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Historical beginnings -

The concept of honorary degrees stretches back to medieval Europe. The University of Oxford awarded the first known honorary degree to Lionel Woodville in the 1470s to honor outstanding contributions to society. Initially, honorary degrees served as an acknowledgment of scholarly work and civic engagement.

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Royal grants -

By the late 16th century, honorary degrees had become a commonality, especially on the occasion when royals would visit Oxford or Cambridge. For example, approximately 43 members of James I’s retinue received honorary degrees upon his visit to Oxford in 1605.

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Meaning -

The term “honorary” comes from the Latin honorarius, implying respect or esteem. When someone receives an honorary degree, it doesn’t mean that they have earned the academic achievement, but rather that their contributions to the field have been recognized.

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Traditional credentials - Honorary degrees are unique because they do not represent academic study, and they are not traditional credentials. Recipients haven’t enrolled in courses or defended a thesis, but the honor signifies deep admiration for the work they have done.

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Honorary vs. earned - While an honorary degree is a commendation, it differs from an earned degree in academia. An earned degree demands years of rigorous study. The honorary version is nothing more than a nod to a person’s real-world impact, and it doesn’t have any critical academic weight.

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Types -

Honorary degrees are versatile and cover different fields. You might hear of honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), Doctor of Science (D.Sc.), or Doctor of Laws (LL.D.). Each is tailored to reflect the area where the recipient has excelled.

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Who bestows honorary degrees? -

Universities across the globe have the power to award honorary degrees. They generally come from well-established institutions with the authority to recognize individuals who have left a significant mark in their professions or communities.

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No awards given -

Some universities in the United States refuse to grant honorary degrees, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University. Their policies recognize that doctorates should only be granted on the basis of significant academic achievement, and nothing else.

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No fees involved -

Unlike traditional degrees, honorary ones do not come with tuition or fees. Universities do not charge the recipient. Instead, they are awarded purely on merit and the recipient’s accomplishments.

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Award ceremonies -

Ceremonies for honorary degrees are often filled with the same pomp and circumstance as traditional graduations. Recipients may don academic regalia, walk the stage, and receive the degree, making the moment as formal and meaningful as for any graduate.

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Prestigious recipients -

From Nobel laureates to influential world leaders, honorary degree recipients are often high-profile figures (think of people like Nelson Mandela or Maya Angelou). They inspire through their actions, and universities often seek to affiliate themselves with such icons.

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Celebrity recipients -

Even celebrities—actors, musicians, and athletes—have earned honorary degrees over the years. From Taylor Swift to Oprah Winfrey, honorary doctorates have been given to many famous icons.

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Philanthropic honorees -

Philanthropists who have contributed significantly to societal well-being can also receive honorary degrees. Their work in education, health care, poverty alleviation, or environmental conservation may lead a university to recognize their impact with an honorary title.

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Nomination process -

The journey to receive an honorary degree usually begins with a nomination. Universities accept suggestions from faculty, alumni, or the general public. Nominations must be compelling and well-documented cases that explain why the nominee deserves the distinction.

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Selection committees -

A dedicated selection committee reviews all nominations. These committees often consist of university officials, faculty members, and trustees. They evaluate whether the nominee’s accomplishments align with the institution’s values and vision, to ensure the honoree upholds the university’s reputation.

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Rigorous scrutiny -

Receiving an honorary degree is not as easy as it sounds. The nomination undergoes rigorous scrutiny. Committees dive deep into the nominee’s background, achievements, and societal impact to determine if the individual merits such a prestigious acknowledgment.

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Criteria -

Universities generally have a set of criteria for awarding honorary degrees. These might include significant contributions to public service, advancements in science, cultural enrichment, or fostering global understanding. Meeting these criteria is crucial for approval.

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Declining an honorary degree -

Believe it or not, some people have been known to decline honorary degrees. Whether due to personal principles, political considerations, or the perception of inauthenticity, recipients have occasionally turned down the honor.

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Famous decliners -

Notable figures like George Orwell (pictured) and Jean-Paul Sartre have declined honorary degrees. Orwell, for instance, rejected an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow, since he believed that his work should stand on its own merit.

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Criticism - Honorary degrees have not been without controversy. Critics argue they can be political or even self-serving for universities, especially when awarded to celebrities or wealthy individuals. On the other hand, many others believe that they genuinely highlight incredible accomplishments where such acknowledgment is due.

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Monetary benefits -

Unlike traditional degrees, an honorary degree doesn’t translate to job offers or higher salaries. There are no direct monetary benefits, but it may bolster the recipient’s reputation and lend academic credibility to their work.

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Doctorate of Letters -

A Doctor of Letters is often awarded to those in the humanities. Authors, scholars, and cultural critics may receive this honor for work that has made a meaningful impact, be it through books, speeches, or critical cultural contributions.

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Doctor of Laws -

The Doctor of Laws is one of the most frequently awarded honorary degrees. It acknowledges achievements in governance, public policy, or legal reform.

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Doctor of Science -

Scientists who break new ground may receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree. Their discoveries in fields like biology, physics, or medicine can redefine the world’s understanding of fundamental principles.

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Doctor of Philosophy -

An honorary PhD is the least awarded degree on this list, especially in the United States, after the practice received condemnation from various institutions in the late 1800s. Singer Bing Crosby was one of the last known recipients of an honorary PhD, which was awarded by Gonzaga University in 1937.

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Increasing chances -

If someone wants an honorary degree, then they have to make meaningful contributions that attract attention. They should lead impactful projects, spearhead global initiatives, or create art that changes minds. The idea isn’t to pursue an honorary degree, but to excel so much that it’s inevitably given.

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Philanthropic donations -

Some believe that hefty donations to a university can lead to an honorary degree. While controversial, philanthropy has indeed paved the way for honorees, although most universities insist that financial support is secondary to actual societal contributions.

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Honorific titles -

Although there are no strict rules set in place to limit honorees from using the prefix “Dr.” in their correspondences, it is generally considered improper to do so. But some notable figures, including Maya Angelou and Benjamin Franklin, were known to use the honorific.

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Employment -

Honorary degrees are, naturally, not recognized by employers, since they don’t have the same weight as a fully-pursued doctorate. However, they certainly are a great way to feel appreciated, and make for a great topic of conversation.

Sources: (Britannica) (Oxford University Press) (The Journal of Higher Education) (The New York Times) (Study International)

See also: Examining the history of the graduation ceremony

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