Donald Trump’s nomination of Linda McMahon, former WWE CEO, as Secretary of Education has raised eyebrows—not just for her unconventional background, but for her academic credentials. McMahon holds a bachelor’s degree in French with a teaching certification, a far cry from the degrees held by many of her predecessors who often boasted expertise in education policy, law, or public administration.
The last decade of U.S. education secretaries has seen leaders with advanced degrees in public policy and education leadership. For example, Arne Duncan, who served under President Obama, had a degree in sociology from Harvard and significant experience as the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. Betsy DeVos, Trump’s first education secretary, had a bachelor’s in business economics, while Miguel Cardona, appointed by President Biden, holds a doctorate in education and has spent his career in public schooling and state-level education reform.
McMahon’s career trajectory—from leading a global entertainment empire to serving as head of the Small Business Administration—sets her apart from these profiles. Supporters argue that her leadership credentials and business acumen make her a strong contender for reshaping federal education oversight, particularly in streamlining operations and promoting school choice. However, critics point out that running a business is not the same as understanding the complexities of education systems that serve millions of students.
The debate over her nomination also underscores a larger question: Should academic degrees directly tied to education be a prerequisite for the role? Historically, there has been no clear consensus. Some secretaries, like John King Jr., who succeeded Arne Duncan, held both a doctorate in education and classroom teaching experience. Others, like DeVos, faced similar criticism for lacking relevant qualifications despite their involvement in educational advocacy. In light of McMahon’s unconventional academic background and the ongoing debate over her qualifications, let’s take a closer look at the educational credentials of the last 10 U.S. education secretaries.
