Natalie Portman | Hip Young Things

Degrees in Psychology: The Famous and Infamous

How many times has it been heard that a friend or relative has decided to undertake some course of learning which others ponder what will be done with the knowledge, or degree upon completion. Along the lines of working on a bachelors degree in ancient languages, or medieval history, or the like. Even more modern focuses in areas like literature or liberal arts leave some scratching their heads with respect to what can be done with such knowledge and experiences.

The pursuit of a college degree in psychology, however, seems to be a worthwhile prerequisite to a large number of people famous in various fields of entertainment, publishing and even the sordid side of the lives of master mind criminals.

The following briefly lists celebrity types and their pursuit of an education in the field of psychology:

Hugh Hefner: Founder of Playboy Magazine. Mr. Hefner attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned a bachelor of arts in psychology. There must be a lot of emotional and behavioral characteristics associated with successfully managing playmates.
Natalie Portman: As if being an award winning actress wasn’t enough, during the time Ms. Portman was portraying a role in the Star Wars prequels, she attended no less than Harvard University in her study of psychology. Ms. Portman has stated she would rather be smart than just a movie star.
Gloria Estefan: Attending the University of Miami prior to becoming a 7 time Grammy winner, Ms. Estefan majored in psychology and minored in the study of French language. Clearly understanding the mind of the music listener has helped her reach successful heights in her musical career.
Ted Bundy: Even convicted serial killers like Mr. Bundy can seek a deeper understanding of the science that deals with mental processes and behavior. While something obviously faltered in his own mental state, this is another example that one need not consider a career in therapy when pursuing a degree in psychology. Of course, going the route of serial killer is not highly recommended either.
Jon Stewart: Graduate of William & Mary in Virginia, the host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart understands how his degree helps with his subtle, tactical actions and arguments he employs as he attempts to manipulate or influence his show’s viewers. Ever the showman, and newscaster, Mr. Stewart is an accomplished critical thinker as evidenced in his published writing as well.
Clare Danes: Although Ms. Danes did not finish her degree pursuit, the mere fact of getting into the psychology program at Yale University tells you something about her abilities to fully analyze the minds of the fictional characters she chose to pursue instead of finishing the program.
Jerry Bruckheimer: Producer and director of some of the most action packed movies ever made humbly earned himself a degree from the University of Arizona.
Wes Craven: This writer and director fully understands the psychology at work when he makes movies designed to scare us out of our wits. A degree in psychology from Wheaton College wasn’t enough for him so as a back up plan, Mr. Craven also earned a certificate in education while at school.
Katharine Hepburn: Ever the student of human nature, Ms. Hepburn took advantage of her education at Bryn Mawr to better understand herself, her roles, as well as her complicated relationship with Spencer Tracey.
Monica Lewinsky: Even the infamous intern and graduate of Lewis and Clark College put in her chops to learn about the psychology of world leaders. Perhaps she took the extra curricular activities a bit too far?

Andy West is a freelance writer who is working on his psychology masters degree while writing about his other interests like global awareness, nutrition & fitness and technology.