Going back to school is as inviting as the smell of rotting banana peels, and combined with the spring weather, studying for finals seems next to impossible. But earning your degree is one of the best and most important decisions you can make now to secure your future. Just ask the A-list celebrities and athletes who have furthered their education.
Many of Hollywood’s most athletic and talented have prepared for the day when their acting, acting or singing careers end and real life begins. Although some celebrities earned their degrees the traditional method, by attending college and university campuses, more and more celebrities are also opting for online distance learning courses.
Stars in the Field, in the Online Classroom
o MLB left-handed pitcher, Al Leiter, knows more than how to pitch a perfect game. In addition to being the only major league player to defeat all 30 teams, Leiter, a retired Marlin, also earned his associate’s degree through Penn State University’s World Campus program.
or What is 7 feet tall, wears purple, and appeared in 1994’s “Blue Chips”? You guessed it: Shaquille O’Neal. In addition to an NBA championship, O’Neal also has a bachelor’s degree from Lousianna State University. But Shaq-Attack’s upbringing doesn’t end there; O’Neal continued his education, earning an online MBA through the University of Phoenix in 2005. Upon earning his MBA, O’Neal, a reserve officer from Miami Beach, announced his desire to pursue a degree in justice. penal.
o Retired forward for the Phoenix Suns, pull pink, is an athlete-scholar paradigm. Rose, who was recruited to the NBA out of the University of Michigan during his junior year of college, was determined to get the title from him. He enrolled in online classes at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). There, Rose earned her BA in Management Studies. Now retired, Rose continues to support education through the Jalen Rose Foundation, which offers five $10,000 scholarships to Michigan-area public school students each year.
o On the ice, he popularized the “I” spin position and wows the crowd with his difficult jump sequences. As a competitive athletic and professional ice skater, Sasha Cohen understands the importance of nutrition, exercise and the balance of the two. That’s why this young Olympic medalist is focusing on earning her undergraduate degree in Nutrition at Pennsylvania State University’s distance learning program.
o Former University of Nebraska football star and wide receiver bobby newcombe enrolled in an online MBA program through the University of Phoenix. While enrolled in the online program, Newcome played for both the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens. After his two-year NFL career, Newcombe returned to the field of education. Newcombe currently serves as the enrollment manager for his alma mater, the University of Phoenix.
Beauty, fame and brains
o You’ve seen her in Lizzie Maguire, and your little sister probably loves her clothing line, Stuff by Duff. But what you probably don’t know is that Hillary Duff, Disney Channel actress turned pop singer turned businesswoman, is currently pursuing her college studies. Between recording pop hits, rehearsing for an upcoming movie and designing products for her clothing line, Duff chooses classes in liberal arts, computer science and management through Harvard’s distance learning program.
Celebrities on campus
o He is famous for his commitment to bodybuilding and is most often associated with the quote “I’ll be back,” but Mr. Olympia/actor/California Governor was also dedicated to his studies. arnold schwarzenegger earned a degree in International Fitness Marketing and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin.
o If the words Griffyndor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, and Ravenclaw mean anything to you, then you know the author of the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling he captivates audiences young and old with his imaginative writing. Before Rowling’s wizarding series was developed, she earned a BA in French from the University of Exeter.
or Oscar Winner jennifer connolly he has been in critically acclaimed films such as Requiem for a Dream, A Beautiful Mind and most recently Blood Diamond. Connolly began her undergraduate studies at Yale, but later transferred to the equally prestigious Stanford University, where she earned her BA in English. In addition, Connolly is fluent in Italian and French.
o He often stars alongside fellow actor, Rob Schneider, in comedy films like The Hot Chick, Big Daddy, and The Waterboy. goal actor Adam Sandler he began and honed his comedic skills at his alma mater, New York University. While there, Sandler earned his Fine Arts degree and performed regularly at local comedy clubs.
oh tommy lee jones Not only is he an Academy Award-winning actor, director, and Broadway star, but he also graduated cum laude from the Harvard class of 1969. While earning his English degree, Jones played offensive tackle on the team undefeated football from Harvard and was a fellow Vice President Al Gore.
o Most famous for her stunning Barbie-doll physique, The Girls Next Door star Bridget Marquardt she’s not a dumb blonde. This Playboy Playmate graduated from CSU Sacramento with a BA in Communications, with a minor in Public Relations. In 2001, Marquardt received his Master’s in Communications from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. Arguably one of Hugh Hefner’s most educated girlfriends, Marquardt continued her education further by enrolling in a graduate-level broadcast communications program through the UCLA Extension program.