“I have a biology degree, okay?” – Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), in remarks at the Lincoln Labs “Reboot Congress” conference, Feb. 12, 2015

Arrington: “Let’s talk about economics because maybe you can actually explain this to me. I have an econ degree which means I know just enough not to understand any of what our government is [inaudible]” Paul: “Mine’s in biology and English so this is going to be a great conversation.”

Senator Rand Paul has claimed for years that he has a degree in Biology from Baylor University: He made the claim twice in the same day. He also mentioned a degree in English:Rand Paul never graduated from Baylor University. He was there for three years, but left before he completed an undergraduate degree. Somehow he was still able to get into Duke University's Medical School–which, at the time, didn't require an undergraduate degree. The policy has since changed and undergraduate degrees are required.

His staff responded to try and put a damper on the controversy:



“It is unfair to give Senator Paul 3 Pinocchios because a M.D. Degree is the study of biomedical sciences according to the Duke University School of Medicine. In other words, a M.D. is a biology degree. Merriam-Webster defines biology as ‘a branch of knowledge that deals with living organisms and vital processes.’ Dr. Paul never said he had an undergraduate degree in biology, and it is accurate for him to say that he has a biology degree. You are making inferences from his statement that are unwarranted. It is common knowledge that the study of medicine is the study of human biology, and a MD has a doctorate degree in one area of study of the science of biology.”

"Dr. Paul is the chairman and founder of Kentucky Taxpayers United. A native of Pennsylvania he is a graduate of Baylor University and the Duke University School of Medicine." Paul, noticeably, never claimed he graduated from Baylor during that sit-down (and it says something that the Conway campaign couldn't immediately find a video clip or newspaper quote of him doing so). But the candidate didn't protest or correct his interviewer either.

They are right. He never said undergraduate degree. However, on other occasions when his degree(s) from Baylor University were mentioned, he certainly never corrected the record. During a sitdown with The Louisville Courier Journal in 2010:So there you have it. Like his views on civil rights or outrageous views on vaccinations , this is just another in a growing list of inconsistent stories and smarmy excuses about Rand Paul and his record.