest guys you will see in the industry, it would be wrong to think that he is an airhead like some of the characters he plays. The talented actor actually went to the University of Iowa and graduated in 1996. Even more interesting is the fact that he took up Biochemical Engineering, which is easily one of the hardest degree programs out there. He chose to major in this because he wanted to help cure his brother’s heart condition. How sweet!

Ashton Kutcher: Bachelor’s In Biochemical Engineering

James Franco: Ph.D. Candidacy at Yale

Although James Franco has recently faced his fair share of controversy, we cannot deny that he is still a star. His eccentric behavior occasionally lands him in hot water, and it must not help that he plays stoner characters in projects like The End and Pineapple Express. In real life, he is an intelligent guy who earned a Master’s in Fine Arts from Columbia University. For a huge chunk of his adult life, he has invested in his academic background. He is also working towards a Ph.D. at Yale. In an interview with The Washington Post, he said, “I go to school because I love being around people who are interested in what I’m interested in.”

James Franco: Ph.D. Candidacy at Yale

Mayim Bialik: Ph.D. in Neuroscience

We all came to know Mayim Bialik when she played the title character in NBC’s Blossom from 1991 to 1995. Although the character was not dumb, she often had to make it on her own in life without a mother. The show did not really become particularly popular, but we daresay that Mayim Bialik can put us to shame with her smarts! After all, not a lot of actors can say that they have a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. More recently, we all saw her return to the small screen in the role of Amy in The Big Bang Theory. Despite this, she still works in the medical field and wrote books on puberty and parenting.

Mayim Bialik: Ph.D. in Neuroscience

Sacha Baron Cohen: Degree In History

Sacha Baron Cohen became famous during the ‘90s. He made it big when he created and portrayed Ali G, a satirical character of an uneducated character. He has since earned a spot in the Hollywood scene, although he normally plays rather dumb characters. We have all seen him in Borat, right? Because of this, you might be surprised to hear that the London native went to private school and later attended Christ’s College at Cambridge University! He earned an upper-second-class degree after studying in History. He was also in the university dramatic society back then. How surprising is that?

Sacha Baron Cohen: Degree In History

Alison Williams: Degree In Archaeology And English

Alison Williams of Girls made a bunch of poor decisions in the role of Marnie. She had to contend with cringeworthy romances and pursuing a music career when she could not carry a tune. Although the character was not the brightest lightbulb out there, Alison is one smart cookie. She was not allowed to go into acting until she finished her degree from Yale. She took up English and archaeology, although she did not get a part in the big musical in Yale when she was a freshman. Instead, she opted to join the improv group and found out she was a natural comedienne.

Alison Williams: Degree In Archaeology And English

David Duchovny: Master’s In English Literature

The younger readers might not know him very much, but everyone else will remember him for his iconic role in The X Files. In Californication, he played Hank Moody. If you have watched that show, we do not really blame you if you think he might be somewhat of a dunce in real life. Well, we are here to let you know he isn’t – he actually earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Princeton and a Master’s from Yale! He always wanted to be a screenwriter and considered acting to be research. “I thought, ‘Well, if I’m going to write things that are going to be performed by actors, then it’s probably helpful for me to know something about what that’s like.”

David Duchovny: Master’s In English Literature

Dr. Oz: Medical Degree

We cannot deny that most “doctors” you will find on television do not have the proper credentials. They are usually nothing more than quacks who decided to make some money by going into the medical side of television. However, Dr. Oz might be considered one of the biggest idiots on television, but he is no dunce! Although his show includes people going through an obstacle course, you should know that The New York Times once called him “one of the most accomplished cardiothoracic surgeons of his generation.” With about 5,000 open heart surgeries, we can see why they have given him a title of this magnitude. Wow!

Dr. Oz: Medical Degree

Conan O’Brien: Degree In History And Literature

It would be a mistake to think that Conan O’Brien is a stupid fellow. For all his wisecracking and antics, the famous talk show host is actually incredibly intelligent. He studied history and literature at Harvard University! Even when he was a college student, he was already a funny guy. His classmates called him the “pre-eminent jokester” in 1985. He was even the president of the legendary semi-secret organization, Harvard Lampoon. When it comes to his studies, he wrote a 72-page thesis on Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner. He also graduated magna cum laude and looks back fondly on his university days.

