The Honorary doctorate is a professional recognition for those who strive for personal excellence and become a motivating example in their community. Certainly, these people are eligible to get awarded by Honorary Doctorate Degrees which are given by colleges or Universities. Being an honor of recognition and prestige, the Honorary Doctorate degrees allow the candidates to act as mentors and a source of inspiration for others. The Honorary Doctorate degree is not considered an academic degree, consequently, the usual academic requirements of doctorate degrees are waived.
Introduction:
Getting an Honorary Doctorate degree is considered a prestigious affair since it is awarded for a significant contribution by someone to a particular field, society, or humanity. This award surely does not require the recipient to complete a specific course of study or academic work. However, It recognizes exceptional achievements, influence, or service.
The recipients of honorary doctorates may use the title ‘Dr.’ before their name and may be granted the same privileges as those who have earned a traditional doctoral degree.
Henry Harvin also has partnerships with other institutions or Universities to help candidates acquire an Honorary Doctorate.
List of Top 8 Honorary Doctorate Degrees:
1)Dunster Business School
Dunster Business School provides globally recognised Swiss Education. With 6000+ Alumni located across and 21+ accreditations, DBS degrees are recognized in over 11+ countries. DBS
Key Features of Honorary Doctorate from DBS:
- Firstly, it is a recognition of Excellence.
- Secondly, it honors significant accomplishments in professional or humanitarian endeavors.
- Recipients of Honorary Doctorate degree can include leaders in business, politics, science, Literature, education, and art.
- An honorary Doctorate degree does not require formal academic work, research, or exams.
- Recipients are professional or public figures with notable contributions to society. Recipients of honorary doctorate degree are addressed as ‘Doctor’ as a sign of respect and recognition.
Advantages of enrolling with DBS:
- Firstly, Recognition And Prestige
- Secondly, Increased Credibility
- Global Recognition
- Symbol of Lifetime Achievement
- Furthermore, Cultural and Social Contributions are acknowledged
- Inspiration for Others
- Additionally, chance to pursue Mentorship
Procedure to enroll with DBS for Honorary Doctorate Degree:
- Nomination: The faculty members, alumni, or public figures nominate the candidates however, candidates can nominate themselves too.
- Evaluation: There is a selection committee or panel that reviews a candidate’s contributions if they align with the institution’s values.
- Award Ceremony: Universities confer the degrees during a formal event, such as a convocation or commencement ceremony, highlighting the recipient’s achievement.
A few names of the recipients of the Awards:
- Jatin Trivedi: Jatin Trivedi, CEO of Adani Saksham, received an Honorary Doctorate in education for his contributions to vocational education.
- Ravi Hemnani: Ravi Hemnani, Lean Six Sigma export, Consultant, and Trainer, received an Honorary Doctorate in Management
- Dr. Vijay Bhangale: He received an Honorary Doctorate in Management for helping businesses and individuals grow through Strategic thinking, Coaching, and Mentoring.
2)Florida Institute of Science & Management (FLISM):
FLISM aims to become a leader in Management & Science education. Its vision is to receive global recognition aiming at fostering innovation, excellence, and sustainability in shaping future leaders. The mission is to provide research opportunities in Science and Management and a kind of education that is transformative in nature, empowering students to lead with innovation, ethics, and impact.
The University grants honorary doctorate degrees to those who epitomize the ideals of the university through significant achievements and contributions to society.
FLISM has received accreditations, membership, and recognition from various bodies, which certainly ensures the quality and credibility of FLISM and its educational programs.
The values of FLISM include:
- Innovation
- Excellence
- Sustainability
- Leadership
- Collaboration
A few names of Award Receivers:
- Roger W. Babson: He was a prominent statistician and economist. He helped further the interests of the state. He received an Honorary Doctorate (LL.D) in 1927.
- Doyle E Carlton: He was the governor of Florida from 1929 to 1930 and a prominent attorney in Tampa. He got the Honorary Doctorate (D.C.L.) in 1930.
3) Kennedy University:
Kennedy University is a daughter university of the Kennedy University of Baptist of the United States. Undoubtedly, the “Honorary Doctorate” award from Kennedy University holds a good prestige.
An honorary Doctorate degree helps the University accomplish its mission by acknowledging and honoring people who have done a good job for society and who act as a source of inspiration, innovation, progress, and change in a world that is evolving continuously.
The University designs the program for the ones who have worked exceptionally and certainly those, who have made significant contributions in their fields, and it celebrates innovation, achievement, and lifelong journey. Kennedy University
The Honorary Doctorate degrees at Kennedy University demonstrate its commitment to fostering leadership and excellence.
Benefits of Receiving an Honorary Doctorate:
- Enhanced reputation and credibility
- Increased Influence and Networking opportunities
- Recognition and validation of your work
- Motivation and Inspiration
- Symbol and Excellence of Leadership
Nomination Process for Honorary Doctorate:
1) Immediate Consideration: The Candidate can submit the nomination form anytime, with no specific deadlines. The university ensures to consider the nominee promptly
2) Complete submission online: The entire nomination process is conducted online. Indeed, it makes it accessible and convenient from anywhere in the world.
3) Honor and celebrate within the year: The University honors the selected nominees within the year, ensuring timely recognition of their contributions.
Award Receiver from Kennedy University:
- Hiew Boon Thong: Hiew Boon Thong received the “Doctor of Excellence” award from Kennedy University.
