Fact Check: Does Shaq Have a PhD? Diving Deeper Into How Many Doctorates the TNT Host Hold

Published 04/29/2024, 4:39 PM EDT

Shaq grew up without his real father Toney and had a father figure in the form of Army Drill Sergeant Phillip Harrison. On various podcasts, and interviews Shaquille O’Neal has credited his stepfather for molding him into a better man. When he was drafted in the NBA he had left his studies but promised his mother that he would complete his degree. Later on, he would add 3 degrees to his name.

The 4x NBA champion has passed down the same mindset about giving importance to education to his children. In a YouTube video uploaded by 7NEWS Australia in 2022, Shaq revealed the key mantra to motivate his kids. He said, “In order to get my cheese, you have to present me with two degrees. So I just keep them motivated and keep them happy. And you know, teaching them about generational wealth right now. Like I tell them all the time, we don’t need another NBA player in our house…” So which 3 degrees does Dr. Shaquille O’Neal actually hold?

Shaq’s 3 degrees

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After leaving school early in 1992 to enter the NBA Draft, O’Neal went back to Louisiana State University eight years later and earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies, fulfilling a promise to his mother. Shaquille O’Neal wanted to get his master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. But the reason he pursued a degree was because of disrespect.

While Shaq was a successful player, he noticed a pattern where during high-profile meetings how he felt he was the kind of ignored. “I noticed that every time I go to a business meeting, the guys we’re doing deals with will be like, ‘Hello Shaq, how are you doing?’” O’Neal said. “And then they would turn away and look at my lawyers, accountants and all those guys. So, I said, ‘Oh, you guys don’t think I’m in charge? You guys don’t think I understand the lingo?’ So, I went and got my master’s (degree) from the University of Phoenix.”

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The 52-year-old did not stop there and earned a doctorate degree. Though it’s not a PhD, Shaq is still a doctor as he completed his Ed.D. In 2012 Shaquille O’Neal received his doctoral degree in Education from Barry University. After leading the Heat to the NBA title in 2006, O’Neal spent the past 4 1/2 years — including his final two seasons in the NBA — quietly working toward his doctoral degree in organizational learning and leadership with a specialization in human resource development.

Is Shaq planning for his 4th degree?

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Shaq completed his Ed. D. for which his project was “The Duality of Humor and Seriousness in Leadership Styles.” A classic humor-filled subject chosen by O’Neal. The topic also signifies the learnings of the leader that Shaq wants to learn. During his graduation speech, Shaq said, “This is for my mother, who always stressed the importance of education. I am proud to have achieved a doctoral degree and wish to thank my professors and Barry University for helping make this dream a reality. I’m smart enough to know that, even at my tender age, my pursuit of education is never finished.”

The Big Diesel recently revealed his goal is to attain another degree in the next three years. On the March 7th episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, “I’m making my announcement here. I am making preparations to get my master’s in sport psychology.” The NBA icon added, “I will in the next three years be the foremost expert when it comes to sport psychology. So I read that but I don’t want to act like its affirmative yet, because I don’t have the title behind it. But I’m telling you now I’m preparing to go to school to get my Master’s.”

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The Big Man has never shied away from attaining his goals. Especially when he is chasing a target for his own betterment.

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Written by:

Pranav Kotai is an NBA beat writer at EssentiallySports. With a master's in sports management and a lifelong passion for basketball, Pranav has an eye for understanding NBA like no other. Pranav is an open encyclopedia of all storylines, with a well-rounded approach to his writing, especially for his favorites like NBA legends Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley.

Edited by:

Caroline Joseph

Fact Check: Does Shaq Have a PhD? Diving Deeper Into How Many Doctorates the TNT Host Hold

Shaq’s 3 degrees

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Is Shaq planning for his 4th degree?