Conan O’Brien: Degree In History And Literature

Harry Hill: Degree In Neuroscience

Harry Hill might not be all that well known in the United States, but we will have you know that the British comedian is big on television. This BAFTA Award winner is well-known for his goofy style and big-collared shirts. If you want to be frank about it, he is basically a walking cartoon. It was in 1992 that he got his breakthrough, but comedy was not his first choice of career. He actually underwent neuroscience training and earned a degree from the University of London. However, he eventually quit medicine since he “didn’t feel in control of what was happening.”

Harry Hill: Degree In Neuroscience

Shaquille O’Neal: Doctorate In Human Leadership

Many athletes go to college to play their sport, and once they make it big, they leave without graduating. However, famous retired NBA player Shaquille O’Neal went back to Barry University. Back in 2012, he received his doctorate degree from the said school. His thesis was on the value of human leadership. When people ask why he pursued a college degree, he responds by saying, “One, I promised my parents I would [follow my passion for education]. Two, I wanted to continue my education and three, I wanted to challenge myself.” Shaq also dreams of becoming a motivational speaker and then attaining a law degree.

Shaquille O’Neal: Doctorate In Human Leadership

Sigourney Weaver: Master’s In Drama

Famous actress Sigouney Weaver is best known for her role in the Alien franchise. Before making it big in Hollywood, she attended Yale University’s School of Drama. Sigourney received a Master of Fine Arts degree and made a life-long friend while in school. She and Meryl Streep actually performed in a play together at Yale! After graduating, Weaver began her film career and she hasn’t looked back since!

Sigourney Weaver: Master’s In Drama

Dolph Lundgren: Master’s In Engineering

Swedish actor Dolph Lundgren is recognized for his roles in Rocky IV and The Expendables. Not only is he good-looking and athletic, but he’s also quite smart too! Dolph received a Master’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Sydney, but that’s not all. Upon graduation, he received a Fullbright scholarship to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston. Too bad he decided not to take it and persue a career in acting instead!

Dolph Lundgren: Master’s In Engineering

Danica McKellar: Bachelor’s In Mathematics

Danica McKellar knew she loved math even when starring in The Wonder Years as Winne Cooper. She took a break from acting after the said show wrapped up and received a Bachelor’s degree in Math from UCLA. Not only is there a math theorem named after her, but she’s also a published author who has written 8 books all about math. Her life goal is to make math fun for kids and adults alike.

Danica McKellar: Bachelor’s In Mathematics

Ben Stein: Economics & Law Degree

We’re not too surprised by Ben Stein’s degrees, he did have his own game show, the goal for people to beat him at trivia! Not only does this famous actor have an Economics Degree from Columbia, but he also has a Law Degree from Yale! Fun fact: he was a speechwriter for 2 Presidents.

Ben Stein: Economics & Law Degree

Lupita Nyong’o: Master’s In Acting

Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o had her big break in 12 Years a Slave. Not only did she win 6 awards for her fabulous performance, but she also got her name on the map! Lupita has a Master’s in Acting From Yale University’s School of Drama. Keep your eyes out for her in upcoming films!

Lupita Nyong’o: Master’s In Acting

Gerard Butler: Law Degree

Gerald Butler is a Scottish actor, producer, singer, and musician. Back in the day, he attended the University of Glasgow’s Law School. He was the President of the school’s law society and was also a “trainee lawyer”. Sadly, just before getting his law qualification, he was fired. With the many awards under his belt, we think he’s had better luck with acting!

Gerard Butler: Law Degree

Christy Turlington: Bachelor’s In Philosophy

Supermodel Christy Turlington was one of the most successful models during the late ’80s. In 1989, Christy was the face of Calvin Klein’s Eternity campaign, only propelling her career. After stepping away from the catwalk, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from NYU. She also began pursuing a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia, but later dropped out to focus more on her global maternal health organization.

