Can You Use the Title 'Doctor' with an Honorary Doctorate Degree?
- Learning Saint
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
Introduction
In today’s academic and public spaces, few topics generate as much curiosity—and controversy—as the use of the title “Doctor” with an Honorary Doctorate Degree. Can someone who receives an honorary doctorate certificate rightfully use “Dr.” before their name? The answer is more nuanced than you might think.
This blog explores the origins, significance, and usage of the honorary doctorate, especially in modern times when you can even receive an honorary doctorate online. We’ll also cover the legal and ethical implications, societal perceptions, and best practices.
What Is an Honorary Doctorate Degree?
An Honorary Doctorate Degree is an academic award given by a university or academic institution to honor an individual's achievements in a specific field or their contributions to society. Unlike traditional academic doctorates, honorary doctorates are not earned through coursework or research but are conferred as a symbolic gesture.
Universities often bestow these degrees during commencement ceremonies to celebrities, philanthropists, authors, politicians, or public figures who have made significant cultural or humanitarian contributions.
Common Types of Honorary Doctorates:
Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL)
Doctor of Laws (LLD)
Doctor of Science (ScD)
Doctor of Arts (DA)
Despite being symbolic, an honorary doctorate certificate is often beautifully designed and treated with deep reverence by recipients.
The Difference Between Earned and Honorary Doctorates
Understanding the key differences between earned and honorary degrees is essential when discussing the use of the title "Doctor."
Earned Doctorate:
Requires academic coursework, exams, and dissertation
Represents subject mastery and original research
Examples include PhD, EdD, MD, and JD
Honorary Doctorate:
Awarded based on contribution, not academic merit
No coursework or dissertation required
Considered symbolic or ceremonial
While both carry prestige, the honorary doctorate degree does not reflect academic rigor. That’s why the academic community usually reserves the title "Doctor" for those who have completed a formal doctoral program.
Can You Legally Use the Title ‘Doctor’ with an Honorary Degree?
The legality of using "Doctor" with an honorary doctorate degree varies by region and context.
United States:
Legally, no federal law prohibits using the title "Doctor."
However, misrepresenting an honorary degree as an earned doctorate could be considered misleading and possibly fraudulent.
United Kingdom and Europe:
Strictly academic environments frown upon honorary degree holders using the title.
Honorary recipients are typically addressed with their usual name and noted as "Doctor (honorary)."
In general, if you choose to use “Dr.” from an honorary doctorate certificate, transparency is critical. It should be clear that the title is honorary and not earned through academic study.
Ethical Considerations of Using the Title 'Doctor'
Just because you can use the title doesn’t always mean you should.
Why Ethics Matter:
The use of "Doctor" implies subject-matter expertise.
In professional settings (e.g., healthcare, education), using "Dr." from an honorary doctorate could be misleading.
For example, someone awarded an honorary doctorate online in arts should not claim the title “Dr.” in a scientific or medical setting. It could lead to confusion or even reputational damage.
Many universities explicitly request honorary recipients not to use the title "Dr." to prevent public misunderstanding.
How Academic and Professional Communities View the Title
The academic community typically holds firm views on this matter. For scholars and professionals who have spent years earning a doctoral degree, the use of “Doctor” by someone with an honorary doctorate degree may seem inappropriate.
Academic Norms:
In academia, “Doctor” is reserved for earned PhDs or equivalent.
Use of the title by honorary recipients is often seen as informal or symbolic.
Professional Settings:
In corporate or public spaces, honorary titles may be more accepted.
However, many professionals avoid using “Dr.” unless they hold an earned degree to maintain credibility.
Some honorary recipients choose to mention the degree in their biography but not use the title “Dr.” before their name. This balances recognition and transparency.
Best Practices for Referring to Honorary Doctorate Recipients
Here are a few best practices when referring to someone with an honorary doctorate certificate:
Use Full Title Once:Mention the honorary title once in formal introductions, e.g., “John Smith, who received an honorary doctorate from XYZ University…”
Avoid “Dr.” Prefix in Signature:Unless the context specifically warrants it, refrain from using “Dr.” in email signatures, business cards, or professional titles.
State the Degree Clearly:Instead of “Dr. Jane Doe,” use “Jane Doe, Honorary Doctorate Recipient from ABC University.”
Use in Speaking Engagements: In public speaking or motivational events, it’s common to acknowledge an honorary doctorate degree for its inspirational value—but make it clear it's honorary.
Famous Examples of Honorary Doctorate Recipients
Honorary degrees have been awarded to some of the most impactful individuals in history.
Notable Recipients:
Oprah Winfrey: Received multiple honorary doctorates for her contributions to media and education.
Nelson Mandela: Awarded over 50 honorary doctorates worldwide.
J.K. Rowling: Honored for her literary work and philanthropy.
Barack Obama: Received honorary degrees for his leadership and global influence.
Many of these figures do not use “Dr.” in their titles, despite receiving the honorary doctorate certificate—underscoring their humility and respect for academic tradition.
Conclusion: Respecting the Spirit of the Honorary Title
An Honorary Doctorate Degree is a prestigious form of recognition. While it may not involve academic study or a dissertation, it acknowledges an individual’s exceptional contributions to society.
However, using the title "Doctor" based on an honorary doctorate requires careful consideration. Transparency, context, and intent are vital. Whether you received an honorary doctorate online or from a prestigious institution, the degree should be treated with respect and used in a way that upholds its symbolic value.
When in doubt, clarity and humility will always speak louder than titles.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I legally call myself “Dr.” if I receive an honorary doctorate online?
Yes, in many regions there are no laws preventing it, but it’s important to clarify that the doctorate is honorary.
Q2: Is an honorary doctorate degree the same as a PhD?
No. A PhD is an earned academic degree based on research and coursework. An honorary doctorate degree is symbolic and awarded for contributions to a field.
Q3: Can I list my honorary doctorate on my resume?
Yes, but it should be listed under “Awards” or “Honors,” not “Education.”
Q4: Are online honorary doctorates valid?
Yes, if awarded by a legitimate institution. However, always verify that the institution is accredited and reputable.
Q5: Can I buy an honorary doctorate degree?
While some institutions offer honorary doctorate online programs with donation requirements, buying a degree without merit from unaccredited entities is unethical and not recognized.
Final Thought:
The value of an honorary doctorate degree lies not in the title it offers but in the acknowledgment it represents. Use it with pride, but also with the responsibility it deserves.
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