- An honorary doctorate is a high-level academic recognition granted by an educational institution to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the academy and/or society and whose accomplishments, leadership, and/or community service are deemed to be extraordinary and thus worthy of honoris causa.
- Recipients sometimes have no relationship with the school, no prior degrees, and no formal higher education; though on occasion they might already have substantial education and other doctorates.
- Origin and History
- The first instance of an honorary degree on record was issued by Oxford University to Lionel Woodward in the 1470s. This practice became much more common in the 1600s in England when royalty visit universities and degrees conferred on them.
- Use of such a Degree
- The recipient of an honorary doctorate may use the degree in the same manner as a substantive degree, except under certain circumstances where formal academic background is required.
- If you receive an honorary doctorate from Pistis Bible Institute and Seminary, you have a legitimate right to use the title in your public life either before or after your name, such as: Dr. Joe Smith, Joe Smith, DTh., or Rev. Dr. Joe Smith. You are honestly and ethically entitled to use your title on your business cards, letterhead, brochures, the phone book, road signs, and “Public Service Announcements” in the newspapers, if you so choose.