Christy Turlington: Bachelor’s In Philosophy

Ashley Judd: Master’s In Public Administration

Actress Ashley Judd doesn’t just excel on screen, she’s also quite the brainiac. During her time at the University of Kentucky, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in French and also studied 4 minors. Later in life, she received a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard and now she’s working toward a Ph.D. in Public Policy at UC Berkeley. Go girl!

Ashley Judd: Master’s In Public Administration

Jodie Foster: Bachelor’s In Literature

Actress Jodie Foster is best known for her performances in Taxi Driver and The Silence of the Lambs, among many others. Back in high school, she was the valedictorian of her French immersion school. She later went to Yale, graduating honors with a Literature Degree. As you probably guessed, Jodie speaks French fluently, but get this, she also speaks Spanish, Italian, and German!

Jodie Foster: Bachelor’s In Literature

Rashida Jones: Bachelor’s In Religion & Philosophy

Rashida Jones is an actress, producer, and writer. Her claim to fame was the NBC comedy TV show Parks and Recreation. Before making it big in Hollywood, Rashida went to Harvard where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy studies. At first, she wanted to become a lawyer, but once she tried her hand at acting, she was hooked.

Rashida Jones: Bachelor’s In Religion & Philosophy

Geena Davis: Bachelor’s In Fine Arts

Geena Davis is a household name in the industry thanks to her portrayal of strong and authentic female characters. She works in both film and TV and has received numerous accolades for her performances. Prior to acting, Geena received a Fine Arts degree at Boston University in her home state of Massachusetts. Not only has she founded her own media institute, but she is also fluent in Swedish and is quite skilled at archery.

Geena Davis: Bachelor’s In Fine Arts

Edward Norton: Bachelor’s In History

Actor and filmmaker Edward Norton has appeared in over 45 feature films and TV shows. The star attended Yale University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in History. After college, he worked for his grandfather’s company in Japan. He speaks Japanese fluently and has a movie coming out soon, so stay tuned!

Edward Norton: Bachelor’s In History

John Krasinski: Bachelor’s In English

John Krasinski is not only an actor, but he’s also a director, producer, and screenwriter. Not only has he appeared in an extensive amount of feature films, but he’s also made a few! John’s most notable role was in the hit TV series The Office from 2005-2013. He received a Bachelor’s in English from Brown University where he graduated with honors. His favorite courses were “Management of Industrial and Nonprofit Organizations” and an intro biology course.

John Krasinski: Bachelor’s In English

Mindy Kaling: Bachelor’s In Playwriting

Vera Mindy Chokalingam, also known as Mindy Kaling, is a comedian, actress, writer, producer, and director. The talented woman is another star from The Office. You probably remember her for her role as Kelly Kapoor. Mindy has written 4 books, and two are New York Times best-selling memoirs! She attended Dartmouth where she began as a Latin major and later switched to playwriting. Mindy is also the creator of the comedy, The Mindy Project.

Mindy Kaling: Bachelor’s In Playwriting

Emma Watson: Bachelor’s In English Literature

Talented British actress, Emma Watson began her career as a trainee at the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts. From there she rose as a child actress when she was cast in the Harry Potter film series as Hermione. The star-studded actress is a graduate of Brown University where she received an English literature degree. Emma spent her junior year of college at Oxford and is a visiting fellow at the esteemed school today.

Emma Watson: Bachelor’s In English Literature

Peter Weller: Master’s In Roman And Renaissance Art & A Ph.D. In Italian Renaissance Art History

You may know Peter Weller better as RoboCop, but this actor does way more than just that. Wallace received his Bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University, quite a long way from his home state of Wisconsin. He then attended New York’s ‘American Academy of Dramatic Arts’. Then he decided to go back to school to get his Master’s in Roman and Renaissance Art…but that wasn’t enough! A few years later, he enrolled at UCLA to pursue a Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance Art History. What a mouthful!

Peter Weller: Master’s In Roman And Renaissance Art & A Ph.D. In Italian Renaissance Art History

Angela Bassett: Master’s In Drama

Angela Basset is an actress with 45+ films and TV shows under her belt. The NY native received a Bachelor’s degree in Afro-American studies from Yale, which she topped off with another degree at the said school. This time it was at Yale’s Drama School, and it was a Master’s in drama!

