Because most peoples’ lives are becoming busier, it is important that services become more efficient. This is increasingly the case for education. For as busy as life may seem most, it can pale in comparison to what is expected of today’s celebrities. For those individuals, studying via online is now becoming more popular, and educational institutions are willing to accommodate the needs of individuals from every walk of life. No longer can pursuing an education seem an obstacle or an inconvenience to celebrities, and whether they are looking to finish their GED or pursue a master’s degree, this new form of education is now a proven option. Below is a list of some of the most famous people that have decided to continue or complete their education via online courses, or by extension learning programs, and it serves as a testament for millions of people who believe they might be too busy to continue their own education.

Shaquille O’Neil – Masters of Business Administration, The University of Phoenix

(source) Basketball superstar, Shaquille O’Neil left college after his junior year at Louisiana State University to play in NBA in 1992. His mother initially allowed him to do this only if he promised to one day return to school and finish his degree. Not content with his bachelor’s degree, which he completed in business at LSU by distance in 2000, he then would go on to pursue a graduate degree. In 2005, he finished his online coursework for which he was awarded a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Hilary Duff – Harvard Extension

(source) Hollywood starlet Hillary Duff knows what its like to perform in front of millions, but also as a student the most prestigious university in America. Hillary enrolled in the Harvard Extension School for the spring semester in 2005 with her sister Hailey. These online courses were the perfect fit for the Duff sisters and their packed celebrity schedules. Presently, the Duffs are continuing their education, which is admirable given the school’s rigorous academic requirements, and their presumably busy celebrity lifestyles.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – B. A. in International Fitness Marketing, University of Wisconsin

(source) A distance learning degree from the University of Wisconsin was the education of choice for Gov. Schwarzenegger in 1979. Before presiding over the sixth largest economy in the world, and making a number of multi-million dollar blockbusters, et al, Schwarzenegger completed his degree in International Fitness Marketing. The seven-time Mr. Olympia has referenced his education as a reason why President George H. W. Bush chose him to be the chairman of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness during the 1990s. This was the governor’s first introduction to politics on the national stage.

Ice Cube – Phoenix Institute of Technology

(source) Though Ice Cube is known today more for his staring roles in movies, he was once part of the notorious rap group N.W.A. This band released their breakout hit “Straight Outta Compton,” a year after Ice Cube studied architectural drafting from a distance learning course through Phoenix Institute of Technology. Needless to say Ice Cube hasn’t done much with the education he received from the now defunct P. I. T. His education has however, left an indelible impression on him. Ice Cube has set up a scholarship foundation with McNally Smith College of Music wherein every year, a student from an underprivileged background receives a full ride to study at McNally Smith.

Rivers Cuomo – B.A. in English, Harvard Extension

(source) Rivers Cuomo has quite an interesting life. Not only did he pick up a guitar and start a successful band out of his garage, famously conquer neurosis and sexual addiction, but he also graduated with a Harvard education. Though it took Rivers more than 10 years to do so, he was able to complete his B.A. in English with a combination of conventional and online coursework. He is apparently using his education to write his memoirs that are set to be published sometime in the near future.

Jessica Alba – Diploma, The American School of Independent Studies

(source) Alba began acting when she landed a lead role in the family comedy Camp Nowhere in 1994. From there her career took off, but she had not finished high school, and quickly found her self without much time for a conventional school schedule. She graduated with her G.E.D. by taking online and distance courses from The American School at the young age of 16. Though her schedule kept her busy acting in television dramas and commercials, Alba still found the time to complete her education.

Lil Wayne – University of Houston

(source) The self-proclaimed “best rapper in the world”, Lil’ Wayne left high school early to join touring with Cash Money Records super-group ‘The Hot Boys’ in 1997. He later received his GED, and began coursework at the University of Houston in 2005. Wayne is currently pursuing a degree in political science and is taking advantage of the many convenient online courses the university offers. Lil’ Wayne said in an interview with VH1.com that "I’m not going back to school. I’m really going to school for the first time." With Lil’ Wayne’s busy touring and recording schedule, the UH’s online classes seem to be a great fit for the young hip-hop star’s educational needs.

Marcia Cross – Master’s in Psychology, Antioch University

(source) Before landing the of Bree Hodge on ABC’s Desperate Housewives, and in between guest-staring roles on CSI, Ally McBeal, and Everwood, Cross completed a master’s degree in psychology from Antioch University. Antioch is known for providing convenient higher education for working professionals. Cross was able to finish her degree by taking advantage of AU’s online classes.

James Franco – University of California, Los Angeles & Columbia University

(source) Best known for playing opposite Tobey McGuire in the Spider Man franchise (and Pineapple Express), James Franco finished up his undergraduate work at UCLA in 2007. He then enrolled in New York’s Columbia University Master’s of Fine Arts program with an emphasis in creative writing. Though Franco has been busy staring in many movies over the past decade, he found UCLA’s online courses to be very convenient for getting some general education out of the way. Currently he is studying at Columbia by distance as well.

Jalen Rose – B.S. in Management Studies, University of Maryland University College

(source) Jalen Rose was recruited to the NBA from University of Michigan during his junior year of college, but he remained determined to earn his degree. After Rose retired in 2005 he enrolled in online classes from the University of Maryland University College. There, Rose earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Management Studies. Rose has since set up The Rose Foundation, which offers five $10,000 scholarships to Michigan-area underprivileged students each year.