Well, he did say he wanted a Phd in database administration, not SQL Server specifically. But yes, this is a SQL Server forum and yes, the MS certifications are the official global standard for SQL Server education.

However, I don't know him, his skills, his plans or his thoughts, so I'm not going to insist on anything - except possibly that we all take note of how the GilaMonster once again demonstrates her ability to cut straight to the core of the matter and say something useful about exactly that in just a couple of lines.