4) Middlesex University Dubai:
Middle-sex university is an Offshore campus of Middlesex University London in Dubai. The campus was inaugurated in 2005 and currently has 5600 students from over 150 nationalities studying across both locations. The University awards the degree of honorary doctorate to candidates for their remarkable contribution in a certain field. Middlesex University Dubai
A few names of Award Receivers:
- A.R. Rahman: A.R. Rahman received an Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University in London.
- Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulyman: He is an Emirates businessman and CEO of the DP World and the chairman of Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation. He secured an honorary doctorate from Middlesex University Dubai in 2008.
5)The American University in Dubai:
The American University in Dubai is widely known for conferring honorary doctorate awards to those who have made extraordinary contributions to society by doing work in certain fields. Additionally, All the university programs have been formally accredited by regional and global Independent bodies, allowing it to offer recognized Undergraduate and Graduate and Honorary Phd degrees. The American University in Dubai
Award Recipient:
- Malik Abrar Hussain, who is a Pakistani educationist and head of all Pakistani schools and college associations, has received an honorary doctorate from the American University in Dubai.
6)University of Dubai:
Established in 1997 by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, this university is known for its business programs and practical approach to education. The Ministry of Education in UAE as well as the best international accreditation body in the World, have accredited this program.
The University recognizes distinguished individuals for their extraordinary impact on society by conferring honorary doctorate degrees. Indeed, the institution awards the degree in a formal ceremony typically on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. University of Dubai
A few names of Award Receivers:
- Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi: Dr. Al Sultan Neyadi is an astronaut who received an Honorary Doctorate in 2023 from the University of Dubai
- Khalfan Juma Belhoul: He is the CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, who received an Honorary Doctorate in 2022.
7)University Of Sharjah:
The University of Sharjah was established in October 1997. It is a private Emirati National University located in the University city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The University plays a big role in the socioeconomic development of the Emirates of Sharjah.
The university’s board of trustees votes to award Honorary Doctorates on the recommendation of the president and the Honors & Awards committee. University of Sharjah
A few names of Award Receivers:
- Juma Al Majid: He received an Honorary Doctorate from Sharjah University for his contribution to science, culture, and humanity.
- Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi: She also received an Honorary Doctorate for contributing to the field of arts in the United Arab Emirates and around the world.
8) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam University (USA):
The University allows candidates to apply online for an Honorary Doctorate. Furthermore, the Honorary Doctorate Degrees are conferred with all rights, honors, and privileges directly by AKU, USA. However, the degree is conferred upon meeting the institution’s graduation requirements and financial obligations.
Candidates can fill out the Application form and submit it anytime to the AKU Admission office. Of course, the application comprises all the vocational, professional, and academic education and detailed background. It is a philosophy of the institution that the evaluation of an applicant’s lifelong learning experience is the basis of the program. Thus, it is important to include anything that may be of value in this crucial evaluation, including military service and extensive travel experience. AKU
Can you lose honorary Doctorate degrees?
Yes, it is possible to lose an honorary degree in certain circumstances. Losing an honorary degree usually occurs in extenuating circumstances and isn’t necessarily common, but it happens from time to time. For example, if the institution realizes that the person who was awarded an honorary degree no longer meets the institution’s standards set for honorary degrees due to getting into trouble with the law or something similar, they may rescind that degree from the person in question. At that point, the honorary degree is no longer valid.
Can you purchase honorary doctorate degrees?
You can technically purchase an honorary degree. Some schools allow candidates to legally receive an honorary degree in exchange for donations. Many times, schools award an honorary degree to candidates to show their gratitude for a monetary donation and not as the sole reason for their reward.
Conclusion:
Undoubtedly, the Honorary Doctorate degree holds high value in society. The degree acknowledges a candidate’s immense efforts, leadership, or contribution to society, which is prestige in itself. This is why the list of award receivers is made up of all big names and renowned people. Certainly, to award someone with an Honorary Doctorate is the most unique way to appreciate them for their influential impact on society. Dubai is a hub of prestigious universities that award this degree, and certainly, for this reason, this city is considered a center of learning and innovation in the world.
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FAQs:
Q1) What is the difference between a regular and an Honorary Doctorate?
Ans: One can use a regular degree for academic improvement, like joining a higher course, whereas an Honorary Doctorate is more of a status symbol.
Q2) Is it necessary that the University be recognized by the local government in your country?
Ans: As a matter of fact, the government of your country of origin has nothing to do with the rights of an international University in which it is a legal entity in which it is chartered. However, once the degree is legalized, it will automatically become legal and valid in all countries.
Q3) Is using the title ‘Dr.’ before my name legal?
Ans: Yes, it is fully legal throughout the world. One needs to use the title doctor with hc, which stands for ‘Honorsis Causa’ and means for the sake of honor.
Q4) Is it mandatory for the University to have a physical campus?
Ans: No, it is not. You only need to check which accredited universities accept credit transfers from the universities to which one is going to apply.
Q5) Is the Honorary Degree a digital file?
Ans: No. It is a physical file. Universities / Institutions mail the degree in a cushioned or cardboard envelope.
Q6) Are there Universities that offer online Honorary Doctorates?
Ans: Yes, many universities offer online Honorary Doctorates. For example, APJ Abdul Kalam University USA, Central Global University, Pebble Hills University, and QAHE are a few of the Universities that offer Online Honorary Doctorates.