Everything about Honorary Doctorate

An Honorary Doctorate is an academic degree and an honorary award which is bestowed to an individual with distinguished and exceptional contribution to the society, in any field or just for the sake of humanity without the requirement of earning the academic qualifications. Unlike the traditional doctoral degree, which is based on research and coursework, honorary doctorate degree earned by an individual based on their leadership, achievements and innovations that aligns with a society’s regulations and helps in uplifting the society.  

An Honorary PhD Degree is sometimes referred to as a certificate of honor or a letter of honor and may be awarded by a college, university, or other institution of higher learning. It is colloquially referred to as an “honoris causa” degree, “hdc”, “hon. causa” or simply an honorary degree. Recipients of this award are usually from diverse fields including literature, science, social service, business or public life. 

This blog provides an individual with an overview of an honorary doctorate, including a differentiation with PhD, qualifications required, types and much more.

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What is an Honorary Doctorate? 

An honorary doctorate is a prestigious title awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding contribution to a particular field or society. Unlike a traditional PhD, the recipient of an honorary doctorate does not have to complete a course of study or research, although they must be nominated and then approved by the university. 

Honorary degrees are awarded to recognize exceptional contributions to society and accomplishments in a field of study.  

The recipient does not have to earn the degree by fulfilling requirements such as coursework, a thesis, or an examination. Honorary doctorate degree awards is given to individuals on many occasions including academic achievement, charitable work and celebrity status. An Honorary Doctorate helps individuals inspire students to pursue meaningful contributions in society.  

 Honorary Doctorates vs. PhDs 

An honorary doctorate is a way to add credibility and distinction to the speaker without requiring them to go through the process of getting their PhD. The process of earning an honorary doctorate is different from graduating with a PhD or other academic degree. Mentioned below in a tabular form is a differentiation between an honorary doctorate and a PhD. 

Criteria and Requirement for Honorary Doctorate 

Honorary degrees are usually only awarded to those who have dedicated their lives to a specific field and have made outstanding contributions to society. These contributions must be something that has benefited not only their own community but the world at large. The individuals selected for these awards often exhibit outstanding moral character and integrity as well. 

Mentioned below are some of the important eligibility criteria and requirements for the same. 

1. Outstanding Contributions: The recipient of an honorary doctorate award must have contributed by making a significant impact on a specific domain including science, education, arts, business, entrepreneurship, or public life. 

2. Global Influence: Additionally, it is an important requirement for an individual to make sure that their contribution isn’t only focusing on a community but society at a large, influencing globally for the betterment of all. 

3. High Moral Standards: Candidates are required to exhibit strong ethical values, integrity, and leadership qualities.  

4. Aligning with University Values: An honorary doctorate degree certificate is awarded by the university based on the resonance with mission and vision of the university guidelines. 

5. No Requirements of Academic Qualification: Honorary doctorate certificate is awarded to individuals without the requirement of any academic qualification as it solely focuses on the contribution to society. 

Common Fields for Honorary Doctorate 

An honorary doctorate can be awarded in any number of fields, for innovations that have contributed to the betterment of society. Mentioned below are some of the fields. 

1. Science and Technology: Usually for the innovations, research and advancements in technological terms that can benefit mankind. 
2. Literature and Arts: Artists, Writers, Poets and Performers make the world a better place with the help of their artwork also deserve recognition. 
3. Education: Individuals who make a remarkable contribution in the field of teaching, academic leadership or in reforming the educational system are awarded with Honorary Dr. Degree. 
4. Social Service and Humanitarian Work: It helps in recognizing the efforts which help in promoting equality, welfare, and human rights. 
5. Law and Justice: Individuals who work within this field help in the reformation of legal rights and human rights advocacy. 

Types of Honorary Doctorates 

Honorary degrees are awarded to individuals in their field of excellence, depending on their nature of contributions. While the purpose of an honorary doctorate is to award exceptional individuals, the type of honorary doctorate award can vary depending on the impact of the field.  

Mentioned below is a list of some honorary doctorates which are highly recognized and awarded for.  

1. Doctor of Laws (LL.D.): Typically awarded to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in law, public service or human rights. 
2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to advanced education and academic leadership. 
3. Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.): Doctor of Letters degree is awarded to individuals who have made remarkable contributions as distinguished writers, poets, and scholars who have contributed to literature, arts or culture. 
4. Doctor of Science (D.Sci.): Recognizes exceptional achievements in science, technology and new research. 
5. Doctor of Humane Letters (D.H.L.): Individuals under this category are awarded for humanitarian work, philanthropy and contributions to the welfare of society. 
6. Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.): Helps in honoring individuals who are outstanding artists, performers, and creative professionals. 

Benefits of an Honorary Doctorate Degree 

An honorary doctorate degree is more than just a “title,” it carries within itself several benefits that can be enjoyed by the recipient, the awarding institution and the society itself. While it doesn’t strive to compete with the regular PhD degree earned through research and coursework, it helps in balancing the individuals who are contributing exceptionally to the society for receiving recognition.  

Mentioned below are some of the benefits that come along with an Honorary Doctorate. 

1. Professional Credibility: Many people who hold honorary doctorates can use the doctorate title on their business cards which can help them in providing credibility for your professional practice while also giving you a competitive edge over similar professionals without this credential. 

2. Recognition of Achievement: Honorary Doctorate degree helps in honoring the individual with recognition in their field or society, highlighting their contributions along with their dedication and impact it had on the other individuals. 

3. Inspirational Value: An honorary doctor award also makes an individual the mentor and a role model, often motivating students and professionals to strive for excellence and hard work. 

4. Networking Opportunities: Being associated and connected with prestigious academic institutions can help an individual with networking opportunities leading to collaborations, public speaking engagements, and advisory roles. 

5. Promotion of Institution: Universities that help in awarding an individual for their exceptional contributions can earn recognition which can enhance the image of university.  

Conclusion

Honorary doctorates are one of the most important and alluring academic awards that one can receive. Many students dream of being a doctor before starting their journey for education, but the possibility of it becoming true is rare. To resolve this problem, an honorary degree is a viable option. It allows individuals to experience the feeling of receiving a doctorate title with the help of their contributions. If you are a performative individual who is interested in contributing to the betterment of society, consider filling out the forms for an honorary doctorate program with your successful achievements. This helps an individual to feel the prestige of being a contributor to society.  

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