Steven Spielberg is one of the most iconic directors of all time, with classics like Jaws, E.T., Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, and Schindler’s List under his belt. But did you know he went back to college—and used his own films to help him graduate?
Back in the '60s, Spielberg started college at California State University, Long Beach but left early to chase his filmmaking dreams (a good call, obviously). Decades later, in 2001, he quietly re-enrolled under a fake name and took classes remotely so he wouldn’t draw attention.
He studied, wrote essays, and completed assignments like any other student—except he had a couple of blockbuster cheat codes up his sleeve.
To pass a paleontology class (yep, the study of dinosaurs), Spielberg used Jurassic Park. The movie’s realistic science and attention to dino-detail helped him earn credit. Honestly, if anyone should get a dinosaur degree through a movie, it’s the guy who brought T. rex to life on screen.
For an advanced filmmaking course, Spielberg submitted Schindler’s List. The powerful, Oscar-winning film helped him earn another chunk of credits—and probably blew his professor’s mind.
After completing all his requirements, Spielberg officially graduated with a degree in Film and Electronic Arts. When he walked across the stage, the school’s band played the Indiana Jones theme. Iconic.
By the time he returned to school, Spielberg already had multiple Academy Awards and billions at the box office. So why bother? Maybe it was unfinished business, or maybe he just wanted to prove something to himself. Either way, he did it—his way.
So now Spielberg can add “college grad” to his long list of achievements. And honestly, if using Jurassic Park to pass science class doesn’t make him the coolest student ever, what does?
Source: Collider