He lacked formal post-secondary education .
Ridgway received an honorary master 's degree in science from Indiana University in 1884 , as a sign of gratitude for his supplying them with bird specimens after their museum burned down .
Although he lacked formal post-secondary education , Ridgway received an honorary master 's degree in science from Indiana University in 1884 , as a sign of gratitude for his supplying them with bird specimens after their museum burned down .