Ever wondered what an honorary degree really is? It’s not the same as the degree someone earns by taking classes. An honorary degree is a formal award from a college or university that recognizes a person’s achievement, leadership, or service. Think of it as a public salute from academia for work that mattered outside the classroom.
Universities give honorary degrees to artists, activists, business leaders, scientists, and sometimes politicians. The award can mark a lifetime of achievement, a single major contribution, or support for the institution. It usually comes during a graduation ceremony, where the recipient receives a diploma and sometimes a hood or cap.
Most schools accept nominations from faculty, alumni, trustees, or community members. A committee reviews nominees, checks their record, and vets any controversies. The committee then recommends names to the university’s senate or board for final approval. The process varies by school, but transparency and reputation are the common filters.
Not every nominee is chosen. Committees look for clear, measurable impact — leadership that changed things, creative work with wide reach, or public service that advanced a cause. They also consider whether awarding the degree aligns with the institution’s values and whether any controversies would harm the school’s reputation.
Short answer: be careful. Some recipients use the doctoral title socially, but many institutions recommend against using “Dr.” in professional settings unless the degree is an earned academic doctorate. If you do use the title, do it with context — for example, “Dr. Jane Smith (hon.)” or “Jane Smith, honorary doctorate.” That keeps things honest and avoids confusing people who expect academic credentials tied to research or teaching.
Honorary degrees don’t grant the legal right to practice in regulated professions, like medicine or law. They also usually don’t come with academic privileges, such as supervising PhD students or teaching under the university’s name — unless the institution separately appoints the recipient to a role.
Honorary degrees sometimes spark debate. Critics argue they can be political or reward fame over substance. Supporters say they highlight role models and bring attention to important causes. When controversies arise, schools often explain the reasoning behind each choice to reduce backlash.
If you’re nominated or receiving one, treat it as recognition, not proof of scholarly training. Use the platform to promote causes you care about, accept the honor graciously, and follow the university’s guidance on title use and publicity. If you’re nominating someone, focus on concrete impact and provide clear evidence of their achievements.
Want to learn more about specific honorary degree traditions or famous recipients? Browse university pages and recent ceremonies to see how different institutions handle nominations, titles, and ceremony customs. You’ll find each school has its own style, but the core idea is the same: recognizing work that moves people or society forward.
The Engineers Board of Kenya told Northwestern Christian University-Kenya to recall MP Oscar Sudi’s honorary degree because it wrongly used the 'Eng.' title. The board says only licensed engineers can use that title and demanded a corrected certificate. Debate grows over honorary titles and the university hasn't responded yet.
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