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This post makes me sad I'm Canadian so take this with a grain of salt, but I just couldn't get behind having these types of restrictions on executive leadership. I think by virtue of their charisma and intelligence most if not all top political operatives will have some sort of higher education, it just seems like a logical course to follow when you are that type of driven person. But limiting these things is never a good idea, allowing the people to choose based on merits is the best course IMO

I've been thinking about this, and just to throw another idea out there....if we're worried about equalizing the playing field for presidential candidacy, I'd be more interested in setting a relatively small cap on campaign spending. I think that would go much farther toward making sure people got an equal shot regardless of socioeconomic status, etc. Right now, if you're not rich or you aren't friends with a lot of rich people, you probably don't have a shot.

I think so, though I'd be willing at least consider an exceptional candidate without one. But yes, I believe that POTUS should have at least some post-high school education, and an advanced degree would be better.

@blackbird: I think I agree with this. Prior military experience is helpful, and if they'll pay for college, then yes, I think this should happen, too.

ooh this is tricky! @blackbird's comment resonated with me - I need an advanced degree to do my job and it seems crazy that our president wouldn't. I also agree that what s/he studies shouldn't much matter, but the way of approaching the world and thinking that higher education provides is invaluable.

I don't think it should be in our Constitution, but I think it should be an understood 'important life checkmark' s/he should have achieved before being elected.

I think it's kind of a moot point. Gov Walker is an exception. Most people would not be able to reach that level in politics without a degree. And I think it's unlikely he would become president. Maybe if he is a VP and the president dies or something. My money is on a Bush/Kasich ticket however.

I think that the higher/critical thinking skills that are required for a college degree and advanced degree are important traits for a POTUS. Would I totally eliminate anyone who didn't have that degree? No, but I'll echo previous posters in that it is pretty hard to find a person who has the brains and skills of a Bill Gates that hasn't gone to school. I'd evaluate all candidates fairly, but to compete on a world level, our POTUS needs to be the best of the best. No, a PhD doesn't guarantee that, but experience and knowledge are key for the highest office in the land.

I don't think it should be required but I probably wouldn't vote for someone without one.

Being a child/sibling/spouse of a past president is another big one that would make me very very unlikely to vote for that candidate.

I posted already, but I wanted to add to it after seeing so many posts about how people without degrees can still be smart and capable.

Yes, people without any college education can be extremely intelligent. At our office, we have a good mix of people with advanced degrees (primarily JDs as it is a law firm), people with only bachelor's degrees, people with some college experience and no degrees, and people without any college education at all. We also recently did some intelligence and aptitude testing. Some of the people with the least education scored the highest, which was not at all surprising. A lot of extremely intelligent people have little or no college experience. HOWEVER, there is also a noticeable difference between the college educated and non-college educated employees. The college educated people tend to be much more eloquent than even the most intelligent non-college employees, which is a somewhat important trait for a president. They are better writers, better presenters, and generally carry themselves with a more professional demeanor. I know that there are tons of exceptions, and surely everyone knows someone without a college education who comes across as professional and well-spoken, but that's just what I've observed from the people at work.

Additionally, in today's world, it is common and not at all difficult to get a college degree. This isn't the time of Washington or Lincoln where self-education was common for intelligent, studious people. If someone who truly wants to be in politics hasn't taken the initiative to enroll in and finish college, you have to wonder why.

I certainly don't think there should be an official requirement that a president have any sort of education. However, as I have to have an advanced degree just to advocate under the laws POTUS signs, I'm certainly not going to vote for someone without bachelor's at a minimum.

I agree with others that it shouldn't be a requirement, but I cannot see myself voting for someone without a degree.