An honorary degree is an academic degree that is awarded by a university or other degree-awarding institution, for which all of the usual requirements have been waived. It is also known by the Latin phrases honoris causa or ad honorem. Honorary degrees are typically awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, such as public figures, artists, or philanthropists. The awarding of an honorary doctorate is a way for universities to recognize and honor the achievements of individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
Honorary degrees come in several different types, such as honorary masters degrees, honorary law degrees, or honorary doctorates. However, there are significant differences between an honorary degree and an earned degree. Recipients of honorary degrees dont have to apply to the school, complete any coursework, or fulfill any graduation requirements like writing a dissertation. Instead, they simply receive a diploma as an honor without earning the degree. An honorary degree also doesnt mean that the recipient can start practicing law or apply for jobs as a professor. Unlike an earned doctorate, an honorary doctorate doesnt confer titles, like doctor. By convention, recipients of honorary doctorates do not use the title "Dr" in general correspondence, although in formal correspondence from the university issuing the honorary degree it is normal to address the recipient by the title, at least in the United States. However, this social convention is not always scrupulously observed.
