How to list an honorary Doctorate in your CV or website?

An Honorary Doctorate is an honor, an accolade, and one should be proud to showcase it. This is only possible when you are aware of the techniques on how to list your honorary doctorate on your CV or website. Imagine sitting with a group of people, and suddenly your name being called as Dr…, and the heads turning to see who this special guest is, or the one with honorary pride among us here! This difference is a reflection of your thought leadership and accomplishments. Yet many professionals downplay their honorary doctorate or tuck it away where few will notice. Come on!! It’s an achievement that very few earn!

An Honorary Degree Certificate is an acknowledgement of one’s contribution to a particular field or society, like charity, leadership, innovation, sports, or public service. However, the question arises: what is an impactful and correct order to present this accomplishment, which is professional and persuasive at the same time? Well, fear not—this blog post is going to help you list your honorary doctorate degree on your CV or website in an arrangement that adds to your impressiveness, sounds credible, and paves the way for new opportunities.

how to list an honorarary doctorate on a resumehonorary

Let’s dive in!

Why an Honorary Doctorate Listing Is Important?

Let’s not beat around the bush. Why should you list an honorary degree certificate on your CV /website? It is that simple—an honorary degree certificate or honorary degree certificate is nothing but a title, a proof that you are already knowledgeable and have left your mark on the world.

Employers and potential clients appreciate more experienced and decorated team members. Showcasing this accolade not only makes your profile more credible but also sets you apart from the rest, making your profile stand out.

Well, narrating a story about it is more important than the accomplishment itself. Read on to learn how to do both correctly and effectively.

Where and how to list a Honorary Degree Certificate a Certificate in your CV

Your CV is a professional document, and so you should place it in a way that better aligns with a formal tone. Here’s how to do it:

In this blog, you will discover how to present your awards from any business school, like Dunster Business School Switzerland or Florida University of Science and Management in a way that elevates and highlights your credentials and expertise, reinforces your authority, and opens new doors. Let’s explore best practices for your CV , LinkedIn profile, and website.

1. Why Highlighting an Honorary Doctorate Degree Matters

You received an honorary doctorate because institutions recognize your exemplary contribution in business, innovation, academia, or society. By showcasing it, you are not only claiming expertise, but you will also receive formal acknowledgement. This is a demonstration of credibility.

  • Demonstrate validated credibility: It is not about claiming expertise; it’s about you receiving a formal acknowledgment.
  • Differentiate yourself; very few list such honors, so this gives you a distinctive edge.
  • Indicate leadership and credibility influence: Audiences and decision-makers value meaningful recognition.

Whether your accolade is the award from any premier business school, such as Dunster Business School, Switzerland, or Florida University of Science and Management, make the most of it.  Project to the world that you not only earned an honorary degree certificate, but that you continue to live up to it.

2. Adding the Honorary Doctorate Degree to Your CV

Your CV, as being the most widely shared credential professionally, here’s how, with five easy steps, you can amplify the presence of your Honorary Degree certificate without overshadowing your earned degrees or practical experience:

how to list an honorary doctorate on a resume

STEP 1:  Create a Distinct Section

Rather than placing it within your “Education” section, where earned qualifications belong, add a dedicated section:

Section title suggestion

  • “Honorary Degrees & Certificates”
  • “Honors & Distinctions”
  • “Academic Recognitions”

STEP 2:  Use a Clear, Convincing Format

  • For each distinction, format consistently. For example:
  • Honorary Doctorate in Business Leadership, 2025  
  • Dunster Business School, Switzerland University of Science and Management
  • Awarded an honorary doctorate certificate in recognition of transformative business innovation, leadership development, and global strategic influence.

STEP 3: Boosting Impact on Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is your stage—for recruiters, clients, partners, and peers. It is easy to add your achievements/showcase your honorary doctorate certificate to multiple areas of your profile:

  • Headline: Instant Differentiation
  • Position your honor front and center:

Examples:

  • These headlines immediately capture attention—and credibility.

