Honorary Doctorate Degrees: Why They Matter More Than Ever

 Few awards in the world of academia hold as much prestige as the honorary doctorate. Typically granted during university convocations or special events, this high degree is bestowed not for satisfactory completion of coursework or a dissertation, but for outstanding contributions to a specific field or to society in general. Whether it is bestowed upon a Nobel Laureate, a social activist, a pioneering entrepreneur, or a renowned artist, the honorary doctorate certifies excellence that goes beyond conventional academia.

But what actually is an honorary doctorate? Why do institutions give them? And can an honorary title ever be equal to an earned doctoral degree? In this blog, we unpackage the meaning, importance, types, and controversies of honorary doctorates so you may better understand their worth in today's world.

What Is an Honorary Doctorate?

An honorary doctorate also officially called Doctor honoris causa (Latin for "for the sake of honor") is a degree conferred by a university to people as a tribute to their outstanding achievements or contributions to society. Unlike other doctoral programs, which take years of classwork and research, an honorary doctorate does not entail coursework, examinations, or a thesis.

This symbolic degree is usually presented at graduation ceremonies and can be granted in law, science, literature, business, social work, education, and the arts. It's a manner in which universities identify with renowned people who represent the values of the institution, motivate its community, or attract international attention to a cause.

Why Do Universities Present Honorary Degrees?

Universities have been granting honorary doctorates since centuries. The practice goes back to the Middle Ages, and the first known honorary degree was granted by Oxford University during the late 1400s. Though the details differ from place to place and country to country, the reasons for such awards tend to be broadly classified under the following categories:

1. Recognition of Achievement

Honorary doctorates honor people who have made important contributions in the fields of science, literature, politics, philanthropy, or entrepreneurship. These include inventors, writers, scientists, philanthropists, and social activists.

2. Institutional Prestige Strengthening

By linking themselves with well-known or renowned individuals, universities enhance their prestige. The recipient of an honorary doctorate becomes a public ambassador for the university, reflecting its values and academic standards.

3. Inspiration to Graduates

During commencement ceremonies, an honorary degree holder typically gives a keynote speech. Their achievement and biography are meant to serve as a model to motivate graduating students who are embarking on the next stage of life.

4. Fundraising and Public Relations

Let's face it sometimes institutions give honorary degrees as a component of a strategic initiative. Controversial or high-profile recipients can bring in publicity, donors, or industry alliances.

Types of Honorary Doctorates

Though generally called an "honorary doctorate," there are various forms depending on the field of achievement of the recipient:

• Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) – Usually awarded to political figures, judges, lawyers, or human rights activists.
• Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) – Bestowed for notable achievements in science, technology, or medicine.
• Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) – Usually awarded to writers, poets, philosophers, or cultural figures.
• Doctor of Business (D.BA h.c.) – Honors entrepreneurial success, business innovation, or corporate stewardship.
• Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL or LHD) – General category for social, cultural, or humanitarian service.

Universities may also develop proprietary honorary degrees founded on one-of-a-kind contributions or thematic aspirations matching a particular year's graduation theme.

Who Can Receive an Honorary Doctorate?

Honorary degrees are not given lightly. Universities endure a thorough selection process, usually involving nomination committees, faculty recommendations, and board approvals. Although policies may differ, the following are the minimum criteria considered:

• Exceptional Contributions: The person should have made a lasting contribution to society, industry, academe, or public service.
• Alignment with Institutional Values: Recipient's contributions should align with the mission and vision of the awarding university.
• Public Integrity: Most organizations insist that the recipients have a spotless public image and are well-respected by all.
• Global or Community Impact: Whether it's local or global, the individual's impact must be real and well-documented.

This is a common, if sometimes contentious, question. Technically, recipients of an honorary doctorate can use the title "Doctor" out of courtesy, but most of them do not, particularly in professional or academic contexts in which earned doctorates carry specific qualifications.

Actually, most universities require disclaimers that the honorary title must not be employed in a manner that shall be considered misleading concerning academic qualifications. Rather, the honor is usually identified with "h.c." (honoris causa) appended to the degree abbreviation, for example, D.Litt. (h.c.) or LL.D. (honoris causa).

If you do receive such a degree, it is more considerate to recognize it for what it truly is a award of accomplishment, not a qualification to exercise academic or clinical expertise.

How Do You Receive an Honorary Doctorate?

Unlike regular degrees, you cannot apply for an honorary doctorate. They are given, not acquired. Most recipients are suggested by faculty, alumni, or community leaders. Here's what happens behind the scenes:

• Nomination: An individual within or associated with the university nominates a candidate.
• Review Committee: A university committee reviews the nominee's accomplishments, reputation, and congruity with the values of the institution.
• Approval: Final approvals typically come from the governing board of the university, e.g., Senate or Board of Trustees.
• Conferral: The degree is conferred officially at a convocation or special ceremony with often a formal citation and an honorary hooding ceremony.

Controversies and Criticisms

Honorary doctorates are widely appreciated, but they have not escaped criticism. Following are some of the widespread issues:

• Celebrity Culture: Universities have been accused by a few of conferring honorary degrees on celebrities or donors mostly for publicity or monetary benefits, as opposed to actual achievement.
• Political Bias: Political leaders are sometimes recognized in a manner that polarizes the scholarly community or the public at large.
• Credential Confusion: Some honorary graduates might fraudulently adopt the "Dr." title, misleading others into believing that they are academically qualified.
• Inflation of Honors: With the thousands of honorary degrees being conferred all over the world every year, some say that the practice has lost its exclusivity and glamour.

That is notwithstanding, the majority of honorary degrees remain to be conferred upon genuinely deserving persons whose contributions have left their mark in quantifiable and sustainable ways.

Real-World Examples of Honorary Doctorates

Numerous influential world leaders have been awarded honorary doctorates by major institutions:

• Malala Yousafzai – Nobel Peace Laureate, awarded honorary degrees for her advocacy of girls' education.
• Barack Obama – Former U.S. President, awarded honorary degrees by numerous universities for leadership and diplomacy.
• Bill Gates – Microsoft co-founder, awarded for technological innovation and philanthropy.
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Renowned author, awarded for her contributions to literature and feminism.
• Ratan Tata – Indian businessman and philanthropist, celebrated for revolutionary contributions to international commerce.

These examples indicate the extent of fields from science to literature, from activism to business where outstanding contributions are celebrated in honorary degrees.

Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of an Honorary Doctorate

An honorary doctorate is not merely a ceremonial degree. It is a symbolic acknowledgment of distinction, stature, and contribution. Whether given to a scientist, artist, humanitarian, or entrepreneur, the honorary degree uplifts voices that have contributed to changing the world for the better.

Although it's not equal to a doctorate that has been earned academically, its honor is in what it signifies: a lifetime of service, innovation, and achievement. To the universities, it's a method of honoring values. To society, it's an opportunity to shine a light on leadership. And for the recipient, it's one of the greatest honors one can get without every once entering a classroom.