Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has returned to university to pursue a master’s degree in criminology at Sacramento State University, marking his latest academic undertaking at the age of 54.
The former NBA star began the programme during the summer and expects to complete it in a hybrid format by fall 2027 or summer 2028. His current coursework includes a subject titled “Critical Analysis of Law & Justice”.
O’Neal already holds four degrees, including a bachelor’s degree, an MBA, an Ed.D. and a master’s degree in liberal arts from Louisiana State University (LSU).
Promise to His Mother Led Him Back to Education
O’Neal spent three seasons playing college basketball at LSU before becoming the first overall selection in the 1992 NBA Draft. He left the university without completing his degree but promised his mother that he would eventually return to graduate.
He later fulfilled that commitment and continued his studies, earning additional qualifications over the years.
Speaking to Fortune, O’Neal said he had always been curious and wanted to ensure basketball was not the only subject he understood.
He also said his mother had consistently emphasised the importance of education and that he viewed a degree as an achievement that could not be taken away from its holder.
Longstanding Interest in Law Enforcement
O’Neal’s decision to study criminology follows his longstanding involvement in law enforcement. Since the late 1990s, he has worked part-time with several police departments and served as a reserve officer in Los Angeles and Miami.
Last month, FBI Director Kash Patel named O’Neal an honorary FBI special agent.
The basketball Hall of Famer said his continued education was also intended to demonstrate to his children that people could keep learning regardless of their age, professional success or commitments.
Sacramento State Has a Family Connection
O’Neal’s return to Sacramento State also has a personal connection. His son, Shaqir, transferred to the university last year to play basketball.
The elder O’Neal also joined the school’s men’s basketball programme as general manager in an unpaid, voluntary position, according to The Athletic.
Beyond his university studies, O’Neal has been visiting college campuses as part of a tour focused on teaching personal finance.
O’Neal Says College Teaches More Than Academic Subjects
O’Neal said university education offers lessons beyond the material taught in classrooms, including discipline, teamwork and the importance of completing commitments.
He also addressed concerns among young people about artificial intelligence and its potential effects on education and employment.
While acknowledging that he uses technology, O’Neal said AI could provide information but could not replace practical experience or direct conversations with people who had greater knowledge.
He emphasised the value of asking questions and learning through face-to-face interactions.
Stephen Curry and Oprah Winfrey Also Returned to Finish Degrees
O’Neal is among several high-profile figures who returned to university after achieving professional success.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry completed his bachelor’s degree in sociology in 2022, 13 years after leaving Davidson College to enter the NBA. Curry said completing the qualification fulfilled a promise he had made to his mother and former coach, Bob McKillop.
He also explained that his studies helped him examine how athletes could use their platforms and financial resources to support gender equity.
Media personality Oprah Winfrey also returned to finish her studies at Tennessee State University after leaving in 1975, one credit short of graduation, to pursue her television career. She completed her degree in 1987 after becoming established through her talk show.
Addressing Stanford University graduates in 2008, Winfrey encouraged them to view difficult experiences and setbacks as opportunities to learn. In 2019, she described success as a process rather than a single destination.
