Honorary PhD: Can You Claim the “Dr.” Title?

An honorary PhD degree is an honour that is awarded by universities to people for their remarkable contributions to a specific field, society, or cultural group. But the question is whether you can be called “Dr.” with an honorary doctorate degree. As this has created so many controversies and confusion among the public that this question needs to be addressed in detail.  The answer to the question, “Can you call yourself Dr. with an honorary PhD?” is a little more complicated and depends on context, etiquette and in some cases the law. This blog will explain the ins and outs of using the “Dr.” title when having an honorary doctorate, including the most frequently asked questions and information on the correct way to use it. 

What Is an Honorary PhD?

These are often called doctor honoris causa or honoris causa in full. Moreover, it’s a Latin word for a doctor for the sake of honor, and would be awarded by a university in recognition of some especially significant achievements of an individual. Unlike an Earned PhD that comes with years of study, research, and a dissertation, whoops, a honorary PhD degree is symbolic, offered in response to a lifetime of achievement and scholarship. It is given for accomplishments in academia, arts, philanthropy or public service but not through a doctoral program. 

Notable names associated with an (or forthcoming) honorary PhD include: Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Malala Yousafzai. While we honor the contributions of such people, it is not to the level of an academic doctoral degree.

Is It Okay to Use the Dr. Title with an Honorary PhD?

The simplest answer is: it depends. The right to use the title of “Dr.” with an honorary PhD degree varies from country to country and institution to institution. Let’s break it down:

1. Academic and Professional Contexts

Keep in mind that the use of the title Dr. with an honorary PhD is largely frowned upon by academia and the professional world. A genuine PhD suggests thorough education and expertise about a specific subject matter; an honorary PhD has zero cause! If one does not have a doctorate, claiming to have one can create suspicion about any purported credibility in academia.

For Example-

• Academia and Research: If you’re presenting or otherwise publishing any work in the conference setting, you can mislead your peers by cherry-picking “Dr.” on the strength of your honorary PhD, and may cause others to find a formal doctoral training that is not present.
• Medical or Legal Related Fields: For example, using the title with an honorary degree in a field that would be confusing or misrepresentative (e.g., a medical doctor or juris doctor) could present particularly troubling and, in some instances, illegal problems.

2. Social and Informal Contexts

In social settings, it is somewhat more socially acceptable to use “Dr.” with an honorary PhD, but it still requires a degree of caution. Some prefer the title in informal contexts to reflect the recognition they received, especially if their work is related to the field of their doctorate. However, it would usually be considered proper to also specify that the doctorate is honorary:

• If someone says, “Dr. Jane Smith, how is your new position?” you are well within your rights to respond, “As a matter of fact, my Ph.D. is honorary.”… You can also discourage a social form of addres such as “Call me Dr. Smith” by saying “You don’t have to call me Dr. Smith-the degree is honorary, after all.” 

However, in most forms of media or public appearances, the title should not be used or included.

3. Legal Considerations

The use of “Dr.” as an honorary Dr degree is illegal in some countries For example:

• Germany: Use of the title Dr. is restricted by law only to holders of a doctorate. Honorary Doctorates are not permitted as a title unless specified (for instance, “Dr.-Ing. h. c.” for honoris causa).
• United States: Generally formally permitted to refer to oneself as “Dr.” with an honorary PhD. However, the context of the referring organizational or institutional context may consider it an inappropriate use.
• United Kingdom: The title “Dr.” is widely used but less strictly regulated than in some other countries. Nevertheless, due to academic custom, a person with an honorary degree should avoid using the title in academic contexts.

Make sure to check the local regulations and customs before using this title.

Proper Etiquette for Honorary PhD Recipients

To navigate the complexities of using the “Dr.” title, here are some best practices:

1. Mention “Dr. (h.c.)” or Honorary: If you prefer to use the title, indicate that it is honorific by adding “h.c.” (honoris causa) or by stating it explicitly.
2. Use context: Apply the title only in situations where appropriate. Such as an event related to the institution or discipline from which the honorary degree was received.
3. Your PhD may be honorary, but in any event, keep the trust and credibility. When asked about your degrees, be transparent.
4. Check Institutional Guidelines: Some universities guide how their honorary degree recipients should present themselves.

Why does the Confusion exist?

I assumed it was the question of prestige tied up with carrying Dr in front of your name with an honorary PhD. A PhD that you have worked hard for is known all over the world as a sign of expertise. Whereas an honorary PhD is more of a mark of distinction than academic rigor. The blanket use of “Dr.” for honorary degree recipients by the public or media, without caveat or qualification, simply adds to the danger of misunderstanding arising from synonymy.

And in some cases, it was used inappropriately by some recipients because the university that awarded the degree encouraged it at the conferral ceremony. But this sort of encouragement is ceremonial — it has no relevance for academia or the workplace.

Examples of Proper Usage

Here is one example to use Dr. title in case you are a recipient of the prestigious award, an honorary Phd

Best Places to Apply Honorary PhD Degree?

You may want to be one of those who are recognized by the honorary Dr degree. But we are not sure about the best platform for this. For you, we have listed the two best institutes where you can nominate yourself online for the honorary Dr degree. Dunster Business School and FLorida Institute of Science and management. If you have done something remarkable in the field of education,  Management, Law, Science, Arts, etc, you can check out the website of these institutes and apply for the Honorary Doctorate Degree. There are so many awardees who have received this prestigious honorary PhD degree from these two institutes. 

Both of these institutes have a dedicated panel for the honorary PhD degree. The members of the Panel evaluate your application and bestow this honorary PhD degree to deserving candidates. 

Conclusion

An honorary PhD is a dignified distinction. But its bearer has to think twice before attaching the title “Dr.” to their name. This is generally considered inappropriate in academics or professional fields, unless an explanation is provided. Although it may be permissible in informal settings or ritual. As a guideline: always state that the degree is honorary. And be mindful of the local regulation and cultural context and norms (i.e., what is acceptable and what is not).

If you’ve got an honorary PhD, celebrate the award as such—an honor for an extraordinary career. So do use the title, do it thoughtfully, and you are still respected and credible in all environments.

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