Problem is you're using a TV show for real life. In reality, there was an LA family boss who was the son of the previous boss, his name escapes me right now. Anyway, his father sent him off to College, a prestigious one at that, he goes on to become a criminal lawyer, at some point in his life was made and became a well respected boss when his father died.

Look at Detroit, the majority of the last generation of bosses, underbosses and capo's are all Mob royalty and have college degrees, and graduated before they were made. Example, Tony Zerilli and Jack Tocco.