Can You Call Yourself Doctor with an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

Learning Saint
2 hours ago
7 min read

Introduction: Understanding the Title "Doctor"

The title “Doctor” holds immense prestige, symbolizing years of academic dedication and expertise. However, not all who bear the title have completed a traditional doctoral program. In many cases, individuals are awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in recognition of their contributions to a specific field or society. This practice, though well-established, sparks a common question: Can recipients of an honorary doctorate call themselves “Doctor”?

With the rise of honorary doctorate online programs and virtual ceremonies, this question has become more relevant than ever. In this blog, we’ll explore the nuances of honorary doctorates, how they differ from academic ones, and what etiquette and ethics dictate regarding the use of the “Doctor” title.

What Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?

An Honorary Doctorate Degree is a symbolic academic honor awarded by a university to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to a specific field—such as literature, philanthropy, science, politics, or business—without completing the usual academic requirements like dissertations, coursework, or research.

Unlike traditional doctoral degrees like a Ph.D., Ed.D., or M.D., which require rigorous study and examination, an honorary doctorate is not an earned degree in the conventional sense. Instead, it's conferred as a recognition of impact and influence.

In recent years, institutions have even started offering the honorary doctorate online, enabling awardees to be recognized in virtual ceremonies attended by global audiences. These degrees do not require enrollment or tuition and are typically awarded during commencement events or special convocations.

Honorary vs. Academic Doctorate: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the distinction between an Honorary Doctorate Degree and an academic doctorate is crucial in answering whether you can rightfully call yourself “Doctor.”

Aspect	Honorary Doctorate	Academic Doctorate
Basis	Contribution to society/field	Academic research and study
Requirements	None; honorary recognition	Thesis, coursework, defense
Duration	N/A	Typically 3–7 years
Use of “Doctor” Title	Symbolic and debated	Official and widely accepted

While an academic doctorate is earned through formal education, research, and defense of a dissertation, an honorary doctorate online or offline is symbolic. It's not uncommon for universities to include a clear statement during the award that the title “Doctor” should not be used professionally or in a misleading context.

Who Typically Receives Honorary Doctorates?

Honorary doctorates are often awarded to distinguished individuals across various sectors. These honorees typically have:

Made groundbreaking contributions to their field
Demonstrated exceptional leadership or philanthropy
Influenced society in a transformative way
Shown lifelong commitment to innovation, justice, or education

For example, figures such as Nelson Mandela, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Gates have all received honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious institutions in recognition of their global impact.

Moreover, with the growing availability of honorary doctorate online programs, it has become easier for universities to broaden their outreach and honor individuals beyond geographical limitations.

Etiquette and Traditions Around Using the Title "Doctor"

This is where things become ethically and socially complex. Even though an honorary doctorate degree comes with a prestigious title, traditional academic etiquette discourages recipients from using “Doctor” as a personal prefix.

According to academic standards:

Recipients may list the honorary degree in their credentials (e.g., Jane Doe, Honorary Doctor of Letters)
The title “Doctor” should not be used on business cards, resumes, or in professional settings
Introducing oneself as “Dr.” based on an honorary degree can be misleading and is often considered inappropriate

However, cultural practices vary. In some regions or industries—especially outside academia—individuals may informally use the “Doctor” title after receiving an honorary doctorate online or in person. Still, it is best to follow the guidance provided by the awarding institution, which typically recommends humility and discretion in title usage.

Legal and Institutional Guidelines on Title Usage

Legally speaking, the use of the title “Doctor” by someone with an honorary doctorate is a gray area that varies depending on country and context. Most jurisdictions do not prohibit the use of the title but do hold individuals accountable for misrepresentation.

Key Considerations:

Misleading Use: If someone uses the title “Doctor” in a context where expertise or qualification is implied (e.g., medical, academic, or psychological services), it can be seen as deceptive.
Institutional Policy: Many universities clearly state that an honorary doctorate degree does not entitle the recipient to use “Dr.” before their name.
Professional Standards: In regulated industries, claiming the “Doctor” title without appropriate licensure or academic credentials can result in reputational damage or legal consequences.

Even recipients of honorary doctorate online awards must adhere to these guidelines. In summary, while it’s legal to use the title in some informal settings, doing so professionally without clarifying the nature of the degree can be both unethical and misleading.

Global Practices: Title Recognition in Different Countries

The perception and acceptance of using the “Doctor” title with an honorary doctorate degree varies greatly across countries and cultures. What is frowned upon in one nation may be embraced in another.

United States and Canada:

In North America, academic institutions generally advise against using the title “Doctor” if it stems solely from an honorary doctorate. The Association of American Universities, for instance, considers it improper to adopt the title in professional or academic environments. The rule of thumb is: if you didn’t earn it through study and research, don’t use it formally.