Angela Bassett: Master’s In Drama

Hill Harper: Juris Doctor Degree & Master’s In Public Administration

Actor Hill Harper may just be the celebrity on our list with the most impressive college degrees! The CSI actor isn’t just incredible on-screen, but he’s also quite the brainiac! He doesn’t have just 1 degree from an Ivy League, he has 3!! In 1998, he graduated from Brown University Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. He then went to Harvard where he received a Juris Doctor Degree, also Cum Laude. Later on, he attended the John F.Kennedy School Of Government where he earned a Master’s in Public Administration.

Hill Harper: Juris Doctor Degree & Master’s In Public Administration

Greg Graffin: PhD In Zoology

Graffin held a double major at UCLA, studying anthropology and geology, and continued at UCLA to earn his master’s degree. By the time he starting studying for his PhD at Cornell University, Graffin was already the face of the SoCal punk genre and a well-regarded leader in the life sciences field. Graffin’s Zoology dissertation was called “Evolution, Monism, Atheism, and the Naturalist World-View: Perspectives from Evolutionary Biology.”

Greg Graffin PhD In Zoology

Alan Page: Juris Doctor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota Law School

All while advancing his professional football career, he also advanced his law career. As he was going head-on, literally, with NFL quarterbacks from all over the country, Page maintained his grades at the University of Minnesota Law School. He earned his Juris Doctor in 1978, which is the same year he joined the Chicago Bears. After earning his law degree, Page spent his off-seasons working at a Minneapolis law firm. After retiring from football in 1981, he decided to transition into law full time.

Alan Page: Juris Doctor’s Degree From The University Of Minnesota Law School

Graham Chapman: M.D. from St. Bartholomew’s Medical College

Chapman’s earliest passions included acting and comedy, but he also had a big place in his heart for science. He decided to choose the safer route and study at Emmanuel College in Cambridge, where he majored in medicine. After graduating, Chapman took a year off from school to tour around New Zealand with the Footlights but later returned to pursue a Medical Degree from St. Bartholomew’s Medical College. He eventually became legally registered to practice medicine but kept himself in the world of acting.

Graham Chapman: M.D. From St. Bartholomew’s Medical College

Art Garfunkel: Master’s in Mathematics from Columbia University

Both Art Garfunkel and his co-singer Paul Simon were studious guys, but Garfunkel took school much more seriously. Simon attended Queens College and briefly after attended Brooklyn Law School, but dropped out not so long after beginning. Garfunkel, on the other hand, took his graduate studies more whole-heartedly, first earning his B.A. in art history from Columbia University, and later, an M.A. in mathematics education from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1967.

Art Garfunkel: Master’s In Mathematics From Columbia University

Tom Scholz: Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from MIT

If you asked Scholz, he’d rather be working in a lab than touring the world with his guitar. His academic history is incredibly remarkable. Growing up, he was an excellent student and an equally talented basketball player from the Ohio suburb of Ottawa Hills. Scholz studied classical piano and showed a strong interest in tinkering, including building model airplanes and designing go-carts. These unique interests led him to pursue both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in mechanical engineering from MIT.

Tom Scholz: Master’s In Mechanical Engineering From MIT

Mike Marshall: PhD in Kinesiology from Michigan State University

It’s quite rare for a professional baseball player to have a college degree, so for Mike Marshall to have a PhD in Kinesiology is definitely something he should be bragging about. While Marshall was working his way up in the baseball world, he also managed to earn his B.A., then his Master’s and finally, his PhD from Michigan State University, all in Kinesiology. Today, he uses his vast education to teach and advocate for pitching methods that he believes can save young pitchers from sustaining dangerous arm injuries.

Mike Marshall: PhD In Kinesiology From Michigan State University

Leonard Nimoy: Master’s in Education from Antioch College

While sitting right on the cusp of debuting his role of Spock for what turned out to be the first of many Star Trek movies, Nimoy also successfully completed two years of part-time studying in order to earn his Master’s Degree in Education from Antioch College. He also proudly holds an Honorary Doctorate from Antioch University for his amazing activism in Holocaust remembrance, the arts, and the environment. In addition, Nimoy holds an Honorary Doctorate of humane letters from Boston University.

Leonard Nimoy: Master’s In Education From Antioch College