In universities around the world, the award of a Degree Honoris Causa (usually called an Honorary Doctorate) is one of the highest signs of respect that academia can confer. It’s a way for academic institutions to recognize outstanding achievements, whether in arts, public service, science, business, or other fields, that have made a lasting contribution to society. At East Bridge University’s “Doctorate via Pele” programme, this tradition is upheld with reliability, prestige, and a sense of purpose.
But what precisely is a Doctor Honoris Causa, how does it vary from a regular Doctorate, and why does it matter? Let’s explore.
What Is a Doctor Honoris Causa?
“Honoris causa” is Latin for “for the sake of honour” (or “for the cause of honour”). An Honorary Doctorate is not earned through coursework, exams, or thesis, but is conferred purely as a symbolic recognition, to honour a person who has achieved exceptional success or contributed significantly to their field or society.
Typical criteria for receiving a Doctor Honoris Causa include:
- Demonstrated leadership or innovation in one's field (science, arts, philanthropy, public service).
- Noteworthy societal or cultural impact.
- Contributions that align with the university’s mission or values.
What Is an Earned Doctorate (Regular/Academic Doctorate)?
An earned doctorate, often a PhD, EdD, or other research or professional doctorate, is very different. It involves:
- Years of study (commonly 3–7 years after a bachelor’s or master’s degree).
- Rigorous coursework, examinations, supervised research.
- An original dissertation or thesis that adds new knowledge to a field.
- Frequently peer review, publication, and academic supervision.
Academic Doctorates are built around quantifiable scholarly output, formal academic assessment, and are credentials used in academia for teaching, supervising research, or advancing in assured professions.
Major Differences: Honorary Doctorate vs Earned Doctorate
| Aspect | Earned Doctorate | Honorary Doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) |
|---|---|---|
| Basis of awarding | Academic success, research, thesis/dissertation | Recognized contributions to society, culture, arts, science, without academic study |
| Time / Effort essential | Numerous years of study, supervision, experimentation / research | No formal study or thesis required, awarded on merit and reputation |
| Assessment | Exams, peer review, dissertation defense | Nomination, selection by university committee |
| Use in Academia / Professional Advancement | Credible qualification for academic posts, research jobs, supervision roles | Symbolic; may enhance prestige but not traditionally used to meet academic requirements |
| Legal / Formal Recognition | Recognized by educational authorities; seen as highest academic qualification | Recognised as honorary; in many settings title "Doctor" usage is more decorative than credential-based |
| Title Usage | Fully accepted academically and professionally | Often "Honoris Causa" or "h.c." is appended; some conventions discourage use in formal academic or credential-based settings |
Stat Insight: What People Think & How It’s Seen
- A survey of university staff in several countries found that over 70% believe honorary doctorates help boost an institution’s prestige.
- Yet, only about 20–30% of HR or academic boards treat the honorary doctorate as equivalent to an earned doctorate when considering qualifications (for example, when hiring professors or granting research supervision).
- In cases from India and elsewhere, some honorary doctorate recipients are public figures—politicians, artists, social workers, reflecting diversity in fields represented.
What the Doctorate via Pele at EBU Offers?
At EBU, the Doctor Honoris Causa via Pele programme offers a significant, structured way to confer this honour. Key aspects include:
- High nomination standards to ensure recipients’ achievements are of exceptional standing.
- An official ceremony with documented certificate and citation reflecting contributions.
- A transparent process, adhering to academic values of honour and recognition.
Though recipients do not follow the academic route through research or a thesis, the award is deeply respected and holds moral and social weight.
So, Is an Honorary Doctorate “Lesser” or Just Different?
That’s the vital question many people wrestle with. The answer is: they are different, not necessarily lesser. An earned doctorate demonstrates scholarly depth, discipline, and original research; an honorary doctorate demonstrates moral, societal, or cultural impact. Both carry merit but in different domains.
Understanding the difference matters, it sets precise expectations. If someone has an honorary doctorate, it honours their accomplishments. If someone has a PhD or other earned Doctorate, it also qualifies them academically in ways that honorary degrees do not.
To End With
A Degree Honoris Causa, or Doctor Honoris Causa, is a solemn and respected academic honour. While it does not a replacement for an earned doctorate (which involves formal study, research, and validated scholarship), it celebrates accomplishments that often lie beyond academia: vision, public service, creativity, transformation.
At East Bridge University’s Doctorate via Pele, honouring such individuals affirms that excellence takes many forms. Whether in science, arts, leadership, or social good, there is room for recognition, and the Doctor Honoris Causa remains one of the noblest honours an institution can bestow.
Written By : Tammy C. Bow
