What Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree and How Is It Awarded?

Hawkins University
2 days ago
5 min read

Introduction

An honorary doctorate degree is one of the highest accolades an individual can receive without having to complete the traditional academic requirements. But what does it really mean? Who receives it—and why? This blog explores everything about an honorary doctorate, from its purpose to how it's awarded and why it's such a prestigious symbol of achievement.

What Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

An honorary doctorate degree is a symbolic academic award conferred by a university or college to recognize an individual’s outstanding contributions to a specific field or to society at large. Unlike traditional degrees, an honorary doctorate is not earned through coursework or research. Instead, it's granted as a gesture of respect and admiration.

These degrees can sometimes be awarded honorary doctorate online, especially by institutions aiming to recognize global influencers and thought leaders who have made a profound impact.

History and Purpose of Honorary Degrees

The concept of the honorary doctorate dates back to the Middle Ages. The University of Oxford awarded the first known honorary degree in the 1470s. Since then, it has become a global academic tradition.

The main purposes of these degrees are:

To honor exceptional achievements in arts, science, humanitarian work, or public service.
To strengthen ties between the institution and influential individuals.
To inspire students by recognizing real-world contributions.

Today, the honorary doctorate certificate serves as both a ceremonial and symbolic acknowledgment of lifelong dedication and achievement.

Types of Honorary Doctorate Degrees

There are various types of honorary doctorates, each reflecting the recipient’s field of achievement:

Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL or LHD): Commonly awarded in humanities, philanthropy, and public service.
Doctor of Laws (LLD): Often given to politicians, legal experts, or civil rights leaders.
Doctor of Science (DSc or ScD): For significant contributions in science, medicine, or technology.
Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA): Typically awarded to distinguished artists, musicians, or performers.
Doctor of Divinity (DD): Conferred to religious leaders or scholars of theology.

Some institutions also allow individuals to receive an honorary doctorate online, particularly in recognition of digital innovation, global education, or tech-based philanthropy.

Criteria for Receiving an Honorary Doctorate

While academic achievements are not required, there are several factors considered by universities:

Longstanding impact in a particular field (arts, science, education, etc.)
Demonstrated leadership and ethical standards
Contribution to public welfare or global development
Connection to the awarding institution or its values

Typically, universities have a nomination process. Candidates may be nominated by faculty, trustees, alumni, or other members of the institution. Some honorary doctorate programs, including honorary doctorate online options, also accept external nominations.

How Are Honorary Doctorate Degrees Awarded?

The process for awarding an honorary doctorate usually includes the following steps:

Nomination: A candidate is proposed by someone affiliated with the institution.
Committee Review: A selection committee evaluates the nominee’s achievements and alignment with the institution’s values.
Board Approval: Final approval is given by the university’s governing board.
Conferral Ceremony: The degree is awarded during a graduation or convocation ceremony, often with a speech by the recipient.

In cases of an honorary doctorate online, a virtual or hybrid conferral may take place, with digital documentation and a mailed honorary doctorate certificate.

Famous Recipients of Honorary Doctorates

Many globally respected individuals have been honored with honorary doctorates. These include:

Oprah Winfrey – for her work in media and philanthropy
Barack Obama – for leadership and public service
Malala Yousafzai – for advocacy in education and human rights
Elon Musk – for innovation and entrepreneurship
Nelson Mandela – for peace and political leadership

These recipients exemplify how an honorary doctorate can reflect a lifetime of influence and legacy.

Honorary Doctorate vs. Earned Doctorate: Key Differences

Criteria	Honorary Doctorate	Earned Doctorate
Basis	Contribution to society	Academic study and research
Time Commitment	None required	3–7 years on average
Use of “Dr.” Title	Debatable	Yes, recognized professionally
Purpose	Symbolic and ceremonial	Academic and professional

While both degrees carry prestige, only an earned doctorate reflects rigorous academic achievement. The honorary doctorate certificate is honorary by nature and typically not intended for academic or professional practice.

Can You Use the Title “Dr.” with an Honorary Doctorate?

This is a common question. Technically, recipients of an honorary doctorate may use the title “Doctor” as a courtesy, but it is generally discouraged in professional or academic contexts unless the individual clarifies the degree is honorary.

In certain industries—especially public speaking, media, or religion—recipients do use the title “Dr.” informally. However, ethical considerations suggest that the honorary nature should always be made clear.

Controversies and Criticism Around Honorary Degrees

While most honorary doctorates are well-deserved, the practice is not without controversy:

Political Influence: Some institutions have been criticized for awarding degrees to politicians or donors to gain favor.
Commercialization: Critics argue that some honorary doctorate online programs exist more for profit than for prestige.
Credibility Issues: When unqualified individuals are honored, it can dilute the meaning of the degree.

To maintain credibility, reputable institutions ensure transparency and rigor in the selection process for honorary doctorate awards.

Conclusion

An honorary doctorate degree is more than just a title—it’s a recognition of extraordinary impact. Whether awarded for humanitarian efforts, scientific breakthroughs, or artistic contributions, it symbolizes gratitude and acknowledgment from the academic world.

While it’s not an academic credential in the traditional sense, an honorary doctorate carries immense symbolic value. As more global contributions emerge in technology, activism, and education, institutions continue to expand access—sometimes through honorary doctorate online platforms—to celebrate individuals shaping the world for the better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for an honorary doctorate online?

Most honorary doctorate programs are by nomination only, but some institutions accept applications or nominations online. Be sure to research the credibility of the awarding body.

2. Does an honorary doctorate certificate have legal value?

It has symbolic value but is not equivalent to an earned academic credential for professional or legal use.

3. How long does it take to receive an honorary doctorate?

Since it’s not earned through coursework, it is awarded instantly during a ceremony after nomination and approval.

4. Can I get a job using an honorary doctorate degree?

An honorary doctorate does not qualify someone for academic or clinical positions but may enhance credibility in public speaking, consulting, or advocacy roles.

5. Is it possible to receive multiple honorary doctorates?

Yes. Some public figures and scholars have been awarded multiple honorary doctorate certificates from different institutions over their lifetimes.

If you're curious about being nominated or how to recognize someone deserving, learning more about how institutions award the honorary doctorate—whether on campus or through honorary doctorate online programs—can open doors to meaningful acknowledgments and collaborations.