Shaquille O'Neal Earns Doctorate In Education At Barry In Fla.

MIAMI -- Former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal is a doctor now.

O'Neal received his doctoral degree in education from Barry University alongside 1,100 other students during commencement ceremonies Saturday.

O'Neal then high-fived other graduates as he made his way back to his seat along with his manager, Cynthia Atterberry, who also received a doctorate in education.

The former All-Star and MVP earned a cumulative GPA of 3.813 while completing 54 credit hours at Barry, mostly through online courses and video conferencing over the last four years. O'Neal's doctoral capstone project explored how CEOs and business leaders use humor in the workplace.

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Comments

[Ian Gord]

05:49 PM on 05/08/2012

The EdD was created as a piece of paper allowing one to move up on the pay scale in a public school system.

Academically, it's a joke.

[xdarthveganx]

03:51 AM on 05/09/2012

Not if it's an Ed.D. from Harvard.

[Ian Gord]

04:46 PM on 05/09/2012

Sorry, Darth.

ANY EdD is designed to scrupulously avoid academic rigor.

What's the matter, it's not "Dr." Darth, is it?

[jbell2718]

08:47 PM on 05/15/2012

So what exactly is your purpose in bringing up this point? It sounds as if you are marginalizing Shaq's accomplishment. If his purpose is to be a reflective practitioner and problem solver in education then an EdD is appropriate, if it's to do research, then a PhD is appropriate. Regardless, stop being smug about his achievement.

[Matthew Carr]

01:52 AM on 05/08/2012

http://www.buzzfeed.com/askmattcarr/shaq-continues-to-make-us-all-look-like-losers-64d5

Always loved The Diesel. Here are 13 Ways Shaq Makes Us All Look Bad

[cmav8]

01:35 AM on 05/08/2012

kazaam Dr. Shaq! He did good use of his time after retirement.

[eldorado81]

06:54 PM on 05/07/2012

I like Shaq but what is a Barry University?Do they have a basketball team?

[lesshirkeyjr]

05:34 PM on 05/07/2012

Much respect for you Dr. O'neal!

[vobox3343]

03:46 PM on 05/07/2012

This is fantastic! Congratulations. It's not everyday that we get to hear and see positive news regarding our sports figures. You're quite the inspiration - May others follow your lead - All things are possible.

[Matthew Carr]

02:54 PM on 05/07/2012

http://www.buzzfeed.com/askmattcarr/shaq-continues-to-make-us-all-look-like-losers-64d5

Shaq has been making us all look bad for years. Check it out!

[dexter2323]

01:33 PM on 05/07/2012

I recall during the All-star game a few years ago, Jim Gray was interviewing both Kobe and Shaq at the same time. Gray asked Kobe to do play by play and Shaq was to do color commentary and analyze the game. Shaq's response? "What does analyze mean?" Just shows you what an online degree is worth.

[Jayjaybe]

02:26 PM on 05/07/2012

What does "analyze" mean?

[Stacie Tyson]

12:46 PM on 05/23/2012

According to your statement, that occurence was a few years ago, so he most likely knew what "analyze" meant at the time of graduation.
BTW, who cares if he didn't know what it meant anyway? He didn't know, he asked what it meant, got his answer, and moved on to receive his PhD. I suggest you take notes from Shaq.

[Christa Richardson]

12:05 PM on 05/07/2012

Congrats Shaq !!! Great job and impressing GPA !!!!

[ricchh]

10:22 AM on 05/07/2012

These on line and video conference degrees are a disgrace.

[dvglass3]

01:42 PM on 05/07/2012

Your lack of education is on full display in your post...how ironic.

[rworldcup]

09:58 AM on 05/08/2012

Now, you on the other hand are just an idiot. Almost ALL schools have online programs, including graduate programs at Harvard that are 50-90% completed online with a residency requirement for 1-2 semesters during the summer or regular semester. I know because I am a student there. Furthermore, don't lie to yourself, it is the future. Ask Harvard-MIT who just launched the Ed X platform. By the way when was the last time you sent a letter to your relatives informing them that you will visiting during the holidays? But once again, you probably live under a rock.
Don't get me wrong there are some diploma mills out there just like there are diploma mills at brick and mortar schools. The key is to do your research...something I don't think you understand?

[tobereal]

02:56 AM on 05/09/2012

Not doctoral degrees.

[bmwracer]

09:57 AM on 05/07/2012

More media exposure for Mr. Self-Important, or rather, Dr. Self-Important.

[Jayjaybe]

02:26 PM on 05/07/2012

Mirror, mirror,...

[rworldcup]

08:59 AM on 05/07/2012

Congrats Shaq. However, most people do not know the difference between doctoral programs. Shaq, did not get a Ph.D, he received a Ed.D, which is a doctorate in Education. They are completely different things. Ph.D requires a dissertation grounded in finding a gap in literature and contributing original knowledge to the field. It is an academic doctor of philosophy (PhD.). On the other hand a Ed.D (doctor of education) is a practitioner based doctoral study, which does not require proof of burden for original contribution of knowledge but rather a capstone. All in all, Ed.D is not PhD.

[vobox3343]

03:54 PM on 05/07/2012

When it comes to the Ed.D and the Ph.D, there is minimal difference with respect to curriculum and dissertations.

[rworldcup]

10:01 AM on 05/08/2012

True, but think of this..D.O is not M.D but they both practice medicine. My point is Ed.D is not a Ph.D but they are both doctorates.

[yumster]

07:28 AM on 05/07/2012

Versatile Shaq. Sheriff Shaq, MVP Shaq and now Dr, Shaq. Congratulations.!!!!

[Perronemr]

08:53 AM on 05/07/2012

You forgot actor Shaq, and rapper Shaq, but then again...probably best not to mention those. Way to go Shaq!!!

[Stacie Tyson]

12:50 PM on 05/23/2012

I say, why not mention those too?? Although he didn't succeed, he tried.

[Dan Slander]

05:34 AM on 05/07/2012

Like the lovable Shaq did it all on his own, doubt it, but I'd love to hear him lecture.

[ClintBMD]

05:54 AM on 05/07/2012

He did it all on his own. I was working for LSU in the dean's office when he got his undergraduate degree. It was easily the consensus of the faculty who taught him that he had done all his own work, and given his hectic NBA schedule, he had the respect of everyone there.

He plays the clown very well, but he is at heart a very disciplined man. He has my respect and congratulations on the PhD, Shaq!

[yumster]

07:39 AM on 05/07/2012

What proof do you need? To come to your triailer to do his homework? The man has a B.S, MBA and now Ph,D yet you doubt his ability.

[Dan Slander]

09:06 AM on 05/07/2012

Just get the feeling the Shaq like all the celebs that went to Brown, Yale and Harvard had someone to do their term papers. Too many distractions to put in the study and work time.

[Matthew Carr]

03:36 AM on 05/07/2012

http://www.buzzfeed.com/askmattcarr/shaq-continues-to-make-us-all-look-like-losers-64d5

Shaq's doctorate is only the most recent way he has been sticking our noses in it for years.