Two Types of University Degrees — And Why They're Not Equal
You may have seen news coverage of a university awarding a degree to a celebrity, politician, or philanthropist. These are honorary degrees — and they are fundamentally different from the qualifications students earn through years of study. Understanding the distinction matters, especially in professional and academic contexts.
What Is an Earned Degree?
An earned degree — sometimes called an academic degree or conferred degree — is awarded to a student who has formally enrolled in a programme, completed the required coursework, passed examinations, and met all graduation requirements. It represents documented academic achievement verified by the institution.
Earned degrees include:
- Associate degrees — typically two years of study at a community or junior college
- Bachelor's degrees — three to four years of undergraduate study
- Master's degrees — one to two years of postgraduate study
- Doctoral degrees (PhD) — typically three or more years of original research at postgraduate level
Each of these qualifications represents a substantive academic commitment and is supported by transcripts, verified records, and institutional evaluation.
What Is an Honorary Degree?
An honorary degree is awarded by a university as a mark of distinction to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to society, an academic field, the arts, public service, or another area the institution wishes to recognise. It does not require the recipient to study, pass examinations, or complete any academic programme.
Honorary degrees are typically awarded at:
- University graduation ceremonies
- Special convocation events
- Milestone anniversaries or commemorative occasions
Common titles include Doctor Honoris Causa (DHC), Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt), or Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD).
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Earned Degree | Honorary Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Study Required | Yes — extensive coursework and examinations | No |
| Represents Academic Achievement | Yes | No — represents honorary recognition |
| Transcripts Available | Yes | No |
| Usable in Professional Credentials | Yes | Generally no (use as "Hon" prefix/suffix) |
| Can Be Used to Apply for Further Study | Yes | No |
| Professional Licensing Qualification | Yes (where required) | No |
Can You Use an Honorary Degree Professionally?
This is a nuanced area. Most professional bodies, employers, and licensing authorities do not recognise honorary degrees as evidence of academic competence. A person holding an honorary doctorate cannot, for instance, practise medicine or hold themselves out as a qualified engineer on the basis of that award.
However, honorary degree holders are generally permitted to use the title in social and ceremonial contexts, and many recipients choose to append "Hon" to signal the honorary nature of the award (e.g., "Doctor John Smith Hon DSc").
It is considered misleading and in some cases unlawful to present an honorary degree as an earned qualification in professional contexts, on CVs, or when seeking employment.
Why Universities Award Honorary Degrees
Universities use honorary degrees to:
- Recognise outstanding public figures who align with the university's values
- Celebrate contributions to knowledge, culture, or society
- Build relationships with influential individuals and organisations
- Honour long-serving academics or benefactors
Notable Considerations
Some universities have faced criticism for awarding honorary degrees to controversial figures, and a number of recipients have voluntarily declined honorary degrees on ethical grounds. The decision to accept or decline can itself carry significant public meaning.
What This Means for You
If you're evaluating someone's academic credentials — a potential hire, a consultant, or a public expert — look beyond the title. Always determine whether a degree is earned or honorary, and whether the qualification came from an accredited institution through legitimate academic study. Understanding this distinction ensures you make well-informed decisions about the qualifications that truly matter.