Honorary Degrees Explained

1. Honorary Bachelor’s

• Given for: Recognition of work/impact in a field, not from study/exams
• Title: No “BA/BS (Hon)” — just “Honorary Bachelor’s” as an award
• Usage: Can’t be used for jobs requiring a real degree

2. Honorary Master’s

• Commonality: More common than bachelor’s, but still rare
• Title: “MA/MSc (honoris causa)” or “Honorary Master’s”
• Requirements: No coursework, thesis, or grades involved

3. Honorary Doctorate / PhD (honoris causa)

• Awarded to: People with exceptional achievements — leaders, artists, scientists, philanthropists
• Title: “Dr.” can be used socially, but it’s not an academic/research doctorate
• Usage restrictions: Can’t be used for academic jobs, licensing, or regulated professions
• Meaning: “honoris causa” = “for the sake of honor”

Honorary degree = Recognition/award for lifetime work. No classes, no fees for study, no academic credits.