If you know enough about Shaquille O’Neal, you know nothing is impossible for the NBA legend. Earlier this month, the four-time NBA champion received his fourth academic degree. What made Shaq’s big milestone was that he wasn’t the only member of his family to receive a degree in the same month.

Shaq received his second degree from Louisiana State University. He earned a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts from the College of Human Sciences and Education. During the same week, his son, Shaqir, also became a graduate from Sacramento State. The NBA legend was in attendance for his son’s graduation day.

This is the continuation of the trend that Shaq has set in his family. He has always given primacy to education in his children’s lives and followed the same since his retirement. While he remains a business savant, he has previously said that he was trying to get a degree in a field where he would be able to mentor athletes.

The thesis for Shaq’s master’s degree was titled, 'Interdisciplinary Approach to Mentorship through the lens of the epic poem, The Odyssey.' Shaq’s thesis takes inspiration from Homer’s legendary story.

"His thesis, 'Interdisciplinary Approach to Mentorship through the lens of the epic poem The Odyssey,' focuses on strengthening mentorship, particularly for athletes,” the LSU website wrote.

“O’Neal said he pursued the program after recognizing a need for more sports psychology leadership from people who have lived the experience, noting there are few high-level professional (or former) athletes in that field.”

According to Sacramento State, Shaqir graduated as a health science major. He joined the program for one season as a student athlete for the basketball team. He played and started all 31 games for the Hornets and averaged 5.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.5 steals, and 19.3 minutes.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals why he continues to value education

There is barely any field left that Shaq has not dipped his toe in. He is a platinum rapper, arguably the most dominant player in NBA history, a successful DJ, and a very successful businessman. But amid all the success he has had in his life, education has always held a very high place for Shaq. 

The NBA legend is constantly surrounded by college athletes with NIL deals. Earlier this year, Shaq revealed why he continues to value education. 

“We talk about the NIL, what’s going on now. People always go for money first, but you have to have the education on how to manage the money,” he said, according to HOLA. “So I want my children and those that follow me to say, ‘Okay, he’s educated. Maybe I should do it.’”

Shaq is one of the biggest names in America, and certainly one of the most loved ones with a large fan following, including athletes who look up to him.

His thesis gives a firsthand perspective to athletes who would take lessons from his journey to find their guidance. Shaq’s previous degrees include an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a Bachelor of General Studies from LSU, and a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Barry University.

Do you think the 4x NBA title winner will go for more degrees?

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Souvik Roy