United Kingdom:

British institutions also bestow honorary doctorate degrees, but recipients typically do not refer to themselves as “Doctor.” The universities often specify in writing that the degree is honorary and does not equate to the academic title.

Germany and Austria:

These countries have strict laws protecting academic titles. Using “Dr.” without an earned doctoral degree can be considered fraudulent, and offenders may face legal consequences.

India and Southeast Asia:

Cultural practices are more lenient in some parts of Asia. While honorary doctorate online awards are increasingly popular, the use of “Doctor” is often subject to social discretion. However, professional environments still expect clarity about whether the title is earned or honorary.

The global variance emphasizes that one must be context-aware when referencing an honorary doctorate degree, especially if representing oneself in formal or cross-border interactions.

Honorary Doctorates in Professional Settings

In professional circles—especially in education, medicine, or science—accuracy in academic credentials is vital. While an honorary doctorate degree is prestigious, using it as a credential for expertise in a field may mislead clients, employers, or the public.

Acceptable Practices:

Listing the honorary title with the full designation (e.g., Honorary Doctor of Laws, conferred by XYZ University)
Including the honor in bios, award citations, or public speeches
Recognizing the honorary doctorate online on social platforms like LinkedIn, with clear context

Unacceptable Practices:

Referring to oneself as “Dr.” in resumes or CVs without clarification
Using the title in professional consultations or service-based roles
Signing documents as “Dr.” based on an honorary credential

Professionals are expected to act ethically and disclose the honorary nature of such degrees to maintain integrity and avoid misrepresentation. Remember, an honorary doctorate degree recognizes life accomplishments—not academic qualification.

Ethical Considerations of Using the Doctor Title

Beyond legal and professional standards, ethics play a major role in how honorary degrees are treated. The essence of an honorary doctorate degree is to honor—not to elevate one’s qualifications in contexts requiring formal expertise.

Ethical Guidelines:

Transparency: Always make it clear that the doctorate is honorary.
Avoid Self-Promotion: Using the title to enhance credibility in unrelated fields can be misleading.
Context Matters: In informal settings (e.g., public speaking or personal introductions), lighthearted use of the “Doctor” title may be acceptable, but context should always guide judgment.

Many respected personalities have received an honorary doctorate online or offline and have chosen not to adopt the title, as a sign of humility and respect for academic achievement.

Examples of Public Figures with Honorary Doctorates

Numerous celebrities, activists, and public figures have been honored with honorary doctorate degrees for their exceptional contributions to society.

Some Notable Examples:

Oprah Winfrey: Awarded multiple honorary doctorates for her influence in media and philanthropy, yet she rarely uses the “Doctor” title.
Bill Gates: Received honorary degrees from Harvard and other top institutions but does not refer to himself as “Dr. Gates.”
Nelson Mandela: Honored globally with over 50 honorary doctorates, yet was always introduced without the “Doctor” prefix.
Malala Yousafzai: Awarded honorary doctorates for advocacy in education and women’s rights, and respectfully distinguishes her honorary achievements from academic ones.

These examples show that even when someone is given an honorary doctorate online or in person by prestigious institutions, humility and discretion often outweigh the desire to adopt a formal title.

How to Acknowledge an Honorary Degree Appropriately

Receiving an honorary doctorate degree is a significant honor. While it may not entitle one to professional use of the “Doctor” title, it can still be acknowledged respectfully.

Best Practices for Acknowledgment:

Formal Introduction: Use the phrase “Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate in [Field] from [Institution]” in formal settings.
LinkedIn/Resume: Include a separate section titled “Awards and Honors” and list the honorary doctorate there.
Speaking Engagements: When introduced, event organizers can acknowledge the honorary title as part of your background, without implying academic authority.
Honorary Doctorate Online Recognition: Share the announcement or virtual ceremony respectfully, emphasizing the honor rather than the title.

Acknowledging an honorary doctorate online with authenticity shows gratitude without overstepping academic boundaries.

Conclusion: Should You Call Yourself “Doctor”?

In summary, the answer to whether you can call yourself “Doctor” with an honorary doctorate degree depends on context, intent, and clarity.

Legally, you might not be restricted—but ethically and professionally, caution is required.
Honorary degrees, including honorary doctorate online awards, are meant to honor achievements, not replace academic credentials.
Misusing the title can lead to loss of credibility or even legal consequences in some regions.

If you receive an honorary doctorate degree, the most respectful approach is to treat it as a badge of honor—not a change in academic or professional status. Use the recognition to inspire, motivate, and celebrate your contributions—without claiming the authority traditionally reserved for academically earned doctorates.