An Honorary Doctorate is a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in fields such as humanitarian work, education, arts, science, business, leadership, or public service, without the need to complete traditional academic coursework, and it is granted according to merit free of charge. Be aware that any organization that asks for money or sells honorary doctorate degrees is participating in fraudulent activity.

A PhD is an academic degree earned through formal study and original research. An Honorary Doctorate, however, is a recognition of exceptional contributions or impact to society and is not earned through coursework.

At COU, the Honorary Doctorate is awarded based on excellence in publishing articles or research studies through the COU Research & Study Center.

Yes, the Honorary Doctorate Degree from Catholic Open University (COU) is completely legal and recognized. It is awarded to individuals in honor of their significant achievements in fields such as education, research, business, leadership, or social impact. COU follows a strict merit-based process, ensuring that its honorary degrees are earned, not purchased. The recognition reflects the recipient’s real contributions to society through publishing, making the degree both meaningful and respected.

Yes, recipients are entitled to use the honorary prefix “Dr.” before their names, with the appropriate designation (e.g., Doctor of Business Management (Honoris Causa)).

Honorary Doctorate Degrees from Catholic Open University are granted free of charge to eligible individuals who meet the publishing requirements at the COU Research & Study Center.

No. Receiving an honorary doctorate degree is completely free, as part of COU’s mission to recognize and honor exceptional contributions to society.

To be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Catholic Open University (COU), candidates must meet the publishing requirements based on their membership plan at the COU Research & Study Center:

• Basic Membership: Submit 1 research study and 3 articles

• VIP Membership: Submit 1 research study OR 3 articles

• VIP Elite Membership: Submit 1 research study OR 1 article

No. Any organization that sells honorary doctorate degrees or asks for money in exchange for them is engaging in fraud. At Catholic Open University (COU) Research & Study Center, the honorary doctorate degree is earned purely on merit. It is awarded to those who publish research studies and articles in their field that benefit others and society, as these works are published openly for the whole world to see, meaning you are sharing your knowledge. Additionally, the honorary doctorate degree is completely free for all COU Research and Study Center members.

COU Research & Study Center exists to serve as a beacon of knowledge, spreading intellectual, spiritual, and professional insights to the global community.

Publishing is not just a requirement, it is a meaningful demonstration of your contribution to society. Your article or research study serves as evidence of your expertise, shared openly for the benefit of others.

Your publication will be permanently preserved and publicly accessible, standing as a lasting achievement that supports and justifies the conferral of your Honorary Doctorate Degree. It transforms your recognition into a tangible, verifiable legacy.

Yes, the Catholic Open University (COU) Honorary Doctorate Degree is recognized internationally as a prestigious acknowledgment of significant contributions in various fields. However, it’s important to understand that an Honorary Doctorate is different from a traditional PhD. While a PhD is an academic degree earned through extensive coursework and original research, an honorary doctorate is a special recognition awarded to honor outstanding achievements and contributions without the requirement of completing a formal academic program. Both degrees carry respect, but they serve different purposes and are recognized accordingly worldwide.

The processing and delivery time for the Honorary Degree varies based on your membership plan:

• Basic: Approximately 6 months

• VIP: Approximately 27 days

• VIP Elite: Approximately 7 days

Catholic Open University (COU) stands out for its integrity and authenticity. Unlike many online institutions that charge fees in exchange for honorary degrees, a practice often associated with fraud, COU awards honorary doctorates based purely on merit. At COU, the degree is offered free of charge to its members and is earned through meaningful academic contributions such as publishing research papers or articles.

Yes, COU provides an official, high-quality printed certificate exclusively for VIP Elite Members, delivered by mail along with your physical COU ID card. You will also receive digital copies for your records or public use.

No, COU operates entirely online, so attending a ceremony is not required. However, you can proudly share your achievement through our visually stunning profile presentation.

No, you cannot receive more than one honorary degree from COU. This policy ensures the distinct value and prestige of the Honorary Doctorate awarded to each individual. However, you are encouraged to continue contributing to your field and engaging with the COU community in other meaningful ways.

Yes, you may list your Honorary Doctorate on your resume under sections like “Honors & Awards” or “Recognitions,” clearly indicating it as an Honorary or Honoris Causa degree.

No. Honorary degrees are symbolic honors, not equivalent to academic or professional degrees obtained through coursework and exams. However, they are internationally respected as forms of acknowledgment by private and public institutions.