Many famous people have university degrees, there’s no surprise there. However, you’d never suspect what some of them are qualified in, because it’s not what you know them for. As you will soon find, the degree you choose to study can help you in the most unsuspecting ways, regardless of the career you end up in. So, if you’re ready to dream big and bold, be inspired by these five celebrities with truly impressive degrees.

Brian May – Astrophysics

We all know Brian May as the lead guitarist of Queen, one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. But did you also know that he has a PhD in Astrophysics from Imperial College London? He completed his doctoral thesis on the motions of interplanetary dust in 2007, after a 30-year hiatus from academia . His degree has been useful for his passion for astronomy and science. He has co-authored several books on the subject, such as Bang! The Complete History of the Universe and The Cosmic Tourist. He has also participated in various scientific projects and events, such as the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Starmus Festival. He is also a patron of several charities and organizations that promote science education and research.

Dolph Lundgren – Chemical Engineering

The world knows him as the action star who has appeared in movies such as Rocky IV, The Expendables, and Aquaman. But not many people know that the actor and martial artist is qualified to be a scientist, having studied a master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Sydney in Australia. He also won a Fulbright Scholarship to study at MIT, but dropped out to pursue acting. His degree has helped him develop his analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as his discipline and work ethic. He has said that engineering taught him how to think logically and creatively, which are essential for acting and filmmaking. He has also used his knowledge of chemistry and physics to perform some of his own stunts and special effects.

Gene Simmons – Education

He is best known as the KISS frontman who rocks the stage with his signature makeup and tongue. It may come as surprise to learn that he used to be a teacher before rising to fame, having studied a bachelor’s degree in education at Richmond College, now known as College of Staten Island (CUNY) in New York. He taught sixth grade for a while before forming his band. His degree has been beneficial for his career as a musician and entrepreneur. He has said that teaching gave him the confidence and communication skills to perform on stage and interact with fans. He has also used his educational background to mentor and inspire young musicians and artists, such as through his reality show Rock School.

Rowan Atkinson – Electrical Engineering

He is one of the most beloved comedy legends who plays Mr. Bean, Blackadder, and Johnny English. But it’s a little known fact that he holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Oxford University. Prior to that, he received a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Newcaslte University. He started performing comedy sketches while studying at the university. His degree has contributed to his success as a comedian and actor. He has said that engineering taught him how to structure and organize his ideas, as well as how to experiment and improvise. He has also used his technical skills to design and modify some of his own cars, such as the McLaren F1 and the Johnny English Aston Martin.

Eva Longoria – Kinesiology and Chicano Studies

She is one of the most popular actresses who starred in Desperate Housewives, Devious Maids, and Overboard. But Eva also has a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Following that, after she was wrapping up her work with Desperate Housewives, she graduated with a master’s degree in Chicano studies from California State University, Northridge, in 2013. Her degrees have enabled her to pursue her interests in health, fitness, and social justice. She has said that kinesiology taught her how to take care of her body and mind, which are important for her well-being and performance. She has also used her Chicano studies degree to advocate for the rights and representation of Latinos in the US, such as through her foundation and her political activism.

These are just some examples of celebrities who have impressive degrees that you may not have expected them to have. They show us that pursuing a qualification at university can open up many opportunities and possibilities for our careers and passions, even the ones that you don’t expect. If you’re interested in qualifying for a degree yourself, browse our platform to learn more about our services, and to find and apply to your dream program.