Honorary doctorates are academic degrees that are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to a particular field or to society as a whole, even though they have not completed the typical academic requirements for the degree. These degrees are usually awarded by universities and other educational institutions as a way of recognizing and honoring individuals for their achievements, leadership, and positive impact on the world.
Unlike traditional academic degrees, honorary doctorates are not earned through the completion of a specific course of study or the fulfillment of academic requirements. Instead, they are typically conferred as a gesture of respect and appreciation for the recipient's accomplishments. The recipients of honorary doctorates often include distinguished individuals such as political leaders, philanthropists, scientists, artists, and other influential figures.
It's important to note that while honorary doctorates carry prestige and recognition, they do not grant the recipient the same academic credentials or rights as earned degrees. Honorary doctorates are usually awarded during special ceremonies, such as graduation ceremonies, and the recipients may be invited to deliver a commencement address or share their insights with the academic community.
The main difference between a regular (earned) doctorate and an honorary doctorate lies in the process of earning the degree:
- Regular Doctorate (Earned):
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- Academic Requirements: To earn a regular doctorate, individuals must typically complete a specific course of study, often involving coursework, comprehensive exams, and original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation.
- Time and Effort: It usually takes several years to complete the requirements for a regular doctorate, and individuals must demonstrate a high level of expertise and mastery in their chosen field.
- Honorary Doctorate:
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- Academic Requirements: Honorary doctorates are not earned through the completion of traditional academic requirements. Instead, they are awarded to individuals based on their exceptional contributions to a particular field, society, or humanity.
- Recognition: Honorary doctorates are a form of recognition and appreciation for a person's achievements, leadership, or positive impact. They are typically bestowed by universities and other educational institutions as an honor.
- No Academic Work: Recipients of honorary doctorates do not go through the traditional academic process of coursework, exams, or research associated with regular doctorates. The degree is conferred as an honorary title.
While both types of doctorates share the title "Doctor," it's crucial to understand that honorary doctorates are symbolic honors and do not represent the same level of academic achievement as earned doctorates. Honorary doctorates are often given to individuals who have excelled in fields outside the academic realm, such as public service, arts, business, or philanthropy.
Yes, it is fully legal throughout the world, it can be even apostilled as any regular degree. You have to use the title as follows for example Dr. Kumar, Ph.D (hc) / Dr (hc). Kumar. “hc” stands for Honoris Causa means for the sake of honor.
The recognition of an honorary doctorate awarded by a university does not necessarily depend on the government's recognition of that specific university. Honorary doctorates are typically conferred by universities or other educational institutions based on their own criteria for selecting individuals who have made significant contributions to a particular field, society, or humanity.
Mostly the answer is “No”, although there are some restrictions by government regarding this, some universities may ask for a refundable deposit for this verification as the information can be misused.
How to find whether the university is real or a degree mill?
If it is real, it should not only grant Honorary Doctorate but also regular degrees with a standard international course curriculum. It should have an examination system and library of international standards.
To raise funds for charity and to cover research development expenses the details of which may be given in the university website.
Yes, this the university collects to cover the expenses of a public function and a wide press coverage for the awardees if it is conducted.
Can I contact any previous awardees for reference?
You know well many awardees do not prefer self publicity and prefer to keep this confidential and personal. However you can visit the university website for information on awardees / you tube for award function video. Most of the awardees of these universities has received their awards from the hands of Chief Guest.
As a matter of fact the government of your country of origin has nothing to do with the rights of an international university which is a legal entity in the country in which it is chartered. However once your degree is legalized (Apostilled) automatically your degree will become valid and legal in all countries.
The Board of the Academic Area appoints honorary doctorates for the academic area. The right to appoint honorary doctors can be delegated to the Vice Chancellor.
The Nomination/Processing fee is to be paid to the coordinators to cover the administration cost, the celebration cost and also to fund the research department of the University.
There are many degree mills and fake universities in the world which issue honorary doctorates. You have to also understand that all legal universities need not be accredited as in many countries accreditation is a voluntary process.
It is not mandatory for all universities to have a physical campus especially for online universities. You have to check which other accredited universities accept the credit transfers of the university in which you are going to apply.
University Honorary Degrees Committee reviews all nominations and recommends a slate of distinguished individuals to the Vice Chancellor of the University and the Board of Trustees. Honorary degrees are awarded by the Board of Trustees.
No. It is a physical certificate mailed to you in a cushioned or cardboard envelope.
Yes, our honorary degrees bear the date of award (the date on which you requested your honorary degree). If you prefer that your degree is not dated, please mention this in the “Notes” section of the order process. Please note that whether or not the certificate is dated has no bearing on its validity.
Yes. Universities happy to provide verification when they receive inquiries.
No. Because our degrees are not academic and do not require any coursework, they are not accompanied by any type of transcripts. We take pride in the fact that our honorary degrees are legitimately bestowed, and unlike other websites that “sell” degrees, we do not offer any counterfeit documents.
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