About Section: Tell the Story. This section is of prime importance and relevance. Work on your honorary doctorate certificate meaningfully:

  • “An honorary doctorate in business leadership by Dunster Business School in recognition of my global impact on strategic business transformation in the year 2024. I was awarded an honorary doctorate in innovation by Florida University of Science and Management. These accolades reflect my commitment to bridging business and technological frontiers.” Then, stick to your core strengths and offerings.

STEP 4: Licenses & Certifications Section: Forma, Add an entry as follows:

  • Title: Honorary Doctorate Certificate  (Business Leadership)
  • Awarded by Dunster Business School, Switzerland/Florida Institute of Science and Management
  • Date of issue:  (or month/year when awarded)
  • Description: “Awarded an honorary doctorate certificate for outstanding leadership in international business strategy.”

STEP 5. Featured Section: Standout Visibility

Include visuals like

  • A photo of you receiving the honorary doctorate 
  • A short press release note from Dunster or FLISM
  • A quote from the awarding institution]
  • This visual appearance increases the bona fides of your profile.

Displaying the Honorary Doctorate Certificate on Your Website

Your website gives you full creative control. Here’s how to make the most of your honorary doctorate:

Use a Dedicated “Recognitions” or “Honors” Page. Title a page so visitors can find it—don’t bury the information. as in:

A. Distinctions and accolades

  • Dunster Business School, Switzerland—Honorary Doctorate, Business Leadership—2025
  • Florida University of Science and Management—Doctorate in Innovation & Technology, 2024   
  • Include institutional logos and links to their pages for added legitimacy.

B. Highlight It on Your Homepage

  • If these honors define your brand, integrate them into your homepage—it can be as a rotating feature or as a large visual element, like a hero banner.
  • “Proud recipient of an honorary doctorate certificate from Dunster Business School, Switzerland, and Florida University of Science and Management.”

C. Use condensed, dynamic lines that are to the point:

  • “I earned an honorary doctorate for driving global business excellence.”
  • “Florida University of Science and Management awarded me an Honorary Doctorate Certificate for pioneering innovation.”

D. Add Visual Elements

  • Attach photos of you with the certificate (if allowed)
  • A picture of an honorary doctorate certificate 
  • Testimonials or congratulatory messages from the awarding institution—even better if you can link to the press release or ceremony gallery.
  • Ensure website tags highlight “honorary doctorate certificated names of institutions that awarded the honour to gain maximum benefit for SEO.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive world, showcasing and displaying your exemplary achievements is the only effective and impressive strategy to stand out and be noticed. Listing your honorary doctorate on your CV or website and placing your achievements under the right heading makes all the difference. If we adhere to a clear, professional, and concise format, we can highlight every milestone achieved in an impactful manner while maintaining professionalism and credibility. Not only does the degree or certificate’s presence enhance or boost your professional story, but also, projecting this accomplishment helps you outshine the crowd, giving you an edge over others.

Recommended Reads

  1. Dunster Business School Partners with Henry Harvin®, UAE
  2. What is an honorary doctorate (honoris causa)?
  3. Best 10 Honorary Doctorate Degrees in the UAE

FAQs

Q1. Can we add “Dr.” before the name after receipt of an honorary doctorate?

Ans: No. This title can be used ceremonially, but most professionals and academicians are against using the title formally.

Q2. Can an honorary doctorate degree degree be added even if it is not related to the current profession?

Ans. Yes, of course.  In case the award reflects leadership, public service, or broader achievements that add to your professional achievements, it can definitely be added.

Q3. How to list multiple honorary degrees?

Ans. List them in reverse chronological order under the respective heading. Use consistent formatting and consider grouping them under a single heading to keep your CV clean.

Q4. Can I quote honors and awards in a cover letter or email introduction?

Ans. Absolutely—just keep it brief and to the point. 

Q5. Is documentation mandatory for an honorary doctorate degree when applying for a job?

Ans. Not really. An honorary doctorate is a pride earned as recognition and not due to the completion of any course. Employers do not seek any documentation. However, you may include a link to a press release, university announcement, or official citation for verification in case you wish to make it notable

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