Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree a Real Degree? Explained!

Introduction

The concept of an honorary doctorate degree often sparks curiosity and debate. Is it a legitimate academic credential? Does it hold the same value as a traditional Ph.D.? In this blog, we explore what an honorary doctorate really is, how it’s awarded, and whether it qualifies as a "real" degree. Whether you're curious about obtaining an honorary doctorate online or simply want to understand its significance, this guide offers a complete breakdown.

What Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

An honorary doctorate degree is a prestigious recognition awarded by a university or academic institution to individuals who have made significant contributions in a particular field or to society as a whole. Unlike traditional doctoral degrees, honorary doctorates do not require academic coursework, research, or exams.

Instead, they are symbolic honors that acknowledge a person’s accomplishments, impact, or philanthropic efforts. The degree is often conferred during graduation ceremonies, and the recipient may be given an honorary doctorate certificate as a token of recognition.

History and Purpose of Honorary Degrees

Honorary degrees have been around for centuries. The University of Oxford awarded the first recorded honorary degree in the 15th century. The idea was to honor individuals for exceptional merit without subjecting them to the rigors of formal academic achievement.

The primary purpose of an honorary doctorate is to:

• Celebrate outstanding contributions to a profession or society.

• Enhance the university’s prestige by associating with accomplished individuals.

• Inspire graduating students through the recognition of real-world achievements.

These degrees serve as a bridge between academia and public life, acknowledging that meaningful impact extends beyond traditional classrooms.

Types of Honorary Degrees

Several forms of honorary doctorate degrees exist, each tailored to specific contributions:

• Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL or LHD) – Given for contributions in humanities, arts, and philanthropy.

• Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) – Awarded for work in law, public service, or governance.

• Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) – Recognizes achievements in scientific fields.

• Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) – Usually conferred by religious institutions for spiritual leadership.

Many institutions now offer the opportunity to obtain an honorary doctorate online, allowing global recognition of impactful individuals without geographic barriers.

Is an Honorary Doctorate a “Real” Degree?

This question fuels much of the controversy surrounding honorary doctorate degrees. The answer is both yes and no:

• Yes, it is real in the sense that it is conferred by a legitimate academic institution, and recipients receive a genuine honorary doctorate certificate.

• No, it is not equivalent to an earned academic doctorate (like a Ph.D. or Ed.D.) because it does not require academic study, research, or a dissertation.

The key distinction is that an honorary doctorate is symbolic. It honors achievements rather than academic expertise. Therefore, while it's real in form and intent, it cannot be used for academic or professional qualification in the same way as an earned doctorate.

Honorary vs. Academic Doctorate: Key Differences

Aspect	Honorary Doctorate	Academic Doctorate
Requirements	None (no coursework, research, or exams)	Requires years of study and dissertation work
Purpose	Recognition of achievement or contribution	Academic qualification
Use of “Doctor” Title	Debated; sometimes used ceremonially	Fully qualified to use the title
Career Advantage	Symbolic value; boosts reputation	Professional qualification
Certificate Issued	Honorary Doctorate Certificate	Official Doctoral Diploma

This distinction is crucial for anyone considering pursuing an honorary doctorate online or accepting such a title.

Who Can Receive an Honorary Doctorate?

Not everyone can walk up to a university and ask for an honorary doctorate. These degrees are typically awarded to:

• Public figures, celebrities, or artists with significant cultural impact.

• Humanitarians or philanthropists.

• Scientists or business leaders who have revolutionized industries.

• Authors, educators, or spiritual leaders with global influence.

Institutions may also offer pathways for individuals to apply or be nominated for an honorary doctorate online, especially those who have achieved considerable community or professional accomplishments.

Benefits and Limitations of an Honorary Degree

Benefits:

• Prestige and Recognition: Receiving an honorary doctorate boosts your personal and professional standing.

• Networking: Recognition by a university often brings access to elite academic and industry circles.

• Speaking Engagements: Honorees may be invited to speak at events, conferences, or panels.

• Motivation for Others: Your recognition serves as inspiration for students and professionals alike.

Limitations:

• Not a Credential for Employment: You can't use an honorary doctorate certificate in lieu of academic qualifications for jobs or academic posts.

• Title Usage Is Controversial: Some institutions discourage using the “Dr.” prefix unless the degree is earned.

• No Academic Rights: An honorary doctorate doesn’t permit teaching or conducting academic research in most institutions.

Can You Use the Title “Doctor” with an Honorary Degree?

Technically, recipients of an honorary doctorate can use the title “Doctor,” but ethics and context matter greatly.

Many universities advise against using the “Dr.” title in professional or academic settings if the doctorate is honorary. However, it’s often acceptable in informal contexts, event biographies, or media references.

If you obtain an honorary doctorate online, it’s important to check the issuing institution’s guidelines on title usage. Misrepresenting your credentials can harm your credibility.

Common Misconceptions About Honorary Degrees

1. You Can Use It to Get a Job – Employers usually require accredited academic degrees, not honorary ones.

2. It’s the Same as a Ph.D. – An honorary doctorate doesn’t involve the rigorous academic process of a Ph.D.

3. You Must Be Famous – While many recipients are celebrities or public figures, exceptional community leaders or entrepreneurs can also be honored.

4. All Online Honorary Doctorates Are Fake – Not necessarily. Some legitimate universities offer honorary doctorate online opportunities. But beware of diploma mills that charge money for worthless certificates.

5. It Has No Value – It does. While not academically equivalent, it symbolizes immense societal or professional value.

Famous Recipients of Honorary Doctorates

Here are a few well-known individuals who have received honorary doctorate degrees:

• Oprah Winfrey – Honorary Doctor of Laws from Harvard University for her contributions to media and philanthropy.

• Barack Obama – Multiple honorary degrees from top universities for leadership and public service.

• J.K. Rowling – Awarded honorary doctorates in literature and law for her literary achievements and philanthropy.

• Malala Yousafzai – Recognized by numerous institutions for her advocacy of girls’ education.

• Elon Musk – Received honorary doctorates for innovation and entrepreneurship in technology.

These figures didn’t earn academic doctorates, yet their influence and contributions warranted the highest level of symbolic recognition.

Conclusion: What Does an Honorary Doctorate Really Mean?

An honorary doctorate degree is, without doubt, a real form of recognition, but it is not a real academic qualification. It honors the impact a person has made, not the education they have acquired.

If you’re considering pursuing an honorary doctorate online, ensure the awarding body is legitimate and the recognition aligns with your achievements. While you may not be able to use it to teach or work in academia, it can significantly enhance your professional image and societal reputation.

In summary:

• Yes, it’s real—as an honor.

• No, it’s not equivalent—to an academic doctorate.

• Use it wisely, respectfully, and with pride.

FAQs

Q1: Can I buy an honorary doctorate online? 

A: Legitimate honorary degrees are awarded, not sold. Be wary of diploma mills offering to sell honorary doctorate certificates without merit.

Q2: Is it legal to call myself “Doctor” with an honorary doctorate? 

A: It's legal in most places, but ethically questionable in academic and medical contexts. Always disclose that it is honorary.

Q3: How do I get nominated for an honorary doctorate? 

A: Typically, universities select candidates internally. However, some institutions accept nominations based on achievements.

Q4: What’s the value of an honorary doctorate online vs. in person? 

A: The value lies in the institution’s reputation, not the mode of delivery. Whether awarded online or in person, the honor is the same.

Q5: Are honorary doctorates recognized worldwide? 

A: While widely acknowledged, the weight they carry varies by country and institution.